“The Break Of Day”

Saturday, June 29, 2013

I would like to know at what time Jesus actually came forth from the tomb.  Our preacher tells us that it was sometime after sunrise on Sunday morning.  But I have always been taught that using the Jewish time-table, the day actually began at about 6:00 PM and that Jesus actually raised a little after 6:00 PM Saturday.  Does this make sense to you?  I will await your answer with great anticipation.

Sincerely,
Setting My Clock

Dear Setting My Clock,

The Jewish day began at dusk of the previous day (roughly 6 PM), but the Bible specifically says that Jesus came out of the tomb when the sun was coming up on Sunday morning.  Matt 28:1-2 says that Jesus’ tomb was opened “toward dawn”; the Greek word used there means ‘as it grew light’.  The angel rolled back the stone as it grew light on Sunday morning.  Although Jesus could have risen from the grave as early as 6 PM Saturday night (which counted as Sunday to the Jews), He didn’t come forth until daybreak.

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