Matthew 28 Verses 52 - 53

[4hubbs]

Where were the saints before Jesus died? I am referring to Matthew 28: 52-53 where the bible states “tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.”

 

[eric_sammons]

One prominent tradition is that the Old Testament saints resided in a limbo-like existence, waiting for the coming of the savior. In fact, the line in the Apostle’s Creed - “he descended into hell” - is often interpreted to mean not the literal hell, but the “hades” in which the OT saints were waiting.

Here is a beautiful icon of this reality:

http://www.monasterygreetings.com/productimages/item2016_resurrection_icon.jpg

In the icon of Holy Saturday, Christ is pulling Adam and Eve out of bondage while other OT saints - John the Baptist, David, Solomon, Abel and others - look on.

 

[Della]

They were in “Abraham’s bosom” as Jesus referred to in the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man:

Luke.16:

[22] The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried;
[23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz’arus in his bosom.
[24] And he called out, Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz'arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz’arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
[29] But Abraham said, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' [30] And he said, No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’

Jesus released them from this part of Sheol and took them with him to heaven to be with him forever.

 

[4hubbs]

Thank you very much.