Are there any other mentions of the saints rising from the dead at Jesus’ death?
Question:
In Matthew 27:51-53, it says "And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many."
I have read this numerous times, but I have not heard anyone speak about it, nor I have seen any study on it. Is this the only mention of saints being raised from the grave at the crucifixion? Is there more to this or is it only this one time it is mentioned? Is there more to know about this? I take it to mean this is one of several examples of what took place at the moment of Jesus' death, as an added testament that Jesus was the Son of God, but no more is said about it. Is there some reason it is not talked about?
Answer:
Though Matthew mentions the raising of the dead along with other events, notice that he says they were raised after his resurrection. Jesus claimed to have the power to give life. "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:28). This was evidence that Jesus had the power, not only to bring himself from the dead but others as well. "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).
This is the only mention of the event. It provided additional evidence since many witnessed this in Jerusalem and could testify that they had seen it happen.
