Why did the curtain in the temple tear in two "from top to bottom"? (Matthew 27:51)
Context: 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:51
ESV - 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
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Asked November 12 2019
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Jack Gutknecht
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Jack Gutknecht
St. Matthew as well as St. Mark record the veil being torn from top to bottom, an odd direction. Beginning above and descending shows it was done by God. Man had no part in it. We do not earn or deserve in any way the privilege of His presence. It was all God.