The scriptural arguments adduced for a Wednesday crucifixion1 have not been met by the subsequent contributors who believe that Jesus was crucified on Friday. Those who have endeavoured to show that “three days and three nights” does not necessarily involve the full period have failed to appreciate the fact that, for two important reasons, even the expression “the third day” requires three complete days. In the first place, since our Lord was not buried until sunset, the crucifixion day was ended and the passover Sabbath was the first day in the tomb. Secondly, as described in Matthew 28:1, 2, Jesus rose towards sunset on the weekly Sabbath (see Testimony, loc. cit.); the last day in the tomb, the third, was therefore almost a complete one.
Chronological “evidences” have been brought forward for both Wednesday and Friday. It is clear that, to quote the editorial comment, these calculations “must be accepted with reserve,”2 particularly when a careful comparison of the scriptural records will decide the issue.
C.J.H.3 puts forwards the idea that the “preparation day” was always a Friday; actually it was so named because of the removal of all leaven in preparation for the 7 days feast of unleavened bread.4 It was the 14th day of Abib and consequently was not confined to any particular day of the week. The next day, the 15th, was the first day of this feast and was always a sabbath, “an holy convocation”.5 This scripture places the crucifixion on the 14th day and not, as suggested by W.H.S.,6 on the 15th. The death of “our Passover” was at the God-appointed time, “in the fourteenth day . . . . at even”.7 Of the day following the crucifixion it is written — “that sabbath day was an high day”.8
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Author: P. H. Adams
Keywords: 3 days 3 nights, Three days and nights, 3 days and nights, Three days and three nights, How long was Jesus in the tomb, Jesus in the tomb, Jesus's death, Jesus' death, Death of Jesus, What day did Jesus die, When was Jesus buried, Was Jesus in the tomb for 3 days, Good Friday, Did Jesus die on Good Friday, Crucifixion, What day was Jesus crucified, Wednesday crucifixion, Easter
Bible reference(s): Matthew 12:40, Matthew 26:61, Matthew 27:57, Matthew 27:62-63, Matthew 28:1, Mark 8:31, Mark 16:1-2, Mark 15:34, Mark 15:42, Luke 18:33, Luke 23:54-56, Luke 24:1, John 2:19, John 19:14, John 20:1
Source: “Readers’ Problems,” The Testimony, Vol. 7, Nos. 79 & 80, July/August 1937, pp. 270-1, 302-4.
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