What is the meaning of Matthew 27:53? After Jesus’ resurrection Matthew records that “After Jesus’ resurrection…”. • The timing is crucial: the earthquake, torn veil, opened tombs, and the saints’ resurrection all wait until Jesus Himself rises (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20, “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits…”). • His victory over death is the fountainhead for every other resurrection hope (John 11:25–26; Acts 2:24). • By placing this sign immediately after Easter morning, Scripture shows that Jesus’ triumph is not private or symbolic—it unleashes real, physical life for others (Romans 6:9). when they had come out of the tombs “…when they had come out of the tombs…”. • This was not a vision or metaphor; real bodies left real graves, just as Jesus’ own body left His (John 20:6-7). • God had done something similar before (2 Kings 13:21; John 11:43-44), but never on this scale, tied directly to Messiah’s resurrection. • It foreshadows the future general resurrection (John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:16): what happened to “many saints” will one day happen to all who belong to Christ. they entered the holy city “…they entered the holy city…”. • Jerusalem is repeatedly called “holy” because God chose it for His dwelling and redemptive acts (Psalm 48:1-2; Isaiah 62:1). • By walking into that very city—days after Jesus was crucified there—these risen saints became living proof that the death wielded by the city’s leaders could not cancel God’s plan (Acts 4:10-11). • Their route—from opened graves into Jerusalem—mirrors the gospel path: resurrection life moves outward to the world, beginning in Zion (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8). and appeared to many people “…and appeared to many people.”. • God ensured multiple witnesses, removing any charge of hallucination or fabrication (Deuteronomy 19:15; 1 Corinthians 15:6). • These saints did not linger in private; they “appeared,” the same verb used of the risen Jesus showing Himself (Acts 1:3). • Their presence validated Jesus’ identity and message: – Death is defeated (Hebrews 2:14-15). – The kingdom has broken in (Matthew 12:28). – Judgment and resurrection are certain realities (Acts 17:31). • Early believers in Jerusalem could confirm the story; skeptics could investigate, strengthening the credibility of the gospel (Luke 1:1-4). summary Matthew 27:53 presents a literal, historical sign: after Jesus rose, many previously dead saints left their tombs, walked into Jerusalem, and visibly testified to God’s conquering power. Their resurrection, timed to Christ’s own, previews the coming bodily resurrection of all believers, underscores the reliability of the gospel, and announces that through Jesus, life has triumphed over death once and for all. |
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