Crucifixion on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday?

Matthew 12:40 - For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Was always wondering about that. So glad when I learned the real truth!

So, what is the real truth, honestly, I want to know what you understand.

What have you learned on the subject?

I believe Jesus Christ was arrested Monday evening, crucified Wednesday morning, died Wednesday afternoon and was buried before sunset, was resurrected by God late Saturday afternoon, and seen by the Marys and then later by the others on Sunday.

Matthew 28:1 has Mary coming to the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week and after the Sabbath. 3 days would include Sunday, Saturday, and Friday. Friday makes sense because Joseph of Arimathea asked for Jesus body so it could be buried before the Sabbath which would have begun at sundown on Friday.

Where are the three nights?

People misunderstand the phrase "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth". First, the text does not indicate a necessity (need, though it can) for a full 24 hours for each, nor a full 12 hours for each part of "day", or "night". Only 4 parts would need to be full, but a possibility exists for all 6 to be full (but again, not needful, and definitely not stated as such in scripture).

Jesus was crucified, the 6th day of the week ("preparation"; Luke23:54; Mark 14:42), the 14th day (Exodus 12:6) of the 1st month (Abib/Nisan), in the year AD 31 (Daniel 9:24-27; Daniel 8:13-14,26; Ezra 6:14, 7:1-28), at the 3rd hour (morning sacrifice, 9 AM) unto the 9th hour (evening sacrifice, 3 PM).

The "three days and three nights" do not begin when Jesus dies. They begin in the garden of Gethsemane when He is arrested and taken by the Nation (a Beast), and among the many peoples (waters) that were there for the Passover, see also Jonah 2:3 ("in the midst (heart) of the seas"). The phrase "heart of the earth" never man "grave" in scripture. The phrase "heart" refers to the mind of the people (Matthew 13:15, etc), and "the earth" refers to the people themselves (1 Corinthians 16:31; Lamentations 2:15; Psalms 96:13, 98:9, 99:1; Isaiah 10:14, 34:1; Jeremiah 6:19; Micah 1:2). See Isaiah 45:22; Luke 2:34-35; John 12:32, &c.

However, a like [similar] phrase is found in Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel, wherein the word “midst” [OT; [Hebrew] H7130 “קרב”, “qereb”; [Syriac] H1459 “גּו”, “gav”] is used in the place of “heart” [NT]:


The phrase “in the midst” is used in the scripture [KJB] in various contexts, generally meaning, 'amongst', 'in the middle' and/or 'in the center' of.

The phrase “in the midst of the earth” is not the same as the phrases, “the face of the earth”, “the fatness of the earth”, “the breadth of the earth”, “the end of the earth”, “the uttermost part of the earth”, “the utmost parts of the earth”, “four corners of the earth”, “the depths of the earth”, “the deep places of the earth”, “the low[er] parts of the earth”, “the lowest parts of the earth”, “out of the earth”, “[dens and] caves of the earth”, “nether parts of the earth”, “the high places of the earth”, “borders of the earth”, “sides of the earth”, “coasts of the earth”, “dark place of the earth”, “foundation of the earth”, “circle of the earth”, etc., and this may be known by a simple process of substitution of phrase.

Additional consideration to this question, being a result of prayerful and careful search, reveals that there also no specific connection in Scripture [KJB], in any location, which relates that this term/phraseology “in the heart of the earth” means specifically/only, “in the grave/tomb/sepulchre”.

We can also directly see that there is the equative [the ways of the LORD being “equal” [Ezekiel 18:25,29 KJB], having a “just” [Proverbs 11:1, 16:11 KJB] balance] or parallel in the passage:

Matthew 12:40 KJB - For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

This means there is an equative or parallel being made by Jesus to the terms:

Jonas

[A1] “For as …”
[B1] “... Jonas ...”
[C1] “... was ...” [past tense, historical-typological-natural]
[D1] “... three days and three nights ...”
[E1] “... in ...”
[F1] “... the whale's belly ...”

Jesus

[A2] “... so ...”
[B2] “... the Son of man ...”
[C2] “... shall … be ...” [future tense, antitypological-prophetic]
[D2] “... three days and three nights ...”
[E2] “... in ...”
[F2] “... the heart of the earth.”

There is nowhere in Scripture [KJB] which specifically relates the term/phraseology “in the whale's belly” to means specifically/only, “in the grave/tomb/sepulchre” either.

The sign was given to the wicked generation.

1ST MONTH – ABIB/NISAN; Exo. 12:2, 13:4, 23:15, 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Neh. 2:1; Est. 3:7, TIME OF THE PASSOVER IN JESUS’ DAY; 1 Cor. 5:7

Week Day 1 Week Day 2 Week Day 3 Week Day 4 Week Day 5 Week Day 6 (preparation day; Exo. 16:5) Week Day 7 (The Sabbath of the LORD; Gen. 2:13; Exo. 20:8-11)

Week Day 6 (preparation day; Exo. 16:5), Month Adar

Week Day 7 (The Sabbath of the LORD; Gen. 2:13; Exo. 20:8-11) - 1st Day of the Month (Abib/Nisan); New Moon feast; Psa. 81:3

Week Day 1 - 2nd Day of the Month

Week Day 2 - 3rd Day of the Month

Week Day 3 - 4th Day of the Month

Week Day 4 - 5th Day of the Month

Week Day 5 - 6th Day of the Month

Week Day 6 (preparation day; Exo. 16:5) - 7th Day of the Month

Week Day 7 (The Sabbath of the LORD; Gen. 2:13; Exo. 20:8-11) - 8th Day of the Month, Jesus at Lazarus’, Mary’s and Martha’s house in Bethany on Mount of Olives; Jhn. 12:1

Week Day 1 - 9th Day of the Month - Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, “the next day” from leaving Lazarus' house, Hosanna! – Jhn. 12:12,13; Mat. 21:10; Mar. 11:11, goes to the Temple, and after looking around, leaves, since it was close to evening back out unto Mt. Olivet.

Week Day 2 - 10th Day of the Month - Jesus comes back, curses the fig tree, goes to the Temple, and cleanses the Temple for the Second [last] time of the Money Changers - Mat. 21:12,13,17; Mar. 11:12,15,16,17,19, and Jesus goes back out.

Week Day 3 - 11th Day of the Month - Jesus comes back, the Fig tree is withered up from the roots, goes to the Temple, and has the final teachings to the Pharisees, etc - Mat. 21:18,23; Mar. 11:20,27. This was the “two days” before the “Passover” - Mat. 26:1-2; Mar. 14:1; Luk. 21:37-38, 22:1. Jesus tells the Jewish nation, that their house is forever left desolate, no more fruit again - Mat. 23:37-39; Luk. 13:32-35. Jesus said, that He still had to do “cures” and “cast out devils” “to day, tomorrow and the third day” and be done – Luk. 13:32,33. Jesus had been “daily” in the Temple – Mat. 26:55; Mar. 14:49; Luk. 19:47, 22:53; Jhn. 18:20]; the “to day” Luk. 12:32,33

Week Day 4 - 12th Day of the Month - The “tomorrow” Luk. 13:32,33

Week Day 5 - 13h Day of the Month - The “Third Day” Luk. 13:32,33, being done with His ministry. Spends this night with the Disciples in the upper room, and New Covenant Meal.

3 Days & 3 Nights (Jon. 1:17; Mat. 12:40. 1st Evening Part - Mat. 26:31,34; Mar. 14:27,30

Week Day 6 (preparation day; Exo. 16:5) - 14th Day of the Month; - Jesus Crucified time of the morning sacrifice (Mar. 15:5), and dies at the time of the evening sacrifice (Mat. 27:46; Mar. 15:34), He is the Passover, Lev. 23:4-8; 1 Cor. 5:7; Gather twice as much, Christ Jesus the anti-typical Manna, Exo. 16:25,26. The "spices" "had been" (Mar. 16:1) purchased sometime after the Crucifixion and before burial so that they could "prepare" (Luk. 23:56) them to bring on the "first [day] of the week" (Luk. 24:1), even as we see Joseph of Arimathaea doing for the linen (Mar. 14:46). 1st Morning [Light] Part - Mat. 27:21; Mar. 15:1

Week Day 7 (The Sabbath of the LORD; Gen. 2:13; Exo. 20:8-11) - 15th Day of the Month; 1st Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8 (Festal sabbath combines with God’s Sabbath, High Sabbath; Jhn. 19:31. Jesus in the Tomb, Resting on Sabbath; Luk. 23:54,56; Mat. 28:6. Begin counting 7 Sabbaths unto Pentecost (49 days, +1); Lev. 23:15-22 (Sabbath 1). Jesus remained in the Tomb all Sabbath - anti-type Manna - Exo. 16:29,30. The Disciples were keeping the Sabbath according to the Commandment - Exo. 20:8-11; Luk. 23:54,56. 2nd Evening and 2nd Morning Parts - Mat. 27:58-66, 28:1; Mar. 15:42-47; Luk. 23:52-53,54; Jhn. 19:38-42

Week Day 1 - 16th Day of the Month; 2nd Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8. Christ Jesus, preserved and Risen - Anti-type Manna - Exo. 16:32-34. 3rd Evening and 3rd Morning Parts, Christ Risen and shown alive - Mat. 28:1-10; Mar. 16:2-20; Luk. 24:1-29; Jhn. 20:1-23. Jesus was walking with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus on the “first [day] of the week”, as the day was closing out, being “the third day since these things” were done Luk. 24:21, One time.

Week Day 2 - 17th Day of the Month; 3rd Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8. Jesus goes invisibly with the two from Emmaus back to Jerusalem and enters the upper room, unseen, with them and appears in the Evening - Luk. 24:29,35. [Day 1 inclusive] One time event.

Week Day 3 - 18th Day of the Month; 4th Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8. [Day 2 inclusive] [Day 1 exclusive]

Week Day 4 - 19th Day of the Month - 5th Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8. [Day 3 inclusive] [Day 2 exclusive]

Week Day 5 - 20th Day of the Month - 6th Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8. [Day 4 inclusive] [Day 3 exclusive]

Week Day 6 (preparation day; Exo. 16:5) - 21st Day of the Month; 7th Day Of Unleavened Bread, Feast; Lev. 23:6-8 (Festal sabbath). [Day 5 inclusive] [Day 4 exclusive]

Week Day 7 (The Sabbath of the LORD; Gen. 2:13; Exo. 20:8-11) - 22nd Day of the Month (Sabbath 2) [Day 6 inclusive] [Day 5 exclusive]

Week Day 1 - 23rd Day of the Month. [Day 7 inclusive] [Day 6 exclusive]

Week Day 2 - 24th Day of the Month. [Day 8 inclusive] [Day 7 exclusive]

Week Day 3 - 25th Day of the Month. [Day 9 inclusive] [Day 8 exclusive]. “after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst” Jhn. 20:26 - One time.

Week Day 4 - 26th Day of the Month. [Day 9 exclusive]

Week Day 5 - 27th Day of the Month

Week Day 6 (preparation day; Exo. 16:5) - 28th Day of the Month

Week Day 7 (The Sabbath of the LORD; Gen. 2:13; Exo. 20:8-11) - 29th Day of the Month (Sabbath 3 … &c)

Week Day 1 - 30th Day of the Month ...

... Jesus met with them for 40 days, & 10 days just before Pentecost (1st day of the week), the 5th day of the week (Act. 1:3,6-9,15). One time event.

Hello rstrats, We believe Jesus was crucified at 9:am On the cross at the sixth hour Nisan 14 Thursday, NOON--darkness covers land, Jesus dies at 3pm as Passover lambs are being slaid.

Matthew 27:31-61, Mark 15:20-47, Luke 23:26-55, John 19:16-42, Jesus in grave first day, Women buy and prepare spices Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56

Love, Walter and Debbie

crucified on Wednesday which was the preparation of the Passover when the Passover Lamb was sacrificed.
died and was entombed before Sunset on Wednesday. Passover started after Sunset which is the beginning of Thursday.
Apostles and followers observed the Passover which is a Sabbath and rested on Thursday. No selling or buying on the Passover.
Women bought spices for the body on Friday as the Gospels say. They could not buy spices on Thursday because of the Passover or on Saturday during the weekly Sabbath. They planned to go to the tomb on Sunday with the spices.
He rose after Sunset on Saturday which counts as Sunday or the first day of the week. Psalms say He rose during the night.
He was in the tomb Wednesday after sunset which was the first night, Thursday during the day which was the first day, Thursday during the night which was the second night, Friday during the day which was the second day, Friday during the night which was the third night, Saturday during the day which was the third day. Was raised after Sunset on Saturday which is the first day of the week.
The women buying the spices could only have been done on Friday which was the only day between the Passover Sabbath and weekly Saturday Sabbath that week. That proves He was crucified on Wednesday, the preparation of the Passover.

No.


Here is that Book, by George Carlow - https://archive.org/details/defenseofsabbath00carl


George Carlow was a seventh-day Baptist, attempting (incorrectly) to prove the significance of the 7th day the sabbath. If you accept his assertions, then you must accept his conclusions (which you do not in regards the seventh day). He erred in many instances in just the above quotation. He assumes the wrong year, and thus lands on the wrong date.

The women buying the spices for His body could only have been done between the Passover Sabbath on Thursday and the weekly Sabbath on Saturday. That means the women went to the market to buy the spices on Friday and rested on the two Sabbaths that week as required. The markets would be closed during the Sabbaths. The women shopping for spices proves He was crucified on Wednesday. Also Gospel commentators cannot account for the missing days that week while He was in the tomb.

There was no "Passover Sabbath on Thursday".

so you say.

the answer was provided for those who wanted to know, not to argue with anyone. ignore the posts if you disagree please.

You do realize that the Jewish nation had MANY sabbaths, including the Saturday sabbaths.
I read somewhere, that there historically was a sabbath on that Thursday.... I'd have to go look it up. That would explain away any confusion, if true.
It would sort of render "Good Friday" obsolete, though....

It's Advantageous explains it well in the next post.

Another meaningless debate with no end.

The Jewish day ends when the sun goes down