Resurrections

[winifred]

Hi there,

1) Just how many resurrections are spoken of in Scripture?
2) Which one do you identify yourself with?

In Christ Jesus
Winifred

 

[Bro in Christ]

1 cor 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits {romans 8:23 }; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming . 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

when at the rapture

 

[Bro in Christ]

#1 Rapture is before the 70th week of daniel
#2 sheep and goat judgement... matt 25
#3 the end ... rev 20:11-15

 

[winifred]

Bro in Christ: (quote)

1 Cor 15:23
'But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits {romans 8:23 };
afterward they that are Christ's at His coming.
Then [cometh] the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom
to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all
authority and power.'

Romans 8:23
'And not only [they], but ourselves also,
which have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
even we ourselves groan within ourselves,
waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.'

When? At the rapture

1 Rapture - is before the 70th week of Daniel
2 Sheep and goat judgement ... (Matt 25)
3 The end - (Rev 20:11-15)

[2 entries quoted]

========================

My Response:

* Thank you for responding to my questions, Bro in Christ.
I wondered if anyone actually would! You have, and I appreciate it.

* Forgive me for taking liberties with your posts, by underlining etc., but I did it as I read through what you had said,
simply to emphasise your points, and to consider them for myself, for no other reason. I would never alter wording.

* Do the verses that you have quoted in full from 1 Corinthians 15, and Romans 8,describe the resurrection that you, yourself, look for Bro in Christ?

1) Rapure - is before the 70th week of Daniel.

* You use the word 'Rapture', Bro in Christ, but must be aware that this term is not used in Scripture. However, as this word is used by believers 'generally' to describe, what they perceive to be, their own resurrection I will use it too in response. Isn't this the resurrection of 2 Thessalonians 2?

If it is, then surely, that rapture must take place half way through the 70th week, for it is not until then that the man of sin will be revealed, and this is one of the details which happens prior to it taking place (see 2Thess.2:3)

'Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
a) except there come a falling away first,
b) and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;'

---------------------------

2) The sheep and goat judgment (Matt 25)

'When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory:
And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:'
(verses 31,32)

* Is this a resurrection, though, Bro in Christ?
* Or a judgement which takes place upon the earth, at the beginning of the 1,000 year reign?
If so, that would not require a resurrection, would it?

-------------------------

3) The end - (Rev.20:11-15)

* Is this the resurrection of 'the just and the unjust', spoken of by our Lord, and Paul also in
(Luke 14:14; Acts 24:15)?

* Is it also that spoken of in Romans 2:4-10,16 ?


In Christ Jesus
Win.

 

[winifred]

Hi there,

There are two other resurrections which come to mind - and a third one!

1 & 2) There are those which take place prior to the 1,000 year reign, and that which takes place after;
the first being that of the 'Overcomers', and the second 'the rest of the dead', those who were not counted 'worthy' to participate in the first. (Revelation 20)

3) Philippians 3:11-14

'That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:
but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that
for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God
in Christ Jesus.'

* This is the resurrection which I pray God, He will find me worthy to attain. The exanastasis.

Praise God!

In Christ Jesus
Win.

 

[Bro in Christ]

========================


1) Rapure - is before the 70th week of Daniel.

* You use the word 'Rapture', Bro in Christ, but must be aware that this term is not used in Scripture. However, as this word is used by believers 'generally' to describe, what they perceive to be, their own resurrection I will use it too in response. Isn't this the resurrection of 2 Thessalonians 2?

If it is, then surely, that rapture must take place half way through the 70th week, for it is not until then that the man of sin will be revealed, and this is one of the details which happens prior to it taking place (see 2Thess.2:3)

'Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
a) except there come a falling away first,
b) and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;'

---------------------------
1 cor 15:51-53
1 thes 4:13-18-1 thes 5:1-2

falling away .... in 2 thes 2:3.... verb form in Greek ... 868 strong # means to "depart"

day of the Lord ... amos 5:18, joel 2:1, zeph 1:1-15

wrath... nahum 1:2, ro 1:18, eze 30:3, 1 thes 1:10, 1 thes 5:9, isa 1:24,13:9 oba 1:15

 

[winifred]

Bro in Christ:

1 cor 15:51-53
1 thes 4:13-18-1 thes 5:1-2

falling away .... in 2 thess 2:3.... verb form in Greek ... 868 strong # means to "depart"
day of the Lord ... amos 5:18, joel 2:1, zeph 1:1-15
wrath... nahum 1:2, ro 1:18, eze 30:3, 1 thes 1:10, 1 thes 5:9, isa 1:24,13:9 oba 1:15

Hi there,

That was quick Bro in Christ. You hardly waited for the 'ink' to dry!

* What goodies have you got for us to look at here:-

'Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.'
(1Cor.15:51-53)

* This takes place, 'at the last trump,' doesn't it? Like 2 Thess. 2, which also is accompanied by the sound of a trumpet. So this also refers to that resurrection which many believers refer to as, 'the rapture', yes?

'But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep,
that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord,
that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord
shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.'
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

* This also has the 'trumpet blast', and the presence of the Archangel too,
(Michael). - Who is the Angel who is associated with Israel as a nation, isn't he Bro in Christ?

* Thank you for these references Bro in Christ.

'But of the times and the seasons, brethren,
ye have no need that I write unto you.
For yourselves know perfectly
that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, "Peace and safety";
then sudden destruction cometh upon them,
as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,
that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:
we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others;
but let us watch and be sober.'
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)

--------------------

* You mention the words, in 2 Thess. 2:3 'falling away'
(Strong's 646) - (Gr. Apostasia) - which in my copy of Strong's concordance means 'defection', Bro in Christ.

'Let no man deceive you by any means:
for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first,
and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;


* Also the words, 'day of the Lord' (Amos 5:18; Joel 2:1; Zeph.1:1-15)
* And 'wrath' (Nahum 1:2; Rom.1:18; Ezek.30:3; 1Thess.1:10; 5:9; Isa.1:24; 13:9; Obad. 1:15)

These last two points I will have to come back to Bro in Christ;
for there is a husband downstairs, in great need of a cup of tea

Bye for now
Within the love of Christ Jesus our Lord
Win.

 

[Bro in Christ]

Hi there,

--------------------

* You mention the words, in 2 Thess. 2:3 'falling away'
(Strong's 646) - (Gr. Apostasia) - which in my copy of Strong's concordance means 'defection', Bro in Christ.

'Let no man deceive you by any means:
for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first,
and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;


verse for the same greek word.... in the verb form ... why it is important is that is how it is defined

luke 2:37
lk 4:13
luke 13:27
acts 12:10
acts 15:38
acts 19:9
acts 22:29
2 cor 12:8
2 tim 2:19
heb 3:12
1 tim 4:1

all are translated .....depart

 

[Bro in Christ]

quote=winifred;Hi there,

That was quick Bro in Christ. You hardly waited for the 'ink' to dry!

* What goodies have you got for us to look at here:-

'Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.'
(1Cor.15:51-53)

twinkling of an eye ... means it can happen right now? now compare with matt 24.... with all the time references
Mt 24:9 Then
Mt 24:10 then
Mt 24:11 Then
Mt 24:10 then
Mt 24:15 When
MT 24:16 Then
Mt 24:21 Then
Mt 24:23 then

2nd point

Day of the Lord is a promise for the Jews... not the Church who is in the Day of man
1 cor 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's day : yea, I judge not mine own self.

Since the day of the Lord is when the Great Tribulation will happen
Matt 24:21

1 thes 5:1-2 No worrys since we know when the Day of the Lord

 

[skypair]

1) Just how many resurrections are spoken of in Scripture?
2) Which one do you identify yourself with?

There are 2 resurrections — the first bodily to the earth and Christ's MK for OT and trib believers, Mt 24:31 — the second bodily to the great white throne in heaven, Rev 20:11-16.

There are 3 raptures (per 1Cor 15:23-24) from earth to glorified bodies in heaven — "Christ, the firstfruits" — "them that are His at His [pretrib] coming" (where I see myself) — "then shall He deliver up His kingdom to the Father" Rev 20:11.

skypair

 

[winifred]

Bro in Christ
Skypair

Thank you for your responses.

Within the love of God in Christ Jesus
Win.

 

[Jig]

There are only two "resurrections". However, this must be clarified. Dr. Fruchtenbaum explains:


The first resurrection involves the resurrection of believers only. It is recorded in Revelation 20:5–6:

The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: over these the second death has no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
​

According to verse 5, the resurrection of the tribulation saints completes the first resurrection. It is separated from the completion of the second resurrection by a thousand years. The point of verse 6 is that the first resurrection involves believers only, and that is why it is blessed and holy to be a participant in the first resurrection.

However, the first resurrection is not a general, one-time resurrection of righteous ones but comes in stages, in an orderly progression, according to 1 Corinthians 15:20–23:

But now has Christ been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of them that are asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming.​

After declaring that a resurrection of the righteous will occur (vv. 20–22), Paul states that the righteous will be resurrected each in his own order (v. 23). The word translated order is a military term used for “the sequence of troops of soldiers marching in a procession or in battle.” There is one troop division, followed by another troop division, and so on. The point is that all the righteous will not be resurrected at the same time, but rather, in a definite, sequential order.

The first of these orders was the Resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah (v. 23); He is the first-fruits of the first resurrection. Second, is the resurrection of church saints at the Rapture of the Church prior to the Great Tribulation (1 Thes. 4:16). Next, will come the Old Testament saints during the Seventy-five Day Interval after the Tribulation (Is. 26:19; Dan. 12:2); and finally, the tribulation saints (Rev. 20:4). The resurrection of the tribulation saints completes the first resurrection.

The next [second] resurrection that occurs will be that of the unbelievers one thousand years later for the Great White Throne Judgment and before the Lake of Fire.

Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, vol. 42, The Messianic Bible Study Collection (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1983), 10-11.

 

[winifred]

There are only two "resurrections". However, this must be clarified. Dr. Fruchtenbaum explains:


The first resurrection involves the resurrection of believers only. It is recorded in Revelation 20:5–6:

The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: over these the second death has no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
​

According to verse 5, the resurrection of the tribulation saints completes the first resurrection. It is separated from the completion of the second resurrection by a thousand years. The point of verse 6 is that the first resurrection involves believers only, and that is why it is blessed and holy to be a participant in the first resurrection.

However, the first resurrection is not a general, one-time resurrection of righteous ones but comes in stages, in an orderly progression, according to 1 Corinthians 15:20–23:

But now has Christ been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of them that are asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming.
​

After declaring that a resurrection of the righteous will occur (vv. 20–22), Paul states that the righteous will be resurrected each in his own order (v. 23). The word translated order is a military term used for “the sequence of troops of soldiers marching in a procession or in battle.” There is one troop division, followed by another troop division, and so on. The point is that all the righteous will not be resurrected at the same time, but rather, in a definite, sequential order.

The first of these orders was the Resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah (v. 23); He is the first-fruits of the first resurrection. Second, is the resurrection of church saints at the Rapture of the Church prior to the Great Tribulation (1 Thes. 4:16). Next, will come the Old Testament saints during the Seventy-five Day Interval after the Tribulation (Is. 26:19; Dan. 12:2); and finally, the tribulation saints (Rev. 20:4). The resurrection of the tribulation saints completes the first resurrection.

The next [second] resurrection that occurs will be that of the unbelievers one thousand years later for the Great White Throne Judgment and before the Lake of Fire.

Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, vol. 42, The Messianic Bible Study Collection (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1983), 10-11.

Bro in Christ
Skypair
Jig

Hi Jig,

Thank you for your response. I will read what Dr. F. has to say, and come back to you.

In Christ Jesus
Win.

 

[Jack Terrence]

There are only two "resurrections". However, this must be clarified. Dr. Fruchtenbaum explains:


The first resurrection involves the resurrection of believers only. It is recorded in Revelation 20:5–6:

The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: over these the second death has no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
​

According to verse 5, the resurrection of the tribulation saints completes the first resurrection. It is separated from the completion of the second resurrection by a thousand years. The point of verse 6 is that the first resurrection involves believers only, and that is why it is blessed and holy to be a participant in the first resurrection.

However, the first resurrection is not a general, one-time resurrection of righteous ones but comes in stages, in an orderly progression, according to 1 Corinthians 15:20–23....

Dr. Fruchtenbaum is confused. The first resurrection is PAST. It occurred when Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

Matthew 27:51-53:

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 WITH His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Please note that it says that many were resurrected WITH Christ's resurrection. Many translations erroneously say that they were resurrected after Christ. But according to Moulton's Analytical Greek Lexicon the Greek "meta" when used with a genetive noun means "with." The noun "his" is genetive. Therefore, it should be translated "with."

"Many came out of the graves with His (genetive) resurrection."

An example of this is right there in Revelation 20:4:

"And they came to life and reigned with Christ for the thousands of years."

The word "Christ" is genetive and so "meta" is translated "with." Note that it says that they came to life and reigned with Christ. Both the coming to life and the reigning was with Christ. This was the first resurrection. The resurrection at His coming is the last resurrection at which time the kingdom ends and Christ will also become subject in the kingdom. Christ yields His kingship at His coming.

The first resurrection occurred when the many saints were resurrected with Christ. They would have ascended with Him also the 40 days later.

 

[Laurabenson]

Hi there,

1) Just how many resurrections are spoken of in Scripture?
2) Which one do you identify yourself with?

In Christ Jesus
Winifred

1. Jesus
2. church
3. two witnesses
4. First resurrection of millennium
5. Last resurrection of millennium

The millennial resurrections involve judgment by works.

I am part of the church.

 

[Jig]

Dr. Fruchtenbaum is confused. The first resurrection is PAST. It occurred when Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

Matthew 27:51-53:

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 WITH His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Please note that it says that many were resurrected WITH Christ's resurrection. Many translations erroneously say that they were resurrected after Christ. But according to Moulton's Analytical Greek Lexicon the Greek "meta" when used with a genetive noun means "with." The noun "his" is genetive. Therefore, it should be translated "with."

"Many came out of the graves with His (genetive) resurrection."

An example of this is right there in Revelation 20:4:

"And they came to life and reigned with Christ for the thousands of years."

The word "Christ" is genetive and so "meta" is translated "with." Note that it says that they came to life and reigned with Christ. Both the coming to life and the reigning was with Christ. This was the first resurrection. The resurrection at His coming is the last resurrection at which time the kingdom ends and Christ will also become subject in the kingdom. Christ yields His kingship at His coming.

The first resurrection occurred when the many saints were resurrected with Christ. They would have ascended with Him also the 40 days later.

Hi Boxer,

Matthew 27:53 has many issues. Simply put, there isn't any definitive answers that can come from it. Thousands of theologians have examined this verse and dozens of interpretations have been given.

However, your interpretation is quite different. I have in my collection probably around 50 commentaries for the gospel of Matthew and have around 12 lexical work that deal with the Greek word you brought up. However, I'm having trouble finding any that agree with you. And these books come from an array of scholars (liberal and conservative; new and old). I can't even find a single Bible translation that agrees with you!

For instance, Louw-Nida states that meta in this instance is "a marker of a point of time closely associated with a prior point of time - 'after.'" [1]

I simply don't feel confident in your conclusion on this particular verse. Do you have anything else to offer? Thanks.



1. Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains, (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 67.48.

 

[Jack Terrence]

However, your interpretation is quite different. I have in my collection probably around 50 commentaries for the gospel of Matthew and have around 12 lexical work that deal with the Greek word you brought up. However, I'm having trouble finding any that agree with you.

Greetings Jig!

Apparently you do not have Milton S. Terry's book Biblical Hermeneutics. Terry was a 19th century Lutheran theologian. He says that they were resurrected with Christ.

"The many saints who arose with him furnish a further illustration of his word, and the power of his resurrection, and his authority to make alive whom he will" (page 465).

In a footnote on the previous page (464) Terry cites a theologian by the name of Mede who said that these were the old testament martyrs. I agree with Mede on their identity.


Paul said that each man would be raised in his own group:

"Each man in his own group: Christ a firstfruits, afterwards, they that are Christ's at His coming."

Each man, including Christ, was to be resurrected in a group (Greek, tagma, rank or group). If they were not resurrected "with" Christ, then Christ was raised by Himself and not in His own group.

Furthermore, Jesus said that the hour was coming and "NOW is" for the dead to hear the voice of the Son of God. The resurrection of the many with Christ fulfills His "NOW is" mandate. Please note that the Son of God personally calls them to life. Jesus said, "they shall hear the voice of the Son of God." But those who are resurrected at His coming are called by the voice of the archangel.

For instance, Louw-Nida states that meta in this instance is "a marker of a point of time closely associated with a prior point of time - 'after.'" [1]
I simply don't feel confident in your conclusion on this particular verse. Do you have anything else to offer? Thanks.

I have already offered Moulton. On page 265 of his Analytical Greek Lexicon he says that "meta" with the genetive noun means "with, together with." I gave Revelation 20:4 as example. "They came to life and reigned with Christ (genetive)...."

I have now offered Terry and also Paul's assertion that each man, including Christ, is raised in his own group (Gr. tagma, rank or group).

If they were not raised with Christ, then Christ was not raised in a group. But Paul clearly said, "Each man in his own group."

The first resurrection is PAST. They were the old testament martyrs. They were called specifically by the Son of God Himself. The last group is raised at His coming. They are called by the archangel.

Blessings

 

[Jig]

Greetings Jig!

Apparently you do not have Milton S. Terry's book Biblical Hermeneutics. Terry was a 19th century Lutheran theologian. He says that they were resurrected with Christ.

"The many saints who arose with him furnish a further illustration of his word, and the power of his resurrection, and his authority to make alive whom he will" (page 465).

In a footnote on the previous page (464) Terry cites a theologian by the name of Mede who said that these were the old testament martyrs. I agree with Mede on their identity.


Paul said that each man would be raised in his own group:

"Each man in his own group: Christ a firstfruits, afterwards, they that are Christ's at His coming."

Each man, including Christ, was to be resurrected in a group (Greek, tagma, rank or group). If they were not resurrected "with" Christ, then Christ was raised by Himself and not in His own group.

Furthermore, Jesus said that the hour was coming and "NOW is" for the dead to hear the voice of the Son of God. The resurrection of the many with Christ fulfills His "NOW is" mandate. Please note that the Son of God personally calls them to life. Jesus said, "they shall hear the voice of the Son of God." But those who are resurrected at His coming are called by the voice of the archangel.


I have already offered Moulton. On page 265 of his Analytical Greek Lexicon he says that "meta" with the genetive noun means "with, together with." I gave Revelation 20:4 as example. "They came to life and reigned with Christ (genetive)...."

I have now offered Terry and also Paul's assertion that each man, including Christ, is raised in his own group (Gr. tagma, rank or group).

If they were not raised with Christ, then Christ was not raised in a group. But Paul clearly said, "Each man in his own group."

The first resurrection is PAST. They were the old testament martyrs. They were called specifically by the Son of God Himself. The last group is raised at His coming. They are called by the archangel.

Blessings

Hi Boxer,

I took me a while to understand where you were making your mistake, but after looking at my Greek text (NA27), I noticed it.

You are reading both Matthew 27:53 and Revelation 20:4 in English and assuming the word order is the same in Greek. This is not the case, however, for Matthew 27:53.

Matthew 27:53
καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἐκ τῶν μνημείων μετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν καὶ ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς

Notice the word order. μετὰ is connected to τὴν ἔγερσιν (the resurrection) and not αὐτοῦ (of him). The text reads literally as: and having come out from the graves after the resurrection of him.

τὴν ἔγερσιν (the resurrection) is accusative.

The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament states: μετὰ with the accusative in the NT is temporal and designates either the time after something occurs or the time that elapses after a specific point until a specific event. [1]

This means your Revelation 20:4 example is not a proper parallel.


1. Horst Robert Balz and Gerhard Schneider, vol. 2, Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990), 413

 

[Jig]

This means your Revelation 20:4 example is not a proper parallel.

I thought it would be fair for me to list a proper Scriptural parallel to Matthew 27:53.

Mark 8:31
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.

"After" here is the Greek word meta and "three days" is accusative.

 

[Jack Terrence]

Hi Boxer,

I took me a while to understand where you were making your mistake, but after looking at my Greek text (NA27), I noticed it.

You are reading both Matthew 27:53 and Revelation 20:4 in English and assuming the word order is the same in Greek. This is not the case, however, for Matthew 27:53.

Matthew 27:53
καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἐκ τῶν μνημείων μετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν καὶ ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς

Notice the word order. μετὰ is connected to τὴν ἔγερσιν (the resurrection) and not αὐτοῦ (of him). The text reads literally as: and having come out from the graves after the resurrection of him.

τὴν ἔγερσιν (the resurrection) is accusative.

The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament states: μετὰ with the accusative in the NT is temporal and designates either the time after something occurs or the time that elapses after a specific point until a specific event. [1]

This means your Revelation 20:4 example is not a proper parallel.

This is a weak argument. The English-Greek Reverse Interlinear arranges it with the pronoun first next to the preposition:

καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἐκ τῶν μνημείων μετὰ αὐτοῦ τὴν ἔγερσιν εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν καὶ ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς.

Berry's Greek-English Interlinear leaves the word order as is but translates it "his resurrection."

Paul said, "Each man is his own group." Christ was not raised by Himself. He was a firstfruits in a group.