Scripture without a cross reference?

[Sunnie]

Reading God's word and understanding his word can be a challenge.Cross referencing is the best tool I've found in understanding certain passages.However I am confused over scripture that has no reference pertaining to what this scripture indicates in the passage.It reads as an event that happened at the time Christ gave up His Spirit.

Matthew 27:50.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.

This could be a sort of foreshadow of the Rapture.This scripture is only recorded in Matthew and such an event that it was seems like it would have been mentioned in God's word all through the gospels.This scripture is significant because it is in God's word.However it is scripture that makes you go Hmmm!

[Wally]

Matthew 27:51-53 New King James Version (NKJV)

51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.



Mark 15:37-39 New King James Version (NKJV)

37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”




Luke 23:44-46 New King James Version (NKJV)

44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.



What verses are you talking about? The graves opening?


perhaps Ezekiel?


Ezekiel 37:11-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.

[Sunnie]

Matthew 27:52.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.

This could be a sort of foreshadow of the Rapture.This scripture is only recorded in Matthew and such an event that it was seems like it would have been mentioned in God's word all through the gospels.This scripture is significant because it is in God's word.However it is scripture that makes you go Hmmm!

[OnceWasLost]

You could make that application, but it is possibly best to take a literal understanding that because Jesus had paid the price for sin, entrance was made to Heaven through His blood. So Psalm 16 where David confessed his belief that the grave was not his final resting place.

Hebrews helps understand this with a reference to the torn veil (Hebrews 10:20) but the chapter as a whole shows how Jesus is now the one who leads us, and those who died in faith to have literal, direct access to God.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

Scripture without a cross reference?

Reading God's word and understanding his word can be a challenge.Cross referencing is the best tool I've found in understanding certain passages.However I am confused over scripture that has no reference pertaining to what this scripture indicates in the passage.It reads as an event that happened at the time Christ gave up His Spirit.

Matthew 27:50.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.

This could be a sort of foreshadow of the Rapture.This scripture is only recorded in Matthew and such an event that it was seems like it would have been mentioned in God's word all through the gospels.This scripture is significant because it is in God's word.However it is scripture that makes you go Hmmm!

I personally tend to think that these are a foreshadowing of the resurrection of Old Testament saints, which will occur after the tribulation period (Daniel 12:13, etc.) That's how I see it.

[Woodzeee]

The new is in the old concealed, the old in in the new revealed. My pastor used to say this all the time, and the more I study the Bible, the more I realize this to be oh so true. God gave us many things in the OT to study and learn so that we could understand what happened/happens in the NT better.

To understand the passage you are referring to, it would help to study the feast of first fruits. Unfortunately I'm at work so I'm going off of what I remember, but basically it is this. God's commandments regarding this feast were this: At the time of the harvest, when the very first fruits got ripe, the person was to gather a sheath (sheave?, can't remember the spelling) of them and offer it unto the Lord. A sheath was just a small amount wrapped up. Then, when the rest of the harvest had completely ripened and was ready to be brought in, God told them they could gather the majority, but that they were to leave some for the people who were poor. Basically, reap the center of the crop, but only go over it once, don't pick it clean, and to leave the edges alone.

Jesus is referred to as the firstfruits and what I see happening here is, because a small amount was required (a sheath), not only was Jesus resurrected, but a small amount of other believers were as well. Jesus was the first one resurrected, and then the 500 or so others after Him.

When the times of the Gentiles are fullfilled, ie...the harvest has reached it's peak, God will resurrect the dead in Christ first and then those who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds as well. This is the major resurrection (but still part of the first resurrection). This equates to the major harvest gathering of the crop.

At the end of the tribulation, there will be many people who were saved during that time and were killed because of their belief, or died from war or disease. These will be resurrected at the end. Once again, they are part of the first resurrection. This equates to left overs of the crop and the edges that were left behind to be gathered by the poor and needy.

Rev 20:5,6 talks about the first resurrection and I think this confuses people and why some believe in a post trib rapture because they say, see, the the first resurrection doesn't take place until after the tribulation. But in fact, it takes place in 3 stages, 2 before and one after, but all are part of the first resurrection.

Hope this helps. As I said before, it's been awhile since I studied this and don't have access to my notes.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

Woodzeee's post reminded me of another point. This resurrection (of Matthew 27:52-53) would have taken place during the feast of Unleavened Bread, which is one of only three of the feasts where they were required to "go up to Jerusalem" ("in the place which He shall choose" Deut 16:16, 31:10-11, 12-13) to celebrate the feast (Deut 16:16; 2 Chron 8:13, etc; i.e. Unleavened Bread, Pentecost/Shavuot/Weeks, and Tabernacles). See the phrase in Matthew 27:53, "and went into the holy city."

I tend to think that the resurrection of the Old Testament saints (and trib saints), after the tribulation period (of which I see this incident as a foreshadowing), may also coincide with one of these three "harvest/pilgrim festivals." Just a thought... I find interesting.

[Sunnie]

Woodzeee's post reminded me of another point. This resurrection (of Matthew 27:52-53) would have taken place during the feast of Unleavened Bread, which is one of only three of the feasts where they were required to "go up to Jerusalem" ("in the place which He shall choose" Deut 16:16, 31:10-11, 12-13) to celebrate the feast (Deut 16:16; 2 Chron 8:13, etc; i.e. Unleavened Bread, Pentecost/Shavuot/Weeks, and Tabernacles). See the phrase in Matthew 27:53, "and went into the holy city."

I tend to think that the resurrection of the Old Testament saints (and trib saints), after the tribulation period (of which I see this incident as a foreshadowing), may also coincide with one of these three "harvest/pilgrim festivals." Just a thought... I find interesting.

I too find this scripture interesting because this scripture did not end up being part of God's word without a significant reason.I find it strange that it is only in Matthew and in such a subtle way that one might not put much thought to the words that have been recorded in one gospel.However one can only speculate to what this could mean.I find it a mystery with so many possibilities but yet in plain sight.

[tbrian40]

Woodzeee's post reminded me of another point. This resurrection (of Matthew 27:52-53) would have taken place during the feast of Unleavened Bread, which is one of only three of the feasts where they were required to "go up to Jerusalem" ("in the place which He shall choose" Deut 16:16, 31:10-11, 12-13) to celebrate the feast (Deut 16:16; 2 Chron 8:13, etc; i.e. Unleavened Bread, Pentecost/Shavuot/Weeks, and Tabernacles). See the phrase in Matthew 27:53, "and went into the holy city."

I tend to think that the resurrection of the Old Testament saints (and trib saints), after the tribulation period (of which I see this incident as a foreshadowing), may also coincide with one of these three "harvest/pilgrim festivals." Just a thought... I find interesting.

Imagine the faces of the Judaists who witnessed this as they passed by?! God certainly times everything according to His will. Amen.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

^ True, that would have been a sight to see, huh?

And as for His perfect timing, that's for sure! Daniel 8:19, 11:27, 11:35 say, "the end shall be at the time appointed [mow'ed]". This word is also used of those three (only) specific feasts/festivals I mentioned above.
Major clue (for the end of the trib/timing, and fitting the "type/foreshadowing" of the resurrection of OT saints after the trib, also) if you ask me.

I too find this scripture interesting because this scripture did not end up being part of God's word without a significant reason.I find it strange that it is only in Matthew and in such a subtle way that one might not put much thought to the words that have been recorded in one gospel.However one can only speculate to what this could mean.I find it a mystery with so many possibilities but yet in plain sight.

I agree with you... that every part is significant and placed there for specific purposes! It's exciting!

(1 Cor 2:9-10, 16b)

[waiting1]

Reading God's word and understanding his word can be a challenge.Cross referencing is the best tool I've found in understanding certain passages.However I am confused over scripture that has no reference pertaining to what this scripture indicates in the passage.It reads as an event that happened at the time Christ gave up His Spirit.

Matthew 27:50.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.

This could be a sort of foreshadow of the Rapture.This scripture is only recorded in Matthew and such an event that it was seems like it would have been mentioned in God's word all through the gospels.This scripture is significant because it is in God's word.However it is scripture that makes you go Hmmm!

Prior to Jesus Christ's death this place was in site of Hell ( remember the Rich man and Lazarus ) and separated by the Abyss. Once Christ died the OT Saints Ascended to Heaven. This is also where Jesus Christ spent His 3 days in the belly of the Earth in Paradise. And Paradise was just that, Paradise and it was in sight of those in Hell I would assume to show them just what it was they missed out on and to allow those who may have been tormented by those in Hell to see God's Judgement on them.

[Woodzeee]

Woodzeee's post reminded me of another point. This resurrection (of Matthew 27:52-53) would have taken place during the feast of Unleavened Bread, which is one of only three of the feasts where they were required to "go up to Jerusalem" ("in the place which He shall choose" Deut 16:16, 31:10-11, 12-13) to celebrate the feast (Deut 16:16; 2 Chron 8:13, etc; i.e. Unleavened Bread, Pentecost/Shavuot/Weeks, and Tabernacles). See the phrase in Matthew 27:53, "and went into the holy city."

I tend to think that the resurrection of the Old Testament saints (and trib saints), after the tribulation period (of which I see this incident as a foreshadowing), may also coincide with one of these three "harvest/pilgrim festivals." Just a thought... I find interesting.

Interesting indeed! I've been a christian for many years, but really only focused on two areas: prophecy and creation/evolution. But I've recently been studying other areas (due to untoward events in our church) and am just amazed at how the Bible is so interlaced and woven. The passage, "study to show thyself a workman...." is so true. There are so many things that I've read and glossed over thru the years that, now that I'm really praying and searching, are popping out and making sense (or in some cases, not making sense and causing me to search more).

But it certainly wouldn't surprise me if somehow God has given us hints of how it will all play out, and when we get to heaven and He explains it to us, we'll just sit there, jaw on the floor, amazed.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

Interesting indeed! I've been a christian for many years, but really only focused on two areas: prophecy and creation/evolution. But I've recently been studying other areas (due to untoward events in our church) and am just amazed at how the Bible is so interlaced and woven. The passage, "study to show thyself a workman...." is so true. There are so many things that I've read and glossed over thru the years that, now that I'm really praying and searching, are popping out and making sense (or in some cases, not making sense and causing me to search more).

But it certainly wouldn't surprise me if somehow God has given us hints of how it will all play out, and when we get to heaven and He explains it to us, we'll just sit there, jaw on the floor, amazed.

Very true! I'm still being (continually) amazed at how many things in His Word seem to stunningly pop out at me (even after almost 40 years of searching the Scriptures). I really do believe He has written everything that we are to know (and that He indeed wants us to know), and that it is waaay more than we realize! It sure is amazing when He gives us those moments of discovery and illumination, from His Word, isn't it!

And I must add that it is especially sweet when we have the opportunity to share such things, back and forth amongst brothers and sisters in Christ who are also searching the Scriptures, and are being spurred on by it, to dig ever more deeply into this wonderful Treasure. Our Lord is so amazing!



ETA: I've had moments like what when reading a simple verse, such as Luke 22:18... (in light of John 2:4 [and context], of all things. )

[acceptedintheBeloved]

^ I should have added to my ETA ( ), but now it's too late to edit it ( ), that my excitement over those verses was because... it was the responsibility of the groom to provide the wine at his own wedding [supper] (see John 2:9-10), and thus why Jesus had said to his mother (in John 2:4), at the wedding [supper] in Cana, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." His OWN wedding supper will not be until a future date (even future to us... when He comes to the earth at His Second Coming)... and sheds some light on what He had said in Luke 22:18 (see Luke 22:13-18 for details), at the Passover meal with His disciples (just before His crucifixion), "I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come" (... also, in light of 1 Peter 1:11<--->Luke 22:14, 15 note especially!... and also in light of what I've already written in this thread ^^^ [there is sooo much more! Like Luke 12:36, 37 esp, etc "when he will RETURN from the wedding" He will "gird Himself and serve them [at the meal]"... Rev 19:9, etc.])

(can't help it! )