What does the Bible say about when Jesus rose from the dead?

The holy scriptures of the New Testament bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event for the faithful, transpiring on the third day after His Crucifixion. With a deep dive into the Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we find significant mention of the seminal event, yet the exact time remains shrouded in the uncertain dawn of the first day of the week. 

As depicted in Matthew 28:1, it was "after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week," that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visited the tomb. The Gospel according to Mark (16:2) mirrors this thought, highlighting how "very early in the morning, on the first day of the week," these women journeyed towards the tomb. It is at this juncture, that an angel dressed in lightning shares the grand reality: "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." (Matthew 28:6). The Gospel according to Luke (24:1) carries similar sentiments stating, "on the first day of the week, very early in the morning," women carrying spices for anointing arrived at the tomb, only to find it empty. The angelic vision they encountered echoed the same proclamation seen in Matthew, assuring them of Jesus' resurrection. 

Furthermore, John (20:1) underlines the same time frame: "early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance." Her discovery leads to a series of appearances by the Risen Lord to his disciples, undoubtedly fostering faith in His resurrection. From the biblical narratives, it is thus clear that the resurrection of Jesus happened on the first day of the week, early in the morning. However, the precise timestamp remains elusive, encapsulated within the mystical transitions between night and day, and resides in the realm of divine mystery. 

In summary:

• The resurrection of Jesus is depicted in all the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• The Gospels depict that the resurrection happened on the first day of the week, early in the morning.
• The women, including Mary Magdalene, who went to anoint Jesus’ body were the first to encounter the reality of His resurrection.
• Despite the consistency in timing, as noted in the Gospels, the exact hour of Jesus' resurrection remains a divine mystery.

How is the date of Jesus' resurrection determined?

We collectively discover the determination of the specific date of Jesus' resurrection to be firmly embedded within the interplay of ecclesiastical and astronomical mechanics. This illuminates our understanding of sacred chronology as being intertwined with the earthly science of our celestial sphere. 

The methodology for determining the specific date of Jesus' resurrection links intimately to the dating of Easter, a principal Christian commemoration of the said event. The church's approach measures Easter as the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which might seem a rather arcane procedure to some, but remains profoundly significant in our endeavor to harmonize our faith with the divine wisdom expressed in the natural world. 

More intriguing still, the date of Easter, and by default the implied date of the Resurrection, is ascertained through a process called lunisolar calculation. Astonishingly, this harks back to traditions preserved by the first Christian communities who were cognizant of aligning the resurrection celebration with Passover. It is noteworthy that this arrangement started to appear in historical records by the mid-2nd century. 

A further dive into the heart of the matter reveals to us that the Gregorian calculation of Easter, the method that is still virtually universally adhered to this day, is based on a technique devised by Aloysius Lilius. While we might find it somewhat humbling that our sacred dates hinge on such earthly considerations, does this not simply mirror our own condition as spiritual beings in a physical world? 

It behooves us to remember, dear friends, that despite the precisely calculated date upon which we celebrate the Resurrection, the real miracle we commemorate goes beyond earthly calendars and celestial bodies. True celebration of Jesus' resurrection is to acknowledge the victory He achieved over death, promising salvation for all who believe. Though we commemorate this event on a particular date, the implications of His resurrection echo through time, transforming lives every day. 

Let us summarize: 

• The date of Jesus' resurrection is connected to the dating of Easter, which is determined as the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon.
• The process used to determine the date is a combination of ecclesiastical and astronomical methods, known as lunisolar calculation.
• Early Christian communities linked the celebration of Jesus' resurrection with Passover, and this method appears in records from the mid-2nd century onwards.
• The modern calculation of the date of Easter is based on a method devised by Aloysius Lilius, leading to the current Gregorian calculation.
• However, the focus of believers should not be on the specific date of the celebration, but on the miracle of Jesus' resurrection and what it symbolizes: a victory over death and promise of salvation.

What is the Catholic Church's stance on When Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? 

Within the realms of our collective comprehension, the chronology of significant events in the life of Jesus Christ, as narrated by the Gospels, is intensively examined and interpreted by the teachings of the Catholic Church. From Christ's birth to His resurrection, each event holds paramount importance in Christian theology and liturgical tradition. Our focus at this juncture falls upon the resurrection of Jesus — a momentous occurrence in Christian eschatology that culminates in the promise of eternal life. 

The Catholic Church, reverently looking toward the Gospels, holds the belief that Jesus Christ indeed rose from His grave on the first day of the week, or what we today denote as Sunday. This is reflected in the liturgical alignment of the Catholic Church, which ceremonially celebrates Easter Sunday as the commemoration of Christ's triumphant resurrection. 

We speak not of an arbitrary arrangement here. Instead, this belief stands firmly on scriptural authority. The gospel according to Mark (16:9), in its concise yet profound narrative, testifies that Jesus had risen 'early on the first day of the week'. Other gospel accounts echo this timing, providing harmonious testimony to the Sunday resurrection. 

Yet, we must tread lightly before attributing modern calendar calculation to the contextual timeline of Jesus' resurrection. In pursuit of exactitude, one might raise questions about the specific year of this miraculous event. However, the Catholic Church has traditionally been cautious in pinpointing a specific year. Time, as we comprehend it in its sequential form, was largely interpreted and utilized differently in first-century Judea. Accordingly, Christ's resurrection is symbolically and spiritually apprehended rather than geometrically measured, a facet inherent in the Catholic Church's overarching theology. 

In the realm of sacred mysteries, we encounter possibilities which transcend empirical calculations. By accepting Christ's Sunday resurrection, we also acknowledge the inherent dimensions of the divine, revitalizing our focus on the moral, spiritual and salvific truth harbored within this grand event. The resurrection story, as perceived by the Catholic Church, is thus a profound call to faith, redemption, and eternal hope — a divine revelation that far outstrips the confines of mere chronological precision. 

Let us summarize: 

• The Catholic Church celebrates Easter Sunday as the day Jesus Christ resurrected from the grave, as per teachings derived from the Gospel accounts.
• While the Gospels mention Jesus resurrecting on 'the first day of the week'—Sunday in modern parlance—there is reticence about specifying an exact year for this event. This demonstrates an emphasis on spiritual comprehension over rigid historical quantification.
• The Church's stance on Christ’s resurrection encompasses more than mere chronology. It signifies acceptance of divine dimensions and a call to faith, redemption, and eternal hope.

What are the different theories about the date of Jesus' resurrection?

The dating of Jesus' resurrection, an event that is of utmost importance to Christianity, is wrapped in an intricate tapestry of historical scrutiny, theological inquiry, and cultural tradition. It is not a matter to be taken lightly, for it serves as the epicenter around which the Christian faith orbits. Indeed, we can find various theories that seek to pinpoint this momentous occasion's precise chronology. 

The first major theory stems from the alignment of Christ's resurrection with the Jewish festival of Passover. The earliest Christians, drawing from their Jewish roots, naturally pegged their observance of Jesus' resurrection to coincide with this festival. However, within this context also existed nuances in interpretative practices. Some, adhering strictly to Jewish reckoning, celebrated the resurrection immediately after Passover, regardless of the day of the week. Others, aiming for a unified date, gravitated towards Sunday, the day traditionally accepted for Jesus' resurrection. 

Accommodating to a broader spectrum of opinion, another practice that emerged, notably from the influential Bishop of Alexandria, Dionysius, involved an 8-year Easter cycle. Further discussion on the subject led to Anatolius, Bishop of Laodicea, referencing a 19-year cycle. These cycles were attempts to attain a semblance of harmony between solar and lunar calendars, thus ensuring a consistent date for the celebration of resurrection. 

Despite the various theories, it seems we are faced with a paradox of historical and theological significance. How did one singular event, the resurrection of Jesus, give rise to such a multitude of interpretations? How is it possible that such a cornerstone event can elude precise chronological pinpointing? These are questions for us, collectively, to ponder and seek clarity in earnest prayer and enlightened scripture reading. 

Let us summarize: 

• The dating of Jesus' resurrection has given rise to various theories within the Christian community, influenced by historical, theological, and cultural contexts.
• The earliest Christians tied the commemoration of Jesus' resurrection to Passover, with some celebrating immediately after the festival regardless of the day, while others settled on Sunday.
• Further theories emerged from attempts to harmonize solar and lunar calendars, leading to the proposition of 8-year and 19-year Easter cycles.
• The multiplicity of interpretations points to a paradox: a singular event holds manifold understandings, indicative of the interpretive diversity within the Christian faith.

How is Easter the third day after Jesus’ death?

In the liturgical calendar, the timing of Easter is determined by the older tradition of counting days, specifically the inclusion of Good Friday as the first day after Jesus' death, followed by Holy Saturday as the second day, and Easter Sunday as the third day. This tradition is deeply rooted in Christian theology and plays a significant role in the observance of this holiest of days.

The Church continues this tradition in the liturgical calendar by calculating the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter and the Holy Week, which includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday. This method of counting days maintains the historical and theological significance of the timing of Easter and emphasizes the importance of these three days in the Christian faith.

The inclusion of Good Friday as the first day after Jesus' death, followed by Holy Saturday as the second day, and Easter Sunday as the third day, aligns with the biblical narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as well as the theological understanding of the significance of these events in Christian theology.

In summary:

• The older tradition of counting days is maintained in the liturgical calendar
• Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday are significant in the Christian faith
• The timing of Easter aligns with the biblical narrative of Jesus' death and resurrection.

What are the main sources of information about Jesus' resurrection?

In our endeavors to apprehend the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we often turn to three main sources which serve as invaluable repositories of historical accounts and religious teachings. The first source is the collection of biblical texts, primarily the four Gospels in the New Testament. Penned by the apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, these Gospels present the most detailed and comprehensive accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and most importantly, His resurrection, offering a spiritually rich mosaic of one of Christianity's bedrock beliefs. 

The second source is derived from the epistles, specifically those authored by Paul. As one of the most zealous proponents of Christianity after his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul championed the teachings of Christ and the importance of His resurrection. His letters are teeming with references to Jesus' resurrection, and they offer profound insights, influencing much of the subsequent theological discourse on the subject. 

The third mainstream of information comes from Church tradition and the teachings of the early Church Fathers, including the likes of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Augustine of Hippo, among others. Their writings, homilies, and teachings also discuss the resurrection and its significance, further elucidating the event's profound spiritual meaning. 

Thus, our comprehension of the resurrection is a multifaceted understanding, weaved from these rich and comprehensive narrative threads, revealing the immense significance of Jesus' victory over death. It is a tale of hope, a tale of faith, and above all, a tale of intense divine love for mankind. In conclusion, might we ponder: Can we, too, rise to the challenges and setbacks life throws our way, fortified by the knowledge that our Savior Himself triumphed over death? 

Let us summarize: 

• The four Gospels in the New Testament offer detailed accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
• Paul's epistles in the New Testament expound on the significance of the resurrection extensively.
• Church tradition and the teachings of early Church Fathers provide another source of information, interpreting the resurrection's spiritual meaning.

What are the discrepancies in the Gospels about the resurrection of Jesus?

We must grapple with the complexity of the discrepancies in the Gospels about the resurrection of Jesus, an essential event in Christian faith. Our interpretations, influenced by our faith, are drawn from four distinct, yet interconnected, accounts that form the foundation of the New Testament. Those of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John bear witness to the foundational event of Christianity in their own unique ways, providing us with a vibrant mosaic of what had transpired on that critical day. 

Matthew's Gospel recounts a great earthquake as an angel who descended from Heaven moved the stone blocking the tomb and sat upon it (Matthew 28:2). In contrast, Mark's Gospel tells us that when Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome arrived at the tomb, they found the stone already rolled away, and a young man in a white robe waiting inside (Mark 16:4-5). Luke's Gospel presents not one, but two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning, who reminded the fearful women of Jesus's predictions of His own resurrection (Luke 24:4-8). The Gospel of John departs further still, with Mary Magdalene discovering an empty tomb and running to Simon Peter, who then, accompanied by another disciple, comes back to find not just an empty tomb, but also the burial cloths that had wrapped Jesus's body (John 20:2-7). 

How should we, as individuals and as a community of faith, respond to these variations in the storyline? Are these discrepancies mere errors, or do they attest to the human involvement in the divinely inspired scriptures? By opening ourselves to the spiritual depth of the text, we may find that God speaks to us not only in harmony, but also in difference. For our faith is not built on literalism, but on the discernment of truth within the heart of the narrative. 

Moreover, we must consider that each Gospel writer had a different audience in mind, communicated through varying literary styles and contextual nuances. Herein lies the beauty of Scripture, whereby the root of truth remains unaffected by differences in depictions, reminding us of the spiritual imperatives that transcend specific historical or literary contexts. 

Let us summarize: 

• The Gospel of Matthew portrays an angel causing an earthquake and moving the stone from the tomb's entrance.
• Mark's Gospel presents a scene with the stone already rolled away and a single man in a white robe inside the tomb.
• According to Luke, there were two men in gleaming clothes inside the tomb, and they reminded the women about Jesus's prophecies.
• John's account differs significantly, with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb and the buried cloths left inside.

These discrepancies do not refute the truth of Jesus's resurrection but rather highlight the different perspectives and nuances of each Gospel writer. Thus, we are encouraged to seek the spiritual imperative within the narrative's heart rather than remaining affixed to a literal interpretation.

What are the theological implications of Jesus' resurrection?

In the realm of Christian belief, the resurrection of Jesus, that divine act whereby God brought His only begotten Son back from the clutches of death, holds immense theological significance. It forms a core pillar of Christian faith, an event imbued with great power that resonates with the deepest aspects of the human spiritual experience. 

The resurrection is seen as a testament to the power of God, an unfathomable show of might that transcends human comprehension or expectation. Can we even begin to fathom the magnitude of a power that could defy and overcome death itself? This, in essence, is a definitive proof of both Jesus' divinity and God's omnipotence. 

Moreover, the resurrection signifies the victory of good over evil, a crushing defeat of sin's chains and the grave's finality. For believers, this fosters a strong sense of hope, encouraging faith in a beneficial outcome, even in dire circumstances. This victory signifies deliverance, affirming the promise of eternal life for all who choose to follow Christ. 

The resurrection also confirms the legitimacy of Jesus' teachings. In His lifetime, Jesus made several prophetic announcements about His death and subsequent rising. The fulfillment of these prophecies served not only to validate Jesus as a true prophet, but more significantly, confirmed His identity as the Son of God. 

Be that as it may, could we dare to confront the individual and collective implications of this event? When we contemplate the resurrection of Jesus, are we not compelled to reflect on our own potential for spiritual rebirth? Thus, the resurrection becomes an invitation for personal transformation, an affirmation of the power God imparts to us to rise above our human failings and imperfections. 

Let us summarize: 

• The resurrection of Jesus is a core pillar of the Christian faith and holds immense theological significance.
• This event is seen as a demonstration of the power of God, evidence of Jesus' divinity, and a testament to God's omnipotence.
• The resurrection signifies the victory over sin and death, offering hope for believers in the promise of eternal life.
• Jesus' resurrection confirms the legitimacy of His teachings and His identity as the Son of God.
• The resurrection encourages individuals to contemplate their own potential for spiritual rebirth and transformation.

How does the resurrection of Jesus relate to the concept of salvation in Christianity?

It is of utmost significance, we believe, to understand how the resurrection of Jesus is inextricably linked to the concept of salvation within the Christian faith. Central to this belief is our understanding that Jesus, through His resurrection, defeated death itself and offered us a conduit to eternal life, redeeming us from the shackles of sin. The notion of salvation takes center stage in Christian theology, as it does in the hearts and minds of those who walk down the path of this faith. 

Recall, if you will, the crucifixion—whereby Jesus, in an act of supreme self-sacrifice, bore the cross for our transgressions. The cross, in this regard, was more than a means of capital punishment; it was the instrument of our deliverance, our repentance embodied. Yet, it was the resurrection that brought the promise of the cross to fruition. It served to affirm that there was a life after death, a being after becoming, a resurrection after the crucifixion. The concept of resurrection thus breathed life anew into our spiritual existence. 

Moreover, it is through faith in this very resurrection of Jesus that we, as Christians, are spiritually reborn. Our faith becomes a testament to His Victory over death and redefines our own mortal understanding of life and death. To rise as Jesus did is to transcend our mortal selves, shedding our worldly obsessions and sins much like an old skin; it is to embrace a new existence, one profoundly affected by His love and sacrifice. This, dear reader, is what we consider to be the actualization of salvation. 

In conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical or religious event - it's the heart of Christianity. It's the visible, tangible manifestation of God's love for humanity and His desire to offer all of us a means to salvation. Without the resurrection, the promise of salvation remains unfulfilled. With it, we are engaged in the endless loops of rebirth, reflection, and redemption, the rhythms of a faith dynamically pulsating with life. 

Let us summarize: 

• The resurrection of Jesus is paramount to the concept of salvation in Christianity, reflecting the triumph over death and a means to eternal life.
• Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection together herald salvation, with the cross representing repentance and the resurrection, life after death.
• Through faith in Jesus' resurrection, Christians are spiritually reborn, effectively signifying their spiritual growth and surrender of worldly sins.
• The resurrection underpins the promise of salvation, making faith an active, life-affirming process.

Facts & Stats

The resurrection of Jesus is believed to have occurred around 30-33 AD.

Jesus' resurrection is traditionally celebrated on Easter Sunday, which falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.

The resurrection is said to have occurred on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion, which would make it a Sunday according to Jewish counting.

The exact date of Jesus' resurrection is not known, but it is generally believed to have occurred in the month of Nisan, in the Jewish calendar.

According to the New Testament, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people over a period of 40 days after His resurrection.

References

Matthew 12:40

Luke 24:21

Mark 16:1

Mark 14:12

Luke 23:54

John 1:29

John 20:1

Luke 24

John 20

John 20:1-10

Luke 23