Biblical accounts of God’s power support the belief of Christians in the resurrection and eternal life for those who follow Jesus.
This belief is affirmed in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, which describes the Lord descending from heaven to raise the dead in Christ, followed by the living believers, to be with Him forever.
This event, though it may seem improbable to some, is considered a certainty in the Christian faith due to the truth of God’s Word.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ resurrection of a widow’s son, Jairus’ daughter, and Lazarus showcases His divine power. Further, miracles by apostles like Paul and Peter, including resurrections, reinforced Christian faith in divine authority and Christ’s promise of eternal life.
- Biblical accounts of the resurrection, especially those involving Jesus and His apostles, strengthen Christian beliefs in life after death. Narratives like 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 highlight the resurrection as a key event promising believers eternal union with Christ, emphasizing a central Christian belief.
- Jesus’ resurrection in a glorified body and ascension to heaven are unique in the Bible, forming the cornerstone of Christian theology. His resurrection validates His teachings and divinity, fulfilling salvation and promising eternal life for His followers.
Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 How Many People Did Jesus Raise From The Dead?
- 3 Who Did Jesus Raise From The Dead?
- 4 Why Did Jesus Raise The Dead?
- 5 How Many Other People In The Bible Were Resurrected From Death?
- 5.1 The Widow Of Zarephath’s Son (1 Kings 17:17–24)
- 5.2 The Shunammite Woman’s Son (2 Kings 4:18–37)
- 5.3 The Man Who Arose From Elisha’s Grave (2 Kings 13:20–21)
- 5.4 Tabitha Or Dorcas, In Greek (Acts 9:36–43)
- 5.5 Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
- 5.6 Resurrected Saints In Jerusalem (Matthew 27:50–53)
- 5.7 Jesus’ Resurrection (Mark 16:1–8)
- 6 Summary
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Did Jesus Raise From The Dead?
In the New Testament, Jesus resurrected three individuals[1]: a widow’s son from Nain, Jairus’ daughter, and Lazarus of Bethany, demonstrating His divine power. These are the recorded resurrections of Jesus.
The Bible also contains accounts of other resurrections. Jesus gave His apostles the power to heal and resurrect. Paul and Peter later used this power during their missions, which increased people’s faith in Christ. This power further established their apostleship and showcased God’s might.
Who Did Jesus Raise From The Dead?
1. The Widow’s Son In Nain (Luke 7:11–17)
During His ministry, Jesus’ first resurrection was of a widow’s son in Nain. Upon encountering the funeral procession, Jesus, moved by the grieving mother, halted the procession and commanded, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” The young man revived and began to speak, and Jesus returned him to his mother.
2. Daughter Of Jairus (Luke 8:49–56)
Jairus, a synagogue leader, sought Jesus’ help for his critically ill daughter. Before they could reach his house, they received news of her death. Undeterred, Jesus comforted Jairus, assuring him of her healing.
At the house, Jesus, along with Peter, John, James, and the girl’s parents, entered her room. He held her hand and commanded her to rise, and she did, astonishing her parents.
3. Lazarus Of Bethany (John 11)
Jesus’ third resurrection involved His friend Lazarus. Despite knowing of Lazarus’ illness, Jesus arrived in Bethany two days after his death. At the tomb, Jesus comforted Martha, asserting His power over life and death. He then prayed and commanded Lazarus to rise, and Lazarus did.
Why Did Jesus Raise The Dead?
Jesus raised the dead, specifically Lazarus, the widow’s son, and Jairus’ daughter, demonstrating His divine nature. These resurrections showcased His power over death, leading to worship and the glorification of God. They affirmed His identity as the Messiah and the promise of eternal life for believers.
As Jesus told Martha before resurrecting Lazarus, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26)
How Many Other People In The Bible Were Resurrected From Death?
The Bible records seven more instances of resurrection, in addition to Jesus’ three resurrections. The exact number of resurrected individuals is unspecified, with Matthew 27:52–53 noting the revival of numerous saints without providing a specific count.
The Widow Of Zarephath’s Son (1 Kings 17:17–24)
During a drought, the prophet Elijah stayed in a widow’s house in Zarephath. When the widow’s son fell ill and died, she blamed Elijah, associating his presence with her past sins. Elijah took the boy to his room, prayed, and the boy revived, leading the woman to recognize Elijah as a man of God.
The Shunammite Woman’s Son (2 Kings 4:18–37)
Elisha, Elijah’s successor, often lodged in a Shunem couple’s upper room. When their son died, the woman sought Elisha at Mount Carmel. Elisha initially sent Gehazi, but the boy remained unresponsive. Upon Elisha’s arrival, he prayed and laid on the boy, who then warmed up, sneezed seven times, and opened his eyes.
The Man Who Arose From Elisha’s Grave (2 Kings 13:20–21)
After Elisha’s death, a man was resurrected when his body was hastily placed in Elisha’s tomb due to an incoming raid. Upon contact with Elisha’s bones, the man revived and stood up.
Tabitha Or Dorcas, In Greek (Acts 9:36–43)
Tabitha, a disciple of Jesus from Joppa, was known for her good deeds. After her death, her body was prepared and placed in an upper room. Upon his arrival, Peter prayed and commanded, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes and sat up upon seeing Peter.
Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
Eutychus was listening to Apostle Paul’s sermon in an upper room in Troas when he fell asleep and tumbled from the window. Paul rushed to him, embraced him, and assured the crowd, “Don’t be alarmed. He’s alive!”
Resurrected Saints In Jerusalem (Matthew 27:50–53)
The Bible recounts that when Jesus died, the temple veil tore, the earth shook, rocks split, and graves opened. After Jesus’ resurrection, many saints also resurrected, entered the holy city, and became visible to many.
Jesus’ Resurrection (Mark 16:1–8)
Jesus’ resurrection is the most significant of all recorded in the Bible. His sacrifice granted Him salvation and eternal life. As Mark 16:6 states, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen!”
Unlike others, Jesus was resurrected in a glorified body and did not die again, while all others were resurrected in their physical bodies.
Summary
Jesus’ three resurrections and other miracles led many to believe in Him. As mortals, we cannot raise the dead, a power unique to God. His promise of eternal life offers comfort, as He has authority over evil, nature, disease, and death.
Even though we may be transformed into glorified bodies, we will never equal Jesus, for He is God. Despite this, His love for us led Him to die for our sins, enabling us to join Him in heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Will Be Saved By Jesus?
Jesus provides salvation, and it is believed that He will save everyone. When asked about the number of people to be saved, Jesus didn’t provide a specific figure. The final count of His elect is known only to God.
Why Did Jesus Raise The Widow’s Son?
Jesus raised the widow’s son in Nain out of compassion for the grieving mother. In the cultural context of the time, the widow would have been left without any means of support after the death of her only son.
This miracle demonstrated Jesus’ divine power over life and death, and it affirmed His identity as the Messiah. It also served as a sign of hope and comfort to those in despair, showing God’s care for the vulnerable.
