How can Jesus be the first fruits of the resurrected when Matthew 27:51-54 speaks of the Saints/Holy ones rising from their graves and entering Jerusalem before Christ was resurrected?

51 And behold, p the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And q the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of r the saints s who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into t the holy city and appeared to many. 54 u When the centurion and those who were with him, v keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, w "Truly this was the Son 9 of God!"

Matthew 27:51 - 54

ESV - ⁵¹ And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. ⁵² The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.

Clarify (2) • Share • Report • Asked June 28 2014 • Anonymous