Resurrection in the Bible

The resurrection chapter: Paul presents the gospel—Christ died, was buried, and rose on the third day. If Christ has not been raised, faith is futile. But Christ has been raised as the firstfruits. Paul explains the resurrection body and declares victory: Where, O death, is your sting?

Paul urges the Thessalonians to live holy lives and love each other more and more. He addresses their concern about believers who have died, assuring them that the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. Encourage one another with these words.

Elisha is on his deathbed and tells King Joash of Israel to strike the ground with arrows. Joash strikes only three times, and Elisha declares he should have struck more for complete victory over Aram. Even after death, Elisha's bones raise a dead man to life.

Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. The healed man leaps and praises God, drawing a crowd. Peter seizes the moment to preach about Jesus as the Messiah, calling the people to repentance for the refreshing times that come from the Lord.

The church in Antioch commissions Barnabas and Saul for their first missionary journey. They preach in Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivers a major sermon about Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's story. Some believe, but jealous leaders oppose them, and they turn to the Gentiles.

Paul preaches in Thessalonica and Berea, where the Bereans examine the Scriptures daily to verify his teaching. In Athens, Paul addresses the Areopagus, declaring the unknown God they worship is the Creator in whom we live and move and have our being, calling all people to repentance.

Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, raising Eutychus from the dead in Troas. He delivers a farewell address to the Ephesian elders, warning of false teachers and declaring he has not hesitated to proclaim the whole counsel of God. He says it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul stands before the Sanhedrin and divides the Pharisees and Sadducees by invoking the resurrection. The Lord appears to Paul at night, encouraging him that he must testify in Rome. A conspiracy to kill Paul is uncovered, and he is transferred under heavy guard to Caesarea.

Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, accused of sedition and profaning the temple. He testifies about his faith in Jesus and the resurrection. Felix, frightened by Paul's teaching on righteousness and self-control, delays judgment and keeps Paul imprisoned for two years, hoping for a bribe.

Paul presents his most eloquent defense before King Agrippa, recounting his Pharisee background, his persecution of Christians, and the Damascus road encounter. He passionately proclaims the gospel to the king, who famously responds: Do you think in so short a time you can persuade me to become a Christian?

The grand finale: Michael arises, a time of distress unlike any before, and the dead are raised — some to everlasting life, others to shame. Those who are wise will shine like stars forever. Daniel is told to seal the book — the words are for the time of the end.

The famous Valley of Dry Bones: God leads Ezekiel through a valley of bones and asks, Can these bones live? Ezekiel prophesies, the bones reassemble, flesh covers them, and breath enters — they live! God promises to reunite Israel and Judah under one king, with His Spirit among them forever.

God's fierce judgment: I will be like a lion, a leopard, a bear robbed of cubs. Israel's king cannot save them. Yet the stunning declaration: I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? — echoed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.

A song of trust and salvation. The righteous enter the strong city of God, kept in perfect peace because they trust in Him. Includes a vision of resurrection — the dead will live and their bodies will rise.

Jesus performs His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine. He then cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, declaring it His Father's house. When challenged for a sign, He prophesies His own death and resurrection—destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.

Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. The religious leaders persecute Him, and Jesus makes stunning claims about His relationship with the Father, declaring that the Son gives life to whom He wills.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, demonstrating His power over death. He declares: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live. This miracle becomes the catalyst for the plot to kill Jesus.

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb. The risen Jesus appears to her, then to the disciples behind locked doors, breathing on them and commissioning them. Thomas, who was absent, doubts until Jesus appears again and invites him to touch His wounds. Thomas confesses: My Lord and my God!

The risen Jesus appears at the Sea of Tiberias and orchestrates another miraculous catch of fish. He restores Peter with three questions—do you love me?—commissioning him to feed His sheep. Jesus hints at Peter's martyrdom and the beloved disciple's future. John closes noting Jesus did many other things not recorded.

Job reflects on the brevity and frailty of human life, comparing humanity to a flower that withers. He wonders whether there is hope beyond death and longs for God to remember him after he passes.

Job cries out against his friends' cruelty and his own isolation. In a stunning declaration of faith, he proclaims that his Redeemer lives and that he will see God in his own flesh, even after death.

The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. He tells the parable of the wicked tenants, answers questions about paying taxes to Caesar, and teaches about the resurrection. He warns about the scribes who devour widows' houses while making long prayers.

Women discover the empty tomb and angels remind them of Jesus' words. Two disciples encounter the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, recognizing Him in the breaking of bread. Jesus appears to all the disciples, opens their minds to Scripture, and ascends to heaven.

Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet and skillfully answers trick questions about paying taxes to Caesar, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He identifies loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself as the two commands on which all the Law hangs.

The resurrection: women discover the empty tomb, and an angel announces that Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to the women and then to the disciples in Galilee. He delivers the Great Commission, commanding them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, with the promise that He is with them always to the end of the age.

Jesus casts out a legion of demons into pigs, heals a woman who touched His garment after twelve years of bleeding, and raises Jairus' daughter from death. Each miracle demonstrates His authority over the spiritual, physical, and mortal realms.

Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants and answers questions about taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He warns against the scribes' hypocrisy and commends the poor widow who gives two small coins—her whole livelihood—as the greatest offering.

Women come to the tomb at sunrise and find the stone rolled away and a young man in white who announces Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, to two disciples on the road, and to the Eleven. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Paul counts all his religious credentials as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. He presses on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call. He warns against enemies of the cross and declares that our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Savior who will transform our bodies.

A messianic psalm of trust. David declares God as his portion and finds boundary lines in pleasant places. He is confident that God will not abandon his soul to the grave, a prophecy Peter applies to Christ's resurrection.