One of the most profound and significant events recorded in the Bible is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has been the subject of countless debates, studies, and research throughout the years. However, one question that seems to remain unanswered by biblical scholars is what time did Jesus rise from the dead?
The resurrection of Jesus is a critical cornerstone of the Christian faith, with many believers considering it as proof of their salvation’s promise. The event’s timing could provide crucial insight into its significance and relevance to contemporary Christians.
“The resurrection is not merely important; it is essential. Without it, Christianity would be just another religion, and Paul says we’d still be in our sins.” -Randy Alcorn
To clarify this issue, various theories have emerged over the centuries, some based on historical accounts and others purely conjecture. Recently, several new studies and discoveries have shed more light on the topic, providing fascinating insights.
This post will explore these theories, including early church teachings, historical records, archaeology, and scientific data, to reveal the truth behind what could well be the most contentious question about Christianity ever asked: What time did Jesus rise from the dead? Stay tuned!
The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Resurrection
One of the most significant events in Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is not only a historical fact but also a central doctrine that affirms Jesus’ power over death and sin.
The Empty Tomb
The story begins on Easter Sunday, when Mary Magdalene and other women went to visit Jesus’ tomb. To their surprise, they found the tomb empty with the stone rolled away from its entrance. An angel told them that Jesus had risen from the dead as he had promised and instructed them to tell his disciples about it (Matthew 28:1-8).
This story is crucial because it provides evidence of Jesus’ physical resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead and leave an empty tomb, then Christianity would be built on a lie.
The Appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene
Shortly after discovering the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene encountered Jesus outside the sepulcher. She initially mistook him for a gardener until he spoke her name, and she recognized him. Jesus then told her to go and inform his followers that he had risen from the dead (John 20:11-18).
This encounter is significant because it highlights the personal nature of Jesus’ resurrection. He did not merely return from Hades or some abstract spiritual form. Instead, he appeared to his disciples directly, proving that he was indeed alive again.
The Great Commission
After several encounters with Jesus, both individually and in groups, the apostles received final instructions before Jesus ascended to heaven. These instructions are known as the Great Commission and involve spreading the gospel message to all nations (Matthew 28:16-20).
The Great Commission gives Christians worldwide the imperative to evangelize and share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. This message is not just for a specific group or tribe but is intended for everyone, everywhere. It entails proclaiming to individuals that through faith in Jesus, they can be forgiven their sins, reconciled with God and receive eternal life.
“The very fact that Christ gave such profound importance to his own Resurrection, making it the raison d’etre of Christianity, dealing with it in so much detail in the appearance stories told by all four Gospels, underlines both its historicity and essentiality” -J.P. Moreland
The resurrection of Jesus represents the ultimate proof of His divine nature and power. The empty tomb stands as powerful evidence that He rose again from the dead, and the appearances with his followers prove that this event had tangible effects on those who saw him. This remarkable occurrence is more than an extraordinary historical event – it’s central to the Christian faith, giving us hope in living our lives today.
The Significance of the Third Day
One of the most significant events in Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and was buried in a tomb, but on the third day, he rose again, conquering death once and for all.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
The resurrection of Jesus on the third day fulfills an important prophecy found in the Old Testament. In Hosea 6:2, it says, “After two days he will revive us; on the third day, he will raise us up, that we may live before him.” This prophecy refers to the nation of Israel being restored after their exile, but it is also seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection.
“The third day not only confirms the reality of his death but also authenticates the work of salvation accomplished thereby,” -Herman Ridderbos
Jesus himself also prophesied his resurrection on the third day. In Matthew 16:21, he tells his disciples, “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…and be raised on the third day.”
The fact that this prophecy was fulfilled gives Christians confidence in the truth of the Bible and strengthens their faith in God’s promises.
Theological Implications
The resurrection of Jesus on the third day holds immense theological significance for Christians. First and foremost, it validates Jesus’ claim to divinity. Any ordinary person who claimed to rise from the dead would rightly be dismissed as delusional, but because Jesus actually did rise from the dead, it lends credibility to his claims about himself.
Additionally, the third day has become associated with new life and resurrection in Christian symbolism. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story, but rather the beginning of a new era of salvation for humanity.
“The third day signifies that out of apparent loss comes actual gain, yet not by anything man can do but solely by what God has done,” -D.A. Carson
Christians believe that through the resurrection of Jesus, they too can have eternal life and forgiveness of sins. By conquering death, Jesus provided a way for his followers to also defeat death and continue living on after their physical bodies die.
The significance of the third day in Christianity cannot be understated. It is a pivotal moment in history that confirms the divinity of Jesus Christ and sets him apart from any other religious figure. The theological implications of his resurrection are profound and transform the lives of millions of believers around the world.
The Importance of the Empty Tomb
The empty tomb of Jesus Christ is an essential element that defines the Christian faith. It bears testimony to the resurrection of Jesus and offers hope to believers all over the world. The significance of the empty tomb can be understood in various ways, including as a proof of his resurrection, rejection of alternative theories, and symbolic meaning.
Proof of Resurrection
The Bible gives a clear account of what happened after Jesus’ death on the cross. Early on the third day following His crucifixion (Matthew 28:1), some women who followed Him made their way to His tomb to embalm His body with spices. But upon arrival, they found the tomb empty. They met an angel who told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. This event confirmed the teachings of Jesus about His ‘rising again’ (Mark 8:31); it proved beyond any doubt that He was no ordinary man but indeed the Son of God.
The empty tomb and testimony of numerous eyewitnesses play a crucial role in affirming the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection. Paul, one of the earliest followers of Jesus, wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Thus, the absence of Jesus’ corpse confirms that He rose from the grave and validates the claims of Christianity as factual.
Rejection of Alternative Theories
Several alternatives have been proposed to explain the empty tomb of Jesus. One suggestion is that the disciples stole the body. However, this theory falls short because it does not consider the risk that stealing the body would have posed to the disciples. Moreover, in those times, Jewish burial customs strictly prohibited tampering with tombs or graves. Another theory is that the women went to the wrong tomb. However, this explanation does not account for multiple witnesses who saw the empty tomb rather than one confused witness. Lastly, some reject Jesus’ resurrection and believe instead that He merely swooned or fell unconscious on the cross but afterward regained consciousness with help from His disciples. This idea fails because they cannot explain how Jesus could have moved a large stone blocking the entrance of his tomb while severely injured.
Therefore, the most plausible interpretation of the empty tomb event remains that Jesus Christ rose again three days after being crucified as recorded in the Bible.
Symbolic Meaning
The symbolic meaning of the empty tomb transcends proof of Jesus’ resurrection. The significance goes beyond its historical implications but into several spiritual aspects of Christianity. It symbolizes forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and hope for all mankind. Just as Jesus triumphantly arose from death’s defeat, believers trust that through faith in Him, they too will attain eternal life and rise up any challenging situation they encounter.
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear has gone; because I know He holds the future, and life worth living just because He lives.” -Bill, Gloria Gaither
Without the resurrection, there would be no message of hope, redemption or salvation. The empty tomb proves our faith, rejecting alternative theories strengthens it, and understanding its symbolism confirms our beliefs. Knowing the fact and experience intimately the power of the risen Lord gives us assurance as we live out each moment here on earth.
Historical Evidence for the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a crucial aspect of Christianity. According to the Bible, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. But what time did he rise? While there is no specific mention of the exact time in the gospels, historical evidence points towards early morning.
Empty Tomb
One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting the resurrection is the empty tomb. The four Gospels attest that Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus’ body in a new tomb cut out of rock. After the Sabbath, when Mary Magdalene visited the tomb with other women, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. This was confirmed by the angel who appeared to them.
The absence of Jesus’ body can be explained only through the resurrection, which implies that it happened at some point between Friday evening and Sunday morning. Moreover, as per Jewish tradition, burials took place shortly after death (John 19:31), suggesting that Jesus may have been buried sometime before sunset on Friday afternoon.
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Another compelling piece of evidence comes from various accounts of post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. These encounters were reported by many different people, including his disciples, apostles, Paul, and several others, over a period of forty days. These witnesses claimed to see and interact with Jesus in bodily form, indicating that he had indeed risen from the dead.
It is believed that these appearances occurred anywhere from hours to days after Jesus’ resurrection. According to Luke’s Gospel, the first appearance of Jesus was to two disciples on the road to Emmaus late in the day; however, as per Mark’s account, the earliest sighting was to Mary Magdalene early in the morning (Mark 16:9).
Although there are discrepancies among the gospel accounts regarding the timings of Christ’s resurrection and post-resurrection appearances, it is generally agreed that it occurred during the Passover festival. Since the Jewish people celebrated this festival based on the lunar cycle, various events would have been timed differently from year to year.
“The historical evidence for the Resurrection is stronger than many suppose.” – James B. Jordan
While exact details about what time Jesus rose from the dead may remain unknown, several pieces of historical evidence support the fact of his resurrection. The empty tomb indicates that Jesus had risen, whereas the numerous sightings of him by different individuals speak to its reality.
The significance of Jesus’ resurrection goes far beyond resolving debates about when it took place and proves critical to the Christian faith’s fundamental beliefs.
How the Resurrection of Jesus Affects Us Today
Hope for the Future
The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope for the future. It is a reminder that death does not have the final say and that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have passed away. This hope allows us to face challenges and difficulties in life with the assurance that there is something better waiting for us.
“The Resurrection is the guarantee that we never need give up hope.” – J.I. Packer
Assurance of Salvation
The resurrection of Jesus assures us of our salvation. It shows us that God has accepted Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and that through faith in Him, we can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
“Jesus did not die just to make us good. He died to make us live.” -Andrew Murray
Empowerment for Living
The resurrection of Jesus empowers us to live victoriously. By His resurrection power, we are able to overcome sin and temptation, and live lives that honor God.
“We can’t fully live until we embrace the fact that someone else died for us.” -Max Lucado
Transformation of Society
The resurrection of Jesus has the power to transform society. As followers of Christ, we are called to bring about change and renewal in the world around us. Through His resurrection power, we can work towards justice, equality, and peace.
“The most powerful force for change in the world is the love of Christ flowing through a human heart.” -Richard FosterIn conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus is not just an event from the past, but it continues to impact our lives in the present. It gives us hope for the future, assurance of salvation, empowerment to live victoriously, and the ability to bring about transformation in society. Let us remember that through Christ’s resurrection, we have been given new life and a purpose to serve Him in all areas of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about the time of Jesus’ resurrection?
The Bible states that Jesus was crucified and buried on Friday before the Sabbath and rose from the dead on the third day, which was Sunday. This is confirmed in all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Why is the timing of Jesus’ resurrection significant?
The timing of Jesus’ resurrection is significant because it fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah rising from the dead. It also demonstrates Jesus’ power over death and sin, proving that He is the Son of God. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith and gives hope to believers that they too will have eternal life.
How do different Christian denominations interpret the time of Jesus’ resurrection?
Most Christian denominations agree on the timing of Jesus’ resurrection, but some interpret the exact day and time differently. For example, Eastern Orthodox churches observe Easter on a different date than Western churches due to differences in calculating the date. However, the significance of the resurrection remains the same across all denominations.
What historical evidence exists to support the time of Jesus’ resurrection?
There is historical evidence supporting the timing of Jesus’ resurrection, including the written accounts of the Gospels, the testimony of early Church fathers, and archaeological findings in Jerusalem. Additionally, the fact that Easter has been celebrated by Christians for over 2,000 years is evidence of the belief in Jesus’ resurrection.
What significance does the time of Jesus’ resurrection hold for Christians today?
The time of Jesus’ resurrection remains significant for Christians today as it confirms their faith in the resurrection and gives them hope for eternal life. It is a reminder of God’s love and sacrifice for humanity, and it serves as a symbol of new beginnings and rebirth. Christians also celebrate Easter as a time of joy and renewal.
How does the time of Jesus’ resurrection relate to his role as the Son of God?
The time of Jesus’ resurrection is significant to His role as the Son of God because it demonstrates His power over death and sin, proving that He is the Messiah. It also fulfills the prophecy of the Old Testament and confirms Jesus’ divine nature. The resurrection is central to Christian belief and serves as the foundation for salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.