The New Testament doesn't explicitly state what Jesus did with the Old Testament saints after his resurrection. However, there's a passage in Matthew that is often interpreted to mean they were resurrected and accompanied him.
Matthew 27:51-53 says: "And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many."
Here's a breakdown of interpretations and points to consider:
* The Literal Interpretation: This passage is taken literally by many Christians. It suggests that these Old Testament saints were physically resurrected and went to Jerusalem, appearing to people. Their presence would have been a powerful confirmation of Jesus's resurrection and his victory over death.
* Symbolic Interpretation: Some scholars interpret this passage symbolically, suggesting that it represents the opening of the way to heaven through Christ's resurrection. The resurrection of the saints could symbolize the spiritual release of those who had died in faith, now able to enter God's presence more fully.
* What Happened Afterwards?: The Bible doesn't say what happened to these resurrected saints after they appeared in Jerusalem. Some speculate they ascended to heaven with Jesus (Ephesians 4:8) since their physical resurrection was now made possible by Jesus' resurrection. Others suggest they eventually died again, their resurrection serving as a sign and a witness.
Why the Lack of Detail?
The lack of detail about their fate is not unusual in the Bible. The Gospels focus on the events surrounding Jesus's death and resurrection and their significance. Details that might satisfy our curiosity today were not necessarily the primary focus of the Gospel writers.
In Conclusion:
The Bible does not explicitly say what Jesus did with the Old Testament saints. Many believe they were resurrected and walked in Jerusalem as a testament to His victory over death and then ascended into Heaven when Jesus did.