What Day Did Jesus Rise?
The significance of Jesus' resurrection in Christianity cannot be overstated. According to biblical accounts, Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion. However, interpreting the exact day of his resurrection requires an understanding of the ancient context in which these accounts were written.
Timekeeping in Ancient Texts
The phrasing "after three days" or "on the third day" in the Gospel accounts does not necessarily indicate a precise three-day span. In ancient Hebrew and Greek texts, such phrases often referred to a general period of several days.
Conventions of Ancient Writing
The writers of the Gospels used language that was customary in their time, which differed from our modern expectations of exact timekeeping. Therefore, we should avoid imposing our precise standards on these ancient accounts.
Imprecise Nature of Time References
The Gospel accounts should not be interpreted as providing an exact day of resurrection. Instead, they convey a broader timeframe, indicating that Jesus rose from the dead within a period of several days following his crucifixion.
Historical Context of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of Christian faith. It is believed to have occurred on a Sunday, which is celebrated as Easter. The term "Easter" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eastre, whose spring festival was adopted by Christianity to symbolize the resurrection and new life.
Liturgical Tradition and the Three-Day Count
According to the Roman Catholic Church's liturgical tradition, the day of Jesus' death (Good Friday) is counted as the first day, Holy Saturday as the second day, and Easter Sunday as the third day, marking the day of his resurrection.
Understanding the ancient context of the Gospel accounts is crucial for interpreting the references to Jesus' resurrection. The phrases "after three days" and "on the third day" indicate a general period of several days, rather than an exact three-day span. The day of Jesus' resurrection is celebrated as Easter Sunday, a symbol of new life and the foundation of Christian faith.
