Three Days and Three Nights

By Solomon E. Fields

Modern theologians wrestle with the precise meaning of the days for Jesus' death and resurrection. Traditional theologians support the concept of Jesus' death on Friday and resurrection on Sunday as the ultimate confirmation of His deity. This study addresses the theories of a Wednesday and Thursday crucifixion and Saturday resurrection versus t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Solomon E. Fields
• Release date: May 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781961227019

Solomon E. Fields

Solomon E. Fields is a preacher and teacher who has spoken at numerous revivals and workshops within Texas. He has over thirty-two years of ministry experience, including twenty-nine years of pastoring at St. John Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Fields holds a BA in communications, MA and doctorate degrees in biblical studies, and a chaplaincy certificate. He and his wife Louise reside in Lubbock, Texas.

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ISBN 978-1-961227-00-2 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-961227-01-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Solomon E. Fields

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ENDORSEMENTS

God Almighty – the creator of all mankind – sent His only begotten Son to die on a cruel cross for the sins of the world. There are several schools of thought- that attempt to explain three days and three nights in the grave and the Resurrection Day. The Jewish culture and the non-Greek or modern cultures grapple with authenticating what theologians say, what the Holy Bible says, and what most preachers preach.

This book is riveting and relational and a must-read. The objectivity expressed in Three Days and Three Nights is biblically based and expounds with scripture what we believe to be true about Resurrection Day -Sunday as the first day of the week – the New Sabbath. Dr. Solomon Fields is a scholar and pastor who researches what he teaches. His language is relatable, and this topic is relevant to so many Christian churches.

This book, Three Days and Three Nights is a powerful, provocative, passionate, and prophetic book that offers a real explanation of the events preceding the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and provides a substantive discourse for laity, clergy, and the pew. I highly recommend this book.

Minister Dr. Deborah Fields Harris

Another inspiring resource for Bible Students to avail themselves while studying subjects of the New Testament. It’s amazing what we find during the three days. I thank Dr. Fields for making such a tool.

                                                             Dr. Bill Odems, President

Mount Olive Bible Institute

This book divinely designates inquiry into the pinpointed timeline of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Dr. Fields, for your genius exegesis of the scriptural texts that support the various theories included in this expository publication.

-Melody Ann Wilson, Ph.D.,

                                                            Retired Educator

Dr. Fields boldly affirms that the resurrection of Jesus was unique, and is the ultimate proof that Jesus is the Son of God. With insight from Scripture and other sources, he makes the case that the emphasis in Matthew 12:40 is not on the three days and nights, but on the resurrection itself. He treats Scripture with great care, giving appropriate attention to the idioms that are used in Scripture. But his words are more than just an affirmation of the resurrection; his words will strengthen believers in their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and will encourage them to live out their faith with boldness and confidence. You will be blessed by this little volume.

                                                             Dr. Barry Stephens

                                                             Senior Minister

Monterey Church of Christ

                                                             Lubbock, Texas

Contents

Chapter 1 – Introduction 

Chapter 2 – The Literature Review 

Chapter 3 – Three Days and Three Nights 

Chapter 4 – The Sign of Jonah 

Chapter 5 – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ 

Chapter 6 – Final Conclusions 

Glossary 

Bibliography 

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

General Overview

Wednesday night prayer service and Bible study at the St. John Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, usually includes a session whereby the teacher presents the lesson and then asks questions concerning the topic and the various scriptures used to support the study. During one of the lessons, I asked how many members believed that Jesus Christ was crucified on Good Friday and remained in the grave for three days and three nights. The facial expressions of the congregation were priceless as many began to ponder and give their opinions. Some members suggested that Jesus was crucified before Good Friday, trying to use logic and reasoning for a Wednesday or Thursday crucifixion date. Other members based their belief on the Friday crucifixion date because of presupposition and the fear of questioning fundamental beliefs from early childhood. Some members contented that Jesus was crucified on Friday but not literally in the grave for three whole days and nights.

The Wednesday night discussion encouraged me to pursue Jesus’ statement recorded in Matthew 12:40 of the sign of the prophet Jonah that the Son of Man would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Some Bible readers take a literal approach to Matthew 12:40, so the question for discussion is whether this sign is the primary validation of Jesus being the Christ and the Son of God.

The quest for information began in hopes of discovering the truth and how the modern-day preacher/teacher can claim that Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday. In Matthew 12:39, Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for requiring a sign but then makes the statement of comparing the Son of Man being in the grave three days and three nights, as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights. The question could be whether the burial of three days and three nights is the confirmation that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. Jesus spoke in parables to people who had ears but could not hear and eyes to see but could not see, and He said this in response to their questioning His authority