Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 27:53

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 27:53 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 27:53. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, after Jesus came back to life, some people who had died came out of their graves and went into the city to show themselves to others. This was a special sign that God was doing amazing things.

Matthew 27:53: And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Contradiction with Acts 13:34

Speaks of Jesus' resurrection as a singularly unique event, suggesting a contradiction in the uniqueness of resurrection.

Acts 13:34: And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. [mercies: Gr. holy, or just things: which word the Septuagint in many places, uses for that which is in the Hebrew, mercies]

Contradiction with John 5:28-29

Refers to a future resurrection, not one that already happened, contrasting with immediate resurrection in Matthew 27:53.

John 5:28-29: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Contradiction with Hebrews 9:27

States people die once and then face judgment, contrasting with the idea of saints being resurrected early.

Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Describes Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection, suggesting others, like the saints in Matthew 27:53, come after him.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23: But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Describes the resurrection happening at Jesus’ return, not before as in Matthew 27:53.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Paradox #1

Matthew 27:53 describes an event where many holy people who were dead came back to life and appeared to many people in Jerusalem after Jesus' resurrection. A potential theological inconsistency could be that this event is not recorded or mentioned in any other historical or biblical accounts, which could raise questions about its significance and why it was not noted elsewhere. Additionally, the silence of other biblical authors on this dramatic event might lead to questions about its historicity or theological implications.

Paradox #2

Matthew 27:53 mentions that after Jesus' resurrection, many holy people who had died came back to life and appeared to many people in Jerusalem. One contradiction or inconsistency is that there are no other historical records or accounts outside of the Bible that mention such a significant event. This lack of external corroboration is surprising given the remarkable nature of dead people rising and appearing to many, which would likely have been documented by other contemporary historians or writers of the time.

Paradox #3

The contradiction in that verse could be the claim of people rising from the dead and appearing to many. Scientifically, resurrection is not supported as a naturally occurring event, as it goes against the biological understanding of life and death.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse is not immediately obvious. However, some discussions focus on how it describes a miraculous event involving the resurrection of many holy people, yet there is little to no other historical record or additional biblical reference to support the specifics of this event. This lack of corroborating detail can be seen as inconsistent with the scale of the miracle described.

Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.