The miracle of raising the dead is a profound demonstration of divine power and authority over life and death, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. This miraculous act is a testament to God's sovereignty and compassion, revealing His ability to restore life and His ultimate authority over the natural order.

Old Testament Instances

1. Elijah and the Widow's Son (1 Kings 17:17-24): The prophet Elijah performed the first recorded miracle of raising the dead in the Old Testament. The widow of Zarephath's son fell ill and died, prompting Elijah to intercede with God. Elijah stretched himself upon the child three times and cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, let this boy’s life return to him!" (1 Kings 17:21). The LORD heard Elijah's plea, and the boy's life returned to him, demonstrating God's power and Elijah's role as His prophet.

2. Elisha and the Shunammite's Son (2 Kings 4:18-37): Elisha, the successor of Elijah, also performed a miracle of resurrection. The Shunammite woman's son died suddenly, and she sought Elisha's help. Elisha prayed to the LORD and lay upon the child, and the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes (2 Kings 4:35). This miracle affirmed Elisha's prophetic authority and God's faithfulness to His people.

3. The Man Raised by Elisha's Bones (2 Kings 13:20-21): Even after his death, Elisha's influence continued. A man was revived when his body touched Elisha's bones, illustrating the enduring power of God's Spirit working through His prophets.

New Testament Instances

1. Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17): Jesus encountered a funeral procession in the town of Nain, where a widow's only son had died. Moved with compassion, Jesus said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" (Luke 7:14). The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. This miracle highlighted Jesus' compassion and divine authority.

2. The Raising of Jairus' Daughter (Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56): Jairus, a synagogue leader, pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Before Jesus arrived, the girl died, but Jesus assured Jairus, "Do not be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36). Jesus took the girl by the hand and said, "Talitha koum!" (which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up!"), and she immediately arose (Mark 5:41-42).

3. The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-44): Perhaps the most notable resurrection miracle performed by Jesus is the raising of Lazarus. After Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus arrived at Bethany and declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). He called Lazarus out of the tomb, and Lazarus emerged, alive, demonstrating Jesus' power over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection.

4. The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18): The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. After His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, as He had foretold. This event confirmed His divinity and victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

5. The Saints Raised at Jesus' Death (Matthew 27:50-53): At the moment of Jesus' death, the earth shook, and tombs broke open. Many holy people who had died were raised to life and appeared to many in Jerusalem, signifying the power of Jesus' sacrificial death and the hope of resurrection for believers.

6. Peter Raises Tabitha (Acts 9:36-42): In the early church, the apostle Peter raised Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead in Joppa. After praying, Peter said, "Tabitha, get up," and she opened her eyes and sat up (Acts 9:40). This miracle led many to believe in the Lord.

7. Paul Raises Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12): During Paul's ministry, a young man named Eutychus fell from a window and died. Paul embraced him and declared, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him" (Acts 20:10). Eutychus was brought back to life, demonstrating the power of God working through His apostles.

The miracles of raising the dead throughout the Bible serve as powerful affirmations of God's authority over life and death, His compassion for humanity, and the hope of resurrection for all believers. These events underscore the central Christian belief in eternal life through Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers salvation to all who trust in Him.