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What is the Resurrection of the Dead in The Bible?

The resurrection of the dead is one of Jesus and the Church’s irrefutable and exemplary teachings that the dead will live again. They will live again by the power of God!

Which dead and when is another popular topic of Christainity and for another time?

But, we shall examine the live-again-experience of the Son of the Woman of Nain; Lazarus rising from the dead, and Jesus rising from the dead.

Is your knowledge and understanding of the resurrection of the dead coming from popular works of fiction?

Sci-Fi movies like “The Walking Dead” and “Resident Evil” and others attempt to utilize science to explain the resurrection of the dead.

Watch the video for this Bible Study here.

Is Science Capable of Explaining the Live Again Experience?

They attribute the resurrection of the dead to particular strains of viral infections. They desire to demonstrate that viruses cause the dead to live again!

However, the genuine resurrection of the dead is not scientific. It’s spiritual! It’s the work of the Lord God.

Nevertheless, let’s resume our book of Acts Bible Study as Apostle Paul continues his defense before Governor Felix.

He tells him, “Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings” (Acts 24:17).

These are the same Jews who have been tracking Paul wherever he went. They followed him all over Asia and to Jerusalem.

Apostle Paul Before Governor Felix and the Sanhedrin Council

“Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult” (Acts 24:18).

They had no reason to single him out and they were absent from the trial. They should have been there if they had any quarrel with him.

“Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me” (Acts 24:19).

Then Apostle Paul invited his accusers to register their concerns relating to him.

“Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council” (Acts 24:20).

Of course, none of them took up his offer. No one said a word against him before Governor Felix and the Sanhedrin Council. They remained quiet.

Apostle Paul – Touching the Resurrection of the Dead

Then Paul admits to one holy evil that he is guilty of amongst the Jews.

He reveals, “Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day” (Acts 24:21).

However, when Governor Felix heard Paul utter this statement instantly he decided to postpone this hearing.

“And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter” (Acts 24:22).

Resurrection in the Bible – a New Testament Phenomenon?

The phrase, “the resurrection of the dead” is a New Testament (N.T.) phenomenon.

However, the concept of it originates in the Old Testament (O.T.). But it was Jesus Christ himself who introduced this particular phrase in the N.T.

Matthew records him do so in the following Scriptures.

The former, responding to a question concerning the resurrection explains:

“For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).

Christ taught this. His disciples preached it and it was a popular teaching point for Paul.

“But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying” (Matthew 22:31).

“I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:32).

However, Apostle Paul taught all other teachings of the resurrection of the dead in the N.T.

How is the Resurrection of the Dead Important to Christianity?

However, relative to the Book of Acts, the only times the phrase “the resurrection of the dead” appeared in it, Apostle Paul taught on it.

There are two instances. One in Acts 17:32 when they jeered him.

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.”

And the second one occurred in this chapter above, Acts 24:21.

Today, when many of us teach on the resurrection of the dead some still mock. However, they will never poke fun at fictional works, like “The Walking Dead” and others that attempt to trivialize and ridicule this dogma of Christ!

However, the resurrection of the dead occurred three other times in the N.T. Read about it in the following Scriptures.

Twice in 1 Corinthians 15:21, 42; and once in Philippians 3:11.

“And [Felix] commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him” (Acts 24:23).

The resurrection of the dead is a significant doctrine of Christ and Christianity because it’s one of those dogmas that differentiates Christianity from all other religions.

Mainly because no other natural or spiritual leader taught about his own death, burial, and resurrection as Jesus did.

And all that he taught about it happened.

The Resurrection of the Dead –Concerning the Faith in Christ

Additionally, not only has he set an example for all those who believe that he is the only begotten Son of God to follow but also, we look forward to the time when we will be made perfect as he is.

The will of God concerning Apostle Paul was that he would be a pivotal instrument in disseminating the Word of God to certain people.

These people are Jews, Gentiles, kings, and governors (Acts 9:15;Matthew 10:18).

So, by preaching to Governor Felix “concerning the faith in Christ” Apostle Paul, who knew the will of God, and did it.

“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ” (Acts 24:24).

What are some of the topics relevant to our faith in Christ that Apostle Paul instructed Governor Felix in?

Four Key Teachings of Christ & The Church

We don’t have to guess them. And we don’t have to express our opinions concerning them because the Scripture-verse immediately below informs us of them.

“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25).

Now, visualize that Apostle Paul was a prisoner. He was in chains. He didn’t have any Bible or parchment or book with him when the Chief Captain arrested him.

Nevertheless, “concerning the faith in Christ”, he spoke effectively to Governor Felix, from his personal knowledge, on “righteousness”, “temperance”, “and judgment to come”.

So much so that the Governor “trembled”. Paul knew his Bible. He knew the O.T. 

Thus, we shall come to the realization that these four teachings: faith in Christ, righteousness, temperance and future judgment are basic Christian principles.

How much do you know your Bible? Do you regularly spend time searching the Scriptures for wisdom and knowledge which come from God only? (John 5:39).

Jesus Rising Others From The Dead

Resurrection in the Bible – The Son of the Woman of Nain

Jesus rising others from the dead is irrefutable. He brought back to life the Son of the Woman of Nain and Lazarus.

Her husband was dead.

This mother had one child, a son. He died and she and the people from her village were transporting his body to the cemetery. They were going to bury him.

However, the burial procession had a unique encounter with Jesus Christ. Read his meeting with them in Luke 7:11-18.

“And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people” (Luke 7:11).

Note that the resurrection of the dead, in the Bible, was not done in a corner. Many, many people witness Jesus bringing back others to life.

It wasn’t a secret incident, but public!

“Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and [many] people of the city [were] with her” (Luke 7:12).

There were no doubts in the minds of all the people that the woman’s son (in cluding the woman) was dead.

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not” (Luke 7:13).

Jesus had many reasons for bringing this woman’s son back to life. But chief amongst them was the fact that he was providing instances of hope of life after death through him.

How Did Jesus Resurrect Him?

“[Jeuus] came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise” (Luke 7:14).

Then “he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. [Then] he delivered him to his mother” (Luke 7:15).

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; That God hath visited his people” (Luke 7:16).

However, “this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about” (Luke 7:17).

Later, “the disciples of John shewed him of all these things” (Luke 7:18).

As in all other incidents of Jesus resurrecting people, note how he achieved resurrection? By what means?

Another Example – Resurrection of the Dead in the Bible

Lazarus Rising From The Dead

Another biblical example of Jesus raising the dead is the narrative of Lazarus of Bethany the brother of Mary and Martha.

John 11:1-46 covers Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

Unlike the example of the son of the Woman of Nain, the Bible tells us explicitly how long Lazarus was dead before the Lord resurrected him.

It’s irrefutable that Lazarus was really dead, for, he had been dead for four days! After that many days after his demise decomposition had already started.

“Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days” (John 11:39).

“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me” (John 11:41).

Lazarus – Come Forth!

Jesus says, “I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 11:42).

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43).

Note, as was the case with the resurrection of the son of the Woman of Nain so too is the raising of Lazarus! How did Jesus achieve it?

“And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44).

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him” (John 11:45).

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done” (John 11:46).

By him raising others from the dead Jesus was teaching his disciples and the people that the resurrection of the dead is not a myth like the Sadducees believed, but it was real and that they could one day attain it.

Ultimate Example of Resurrection of the Dead

We have aquainted ourselves with Jesus raising people from the dead who have been dead for a few hours, four days, but the ultimate is yet to come.

When you could describe in details your own death, how and when you will come back to life that is extraordinary.

And that’s exactly what Jesus did.

I have written on Jesus rising from the dead; therefore, I will not duplicate it here. Click this link and read all about it here!

CONCLUSION

Reading the Bible is good but searching it is superior! This is how we grow in the knowledge of God.

Paul’s experiences with the Lord God account for more than three quarters of the N.T. Scriptures (epistles or letters).

Everyday schedule at least one hour to search God’s words, (Acts 17:11).

“He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him” (Acts 24:26).

In Jamaica we have a saying: “While man is planning God is wiping it out”.

This is aptly relevant to Felix. He wanted money from Paul for his liberty.

Therefore, he sent for him very often to hear his teachings. His motive was evil. But even in this, he was assisting Paul to accomplish the will of God.

Because every time Paul spoke to him, he told him of Christ Jesus our king.

Governor Felix gave Paul more audience with him to present Paul with more opportunities to pay him off.

Not knowing that these encounters were from God. He was affording him more opportunities to learn about Him.

God Has Chosen You

Can you imagine how much Governor Felix heard from Paul about Jesus Christ within a two-year period?

“But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound” (Acts 24:27).

In the judgment to come, Governor Felix will not have the excuse, “I never heard about Jesus Christ”.

For at least two years Apostle Paul preached Jesus Christ to him.

What will your excuse be?

And with all of that, he wouldn’t release Paul because it wasn’t in the will of God. Soon, Paul will be preaching Jesus Christ to another Gentile Leader, even Porcius Festus, as he did to Felix.

He had more for Paul to do and no other disciple was qualified to do that work.

What Will Your Excuse Be?

Paul was not just the most spiritually qualified but he was a “chosen vessel” by God, (Acts 9:15; 22:14).

And God has chosen you to do His will. But you must be obedient to His call.

In closing, surrender your heart to God. Do this by believing in his Son Jesus Christ. Accept and obey his Words.

Take on his name to you and become a born-again Christian. Then, discover God’s will for your life and do it.

God as chosen you to bear His name to others. Obey Him today!

Without our confidence in the resurrection of the dead, we are hopeless. But we have Jesus’ example to follow. He did it!

And we will do it too, if we hold our confidence in him to the end.

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