People brought back to life in Bible

The Bible records several specific individuals who were brought back to life through the power of God, prophets, Jesus, and the apostles. 

Old Testament Resurrections
  • The Widow’s Son at Zarephath: Raised by the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:17–24).
  • The Shunammite Woman’s Son: Raised by the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:32–37).
  • An Unnamed Man in Elisha’s Tomb: A dead man came back to life when his body touched Elisha’s bones (2 Kings 13:20–21). 
Theological commentaries, such as the Enduring Word Commentary, highlight several critical lessons from this event:
  • A Final Stamp on Elisha’s Ministry: Before Elisha's mentor, Elijah, was taken to heaven, Elisha famously asked for a "double portion" of Elijah's prophetic spirit. Elijah performed 14 recorded miracles in Scripture. Up until his death, Elisha had performed 27. This final, posthumous miracle brought Elisha's total to 28—exactly double that of Elijah, proving God faithfully fulfilled Elisha's lifelong request.
  • Hope for a "Dead" Nation: This miracle served as a powerful object lesson for Israel. The nation felt spiritually dead, hopeless, and oppressed by foreign enemies. By bringing a man back to life in a graveyard, God was showing Israel that He still possessed resurrection power. If they would turn back to Him, He could revive their dead nation just as easily.
  • God’s Power Outlasts His Servants: The miracle demonstrated that the supernatural power never belonged to Elisha himself, but to God. Elisha was dead and buried, but God's word and power remained fully alive and unaffected by the death of His prophet.
Resurrections by Jesus
  • Jairus’s Daughter: A 12-year-old girl raised shortly after passing away (Mark 5:35–43).
  • The Widow’s Son at Nain: Raised during an outdoor funeral procession (Luke 7:11–17).
  • Lazarus: Raised in Bethany after being in a tomb for four days (John 11:38–44).
  • Jesus Christ: Resurrected by God (and His own power) as the "first fruits" of eternal life (Romans 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:20).
New Testament Resurrections by Apostles

Tabitha (Dorcas): Raised by the Apostle Peter in Joppa (Acts 9:36–42).

Eutychus: A young man who fell from a third-story window and was raised by the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:9–12).

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