Correspondence.

A. M. H.— Shall we know each other in heaven? Undoubtedly we shall. The whole tenor of Scripture supports the hope. The disciples knew the Lord after His resurrection, and our bodies will be like His body of glory (Phil. 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21)); we shall be suited to a glorified state, but retain our personal identity. The apostles knew Moses and Elias on the mount of Transfiguration. And Saul recognized Samuel when brought up, though the witch was far from expecting to see the prophet (1 Sam. 28). The rich man in Hades knew Abraham, as well as Lazarus (Luke 16:2323And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:23)).
Beside every servant is taught to look for his own personal reward on high, which could not be if all personality is to be swamped. Paul evidently expected to know the Thessalonians when he wrote, “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:1919For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (1 Thessalonians 2:19); compare 1 John 2:28,28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28)
W. G. B.— The dead saints who appeared in the holy city. Matthew 27:52, 5352And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matthew 27:52‑53). This was a special witness to the overthrow of the power of death by the Lord Jesus granted to some in Jerusalem after His own resurrection. It was an earnest of the first resurrection when all that are Christ’s shall come forth from their graves.
The appearance was plainly not of public concern; for it was to “many”, and not to all. We must respect therefore the reticence of Scripture with regard to them.