Have Yourself a Very Deuterocanonical Resurrection

Michie · Apr 21, 2024

The readings from yesterday are fascinating. In 2 Maccabees 7 we have the famous story of the mother and sons who were tortured for their faith. Note especially how clearly they express their hope in the resurrection:

You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever….It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life.

You will be hard-pressed to find in the Old Testament a clearer portrayal of belief in the resurrection of the dead. Remember that 2 Maccabees is one of the inspired books wrongly rejected by Protestants. Yet, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 11, a likely allusion to this story in 2 Maccabees 7 is made:

Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life.

No other passages in the Old Testament fit this reference like 2 Macc. does.

Resurrection Develops

Continued below.