Matthew 27:50–53 (KJV)
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Key Observations
Verse 50: Yeshua dies.
Verse 51: Earthquake and tearing of the veil—this occurs immediately at His death.
Verse 52: Graves were opened—note this happened at the earthquake.
Verse 53: The saints did not come out of the graves until after His resurrection.
This means:
The opening of the graves (verse 52) is distinct from the resurrection of the saints (verse 53).
The saints’ resurrection was not simultaneous with Yeshua’s death, but happened after He rose.
Why This Is Important
1. Yeshua is the Firstfruits
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” – 1 Corinthians 15:20
Yeshua had to rise first. No one could rise before Him.
The saints’ resurrection after Him confirms His preeminence and fulfills the Feast of Firstfruits typology.
2. They Testify of His Victory
These resurrected saints became living testimonies walking into Jerusalem.
It was a preview of the final resurrection and a public validation of Yeshua’s power over death.
3. Confirms the Order of Resurrection
“Each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then those who are Christ’s at His coming.” – 1 Corinthians 15:23
This passage is a prophetic foreshadowing:
Yeshua rises first → then others follow → just like the pattern of final resurrection.
