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Matthew 27:51
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Summary
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- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
SIGNS AND CIRCUMSTANCES FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THE LORD JESUS--HE IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS, AND BURIED--THE SEPULCHRE IS GUARDED. ( = Mar 15:38-47; Luk 23:47-56; Joh 19:31-42). (Mat. 27:51-66) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom--This was the thick and gorgeously wrought veil which was hung between the "holy place" and the "holiest of all," shutting out all access to the presence of God as manifested "from above the mercy seat and from between the cherubim"--"the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest" (Heb 9:8). Into this holiest of all none might enter, not even the high priest, save once a year, on the great day of atonement, and then only with the blood of atonement in his hands, which he sprinkled "upon and before the mercy seat seven times" (Lev 16:14) --to signify that access for sinners to a holy God is only through atoning blood. But as they had only the blood of bulls and of goats, which could not take away sins (Heb 10:4), during all the long ages that preceded the death of Christ the thick veil remained; the blood of bulls and of goats continued to be shed and sprinkled; and once a year access to God through an atoning sacrifice was vouchsafed--in a picture, or rather, was dramatically represented, in those symbolical actions--nothing more. But now, the one atoning Sacrifice being provided in the precious blood of Christ, access to this holy God could no longer be denied; and so the moment the Victim expired on the altar, that thick veil which for so many ages had been the dread symbol of separation between God and guilty men was, without a hand touching it, mysteriously "rent in twain from top to bottom"--"the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was NOW made manifest!" How emphatic the statement, from top to bottom; as if to say, Come boldly now to the Throne of Grace; the veil is clean gone; the mercy seat stands open to the gaze of sinners, and the way to it is sprinkled with the blood of Him--"who through the eternal Spirit hath offered Himself without spot to God!" Before, it was death to go in, now it is death to stay out. See more on this glorious subject on Heb 10:19-22. An Earthquake--The Rocks Rent--The Graves Opened, that the Saints Which Slept in Them Might Come Forth after Their Lord's Resurrection (Mat 27:51-53). and the earth did quake--From what follows it would seem that this earthquake was local, having for its object the rending of the rocks and the opening of the graves. and the rocks rent--"were rent"--the physical creation thus sublimely proclaiming, at the bidding of its Maker, the concussion which at that moment was taking place in the moral world at the most critical moment of its history. Extraordinary rents and fissures have been observed in the rocks near this spot.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the graves were opened,.... Which were near the city of Jerusalem: this was a proof of Christ's power over death and the grave, by dying; when he through death, destroyed him that had the power of it, and abolished death itself; and became the plague of death and the destruction of the grave, taking into his hands the keys of hell and death: and many bodies of saints which slept, arose: not that they arose at the time of Christ's death: the graves were opened then, when the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent; but the bodies of the saints did not arise, till after Christ was risen, as appears from the following verse; but because the other event now happened, they are both recorded here: these were saints, and such as slept in Jesus; and of whom he is the first fruits that now rose; and not all, but many of them, as pledges of the future resurrection, and for the confirmation of Christ's, and the accomplishment of a prophecy in Isa 26:19. And they rose in the same bodies in which they before lived, otherwise they could not be called their bodies, or known by those to whom they appeared: but who they were is not to be known; some have thought them to be the ancient patriarchs, as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, &c. In the Septuagint on Job 42:17, Job is said to be one of them, and a tradition is there recorded, which runs thus: "it is written, that he rose with whom the Lord rose. But it should seem rather, that they were some later saints, such as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, John the Baptist himself, good old Simeon, Joseph the husband of Mary, and others, well known to persons now alive. Some think they were such, as had been martyrs in the cause of religion; and so the Persic version renders the words, "and the bodies of many saints who suffered martyrdom, rose out of the graves".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:51 The significance of the splitting of the curtain in the Temple is that the wall dividing people from God has been torn down by the death of Jesus Christ (see also Eph 2:11-22; Heb 6:19; 9:1–10:25). • The earth shook, rocks split apart: These are portents of the arrival of judgment (see Exod 19:18; Judg 5:4; Ps 18:7; Joel 3:14-17; Amos 8:8-10). Josephus records the appearance about AD 30 of a star resembling a sword and a spontaneous opening of the gates of the Temple (Josephus, War 6.5.3-4).
Matthew 27:51
The Death of Jesus
50When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.51At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.52The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Exodus) Exodus 26:15-37
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K07:10ISA 53:8MAT 2:2MAT 27:51JHN 4:24JHN 14:6EPH 4:3HEB 10:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the veils in the tabernacle. The inner veil, made of blue, purple, and scarlet, represents the humanity of Christ and is hung on four pillars, symbolizing the four gospels. The outer veil, called the hanging for the door of the tent, leads to the holy place and represents the way to God through the cross of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that worshiping God requires coming through Jesus and in truth. The sermon also highlights the importance of the Spirit of God in holding the church together and the symbolism of the colors and materials used in the tabernacle.
(Exodus) Exodus 38 Introduction
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K04:44EXO 38:1MAT 27:51HEB 9:7HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and significance of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle was made up of various coverings and furniture, each representing different aspects of worship and adoration of God. The outer court contained the brazen altar and laver, where sin was atoned for and cleansing took place. Inside the holy place, there were three articles of furniture: the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense, all symbolizing worship. Beyond the veil was the ark and the mercy seat, which only the great high priest could access on behalf of the nation.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K41:09Order In ChristMAT 27:51JHN 17:232CO 5:17EPH 2:14COL 2:15HEB 9:12REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony in the church and in the world. He highlights that the cross of the Lord Jesus is the key to overcoming divisions and reuniting all things in Christ. The sermon also addresses the influence of evil forces that seek to disrupt and divide humanity. The preacher emphasizes that victory over these forces can only be achieved through understanding and applying the value of the cross and the blood of Jesus.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K50:23Order In ChristMAT 12:38MAT 22:1MAT 27:51In this sermon, the preacher references the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark and the twelfth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. He highlights the request of the scribes and Pharisees for a sign from Jesus, to which Jesus responds that only the sign of Jonah will be given. The preacher then connects this to the parable of the fig tree in which Jesus expresses disappointment in Israel's lack of fruitfulness. He further emphasizes the significance of the cross and the tearing of the temple veil, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between man and God. The sermon concludes with the preacher reflecting on Jesus' cry of forsakenness on the cross, representing the completion of God's plan to deal with sin and bring hope to humanity.
K-067d the Holocaust 4 of 4
By Art Katz2.0K43:02HolocaustPSA 44:22ISA 61:2MAT 24:1MAT 27:51LUK 23:33ROM 8:28HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a community who ignored the warning of a Jewish man who had escaped from a concentration camp. The man tried to warn them about the impending destruction and torment that would come, but they dismissed him. Eventually, the community experienced the very thing the man had warned them about. The speaker emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings and not relying on our own plans or visions. He encourages listeners to come to God in humility and obedience, trusting Him to guide their lives.
Upon This Rock
By Vance Havner1.8K27:16Promises Of God1KI 18:211KI 19:12JER 2:36MAT 6:33MAT 27:51MAT 28:2ACT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the sunset and listen to the birds during the depression. He references Jesus' example of finding a solitary place to pray and encourages listeners to make time for prayer and reflection. The preacher also highlights the danger of being caught up in the rat race and urges people to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits.
The Meaning of the Rent Veil
By Zac Poonen1.4K58:55GEN 4:3PSA 16:11MAT 27:51JHN 14:61CO 4:42CO 5:10HEB 10:19HEB 12:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between being a religious Christian and a spiritual Christian, drawing parallels from Cain and Abel to illustrate the difference. It highlights the ongoing struggle between self-will and surrender to God, symbolized by the torn veil in the temple representing Jesus' sacrifice. The call is to walk the new and living way opened by Jesus, enduring hostility and striving against sin to enter boldly into God's presence.
The Return of Christ
By Charles E. Fuller1.4K51:21Second Coming Of ChristMAT 24:37MAT 27:51LUK 16:191CO 15:141CO 15:511TH 1:1The video is a broadcast of the Gospel with Dr. Charles E. Ford, presented by Christian Heritage Ministry and Cooperation with Four Seminary. The sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping and adoring God, and the need to pray with all our power while preaching the word. The speaker also mentions the concept of going home to the land, where there is safety and where the soil hides the road. The sermon touches on the idea of following the steps of Jesus and the belief that this world is not our home, but rather our treasures are laid out beyond the blue. The speaker also addresses the question of whether the soul sleeps between death and resurrection, and invites listeners to tune in for future sermons on this topic.
Who Is Jesus? (Debate)
By Michael L. Brown8821:51:44LEV 16:8LEV 16:21LEV 16:30DEU 18:9ISA 52:13MAT 27:51In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing a sense of dissatisfaction with life and a desire for something more. He confesses to making poor choices, including leaving his family and job, in search of this elusive fulfillment. The speaker then leads the audience in a prayer of repentance and acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He offers his book, titled "There Must Be Something More," as a gift to those who have prayed with him. The sermon also briefly touches on the historicity of the Gospel story.
God's Handbook on Holiness - Part 5
By Roy Hession85949:26HolinessMAT 27:51HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Jesus as a faithful and unchangeable friend who is always there for his followers. The preacher highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and how his blood gives believers access to God. The sermon also discusses the concept of conscience and the need for believers to accept God's grace and find rest in it. The preacher references the biblical story of the scapegoat to illustrate God's mercy and forgiveness of sins.
Hidden in Plain Sight
By C.J. Mahaney83247:19Christian LifeGEN 3:15EXO 12:13LEV 16:15PSA 22:1ISA 53:5MAT 27:51JHN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a story about a world-famous violinist, Joshua Bell, who played in a subway station and went largely unnoticed. This story serves as an analogy to highlight how Jesus, the Savior, was also hidden in plain sight during his crucifixion. The preacher emphasizes the immense love of God displayed through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where he endured God's wrath for our sins. The sermon encourages the listeners to never lose sight of the Gospel and recommends several books that can help deepen their understanding of Calvary and the message of salvation.
Re-Examining Serious discipleship...
By Larry R. Sinclair0EXO 26:31MAT 27:51LUK 23:45JHN 2:19ROM 5:2HEB 6:19HEB 9:3HEB 10:19The preacher delves into the significance of the veil (katapetasma) in the Bible, particularly in the tabernacle and temple, as a separation between the Most Holy Place and the Holy Place, symbolizing the presence of God. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion signifies the opening of God's presence to mankind through Christ's sacrifice, granting believers access to God. The veil represents Christ's flesh, which when torn, provided a new and living way for believers to enter God's presence. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith as an anchor of the soul, keeping believers steady amidst life's storms and uncertainties.
Behold, the Veil of the Temple Was Rent in Twain
By C.H. Spurgeon0Fulfillment of the LawAccess to GodMAT 27:51HEB 10:19C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound significance of the temple veil being torn at Jesus' death, illustrating the end of the old law and the fulfillment of sacrifices in Christ. This miraculous event not only signifies the abolishment of the annual atonement but also reveals the mercy-seat and the glory of God, granting believers direct access to Him. The tearing of the veil symbolizes the opening of heaven's gates for all saints, allowing them to approach God with boldness through Jesus, our great High Priest. Spurgeon encourages believers to embrace this privilege and enter into the heavenly places with Christ, who holds the keys to paradise.
Exposition on Psalm 46
By St. Augustine0PSA 46:1PSA 46:6PSA 46:10MAT 27:51JHN 14:8ROM 8:31ROM 10:4St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing the revelation of secrets through Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, leading to the understanding that Christ is the end of the law and the key to unlocking hidden truths. He highlights the importance of surrendering to Christ, who perfects and completes us, and the need to find refuge and strength in God amidst life's uncertainties. Augustine discusses how tribulations, especially the consciousness of sin, can only be overcome by seeking God as our helper and finding forgiveness through His grace. He concludes by pointing to the tranquility and security found in acknowledging God's presence and power in our lives.
Matthew 27:51
By Chuck Smith0Transformation through FaithThe Divinity of ChristDAN 9:24MAT 27:51JHN 7:46JHN 10:18Chuck Smith emphasizes that the declaration 'Truly this was the Son of God' is supported by prophecy, the life of Jesus, His death, and personal experiences today. He highlights the overwhelming number of prophecies concerning Christ, the testimonies of those who witnessed His miraculous acts, and the significance of His sacrificial death. Smith encourages listeners to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, which can transform their lives and lead them to serve Him faithfully.
God’s Delight Comes in His Enjoyment of Our Company
By David Wilkerson0Access to GodCommunion with GodMAT 27:51HEB 10:19David Wilkerson emphasizes that the cross of Christ has opened a direct path for humanity to access God's presence, marking a pivotal moment in history when the temple veil was torn. This act not only allowed people to approach God but also signified God's initiative to reach out to humanity, breaking down barriers that once separated them. Wilkerson highlights that true joy and peace come from recognizing God's delight in our deliverance and the communion He desires with us. He urges believers to understand that while they may celebrate their freedom from sin, the ultimate purpose is to draw closer to God Himself. The message calls for a deeper appreciation of the relationship God seeks with His people, beyond mere deliverance.
Day 227, Hebrews 9
By David Servant0MAT 27:51HEB 9:12David Servant preaches on the significance of the old covenant tabernacle and its rituals, emphasizing how they pointed to the ministry of Christ, which many Jews missed. The author of Hebrews explains how the high priest's annual entry into the Holy of Holies symbolized Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, providing eternal redemption through His blood. Jesus' death on the cross tore the veil, granting believers direct access to God, and the new covenant, ratified by God's own death, surpasses the old covenant in its forgiveness and grace. Christ's sacrifice, once for all, covers sins past, present, and future, offering salvation by grace through faith.
God's Passover Lamb (Part 2)
By Erlo Stegen0Spiritual RenewalJesus as the Passover LambEXO 12:29MAT 26:65MAT 27:51LUK 16:26JHN 19:141CO 11:27HEB 9:27REV 3:11Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, drawing parallels between the Old Testament Passover and Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the importance of the blood of Jesus, which opens the way to God, contrasting it with the hardness of heart shown by the Jews who resisted God's work. Stegen warns against taking God's promises lightly, using Judas as an example of lost opportunity due to greed. He reminds believers to examine themselves and remove the old leaven from their lives, symbolizing the need for spiritual renewal. The sermon culminates in the celebration of Jesus' resurrection, affirming His identity as the Son of God and the giver of new life.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
SIGNS AND CIRCUMSTANCES FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THE LORD JESUS--HE IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS, AND BURIED--THE SEPULCHRE IS GUARDED. ( = Mar 15:38-47; Luk 23:47-56; Joh 19:31-42). (Mat. 27:51-66) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom--This was the thick and gorgeously wrought veil which was hung between the "holy place" and the "holiest of all," shutting out all access to the presence of God as manifested "from above the mercy seat and from between the cherubim"--"the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest" (Heb 9:8). Into this holiest of all none might enter, not even the high priest, save once a year, on the great day of atonement, and then only with the blood of atonement in his hands, which he sprinkled "upon and before the mercy seat seven times" (Lev 16:14) --to signify that access for sinners to a holy God is only through atoning blood. But as they had only the blood of bulls and of goats, which could not take away sins (Heb 10:4), during all the long ages that preceded the death of Christ the thick veil remained; the blood of bulls and of goats continued to be shed and sprinkled; and once a year access to God through an atoning sacrifice was vouchsafed--in a picture, or rather, was dramatically represented, in those symbolical actions--nothing more. But now, the one atoning Sacrifice being provided in the precious blood of Christ, access to this holy God could no longer be denied; and so the moment the Victim expired on the altar, that thick veil which for so many ages had been the dread symbol of separation between God and guilty men was, without a hand touching it, mysteriously "rent in twain from top to bottom"--"the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was NOW made manifest!" How emphatic the statement, from top to bottom; as if to say, Come boldly now to the Throne of Grace; the veil is clean gone; the mercy seat stands open to the gaze of sinners, and the way to it is sprinkled with the blood of Him--"who through the eternal Spirit hath offered Himself without spot to God!" Before, it was death to go in, now it is death to stay out. See more on this glorious subject on Heb 10:19-22. An Earthquake--The Rocks Rent--The Graves Opened, that the Saints Which Slept in Them Might Come Forth after Their Lord's Resurrection (Mat 27:51-53). and the earth did quake--From what follows it would seem that this earthquake was local, having for its object the rending of the rocks and the opening of the graves. and the rocks rent--"were rent"--the physical creation thus sublimely proclaiming, at the bidding of its Maker, the concussion which at that moment was taking place in the moral world at the most critical moment of its history. Extraordinary rents and fissures have been observed in the rocks near this spot.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the graves were opened,.... Which were near the city of Jerusalem: this was a proof of Christ's power over death and the grave, by dying; when he through death, destroyed him that had the power of it, and abolished death itself; and became the plague of death and the destruction of the grave, taking into his hands the keys of hell and death: and many bodies of saints which slept, arose: not that they arose at the time of Christ's death: the graves were opened then, when the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent; but the bodies of the saints did not arise, till after Christ was risen, as appears from the following verse; but because the other event now happened, they are both recorded here: these were saints, and such as slept in Jesus; and of whom he is the first fruits that now rose; and not all, but many of them, as pledges of the future resurrection, and for the confirmation of Christ's, and the accomplishment of a prophecy in Isa 26:19. And they rose in the same bodies in which they before lived, otherwise they could not be called their bodies, or known by those to whom they appeared: but who they were is not to be known; some have thought them to be the ancient patriarchs, as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, &c. In the Septuagint on Job 42:17, Job is said to be one of them, and a tradition is there recorded, which runs thus: "it is written, that he rose with whom the Lord rose. But it should seem rather, that they were some later saints, such as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, John the Baptist himself, good old Simeon, Joseph the husband of Mary, and others, well known to persons now alive. Some think they were such, as had been martyrs in the cause of religion; and so the Persic version renders the words, "and the bodies of many saints who suffered martyrdom, rose out of the graves".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:51 The significance of the splitting of the curtain in the Temple is that the wall dividing people from God has been torn down by the death of Jesus Christ (see also Eph 2:11-22; Heb 6:19; 9:1–10:25). • The earth shook, rocks split apart: These are portents of the arrival of judgment (see Exod 19:18; Judg 5:4; Ps 18:7; Joel 3:14-17; Amos 8:8-10). Josephus records the appearance about AD 30 of a star resembling a sword and a spontaneous opening of the gates of the Temple (Josephus, War 6.5.3-4).