1 Peter 3:18-20 - “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: [19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; [20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

The first resurrection of the saints at the time of Christ’s death on the cross was followed on the 3rd day by the glorious bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was the time the resurrected saints were allowed to appear in the city of Jerusalem.

The Bible says they appeared to many. It is possible that they were met by the people who knew them in the Holy City. There are 2 possible explanations that could have happened to them.

1. After they were resurrected, they lived a normal life like Lazarus and died again later.

2. They were taken to heaven by Jesus Christ.

Most likely, the first one occurred. These Old Testament saints were not anymore in Paradise for they already resurrected when Jesus Christ went there to preach. After He preached, Jesus made all of those in Paradise ascend to heaven, without resurrecting their bodies. Only their souls and spirits went up.

What Jesus preached to the Old Testament saints was the good news that their sins had been paid in full. He went there to take all of them to their everlasting home. One of those He took out of Paradise was the thief who trusted Him on the cross. To whom Jesus promised Paradise. Luke 23:43 - “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. “

This event was supported by other Scriptures:

Acts 2:27,31 - “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. [31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”

Jesus Christ literally went to “hell” - not to suffer. He went there to preach to the Old Testament saints who were temporarily confined in “Abraham’s bosom,” to announce that their sins had been forgiven by His death on the cross. They were finally free!

In the Bible, Hell had two compartments: the first was the place of torment for the unsaved. This place and those who are there will be cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer forever after the white throne judgment.

The other compartment in hell was Paradise or “Abraham’s bosom.” It was separated by a great gulf so none could transfer or move from the other place to where the saints were. This was described in the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-32.

While the rich man was in the place of torment, and suffering; Lazarus was in Paradise, or “Abraham’s bosom,” being comforted. This place became completely empty after Jesus Christ preached and announced that He had completed the work of redemption. All the OT saints are now in Heaven, waiting to reunite with their bodies at the coming resurrection.

Ephesians 4:8-10 - “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.”

Conclusion: To summarize

1. The first resurrection of the saints that happened at Christ’s death on the cross was not a glorious resurrection. It was like the resurrection of Lazarus. The resurrected saints the 3rd day appeared in the Holy City of Jerusalem and appeared to many. Most likely, they lived a normal life and died again, physically.

2. During the 2 days after Jesus died; while His body was in the tomb, Jesus went to the Paradise side of “Hell.” He was there to release the OT souls from “Abraham’s bosom” and took all of them to heaven. Paradise is now empty. What happened was not resurrection for their bodies did not rise from the grave.

3. On the 3rd day, Jesus Christ resurrected from the grave and came out in a glorified and eternal body. He ascended to heaven after 40 days. He came out victorious.

The Lord Jesus Christ was the first fruit of the resurrection. Because

He rose from the grave, His children will all rise from the grave!