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The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;

Verse Takeaways

1

Christ, the First to Rise

Commentators stress a key detail: while the tombs opened when Jesus died, the saints were raised only after Jesus's own resurrection. Scholars like Calvin, Gill, and Aquinas explain this preserves the vital truth that Jesus is the "firstfruits from the dead" (1 Cor. 15:20), pioneering the new life that all believers will one day share. His resurrection is the cause of all others.

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Matthew

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Commentaries

11

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Matthew 27:52

18th Century

Theologian

And the graves were opened. Graves, or sepulchres, were most commonly made, among the Jews, in solid rocks, or in caves of rocks.…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Matthew 27:52

The tombs were opened (τα μνημεια ανεωιχθησαν). First aorist passive indicative (double augment). The splitting of the rocks by th…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Matthew 27:45–54

19th Century

Preacher

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, sayin…

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Matthew 27:51–53

(51a) On the tearing of the temple veil, see comment on Mk 15:38. In accordance with Matthew’s fulfillment themes (cf. comments on 5:17–20; 11:11–1…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Matthew 27:52

16th Century

Theologian

And graves were opened. This was also a striking miracle, by which God declared that his Son entered into the prison of death, not to cont…

John Gill

John Gill

On Matthew 27:52

17th Century

Pastor

And the graves were opened
Which were near the city of Jerusalem: this was a proof of Christ's power over death and …

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Matthew 27:51–56

17th Century

Minister

The tearing of the veil signified that Christ, by His death, opened a way to God. We now have an open way through Christ to the throne of grace, or…

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

On Matthew 27:27–66

13th Century

Philosopher

After relating His condemnation, His Passion and death are treated here; and secondly, His burial is treated, where it is said, And whe…