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Matthew 4:5
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Nehemiah 11:1
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine partsto dwell inother cities.

Isaiah 48:2
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hostsis his name.

when they had come out of the tombs
This refers to the saints who were raised to life at the moment of Jesus' death, as described earlier inMatthew 27:52. The opening of the tombs signifies the power of Jesus' death and resurrection, which breaks the bonds of death. This event prefigures the general resurrection of the dead, as promised inDaniel 12:2 and1 Thessalonians 4:16. The tombs opening also symbolizes the new covenant, where death no longer holds dominion over believers.

they entered the holy city
The "holy city" refers to Jerusalem, a central location in biblical history and prophecy. Jerusalem is significant as the site of the temple, the center of Jewish worship, and the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. The entry of the resurrected saints into Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises and the inauguration of a new era. It also foreshadows the New Jerusalem described inRevelation 21:2, where God's presence will dwell with His people eternally.

and appeared to many people
The appearance of the resurrected saints to many people serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the truth of His claims. This public manifestation provides additional evidence to the early Christian community and beyond, affirming the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. It echoes the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Himself, as recorded in1 Corinthians 15:5-8, where He appeared to many witnesses, providing undeniable proof of His victory over death.

Matthew records that “After Jesus’ resurrection…”.

• The timing is crucial: the earthquake, torn veil, opened tombs, and the saints’ resurrection all wait until Jesus Himself rises (cf.1 Corinthians 15:20, “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits…”).

• His victory over death is the fountainhead for every other resurrection hope (John 11:25–26;Acts 2:24).

• By placing this sign immediately after Easter morning, Scripture shows that Jesus’ triumph is not private or symbolic—it unleashes real, physical life for others (Romans 6:9).

“…when they had come out of the tombs…”.

• This was not a vision or metaphor; real bodies left real graves, just as Jesus’ own body left His (John 20:6-7).

• God had done something similar before (2 Kings 13:21;John 11:43-44), but never on this scale, tied directly to Messiah’s resurrection.

• It foreshadows the future general resurrection (John 5:28-29;1 Thessalonians 4:16): what happened to “many saints” will one day happen to all who belong to Christ.

“…they entered the holy city…”.

• Jerusalem is repeatedly called “holy” because God chose it for His dwelling and redemptive acts (Psalm 48:1-2;Isaiah 62:1).

• By walking into that very city—days after Jesus was crucified there—these risen saints became living proof that the death wielded by the city’s leaders could not cancel God’s plan (Acts 4:10-11).

• Their route—from opened graves into Jerusalem—mirrors the gospel path: resurrection life moves outward to the world, beginning in Zion (Luke 24:47;Acts 1:8).

“…and appeared to many people.”.

• God ensured multiple witnesses, removing any charge of hallucination or fabrication (Deuteronomy 19:15;1 Corinthians 15:6).

• These saints did not linger in private; they “appeared,” the same verb used of the risen Jesus showing Himself (Acts 1:3).

• Their presence validated Jesus’ identity and message:

– Death is defeated (Hebrews 2:14-15).

– The kingdom has broken in (Matthew 12:28).

– Judgment and resurrection are certain realities (Acts 17:31).

• Early believers in Jerusalem could confirm the story; skeptics could investigate, strengthening the credibility of the gospel (Luke 1:1-4).

Matthew 27:53 presents a literal, historical sign: after Jesus rose, many previously dead saints left their tombs, walked into Jerusalem, and visibly testified to God’s conquering power. Their resurrection, timed to Christ’s own, previews the coming bodily resurrection of all believers, underscores the reliability of the gospel, and announces that through Jesus, life has triumphed over death once and for all.