Who were the saints that were resurrected when Jesus died, and what happened to them?

The account of the saints being resurrected at the moment of Jesus' death is one of the more intriguing and mysterious passages in the New Testament. This event is recorded exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew:

"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." (Matthew 27:51-53, ESV)

This passage raises several questions: Who were these saints? What exactly happened to them? And why is this event significant?

Who Were the Saints?

The term "saints" in this context refers to holy people who had died prior to Jesus' crucifixion. The Greek word used here is "hagios," which is commonly translated as "saints" or "holy ones." These individuals were likely faithful followers of God, possibly devout Jews who had lived righteous lives according to the Old Testament Law. Although the text does not provide specific names, it is reasonable to speculate that these could have included revered figures from Israel's history, such as prophets, patriarchs, or other notable righteous individuals.

The idea of saints being resurrected aligns with Jewish beliefs about the resurrection of the dead, a concept that was well-established in Jewish eschatology. For instance, the prophet Daniel writes about a future resurrection:

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2, ESV)

What Happened to Them?

Matthew's Gospel tells us that these saints were raised from the dead at the moment of Jesus' death but did not come out of their tombs until after His resurrection. This detail is crucial because it underscores the primacy of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus is described as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV), indicating that His resurrection is the precursor and guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers.

Once these saints were resurrected, they went into Jerusalem and "appeared to many." This implies that their resurrection was not merely a spiritual event but involved physical bodies, much like Jesus' own resurrection body, which could be touched and seen (Luke 24:39). The saints' appearance in Jerusalem would have served as a powerful testimony to the reality of Jesus' victory over death and the inauguration of the new covenant.

However, the text does not provide further details about what happened to these resurrected saints afterward. Some theologians speculate that they might have ascended to heaven in a manner similar to Jesus' ascension, but this remains conjecture. The primary focus of the Gospel narrative is to highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus' resurrection and its immediate impact, rather than to provide a detailed account of the saints' subsequent fate.

Theological Significance

The resurrection of the saints at Jesus' death carries profound theological implications. Firstly, it serves as a dramatic sign that Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection have cosmic significance. The tearing of the temple curtain, the earthquake, and the resurrection of the saints collectively signify the breaking down of the barriers between God and humanity. The temple curtain, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Its tearing symbolizes that through Jesus' sacrifice, access to God is now available to all.

Secondly, the resurrection of the saints is a foretaste of the general resurrection that is promised to all believers. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians 15, where he discusses the resurrection of the dead as a cornerstone of Christian hope. The event in Matthew's Gospel serves as a tangible demonstration of this hope, showing that the power of death has been broken.

Thirdly, this event underscores the interconnectedness of Jesus' resurrection with the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. The resurrection of the saints ties Jesus' work on the cross to the promises made throughout the Old Testament. It shows that Jesus' death and resurrection are not isolated events but are deeply rooted in the history and future of God's people.

Historical and Apologetic Considerations

From a historical perspective, the account of the resurrected saints raises questions about its verifiability. Critics might argue that this event lacks corroboration from other historical sources, including the other Gospels. However, the uniqueness of Matthew's account does not necessarily undermine its credibility. Each Gospel writer had a specific theological emphasis and audience, which influenced the details they chose to include.

Moreover, the early Christian community's willingness to include such a startling claim in their sacred texts suggests a strong conviction in its truth. The resurrection of the saints would have been a verifiable event for those who witnessed it, lending credence to the overall resurrection narrative. It is also worth noting that the early Christians were willing to face persecution and even death for their beliefs, indicating a profound confidence in the veracity of the resurrection accounts.

Conclusion

The resurrection of the saints at the moment of Jesus' death is a deeply significant event that underscores the transformative power of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. While the identities and ultimate fate of these saints remain shrouded in mystery, their appearance in Jerusalem serves as a powerful testament to the reality of Jesus' victory over death and the inauguration of the new covenant. This event not only fulfills Jewish eschatological hopes but also provides a foretaste of the future resurrection promised to all believers. As such, it stands as a compelling affirmation of the historical and theological truth of the resurrection narrative.