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At the time of Christ's resurrection, a specific group of individuals was raised from the dead to serve as witnesses of His victory over the grave. While the exact numerical count is not provided, they are described as a "multitude of captives" and a "company" of chosen individuals (HLv 523), (1SG 69.1). These were not random individuals, but rather "holy ones" who had lived during various periods of history, spanning the entire time from the creation of the world down to the era of Christ's own earthly ministry (1SG 69.1), (EW 184.1). The selection of these saints served a specific divine purpose in countering the false reports circulated by the Roman guards and Jewish leaders. These resurrected individuals entered the city of Jerusalem and appeared to many people, providing undeniable testimony that both they and Jesus had risen (1SM 305.1), (Hvn 105.1).

Their presence acted as a living confirmation of prophetic scriptures regarding the resurrection of the dead (HLv 523.2), (1SM 305.1). Unlike those whom Jesus had raised during His earlier ministry—who were restored to mortal life and would eventually die again—this specific group was raised to "everlasting life" (HLv 523.2). They came forth from their graves in a glorified state (1SG 69.1).

When Jesus finished His work on earth and returned to heaven, these resurrected saints ascended with Him as "trophies" of His triumph over death and the power of the grave (HLv 523.2).

You might also want to explore:What happened to the saints who were resurrected with Christ when He ascended to heaven?How does the resurrection of this group differ from the general resurrection of the righteous at the second coming?What specific prophecies did these resurrected saints help to fulfill?

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