THE THIRD DAY”!
Pinchas Lapide states in his book that the 'interval between the crucifixion of Good Friday afternoon until the dawn of Easter Sunday was hardly longer than one and a half days, has a biblical - Jewish reason. Only in the context of the Hebrew Bible does this expression of the apostles, which is certainly not meant literally, have its underlying significance for the history of salvation:
"On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes..." Gen 22:4.
"On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain..."Ex 19:16. Introduces the appearance of God on Mount Sinai.
"On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live" Gen 42:18
"And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days" Jonah 1:17-before he was saved
"On the third day Esther put on her royal robes" Esther 1:1 after which Israel was saved out of its bitter affliction.
Hosea says it most clearly, "After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up" Hos 6:2. The Rabbis comment on this in the Midrash Rabba: "The Holy One, Blessed be his name, never lets the just stay in affliction longer than three days."
"On the third day" has nothing to do with the date or with the counting of time but contains for ears which are educated biblically a clear reference to God's mercy and grace which is revealed after two days of affliction and death by way of redemption.
Lapide is an interesting read. He believes Jesus' Resurrection to be an historical event, does not believe Jesus to be the Messiah.
https://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Jesus-Jewish-Perspective/dp/157910908X#reader_157910908X
Last edited: