Conclusion

Jesus was crucified on Wednesday late afternoon and rose from the dead after three days and three nights, on Saturday evening. This perfectly fulfilled two prophecies: that of the Passover and that of Jonah. The Passover lamb was to be kept inside the house for four days, continually inspected for flaw or blemish. Finding none, it was a fit sacrifice for God. In the same way, Jesus was in Jerusalem for four days, being inspected by all the authorities of the world, both Jew and Gentile. Finding no flaw or blemish, they considered him a fit sacrifice. Also, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so Jesus was three days and three night in the grave. After emerging from the fish, Jonah preached to the Gentiles. After Jesus' resurrection, the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. The other interpretation of Jesus death, that it occurred on Friday, denies both the Passover and Jonah.

Although understanding that the crucifixion occurred on Wednesday instead of Friday is not significant in that it would change our doctrines today, nevertheless it gives us a better understanding of the Bible and the perfection in which it holds together.