Mat 27:50-53 | TNotes | STEP | 27:50 Each of the four Gospels highlights different aspects of Jesus’ last moments. • released his spirit: This emphasizes the sovereignty of Jesus in that he released himself to death (see also John 19:30 ). • shouted out again (see Matt 27:46 ): This cry was Jesus’ final prayer (see Luke 23:46 ).

27:50 ^a Each of the four Gospels highlights different aspects of Jesus’ last moments.

• released his spirit: This emphasizes the sovereignty of Jesus in that he released himself to death (see also John 19:30 ^b).

• shouted out again (see Matt 27:46 ^c): This cry was Jesus’ final prayer (see Luke 23:46 ^d).
27:51 ^e The significance of the splitting of the curtain in the Temple is that the wall dividing people from God has been torn down by the death of Jesus Christ (see also Eph 2:11-22 ^f; Heb 6:19 ^g; 9:1–10:25 ^h).

• The earth shook, rocks split apart: These are portents of the arrival of judgment (see Exod 19:18 ⁱ; Judg 5:4 ^j; Ps 18:7 ^k; Joel 3:14-17 ^l; Amos 8:8-10 ^m). Josephus records the appearance about AD 30 of a star resembling a sword and a spontaneous opening of the gates of the Temple (Josephus, War 6.5.3-4).
Summary for Matt 27:52-53: 27:52-53 ⁿ tombs opened: Jesus’ climactic death inaugurated the Kingdom of God by breaking the powers of death and establishing the final resurrection (see Isa 26:19 ^o; Dan 12:2 ^p; 1 Cor 15:1-58 ^q; Col 1:18 ^r; Heb 2:14-15 ^s).

• These godly ones either did not enter the city until after Jesus’ resurrection or they were not raised until then, with Jesus as the firstfruits (see 1 Cor 15:20 ^t, 23 ^u; Col 1:18 ^v). If that is the case, Matthew has included this episode to form a more powerful commentary on the impact of Jesus’ death.