A further evidence of the reality of resurrection was cited in Matthew 27:
"52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
While the graves were opened by the earthquake at the moment of the Crucifixion (v. 51), the text specifies that the saints actually entered the city "after his resurrection."
A parallel event occurred in the Americas and was referenced by the Savior when he appeared to the Nephites.
The Jerusalem event is often described by theologians as a "special resurrection" or a precursor to the general Resurrection made possible by Christ.
No doubt the Apostles knew of this "special resurrection," a further evidence of Jesus's divinity and promise, and further proof that He ushered in an era of the uniting of body and spirit, ultimately, for all Mankind.
JohnApril 5, 2026
I loved reading this. I used a similar argument, but nowhere close to being as well written , in a paper I wrote for a western religions course at a NZ university in the late 80s. The question... Who founded the Christian Community and why? The university taught that it was Paul. I challenged that position, quoting Nibley, among others, that Jesus organised his Apostles after his resurrection and the resurrection is the turning point and the whole point of the gospel. My tutor gave me a good mark, stating that although she disagreed, I had made a good argument. It still astounds me that they ignore the miraculous change to Peter and the other Apostles. Thank you for the wonderful Easter reminder.
Bob SpielApril 5, 2026
So many beautiful thoughts, Bro. Peterson. Thank you for putting them in writing.
Standing next to the amphitheater in Ephesus some 18 months ago, where 25,000 Romans chanted for two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" as they tried to silence Paul and his companions, it became more clear than ever what these disciples were up against. Rome was all powerful and all encompassing -- yet fearlessly they taught and testified, because they had seen their risen Lord fearlessly teach and testify. These believers had seen the impossible happen, and knew they were now part of that impossible as well.
Daniel PetersonApril 4, 2026
The editors of "Meridian" might be able to answer these questions; I didn't choose the illustration.
From the look of it, I suspect that it's AI-generated.
Cameron DApril 4, 2026
I'm quite shocked at the picture being used as it is 100% incorrect. According to Scripture, it was Mary Magdalene and other women that found the tomb empty (John 20:1). She went and told Peter, they apparently did not care and went home (John 20:6-10). She went back to the tomb and it was Jesus that spoke to her. She believed. The disciples doubted. This image totally contradicts that.
Wanda MaeApril 3, 2026
May I ask who the artist is for the picture you used for your article, The Resurrection was so real, it Transformed ordinary Men into fearless Witnesses. What was the painting name? It really caught my attention in a very positive way.
Thanks,
Wanda
Valerie ShelleyApril 3, 2026
Can you identify the artist and name of the painting you used to illustrate this article? It's fabulous.
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Tom WilliamsApril 6, 2026
A further evidence of the reality of resurrection was cited in Matthew 27: "52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. While the graves were opened by the earthquake at the moment of the Crucifixion (v. 51), the text specifies that the saints actually entered the city "after his resurrection." A parallel event occurred in the Americas and was referenced by the Savior when he appeared to the Nephites. The Jerusalem event is often described by theologians as a "special resurrection" or a precursor to the general Resurrection made possible by Christ. No doubt the Apostles knew of this "special resurrection," a further evidence of Jesus's divinity and promise, and further proof that He ushered in an era of the uniting of body and spirit, ultimately, for all Mankind.
JohnApril 5, 2026
I loved reading this. I used a similar argument, but nowhere close to being as well written , in a paper I wrote for a western religions course at a NZ university in the late 80s. The question... Who founded the Christian Community and why? The university taught that it was Paul. I challenged that position, quoting Nibley, among others, that Jesus organised his Apostles after his resurrection and the resurrection is the turning point and the whole point of the gospel. My tutor gave me a good mark, stating that although she disagreed, I had made a good argument. It still astounds me that they ignore the miraculous change to Peter and the other Apostles. Thank you for the wonderful Easter reminder.
Bob SpielApril 5, 2026
So many beautiful thoughts, Bro. Peterson. Thank you for putting them in writing. Standing next to the amphitheater in Ephesus some 18 months ago, where 25,000 Romans chanted for two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" as they tried to silence Paul and his companions, it became more clear than ever what these disciples were up against. Rome was all powerful and all encompassing -- yet fearlessly they taught and testified, because they had seen their risen Lord fearlessly teach and testify. These believers had seen the impossible happen, and knew they were now part of that impossible as well.
Daniel PetersonApril 4, 2026
The editors of "Meridian" might be able to answer these questions; I didn't choose the illustration. From the look of it, I suspect that it's AI-generated.
Cameron DApril 4, 2026
I'm quite shocked at the picture being used as it is 100% incorrect. According to Scripture, it was Mary Magdalene and other women that found the tomb empty (John 20:1). She went and told Peter, they apparently did not care and went home (John 20:6-10). She went back to the tomb and it was Jesus that spoke to her. She believed. The disciples doubted. This image totally contradicts that.
Wanda MaeApril 3, 2026
May I ask who the artist is for the picture you used for your article, The Resurrection was so real, it Transformed ordinary Men into fearless Witnesses. What was the painting name? It really caught my attention in a very positive way. Thanks, Wanda
Valerie ShelleyApril 3, 2026
Can you identify the artist and name of the painting you used to illustrate this article? It's fabulous.
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