Twelve Biblical Resurrection Accounts Examined
September 23, 2019
Apprentice Hunter
But shun profane and vain babblings: ... saying that the resurrection is past already;
and overthrow the faith of some.
2 Timothy 2:16-18
and overthrow the faith of some.
2 Timothy 2:16-18
While the resurrection accounts of Jesus are well known and extensively discussed by innumerable commentators, additional resurrections are found both in the Old Testament and the New Testament and these are often overlooked. The primary reason why these resurrections are under represented in literature is that the opinion that resurrection of Christ is the focus of the New Testament and, therefore, takes precedence. Our intention is to rectify this oversight.
The Blue Letter Bible is an excellent resource for philologically minded researchers.
The Blue Letter Bible is an excellent resource for philologically minded researchers.
ἀνάστασις Examined
The King James Bible translates Strong's G386 [ἀνάστασις, anastasis] as resurrection (39 times), rising again (once), that should rise (once), raised to life again (with G1537) (once).
Anastasis is derived from G450 [ἀνίστημι, anistēmi] and the King James Bible translates this as arise (38 times), rise (19 times), rise up (16 times), rise again (13 times), raise up (11 times), stand up (8 times), raise up again (twice), miscellaneous (5 times).
"Anistēmi" is derived from G303 [ἀνά, ana] and from G2476 [ἵστημι, histēmi]. "Ana" denotes motion from a lower place to a higher place. The King James Bible translates Strong's G2476 as stand (116 times), set (11 times), establish (5 times), stand still (4 times), stand by (3 times), miscellaneous (17 times), variations of 'stand' (twice).
Therefore, it is clear that ἀνάστασις involves both moving from a lower place to higher place and standing.
The English "resurrection" is from late Latin verb "resurgere" meaning to "rise again" which is not synonymous with "standing again"; for an object to "rise again" means that the object has risen, at least once, previously. It is clear that either "rising" is to be interpreted as being equivalent to "living" or that "rising again" is, if not a common occurrence, then at least an occurrence of unknown theological significance.
The translators of King James Bible have understood ἀνάστασις, not as a "moving from lower to a higher position", but, for unknown reasons, as a "rising again" and duly translate ἀνάστασις as "resurrection". Although initially this seems as an acceptable translation, Saint Paul is clear when he writes that the resurrection is not in the past.
Anastasis is derived from G450 [ἀνίστημι, anistēmi] and the King James Bible translates this as arise (38 times), rise (19 times), rise up (16 times), rise again (13 times), raise up (11 times), stand up (8 times), raise up again (twice), miscellaneous (5 times).
"Anistēmi" is derived from G303 [ἀνά, ana] and from G2476 [ἵστημι, histēmi]. "Ana" denotes motion from a lower place to a higher place. The King James Bible translates Strong's G2476 as stand (116 times), set (11 times), establish (5 times), stand still (4 times), stand by (3 times), miscellaneous (17 times), variations of 'stand' (twice).
Therefore, it is clear that ἀνάστασις involves both moving from a lower place to higher place and standing.
The English "resurrection" is from late Latin verb "resurgere" meaning to "rise again" which is not synonymous with "standing again"; for an object to "rise again" means that the object has risen, at least once, previously. It is clear that either "rising" is to be interpreted as being equivalent to "living" or that "rising again" is, if not a common occurrence, then at least an occurrence of unknown theological significance.
The translators of King James Bible have understood ἀνάστασις, not as a "moving from lower to a higher position", but, for unknown reasons, as a "rising again" and duly translate ἀνάστασις as "resurrection". Although initially this seems as an acceptable translation, Saint Paul is clear when he writes that the resurrection is not in the past.
[Hymenaeus and Philetus] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection [G386] is past already [G2235]; and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timothy 2:18
The King James Bible translates the 59 occurrences of Strong's G2235 [ἤδη, ēdē] as now (37 times), already (17 times), yet (twice), even now (once), by this time (once), now already (once).
Based on authority of Saint Paul, we know the "resurrection" is not in the past, however, the resurrection of Jesus must be in the past. Therefore, the words ἀνάστασις and "resurrection" are ambiguous and need contextual clarification. Since the resurrection is not in the past, we conclude that it either ongoing or will transpire at an indeterminate time.
The following excerpts are from creed created at the First Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.):
Based on authority of Saint Paul, we know the "resurrection" is not in the past, however, the resurrection of Jesus must be in the past. Therefore, the words ἀνάστασις and "resurrection" are ambiguous and need contextual clarification. Since the resurrection is not in the past, we conclude that it either ongoing or will transpire at an indeterminate time.
The following excerpts are from creed created at the First Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.):
He suffered, and the third day he rose again, ascended into heaven;
|
παθόντα, καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ,
ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανούς, |
The following excerpts are from expanded creed from the First Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.):
he was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; |
σταυρωθέντα τε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου,
καὶ παθόντα καὶ ταφέντα, καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ κατὰ τὰς γραφάς, καὶ ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανούς, καὶ καθεζόμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Πατρός, |
In one holy catholic and apostolic Church;
we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. |
Εἰς μίαν, ἁγίαν, καθολικὴν καὶ ἀποστολικὴν Ἐκκλησίαν·
ὁμολογοῦμεν ἓν βάπτισμα εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν· προσδοκοῦμεν ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν, καὶ ζωὴν τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Ἀμήν. |
"Rising again" is simply understood as living again after death, whereas ἀνάστασις can be interpreted as moving from a lower place, humanity, to a higher place, divinity. We prefer this interpretation, firstly, as it is based on the meaning of the word and, secondly, it directs us to the theological teaching of the Orthodox Church, to wit, theosis.
1
And it came to pass... that the son of the woman... fell sick; and... there was no breath left in him. And he [Elijah] said unto her, Give me thy son. And ... laid him upon his own bed. [Elijah] said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? And … [Elijah] said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul [H5315] come into him again. And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived [H2421]. And Elijah took the child... unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. 1 Kings 17:17-24
Of 753 occurrences, the King James Bible translates Strong's H5315 [nephesh, נֶפֶש ]: soul (475 times), life (117 times), person (29 times), mind (15 times), heart (15 times), creature (9 times), body (8 times), himself (8 times), yourselves (6 times), dead (5 times), will (4 times), desire (4 times), man (3 times), themselves (3 times), any (3 times), appetite (twice), miscellaneous (47 times).
Nephesh is translated as “soul” only 63.1% and this low percentage indicates that the editors of the King James Bible had difficulties translating the concept of “nephesh” into English.
Of 262 occurrences, the King James Bible translates Strong's H2421 [chayah,חָיָה] as live (153 times), alive (34 times), save (13 times), quicken (14 times), revive (12 times), surely (10 times), life (9 times), recover (8 times), miscellaneous (9 times).
Chayah is translated as either “live” or “alive” on 187 occasions [71.4%].
Through the power of the Lord, Elijah revived a child.
Nephesh is translated as “soul” only 63.1% and this low percentage indicates that the editors of the King James Bible had difficulties translating the concept of “nephesh” into English.
Of 262 occurrences, the King James Bible translates Strong's H2421 [chayah,חָיָה] as live (153 times), alive (34 times), save (13 times), quicken (14 times), revive (12 times), surely (10 times), life (9 times), recover (8 times), miscellaneous (9 times).
Chayah is translated as either “live” or “alive” on 187 occasions [71.4%].
Through the power of the Lord, Elijah revived a child.
2
And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.... and the flesh of the child waxed warm.... and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out. 2 Kings 4:18-37
Through the power of the Lord, Elijah revived another child.
3
And Elisha died, and they buried him. And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived [H2421], and stood up on his feet. 2 Kings 13:20-21
The accidental revival of the recently deceased occurred when the corpse touched the bones of Elisha.
4
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves [G3419] were opened [G455]; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose [G1453], And came out of the graves [G3419] after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Mathew 27:50-54
This account of the dead being resurrected at the death of Jesus is not found in the other canonical Gospels. The text states that the “bodies of the saints” resurrected when Jesus died and they “came out of the graves” after his resurrection. The conclusion of these statements is that they resurrected on Friday and remained in their tombs on the Sabbath and left their tombs sometime after Jesus’ resurrection.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G455 [Ἀνοίγω, anoigō] as “open” on each occurrence [77 times]. Therefore, the editors had no difficulty translating this word into English.
Of the 141 occurrences in the King James Bible, Strong's G1453 [ἐγείρω, egeirō] is translated as rise (36 times), raise (28 times), arise (27 times), raise up (23 times), rise up (8 times), rise again (5 times), raise again (4 times), miscellaneous (10 times). Although various words are used to translate G1453, egeirō clearly means to “rise”.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G3419 [μνημεῖον, mnēmeion] in the following manner: sepulchre (29 times), grave (8 times), tomb (5 times). Although various words are used to translate G3419, mnēmeion clearly means a “grave”.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2414 [Ἱεροσόλυμα, Hierosolyma] as Jerusalem (59 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2415 [Ἱεροσολυμίτης, Hierosolymitēs] as Jerusalem (twice).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2416 [ἱεροσυλέω, hierosyleō] as commit sacrilege (once).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2417 [ἱερόσυλος, hierosylos] as robber of the churches (once) and G2417 is derived from G2411 [ἱερόν, hieron] and G4813 [συλάω, sylaō].
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2418 [ἱερουργέω, hierourgeō] as minister (once). From G2411 [ἱερόν, hieron] and the base of G2041 [ ἔργον, ergon]; to be a temple-worker, i.e. officiate as a priest .
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2411 [ἱερόν, hieron] as temple (71 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2404 [Ἱεράπολις, Hierapolis] as Hierapolis (once). Cf. "holy city", [ἁγίαν πόλιν] , Matthew 27:54.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2413 [ἱερός, hieros] as holy (twice).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2419 [Ἰερουσαλήμ, Ierousalēm] as Jerusalem (83 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2420 [ἱερωσύνη, hierōsynē] as priesthood (4 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's H3389 [יְרוּשָׁלַם, Yĕruwshalaim] as Jerusalem (643 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's H3390 [ יְרוּשְׁלֵם,Yĕruwshalem] as Jerusalem (26 times). The word originates from the Chaldean language and corresponding to H3389.
The “holy city” [ἁγίαν πόλιν] is an ambiguous term that many readers interpret as Jerusalem.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G455 [Ἀνοίγω, anoigō] as “open” on each occurrence [77 times]. Therefore, the editors had no difficulty translating this word into English.
Of the 141 occurrences in the King James Bible, Strong's G1453 [ἐγείρω, egeirō] is translated as rise (36 times), raise (28 times), arise (27 times), raise up (23 times), rise up (8 times), rise again (5 times), raise again (4 times), miscellaneous (10 times). Although various words are used to translate G1453, egeirō clearly means to “rise”.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G3419 [μνημεῖον, mnēmeion] in the following manner: sepulchre (29 times), grave (8 times), tomb (5 times). Although various words are used to translate G3419, mnēmeion clearly means a “grave”.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2414 [Ἱεροσόλυμα, Hierosolyma] as Jerusalem (59 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2415 [Ἱεροσολυμίτης, Hierosolymitēs] as Jerusalem (twice).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2416 [ἱεροσυλέω, hierosyleō] as commit sacrilege (once).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2417 [ἱερόσυλος, hierosylos] as robber of the churches (once) and G2417 is derived from G2411 [ἱερόν, hieron] and G4813 [συλάω, sylaō].
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2418 [ἱερουργέω, hierourgeō] as minister (once). From G2411 [ἱερόν, hieron] and the base of G2041 [ ἔργον, ergon]; to be a temple-worker, i.e. officiate as a priest .
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2411 [ἱερόν, hieron] as temple (71 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2404 [Ἱεράπολις, Hierapolis] as Hierapolis (once). Cf. "holy city", [ἁγίαν πόλιν] , Matthew 27:54.
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2413 [ἱερός, hieros] as holy (twice).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2419 [Ἰερουσαλήμ, Ierousalēm] as Jerusalem (83 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G2420 [ἱερωσύνη, hierōsynē] as priesthood (4 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's H3389 [יְרוּשָׁלַם, Yĕruwshalaim] as Jerusalem (643 times).
The King James Bible translates Strong's H3390 [ יְרוּשְׁלֵם,Yĕruwshalem] as Jerusalem (26 times). The word originates from the Chaldean language and corresponding to H3389.
The “holy city” [ἁγίαν πόλιν] is an ambiguous term that many readers interpret as Jerusalem.
And the rulers of the people dwelt ...in Jerusalem the holy city... Nehemiah 11:1
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four. Nehemiah 11: 18
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel... Isaiah 48:2
[P]ut on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city... Isaiah 52:1
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, ... Daniel 9:24
O Jerusalem, the holy city... Tobias 13:9
In all the things that thou hast brought ... upon the holy city of our fathers, even Jerusalem...
Sirach 36:5
O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy rest. Sirach 36:13
Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city...
1 Maccabees 2:7
For he cast them out that fought within the holy city. 2 Maccabees 1:12
Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well...
2 Maccabees 3:1
That the holy city ... he would set at liberty: 2 Maccabees 9:14
This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much ...for the holy city... 2 Maccabees 15:14
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Matthew 4:5
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city ... Matthew 27:53
[The] holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Revelation 11:2
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven ...
Revelation 21:2
[That] great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Revelation 21: 10
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city ... Revelation 22:19
Passages in Nehemiah, Isaiah, Tobias, Sirach, and Revelation expressly state that the holy city is Jerusalem. The term “holy city” occurs nineteen times and is found as follows:
Old Testament
Maccabees Other Apocrypha Matthew Revelation Total |
5
5 3 2 4* 19 |
*3 occurrences refer to the new heavenly Jerusalem; one occurrence to the earthly Jerusalem. Of the term “holy city” as referring to the earthly Jerusalem, 87.5% [14 of 16] are found in the Old Testament, Maccabees, and other Apocrypha.
An indeterminate number of "saints" were resurrected when Jesus died.
An indeterminate number of "saints" were resurrected when Jesus died.
5
And it came to pass the day after, that he [Jesus] went into a city called Nain; and ... 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 much people of the city was with her. And he came and touched the bier:... And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Luke 7:11-17
Jesus, through his own power and without invoking the Lord, revives the man.
6
While he [Jesus] yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus ... answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. Luke 8:49-56
Jesus, through his own power and without invoking the Lord, revives the girl.
7
Jesus answered, ... Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus ... said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And 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. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 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 11:1-44
Jesus, through his own power and without invoking the Lord, revives Lazarus.
8
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, … And... she... died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter... kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. Acts 9:36-42
Peter prays and revives Tabitha.
9
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there sat in a window ... Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep:... and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12
The question remains whether this passage describes a revival or a medical diagnosis, as Saint Paul simply states that "his life is in him".
10
And I will give power unto my two witnesses... And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast ... shall overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11: 3
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Revelation 11: 11
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud... Revelation 11:12
The witnesses are revived by God's intervention and they physically ascend into heaven.
11
And I saw one of his [the first beast] heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. Revelation 13:3
And he [the second beast] exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him... whose deadly wound was healed. Revelation 13:12
The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit...
Revelation 17:8
Since the text repeats that the first beast has a fatal wound that was healed, we understand this as a revival and have included this episode.
All revivals in the King James Bible:
Number Physical Agent of Revival How accomplished Who revived
1.
2. 3. 4. |
Elijah
Elijah Elisha [bones] Jesus |
Prayer
Prayer Accident Crucifixion |
Son
Son Man "saints" |
5.
6. 7. 8. |
Jesus
Jesus Jesus Peter |
Speaking
Speaking Speaking Prayer |
Young Man
Girl Lazarus Tabitha |
9.
10. 11. 12. |
Paul
None Second Beast None |
Unknown
God Unknown Unknown |
Eutychus
Two Witnesses First Beast Jesus |
Except for the accidental revival by the bones of Elisha, all revivals are intentional. How the author of the book of Kings knows that the bones are from the body of Elisha is not explained.
The cause of the revivals of Eutychus, the first beast, and Jesus is unknown. It seems that Eutychus' revival is due to Saint Paul's intervention, however, the wording "Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him." leaves some doubt as to whether Eutychus died or was unconscious. The first beast is opposed to the God of Revelation, so it is reasonable to conclude that the revival of the first beast is due to diabolical or Satanic workings, since the revival of the first beast mimics the revival of Christ. We are uncertain whether Jesus himself or God the Father is the cause of Jesus' revival, as either option is possible and is dependent upon the viewpoint of the Gentle Reader.
By removing the questionable revival of the book of Acts, then two revivals remain that are not accompanied by a physical agent, speaking or prayer: the first beast and Jesus.
The cause of the revivals of Eutychus, the first beast, and Jesus is unknown. It seems that Eutychus' revival is due to Saint Paul's intervention, however, the wording "Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him." leaves some doubt as to whether Eutychus died or was unconscious. The first beast is opposed to the God of Revelation, so it is reasonable to conclude that the revival of the first beast is due to diabolical or Satanic workings, since the revival of the first beast mimics the revival of Christ. We are uncertain whether Jesus himself or God the Father is the cause of Jesus' revival, as either option is possible and is dependent upon the viewpoint of the Gentle Reader.
By removing the questionable revival of the book of Acts, then two revivals remain that are not accompanied by a physical agent, speaking or prayer: the first beast and Jesus.
The following excerpt is from creed created at the First Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.):
He [Jesus Christ] suffered,
and the third day he rose again, ascended into heaven; |
παθόντα,
καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανούς, |
The following excerpts are from expanded creed from the First Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.):
He [Jesus Christ] was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; |
σταυρωθέντα τε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου,
καὶ παθόντα καὶ ταφέντα, καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ κατὰ τὰς γραφάς, καὶ ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανούς, καὶ καθεζόμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Πατρός, |
There are several additions to this section of the creed. The specific type of suffering, the crucifixion, is mentioned. The crucifixion of Jesus is given a purpose: "for us". The historical governor Pilate is added as is an appeal to the authority of Scripture. Of course, we cannot know what Scripture, whether the Old Testament, New Testament, or both, is intended by the text. Finally, Jesus not only ascends into heaven, but now sits at the right hand of the Father. Since "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" [1 Corinthians, 15:50], we are unable to reconcile this statement with Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures [γραφάς]; And that he was buried, and that he rose again [ἐγήγερται] the third day according to the scriptures [γραφάς]... 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
In the Textus Receptus version of 1 Cor. 15:4, the word translated as "rose again" is ἐγήγερται ['to rise"] and not the expected ἀνάστασις.
All uses of G1453 ἐγείρω in the Pauline Epistles
But for us also... if we believe on him that raised up G1453 Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Romans 4:24
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again G1453 for our justification.
Romans 4:25
[A]s Christ was raised up G1453 from the dead by the glory of the Father... Romans 6:4
Knowing that Christ being raised G1453 from the dead dieth no more... Romans 6:9
[Y]e should be married to another, even to him who is raised G1453 from the dead...
Romans 7:4
But if the Spirit of him that raised up G1453 Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up G1453 Christ from the dead ... Romans 8:11
It is Christ ... that is risen again, G1453 who is even at the right hand of God ... Romans 8:34
That if thou ...shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised G1453 him from the dead...
Romans 10:9
[N]ow it is high time to awake G1453 out of sleep... Romans 13:11
And God hath both raised up G1453 the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
1 Corinthians 6:14
And that he was buried, and that he rose again G1453 the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:4
Now if Christ be preached that he rose G1453 from the dead... 1 Corinthians 15:12
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: G1453
1 Corinthians 15:13
And if Christ be not risen, G1453 then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1 Corinthians 15:14
[We] are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up G1453 Christ: whom he raised not up, G1453 if so be that the dead rise G1453 not. 1 Corinthians 15:15
For if the dead rise G1453 not, then is not Christ raised: G1453 1 Corinthians 15:16
And if Christ be not raised, G1453 your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17
But now is Christ risen G1453 from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Corinthians 15:20
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise G1453 not at all? ...
1 Corinthians 15:29
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise G1453 not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 1 Corinthians 15:32
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? G1453 and with what body do they come?
1 Corinthians 15:35
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised G1453 in incorruption: 1 Corinthians 15:42
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised G1453 in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised G1453 in power: 1 Corinthians 15:43
It is sown a natural body; it is raised G1453 a spiritual body. ... 1 Corinthians 15:44
[The] trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised G1453 incorruptible ...
1 Corinthians 15:52
[We] should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth G1453 the dead: 2 Corinthians 1:9
Knowing that he which raised up G1453 the Lord Jesus shall raise up G1453 us also by Jesus...
2 Corinthians 4:14
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. G1453 2 Corinthians 5:15
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised G1453 him from the dead;) Galatians 1:1
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised G1453 him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:20
Awake thou G1453 that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Ephesians 5:14
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised G1453 him from the dead. Colossians 2:12
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised G1453 from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Remember that Jesus Christ ... was raised G1453 from the dead according to my gospel:
Titus 2:8
All uses of G386 ἀνάστασις in the Pauline Epistles
And declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection G386 from the dead:
Romans 1:4
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: G386 Romans 6:5
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection G386 of the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:12
But if there be no resurrection G386 of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 1 Corinthians 15:13
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection G386 of the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:21
So also is the resurrection G386 of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 1 Corinthians15:42
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, G386 and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:10
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection G386 is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Titus 2:18
Saint Paul makes a distinction between "rising again" [G1453, ἐγείρω] and "resurrection" [G386, ἀνάστασις}. Modern commentators may not be aware of this subtle distinction, just as they conflate "sin"[G266, hamartia, ἁμαρτία] and "transgression" [G3847, parabasis, παράβασις].
In conclusion, we are in agreement with a certain philologist who wrote that "difficulties lurk behind every word" of the New Testament.
In conclusion, we are in agreement with a certain philologist who wrote that "difficulties lurk behind every word" of the New Testament.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth,
Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice...
Philippians 1:18
Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice...
Philippians 1:18
appendix
The King James Bible translates Strong's G4514 [Ῥωμαῖος, Rhōmaios] as Roman (12 times), of Rome (once).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G4516 [ Ῥώμη, Rhōmē] as Rome (14 times).
The King James Bibletranslates Strong's G4515 [Ῥωμαϊστί, Rhōmaïsti] as Latin (once).
The King James Bible translates Strong's G4516 [ Ῥώμη, Rhōmē] as Rome (14 times).
The King James Bibletranslates Strong's G4515 [Ῥωμαϊστί, Rhōmaïsti] as Latin (once).
This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin [G4515]. John 19:20
The King James Bible translates Strong's G4513 [Ῥωμαϊκός, Rhōmaïkos] in the following manner: Latin (once).
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin [G4513], and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23:38
The King James Bible translates Strong's G4517 [ῥώννυμι, rhōnnymi] as farewell (twice).
The King James Bibletranslates Strong's G4506 [ ῥύομαι, rhyomai] as deliver (17 times), Deliverer (once).
The King James Bibletranslates Strong's G4506 [ ῥύομαι, rhyomai] as deliver (17 times), Deliverer (once).