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Evidence ID: HIS-EV42

Evidence: Opened Tombs, Resurrection of the Saints

Summary: The historicity of the open tombs narrative from Matthew 27 is well supported by literary analysis and historical evidence. As with Jesus' resurrection, the resurrection of the saints was witnessed by many in Jerusalem. Ultimately, this narrative lends credence to the reality of Jesus' resurrection.

Description: The historicity of the open tomb narrative from Matthew 27:52-53 has been challenged by contemporary scholars. They regard this passage as legend that was added to the Gospel of Matthew to embellish the overall crucifixion/resurrection account.

Gospel Account

The open tomb account is recorded exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew.

The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:51-53)

In this passage we learn the following:

• Many tombs were split open because of the earthquake that occurred at the time of Jesus' death.
• Many godly men and women were raised from the dead.
• The phrase "left the cemetery after Jesus' resurrection" implies they were likely raised after Jesus rose from the dead.
• After they were raised from the dead, they went into Jerusalem and appeared to many people.

Many Eyewitnesses

The fact that they appeared to many people is significant. It is important to note that the Gospel of Matthew was written 55-80 AD [HIS-EV25]. Many of Matthew's readers would have been alive at the time these events occurred and the circulation of Matthew's Gospel. Therefore, their encounter with those who were raised attests to the authenticity of these claims.

Oral tradition would also have played a part. The resurrection of the saints became part of the oral tradition not just because of Matthew's account but because of the shared experience of those who witnessed these extraordinary events. The testimonies of these witnesses would have been passed on orally from one generation to the next. Oral transition was a reliable way of perpetuating these facts.

Prophecy Fulfilled

In Ezekiel 37 and Zechariah 14:4-5, Ezekiel had a vision that the skeletal remains of the saints would be brought back to life. This prophecy is partially fulfilled by the death and resurrection of Jesus. In effect, the resurrection of the saints in the Gospel of Matthew represents the beginning of the messianic age.

Historicity of Narrative

Norman Geisler offers the following rationale for the historicity of this passage [REF-GEI02]:

• The Gospel of Matthew is a historical narrative. Many of the events surrounding this passage have been confirmed historically and archaeologically.
• This passage lacks the embellishments common to legends. It is a simple and straightforward declaration of the facts of the event.
• This event is in the context of Jesus death and resurrection. Matthew likely placed this narrative here to emphasize its similarity and relevance.
• This passage contains other historical events that are confirm by the other gospels. These include the veil of the temple being split (Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45), and the reaction of the centurion to these events (Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47).

Corroboration by Apostolic Fathers

These events were also mentioned by the apostolic fathers. They make numerous references to this event.

Perhaps the earliest writing is that of Ignatius written around 110 AD. Ignatius was a contemporary of John the beloved disciple.

"For Says the Scripture, ‘May bodies of the saints that slept arose,’ their graves being opened. He descended, indeed, into Hades alone, but He arose accompanied by a multitude" (Ignatius to the Trallians, chap. Ix, The Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. I, p. 70).

Other apostolic and church writings from 70-300 AD corroborate these events.

• Irenaeus (120-200 AD)
• Clement of Alexandria (155-200 AD)
• Tertullian (160-222 AD)
• Hippolytus (AD 170-235)
• Origen (185-254 AD)

Jesus' Resurrection Power

This miraculous event epitomizes Jesus' resurrection power to the people of the first century and beyond.

As with the raising of Lazarus, Jesus is claiming to be "the resurrection and the life".

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. (John 11:25-26)

Jesus' resurrection was not an isolated event. It was accompanied by the resurrection of Lazarus and the saints. The resurrection of the saints lends credence to the reality of Jesus' own resurrection.

Resources:

• The Early Fathers and the Resurrection of the Saints in Matthew 27 (REF-GEI02)