Why is this never discussed by Bible expositors?

[Ddavid from NC]

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matthew 27:51-53 KJV

The death burial & resurection of Jesus at the conclusion of the Holy Week are the gospel. Yet most pulpits save their focus on the events of that week to the Spring of the year. Then there are so many angles and texts to examine it gets a general treatment. This may not be your experience but mine in church. I have heard a lot of references to the temple veil being rent and its significance. I have never heard a live teacher address the resurection of saints that immediately follows the death of Jesus. Note as well the time lapse they do not go into the city until after Jesus' resurection 3 days later. Then we do not know if they continue their life cycle or ascend to heaven. Some of these question we can only guess at, but what is the significance and spiritual purpose of these events, and why didn't it turn the Roman world upside down?

[Lost in Sin]

Interesting post, its something that i personally have never read, but from what i gather from the from of the Bible. They probably *in a sense* hung out and praised and worshiped until Jesus rose from the dead and then follow him up to heaven. This is not using scripture, but from what i would infer.

[stan4257]

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matthew 27:51-53 KJV

I have often thought about this passage and never come up with an answer. Even talking about 'saints which slept' raises questions.

The fact that Paul wrote

"declared to be the Son of God with power..... by the resurrection from the dead" does strongly suggest a singular and unique event.

But I am very pleased you raised the subject because now I can sit back and learn from the experts.

Thank you.

[nebula]

I have never heard a live teacher address the resurection of saints that immediately follows the death of Jesus.

Probably because they don't have a clue, any more than you and me.

[tsth]

Very thought-provoking topic, though.

Thanks again, David.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Guest Biblicist]

I wonder that too...

It is clearly important, since it is mentioned.

Imagine that...Here comes Uncle, long dead and buried, down the street. Or Grandmother, coming to the house for a visit. I have no doubt that they were buried, and not mearly asleep. One does not put a loved one in a tomb if they are mearly sleeping.

I think I am going to ask my Pastor about it...

[tsth]

Brings to mind this passage though:

1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Hunterpoet]

I had read or heard once that the Lord, after His crucification, descended into hell, for the purpose of offering salvation to those who had died before His time on earth.

I'm thinking these risen saints were the folks that accepted the offer....I have often wondered if any refused, aside from satan himself.

[EricH]

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matthew 27:51-53 KJV

The death burial & resurection of Jesus at the conclusion of the Holy Week are the gospel. Yet most pulpits save their focus on the events of that week to the Spring of the year. Then there are so many angles and texts to examine it gets a general treatment. This may not be your experience but mine in church. I have heard a lot of references to the temple veil being rent and its significance. I have never heard a live teacher address the resurection of saints that immediately follows the death of Jesus. Note as well the time lapse they do not go into the city until after Jesus' resurection 3 days later. Then we do not know if they continue their life cycle or ascend to heaven. Some of these question we can only guess at, but what is the significance and spiritual purpose of these events, and why didn't it turn the Roman world upside down?

We are told little about the details of this. it eould be impossible to answer the question with any level of certainty.

[Guest Biblicist]

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

It is entirely possible that this is a conformation of this statement. What better witness than those that were "asleep" rising to show Jesus really was the resurrection and the life?