Random Scripture Discussion

I just finished a class with a professor who did his doctoral work on the scripture we'll read below. It is one of the most unusual, and understudied passages in all the Bible. It was for that reason that this professor did his P.H.D. on the subject. We had a wonderful class discussion on the topic, and it enlivens my mind to think about it again.

However, instead of just giving you the conclusions my professor came to (like i did to my wife) i'm curious as to what meanings you might find in these verses. I'm looking for any kind of response, the one that took time to do further study, and the ones that are just a random spewing of initial thoughts.

Here are the verses as written in the NASB version I have sitting on the table next to me.

Matthew 27:51-54

"And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'"

Read surrounding context as you find necessary to help with your analysis.

If you don't have a Bible near you, and want the surrounding context, here is a link to all of chapter 27. This link is for the NIV version.