Resurrection

Lore & Background

The resurrection is a point of contention between the Sadducees and Pharisees, as recorded in the Gospels and Acts. The Sadducees, who denied any resurrection, questioned Jesus about a woman married to seven brothers, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-28; Mark 12:18-23; Luke 20:27-33). Jesus corrected them, stating that in the resurrection people are like angels and do not marry (Matthew 22:30; Luke 20:35-36). He also affirmed the resurrection of the dead by citing God's words to Moses (Matthew 22:31). Jesus himself is identified as the resurrection and the life, promising that believers who die will live (John 11:25). His own resurrection is a key event: after his resurrection, many saints came out of their graves and appeared in Jerusalem (Matthew 27:53). The apostles were chosen as witnesses of his resurrection (Acts 1:22) and preached it with power (Acts 4:33), though it provoked mockery from some (Acts 17:32). Paul, when on trial, declared that he was called in question concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6; Acts 24:21). He also taught that believers will be united with Christ in the likeness of his resurrection (Romans 6:5) and that Christ's resurrection is the foundation for the general resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray the resurrection as both a future event for all humanity and a present reality in Christ. The Sadducees' denial is met with Jesus' teaching that the resurrection transforms human relationships and mortality (Matthew 22:30; Luke 20:36). The resurrection is dual: a resurrection of life for the righteous and of damnation for the wicked (John 5:29; Acts 24:15). Jesus' own resurrection is a historical claim, witnessed by apostles (Acts 1:22; Acts 4:33) and linked to his divine sonship (Romans 1:4). The resurrection is also a source of hope for believers, who will share in it (Romans 6:5). The passages consistently present the resurrection as a doctrine that divides religious groups (Acts 23:8) and provokes both belief and mockery (Acts 17:32). No passage describes the timing or sequence of the resurrection beyond it being 'at the last day' (John 11:24).

Did You Know?

• The Sadducees denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits, while the Pharisees affirmed all three (Acts 23:8).
• Jesus taught that in the resurrection, people are like angels and do not marry (Matthew 22:30; Luke 20:35-36).
• After Jesus' resurrection, many saints came out of their graves and appeared in Jerusalem (Matthew 27:53).
• Paul was called in question for preaching the hope and resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6; Acts 24:21).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"But when the dust has drunk the blood of men,No resurrection comes for one who's dead." — Resurrection "We therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ." — Resurrection "Because Jesus came, died, and was resurrected, O[ld] T[estament] festivals have now been fulfilled, and to maintain them ‘means reverting back to the old covenant, as if Christ had never come." — Resurrection "Oscar Cullmann, as quoted in the contemporary Vocabulaire biblique." — Resurrection