The Bible depicts two characters named "Lazarus", which has on occassion been conflated historically. The most recognized character is that of Lazarus of Bethany, also known as Saint Lazarus or Lazarus of the Four Days, who was a friend of Jesus, the brother of Martha and Mary. The miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John, whereby Jesus restores Lazarus to life four days after his death (John 11). [2] In the various narratives on this character, he is sometimes vested as an apostle, or a bishop. This particular version of "Lazarus" has been frequently used in science and popular culture in reference to his apparent restoration to life, including forming the main plot of the film, "The Lazarus Effect".

In the Gospels we hear the story of two different men named Lazarus. One is raised from the dead by Jesus and the other is featured in a narrative concerning poor Lazarus and an un-named rich man.

The second Lazarus is the patron of lepers and the patron against leprosy. We meet him in the Gospel narrative of the rich man and Lazarus, where a rich man dined richly while dressed in finery, while outside his very home sat Lazarus starving and covered with sores. After both men died, the rich man was tormented in his suffering and called to Abraham for to send Lazarus to help him, or if not him, his brothers. Abraham said it could not be done because of the chasm between the saved and a damned. A religious community named the Order of Saint Lazarus is named after Saint Lazarus. Their mission is to care for those with leprosy.

Lazarus spoken of in the Gospel story is portrayed as a destitute beggar, covered in sores; with dogs who lick his wounds.

Saint Lazare converting many people to Christianity there, he becomes the first Bishop of Marseille. During the persecution of Domitian, he is imprisoned and beheaded in a cave beneath the prison Saint-Lazare. His body is later translated to Autun, where he is buried in the Autun Cathedral, dedicated to Lazarus as Saint Lazare.

Saint Lazare consequently, even such undeniably ancient and legitimate house orders as the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George or the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, among very many others, are not formally recognized by the Vatican.

At the beginning of the twelfth century, perhaps through a confusion of names, it was believed at Autun, that the tomb of St. Lazarus was to be found in the Cathedral dedicated to St Nazarius. A search was made and remains were discovered, which were solemnly translated and were considered to be those of him whom Christ raised from the dead but it was not thought necessary to inquire why they should be found in France.

The account of Jesus raising Lazarus occurs only in the Gospel of John, the Gospel which most strongly focuses on Jesus as the Son of God. Lazarus served as an instrument for Jesus to provide indisputable proof that he was the Saviour.