14 Key Verses On Resurrections In The Bible

Did you know that Jesus was not the only one who was resurrected in the Bible? The resurrection of Jesus is an important event that marks the ultimate victory over death and sin. However, there are other instances of resurrections in the Bible that hold valuable lessons for us.

Here are 14 key verses on resurrections in the Bible:

Resurrection 1: The Widow's Son In Zaraphath (1 Kings 17:17-22)

This miraculous resurrection takes place in the life of the prophet Elijah, who was staying with a widow in Zaraphath during a time of severe famine. The widow's son becomes ill and eventually stops breathing, leaving the woman in despair and questioning Elijah's presence in her house.

In response, Elijah takes the boy from her arms, carries him to the upper room where he is staying, and prays to the Lord. Lying upon the child three times, Elijah calls out to the Lord to return the boy's soul to his body. The Lord hears Elijah’s plea, and the boy comes back to life.

Resurrection 2: The Shunammite Woman's Son (2 Kings 4:32-37)

In this second account of resurrection, Elisha the prophet restores the life of a young boy belonging to a wealthy woman from Shunem. After the child becomes ill and dies, the woman travels to Mount Carmel to meet with Elisha and pleads for him to come and heal her son.

Upon reaching the child's room, Elisha prays to God and stretches himself out on the boy multiple times. Miraculously, the child sneezes seven times and opens his eyes. He is completely restored to life. The woman falls at Elisha's feet, thanking him for his intervention and acknowledging that he is a man of God.

Resurrection 3: The Man Raised by Touching Elisha's Bones (2 Kings 13:20-21)

Even after the passing of Elisha, his profound influence and unwavering faith persist in catalyzing miraculous occurrences. In one remarkable instance, amidst the turmoil of a Moabite raid, a deceased man is carried to Elisha's tomb.

Upon the man's lifeless form making contact with Elisha's remains, a divine restoration transpires, bringing the man back to life. Subsequently, he rises from death's grasp, standing once more on his own two feet.

Resurrection 4: Lazarus (John 11)

The account of Lazarus is one of the most well-known and powerful stories of resurrection in the Bible. When Jesus receives news that his dear friend Lazarus is ill, he purposefully delays his journey to Bethany, allowing for Lazarus to die before his arrival.

Upon reaching Bethany, Jesus is met with grief-stricken mourners, including Lazarus' sisters Martha and Mary. Despite their doubts and sorrow, Jesus approaches the tomb where Lazarus has been buried for four days and calls out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

To the amazement of all present, Lazarus emerges from the tomb alive and well, his resurrection serving as undeniable proof of Jesus' power and divinity. 

Resurrection 5: Jairus' Daughter (Mark 5:41)

In another demonstration of his authority over death, Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from the dead. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus in desperation as his beloved daughter is near death.

Despite being delayed by another miracle along the way, Jesus still makes it to Jairus' house and announces that the girl is not dead but only sleeping. He then takes her by the hand and speaks the words, "Talitha koum," meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise."

Immediately, the young girl gets up and begins to walk, much to the astonishment of those present.

Resurrection 6: The Young Man At Nain (Luke 7:14)

In yet ANOTHER display of his authority over death, Jesus raises a young man from the dead in the city of Nain. As Jesus approaches the city with his disciples, he encounters a funeral procession for the only son of a widow.

Filled with compassion for the grieving mother, Jesus approaches the coffin and commands the young man to arise. The young man sits up and begins to speak, causing the crowd to glorify God and proclaim Jesus as a great prophet.

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Resurrection 7: Unknown Saints During The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:52-53)

As Jesus hung on the cross, sacrificing himself for the sins of humanity, something miraculous happened. The earth shook and tombs were opened, and many saints who had died were raised to life.

These resurrected individuals then appeared to many in Jerusalem after Jesus' own resurrection, testifying to his victory over death and the power of his sacrifice. This event further solidified Jesus' victory over death and sin.

Resurrection 8: Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)

In the book of Acts, we see Peter performing a resurrection miracle in the city of Joppa. A woman named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, had died and her fellow believers were mourning her death.

Peter enters the room where her body lies and kneels down to pray. He then speaks these powerful words: "Tabitha, arise." Immediately, she opens her eyes and sits up, leading many people in the city to believe in the Lord.

Resurrection 9: Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)

During Paul's travels, he was known for his powerful preaching that could last late into the night. In one instance, during a sermon in Troas, a young man named Eutychus fell out of a window and died.

But through God's power, Paul resurrected him and continued to preach until morning.

Resurrection 10: Rapture Of The Church (1 Thess. 4:13-18)

The ultimate resurrection that believers anticipate is the rapture of the church, where those who have died in Christ will be resurrected and taken up to heaven. This event is described as happening in an instant, with believers being transformed into their glorified bodies.

It is a promise of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus and a reminder of his victory over death. As believers, we look forward to this day with hope and anticipation.

Resurrection 11: The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:7-11)

In the book of Revelation, we see two witnesses who have the power to call down plagues and perform miracles during a time of great tribulation on earth. After they are killed by their enemies, they lie in the streets for three and a half days before being resurrected and taken up to heaven.

Resurrection 12: The Old Testament Saints and Martyrs (Revelation 20:4)

In Revelation, we also see the resurrection of the Old Testament saints and martyrs who were faithful to God despite facing persecution and death. They are given resurrected bodies and reign with Christ for a thousand years during his millennial kingdom on earth.

Resurrection 13: The Wicked (Revelation 20:5)

The final resurrection recorded in the Bible is that of the wicked, who will be raised to face judgment at the end of time. This resurrection is a reminder that everyone will be held accountable for their actions and must face the consequences of their choices.

Resurrection 14: Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:1-6)

The ultimate, most important resurrection in the Bible is that of Jesus Christ. After His death on the cross, Jesus was buried in a tomb, and on the third day, He rose from the dead. He appeared to his disciples and many others, proving that He was indeed the Son of God and had power over death.

He ascended into heaven where He now reigns and He will one day return again. On that day, all believers will be resurrected and given glorified bodies, just like Jesus' resurrected body. This resurrection of the righteous is our hope and assurance of eternal life with God.

The Promise of Resurrection

Throughout the Bible, we see numerous accounts of resurrection which serve as a reminder of God's promise to us. Just as he raised Jesus from the dead, God promises that all believers will also be resurrected and given new, glorified bodies in the future. This gives hope and assurance to those who have lost loved ones or are facing their own mortality.