Quote:
The reference to the bodies of the saints being "raised" employs the term "egerthesan," which is not as specific as "anastasis;" it's capable of a variety of meanings including "resurrection" (the NIV runs with this meaning, inserting the words "to life" in the verse) and "to be caused to visibly appear." Then, the reference to "his arising" employs the term "egersin," which is used only here in the New Testament.
The noun anastasis is more specific, true, nearly always referring to a resurrection in the NT, but the passage is employing a verb when it says "arose" or "were raised" or however the different versions translate it. The verb form of anastasis, anistemi, which is what would have been used to replace egerthesan, is not as specific, and, quite ironically, given your statement above, can also mean "cause to appear."
Respectfully,
Franciscan Monkey
