Before Pilate
Matthew 27:1–26FocusBetrayal's aftermath and condemnation
Connection to the wholeJudas' remorse and the proceedings before Pilate lead to Jesus being handed over for crucifixion.
interpretation Matthew 27:52
KJVAnd the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
Read it in context
Jesus dies
Start reading at Matthew 27:45 (Matthew 27:45 to Matthew 27:56).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' death is accompanied by striking events and testimony, while named followers witness what has occurred.
- 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
- 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
- 27:47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
- 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
- 27:49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
- 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
- 27:51 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;
- 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
- 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
- 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
- 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
- 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 27:1–27:66): Jesus is brought before Pilate; priests, elders, the crowd, soldiers, two crucified men, women followers, Joseph of Arimathaea, and the tomb guards appear in successive scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus dies. Read Matthew 27:45 through Matthew 27:56 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' death is accompanied by striking events and testimony, while named followers witness what has occurred. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus dies (Matthew 27:45 to Matthew 27:56). Start reading at Matthew 27:45. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 27:45, Matthew 27:56, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
The crucifixion and death of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These accounts select different sayings and details; the comparison does not supply an inferred sequence for all of them.
Related passages
- many Isa 25:8 Isa 26:19 Hos 13:14 John 5:25-29 1 Cor 15:20
- slept Dan 12:2 1 Cor 11:30 1 Cor 15:51 1 Thess 4:14 1 Thess 5:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 27
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Mockery and crucifixion
Matthew 27:27–44FocusThe rejected king
Connection to the wholeThe soldiers and onlookers mock the identity that the Gospel has revealed while Jesus is crucified.
interpretation FocusThe death and its witnesses
Connection to the wholeJesus' death is accompanied by striking events and testimony, while named followers witness what has occurred.
interpretation Burial and the guard
Matthew 27:57–66FocusThe secured tomb
Connection to the wholeThe burial and measures to guard the tomb establish the setting for the resurrection account in chapter 28.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.