the graves were opened] The grave-stones were either removed or broken, and the graves gaped, although the bodies came not out till after Christs resurrection, as appears in the next verse. Hereby was then shewed, that our Saviour had overcome death for himself and others. many bodies of saints] It is likely to be good men lately dead, lse why did they appear, v. 53. unto many in the city or how did they know them? which slept] Which had lien dead for a time, but now to be raised up again, John 11:11. arose] Either to appear as witnesses of Christs resurrection, and then die again: or, which is more likely, to attend Christ into heaven, who was the first-fruits of the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:20.