Thursday, April 6, 2023
Read 1:00
The chronology of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ

The following timeline for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ accommodates three full nights (Wednesday night, Thursday night and Friday night) and three full daylight periods (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), as well as fitting in with the other details recorded in the Gospels.

Tuesday

Jesus Christ ate an evening Passover meal with His disciples (at the beginning of Nisan 14, Jewish reckoning) and instituted the New Covenant symbols (Matthew 26:26-28). Jesus was then betrayed by Judas, arrested and during the night brought before the high priest.

Wednesday

Jesus was crucified and died around 3 p.m. (Matthew 27:46-50). This was the preparation day for the annual—not weekly—Sabbath, which began at sunset (Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:31). Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb just before sunset (Matthew 27:57-60).

Thursday

This was the high-day Sabbath, the first day of the biblical Feast of Unleavened Bread (John 19:31; Leviticus 23:4-7). It is described as the day after the “Day of Preparation” (Matthew 27:62). Wednesday night and the daylight portion of Thursday were the first of three days and nights Jesus’ body was in the tomb.

Friday

The high-day annual Sabbath now past, the women bought and prepared spices for anointing Jesus’ body before resting on the weekly Sabbath day, which began at Friday sunset (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56). Thursday night and the daylight portion of Friday marked the second of three days and nights Jesus’ body was entombed.

Saturday

The women rested on the weekly Sabbath day, according to the Fourth Commandment (Luke 23:56; Exodus 20:8-11). Jesus rose near sunset, exactly three days and three nights after His body was placed in the tomb, fulfilling the sign of Jonah and authenticating the sign He gave of His messiahship.

Sunday

The women brought the prepared spices early in the morning while it was still dark (Luke 24:1; John 20:1). Jesus had already risen (Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:2-6; Luke 24:2-3; John 20:1). He did not rise on Sunday morning, but near sunset the day before— three days and three nights after being put in the tomb, just as He foretold.

Recent Bible Insights

Comparing world religions

In order to more fully appreciate what we believe, it may help to learn about the religious beliefs of others.

The Apostle Paul and Sabbath observance

Galatians 3:10-13 is one of the most frequently misused passages in the Bible.

biw-400-freedom

Jesus often spoke of the freedom humanity would find through Him, but many misunderstand what this freedom is.

Why does a loving God allow suffering?

Many believe a God of love would be bound by His own character and principles to prevent suffering in the world, so why doesn’t God intervene to prevent human anguish and pain?

All humanity's opportunity for salvation

Knowing the truth of God’s plan of salvation for all of humanity transforms our view of God.

biw-399-old-testament

Some see the God of the Old Testament as a God of wrath, while the God of the New Testament is understood to be a God of love.

Subscribe to Bible Insights
No data was found
Comparing world religions

In order to more fully appreciate what we believe, it may help to learn about the religious beliefs of others.

The Apostle Paul and Sabbath observance

Galatians 3:10-13 is one of the most frequently misused passages in the Bible.

biw-400-freedom

Jesus often spoke of the freedom humanity would find through Him, but many misunderstand what this freedom is.

Why does a loving God allow suffering?

Many believe a God of love would be bound by His own character and principles to prevent suffering in the world, so why doesn’t God intervene to prevent human anguish and pain?

All humanity's opportunity for salvation

Knowing the truth of God’s plan of salvation for all of humanity transforms our view of God.

biw-399-old-testament

Some see the God of the Old Testament as a God of wrath, while the God of the New Testament is understood to be a God of love.

God's promises to Abraham

We are encouraged to follow Abraham’s example, the father of the faithful, who’s life was characterised by loyalty and dedication to God.

The millennium, an eternal idea

Many people have heard that the Bible talks about a period of peace known as “the Millennium,” but they aren’t quite sure what that means.

biw-398-feast

The seven-day Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth at His second coming.

Sex outside of marriage: What’s the big deal?

The 20th century saw dramatic changes in attitudes toward what is considered to be proper sexual behaviour, aided by easy availability of birth-control pills.

biw-397-satan

To understand Satan’s origin the Bible tells of a rebellion in the spirit world before man was created.

day-of-atonement

This annual Holy Day involves not only the forgiveness of sin, but pictures the future removal of Satan, who is the primary cause of sin.

biw-396-invite

One of Jesus Christ’s parables emphasises our actions have consequences and that Christians must symbolicaly wear the right wedding garments.

biw-396-trumpet

The observance of the annual Feast of Trumpets represents the culmination of the present age of man and the return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish the Kingdom of God.

biw-396-colossians

Some verses about God’s kingdom, like Colossians 1:13, seem to imply that Christians are now in the Kingdom of God. Is this true?

Loading...