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Monday, April 11, 2016

Three Days; 14-17 Nisan; Graves Open; Crucifixion to Resurrection

This year (2016) we have probably taken notice that Easter and Passover are nearly a month apart. While that might seem weird, there is something even stranger that we never look at, the actual three day and three night time period regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection. What took place during the three days and nights, and why did the graves open? We have three accounts recorded by Pontius Pilate during the time of Jesus’ crucifixion and his resurrection. What we notice is an interesting correlation to Matthew’s account as well as many other scriptures about what Jesus was doing those three days and three nights. No one can make sense of three days and three nights being Friday to Sunday morning, so we will dissect that time period and why there were some people in the first century who celebrated Jesus’ death on the 14th of Nisan, and why there were some people who celebrated Jesus’ Resurrection on the 17th of Nisan. The historian Josephus tells us that Jesus appeared alive again on the third day, just as the prophets have said.   

Josephus, Antiquities, 18:3:3. Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third dayas the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.

Josephus notes that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and he also points out that Jesus rose the third day. We know that traditions from the Romans and the Nicaean Counsel changed our dates/days and which day we should celebrate Jesus. Jesus told us that he would be in the grave for three days and three nights, so let’s re-count. If he was crucified on Friday he would have still been in the grave on Sunday morning.  Instead, the actual Passover day was the 14th of Nisan, which in the present year of 2016 falls on April 22nd

Matt 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.KJV

Matt 27:62-63 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.KJV

Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.KJV

John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?21 But he spake of the temple of his body.KJV

Jesus’ crucifixion happened on Nisan 14. At the time of the first century church, first century believers in Christ celebrated the Lord’s Death on the 14th of Nisan at sundown. These people later became known as the Quartodecimens because they recognized the last supper, the day of preparation on the 14th. Quarto is “4” in Latin, deci is “10”. In the first century they were known as “celebrators of the 14th of Nisan”. These believers were not concerned as to when Jesus arose, but on his last supper. This was the common practice of the Asian believers in the first century because they observed the command, “this do”. This is why they were conscious to keep the 14th of Nisan as their date for observance. Paul also reminds us of this as well.  

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. KJV

1 Cor 11:24-26 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. KJV

The Quartodecimens kept the observance of the 14th, the Lords Death, and the Passover feast of Unleavened Bread. As we have studying the Therapeutaes from Alexandria Egypt, we find that those believers during the first century started celebrating Jesus overcoming the grave on the third day after the crucifixion. They were not partial to the day of the week, as in Sunday, but rather were focused on the third day. There was really little contention between these two groups until we get to the council of Nicaea. At that time Eusebius preferred a celebration on a Sunday. Polycarp opposed this, but neither made the decision. Constantine delivered a scathing anti-Semitic discourse and refused to put a holiday on a day that the Jews already had set aside as a holiday. Therefore the decision was made to have a holiday called Easter that combined the spring equinox and the Sunday holiday of Eusebius, and to put it after the Jewish Passover so as not to be contaminated by the Jews. The Quartodecimans were overridden by politics and a dislike for the Jews. However, if the Therapeutaes/Essenes/Nazarenes celebrated on resurrection day, it would not be harmful to observe both the 14th and the 17th of Nisan, rather than a made up date of Easter Sunday, irrespective of the genuine Passover. Let’s look at those actual three days and nights.    

On the Friday before the Passover, the 9th of Nisan, Jesus was in Bethany. At sundown the Sabbath started. On Saturday the 10th of Nisan, Jesus entered Jerusalem, this being the triumphal entry. Sunday the 11th of Nisan Jesus was in Jerusalem publicly teaching. On Monday, the 12th of Nisan Jesus was again in Bethany. Tuesday was the 13th of Nisan, and they returned from Bethany. Wednesday was the 14th of Nisan. The Last Supper was Tuesday night after sundown which is part of the same day in the Jewish day as Wednesday evening up to sundown. Jesus was crucified before sundown Wednesday. It was also the start of Passover (Wednesday night after sundown) and Jesus had to be buried before sundown when the Passover would begin. In haste he was laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. This was Jesus’ first night in the tomb. Thursday, the 15th of Nisan, (Wednesday sundown to Thursday sundown) was the Passover. No one did anything on this day but observe Passover. This was Jesus’ first full day in the tomb. Friday the 16th of Nisan (Thursday sundown to Friday sundown) was the day of preparation for the weekly Sabbath. On this day everyone had until sundown to get prepared. The women would have gone out to buy the spices to anoint Jesus’ body. The burial cloth consisted of long strips of material soaked in scented oil. That would have all been prepared so that after the weekly Sabbath they could properly anoint his body. This was Jesus’ second day in the tomb. Saturday the 17th of Nisan, (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown) the weekly Sabbath, day of rest was observed and concluded at sundown. This was Jesus’ third day in the tomb. Sometime after sundown Saturday night Jesus arose. Sunday morning, the 18th of Nisan and the first day of the week, the women found the tomb empty.

Lev 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover. KJV

This is the actual three days and three nights we have missed. We have to recognize that the command of the 14th of Nisan written in Leviticus was irrespective of the day of the week, but respective of the date of the month. The special high holy day of Passover was the 14th, the weekly Sabbath was the 17th. Both of those days, by sundown, people did not do any work in observance of the day. Tuesday sundown to Wednesday sundown Jesus ate His Last Supper, then was beaten and accused of violating the Sabbath. Wednesday day was preparation for the Passover which began Wednesday evening. That was the day Jesus was enduring the beatings for our sins. By the time Jesus died, people had to get ready for Passover. This leaves Thursday after sundown to Friday sundown for people to prepare for Jesus’ burial. Thursday night, markets were not open which means burial cloths, oils, and spices would have been bought Friday morning; but by sundown, all work would have to stop. Saturday after sundown the weekly Sabbath would end, but again no markets would be open and it would be dark which is why the women waited until Sunday morning to anoint Jesus’ body.  

Matt 27:50-60 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. KJV

American Standard Matt 27:52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised; ASV

Darby Matt 27:52-53 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints fallen asleep arose,53 and going out of the tombs after his arising, entered into the holy city and appeared unto many. Darby

Douay-Rheims Matt 27:52-53 And the graves were opened: and many bodies of the saints that had slept arose,53 And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, came into the holy city, and appeared to many. Douay-Rheims

Youngs Literal Matt 27:52-53 and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who have fallen asleep, arose, 53 and having come forth out of the tombs after his rising, they went into the holy city, and appeared to many.YLT

Webster Matt 27:52-53 And the graves were opened, and many bodies of saints who slept, arose,53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many. Webster

New Living Translation Matt 27:51-53 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

THE MESSAGE Matt 27:51-53 At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. 52 What's more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. 53 (After Jesus' resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.) (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights re Matt 27:52-53

Weymouth Matt 27:52-53 the tombs opened; and many of God's people who were asleep in death awoke.53 And coming out of their tombs after Christ's resurrection they entered the holy city and showed themselves to many. Weymouthserved.)

AP Polyglot Matthew 27:52G2532and G3588the G3419tombs G455were opened, G2532and G4183many G4983bodies G3588of the G2837[2sleeping G391holy ones] G1453arose;
53G2532and G1831having come forth G1537from out of G3588the G3419tombs, G3326after G3588 G1454his rising up, G1473 G1525entered G1519into G3588the G39holy G4172city, G2532and G1718were revealed G4183to many http://studybible.info/ABP_Strongs/Matthew%2027

Clearly, something happened when Jesus died that made the graves open up. Actually, there is a modern day archeologist who is writing a book about where these graves were. It should be published soon. This will be a wonderful read. Meanwhile, during most Easter services, we don’t seem to even talk about this event. There was no place in the grave for Jesus as he was sinless; instead he spoiled death, bound principalities and powers, took back the keys to hell and death, and set the captives free. Let’s read this excerpt from the Gospel of Nicodemus.

The Gospel of Nicodemus, Formerly called The Acts of Pontius Pilate
CHAP. VIII. 1 Miraculous appearance at his death. 10 The Jews say the eclipse was natural. 12 Joseph of Arimathæa embalms Christ's body and buries it.
AND it was about the sixth hour, and darkness was upon the face of the whole earth until the ninth hour.2 And while the sun was eclipsed, behold the vail of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom; and the rocks also were rent, and the graves opened, and many bodies of saints, which slept, arose.3 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Hely, Hely, lama zabacthani? which being interpreted, is, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?4 And after these things, Jesus said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit; and having said this, he gave up the ghost.5 But when the centurion saw that Jesus thus crying out gave up the ghost, he glorified God, and said, Of a truth this was a just man.6 And all the people who stood by, were exceedingly troubled at the sight; and reflecting upon what had passed, smote upon their breasts, and then returned to the city of Jerusalem.7 The centurion went to the governor, and related to him all that had passed;8 And when he had heard all these things, he was exceeding sorrowful;9 And calling the Jews together, said to them, Have ye seen the miracle of the sun's eclipse, and the other things which came to pass, while Jesus was dying?10 Which when the Jews heard, they answered to the governor, The eclipse of the sun happened according to its usual custom.11 But all those who were the acquaintance of Christ, stood at a distance, as did the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee, observing all these things.12 And behold a certain man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus, but not openly so, for fear of the Jews, came to the governor, and entreated the governor that he would give him leave to take away the body of Jesus from the cross.13 And the governor gave him leave.14 And Nicodemus came, bringing with him a mixture of myrrh and aloes about a hundred pound weight; and they took down Jesus from the cross with tears, and bound him with linen cloths with spices, according to the custom of burying among the Jews,15 And placed him in a new tomb, which Joseph had built, and caused to be cut out of a rock, in which never any man had been put; and they rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre.

Now Pontius Pilate wrote two letters, one to Augustus Caesar one to Tiberius Caesar. The accounts are slightly different, but pay special attention to the details. These are the events of the time.

The Report of Pilate the Governor, sent to Augustus Caesar, in Rome
Now when he was crucified, there was darkness over all the world, and the sun was obscured for half a day, and the stars appeared, but no lustre was seen in them; and the moon lost its brightness, as though tinged with blood; and the world of the departed was swallowed up; so that the very sanctuary of the temple, as they call it, did not appear to the Jews themselves at their fall, but they perceived a chasm in the earth, and the rolling of successive thunders. And amid this terror the dead appeared rising again, as the Jews themselves bore witness, and said that it was Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, and Moses, and Job, who had died before, as they say, some three thousand five hundred years. And there were very many whom I myself saw appearing in the body, and they made lamentation over the Jews, because of the transgression which was committed by them, and because of the destruction of the Jews and of their law.
And the terror of the earthquake continued from the sixth hour of the preparation until the ninth hour; and when it was evening on the first day of the week, there came a sound from heaven, and the heaven became seven times more luminous than on all other days. And at the third hour of the night the sun appeared more luminous than it had ever shone, lighting up the whole hemisphere. And as lightning-flashes suddenly come forth in a storm, so there were seen men, lofty in stature, and surpassing in glory, a countless host, crying out, and their voice was heard as that of exceedingly loud thunder, Jesus that was crucified is risen again: come up from Hades ye that were enslaved in the subterraneous recesses of Hades. And the chasm in the earth was as if it had no bottom; but it was so that the very foundations of the earth appeared, with those that shouted in heaven, and walked in the body among the dead that were raised. And He that raised up all the dead and bound Hades said, Say to my disciples He goeth before you into Galilee, there shall ye see Him.
And all that night the light ceased not shining. And many of the Jews died in the chasm of the earth, being swallowed up, so that on the morrow most of those who had been against Jesus were not to be found. Others saw the apparition of men rising again whom none of us had ever seen. One synagogue of the Jews was alone left in Jerusalem itself, for they all disappeared in that ruin.
Therefore being astounded by that terror, and being possessed with the most dreadful trembling, I have written what I saw at that time and sent it to thine excellency; and I have inserted what was done against Jesus by the Jews, and sent it to thy divinity, my lord.

The Report of Pontius Pilate, sent to Tiberius Caesar in Rome
Now when he was crucified darkness came over all the world; the sun was altogether hidden, and the sky appeared dark while it was yet day, so that the stars were seen, though still they had their lustre obscured, wherefore, I suppose your excellency is not unaware that in all the world they lighted their lamps from the sixth hour until evening. And the moon, which was like blood, did not shine all night long, although it was at the full, and the stars and Orion made lamentation over the Jews, because of the transgression committed by them.
And on the first day of the week, about the third hour of the night, the sun appeared as it never shone before, and the whole heaven became bright. And as lightnings come in a storm, so certain men of lofty stature, in beautiful array, and of indescribable glory, appeared in the air, and a countless host of angels, crying out and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men: Come up from Hades, ye who are in bondage in the depths of Hades. And at their voice all the mountains and hills were moved, and the rocks were rent, and great chasms were made in the earth, so that the very places of the abyss were visible.
And amid the terror dead men were seen rising again, so that the Jews who saw it said, We beheld Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, who died some two thousand five hundred years before, and we beheld Noah clearly in the body. And all the multitude walked about and sang hymns to God with a loud voice, saying, The Lord our God, who hath risen from the dead, hath made alive all the dead, and Hades he hath spoiled and slain.
Therefore, my lord king, all that night the light ceased not. But many of the Jews died, and were sunk and swallowed up in the chasms that night, so that not even their bodies were to be seen. Now I mean, that those of the Jews suffered who spake against Jesus. And but one synagogue remained in Jerusalem, for all the synagogues which had been against Jesus were overwhelmed.
Through that terror, therefore, being amazed and being seized with great trembling, in that very hour, I ordered what had been done by them all to be written, and I have sent it to thy mightiness.

These are the happenings during the time frame of Jesus death, the time he went into the grave. After the events of the crucifixion, Pilate’s wife went to the tomb. Pilate wrote this letter to Herod.

Letter of Pilate to Herod
Pilate to Herod the Tetrarch: Peace.
KNOW and see, that in the day when thou didst deliver Jesus unto me, I took pity on myself, and testified by washing my hands (that I was innocent), concerning him who rose from the grave after three days, and had performed thy pleasure in him, for thou didst desire me to be associated with thee in his crucifixion. But I now learn from the executioners and from the soldiers who watched his sepulchre that he rose from the dead. And I have especially confirmed what was told me, that he appeared bodily in Galilee, to the same form, and with the same voice, and with the same doctrine, and with the sane disciples, not having changed in anything, but preaching with boldness his resurrection, and an everlasting kingdom.
And behold, heaven and earth rejoice; and behold, Procla my wife is believing in the visions which appeared unto her, when thou sentest that I should deliver Jesus to the people of Israel, because of the ill-will they had.
Now when Procla, my wife, heard that Jesus was risen, and had appeared in Galilee, she took with her Longinus the centurion and twelve soldiers, the same that had watched at the sepulchre, and went to greet the face of Christ, as if to a great spectacle, and saw him with his disciples.
Now while they were standing, and wondering, and gazing at him, he looked at them, and said to them, What is it? Do ye believe in me? Procla, know that in the covenant which God gave to the fathers, it is said that every body which had perished should live by means of my death, which ye have seen. And now, ye see that I live, whom ye crucified. And I suffered many things, till that I was laid in the sepulchre. But now, hear me, and believe in my Father—God who is in me. For I loosed the cords of death, and brake the gates of Sheol; and my coming shall be hereafter.
And when Procla my wife and the Romans heard these things, they came and told me, weeping; for they also were against him, when they devised the evils which they had done unto him. So that, I also was on the couch of my bed in affliction, and put on a garment of mourning, and took unto me fifty Romans with my wife and went into Galilee.

We see from Pilate’s letter, there were activities that happened after Jesus rose.

Eph 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)KJV

Col 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.KJV

Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. KJV

The Gospel of Nicodemus, aka the Acts of Pontius Pilate, is a very interesting read that fills in the gaps of the events in the underworld when Jesus went into Hades, so I will end with this. It is a long read but well worth the time. This is why the Masoretes tried to bury this text. They did not deem it worthy of their canon. We can also see why there were many contentions between the Romans and the Jews, as the Romans were building a national religion that was inclusive of Paganism and Christianity, whereas the Jews rejected Jesus, the Essenes/Nazarenes/Therapeutaes, and prophets, and stayed with the Pharisees and temple service and works. But Jesus overcame the grave, which is the key point. History is filled with people twisting and spinning ideas to promote their own agenda. As we saw previously, we could stick with traditions that promote the idea that Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday morning, but we will continue to look stupid to the rest of the world. We can celebrate Jesus’ death on Nisan 14 or his Resurrection on Nisan 17, but if we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection a month before Passover, we again look silly to the rest of the world. It doesn’t take much to recognize that Christianity has a lot of growing up to do. It is hard to be relevant to the world when in this day and age we cling to traditions instead of the facts. Culture can dictate many things, but Christian culture has to learn that there are not three days and three nights between Friday night and Sunday morning, and many sources recognize that the graves were opened.

The GOSPEL of NICODEMUS, formerly called the ACTS of PONTIUS PILATE.
CHAP. XII.
1 The Jews astonished and confounded. 17 Simeon's two sons, Charinus and Lenthius, rise from the dead at Christ's crucifixion. 19 Joseph proposes to get them to relate the mysteries of their resurrection. 21 They are sought and found, 22 brought to the synagogue, 23 privately sworn to secrecy,25 and undertake to write what they had seen.
WHEN the chief priests and heard all thesethings, they were astonished, and fell down with their faces on the ground as dead men, and crying out to one another said, What is this extraordinary sign which is come to pass in Jerusalem? We know the father and mother of Jesus.2 And a certain Levite said, I know many of his relations, religious persons, who are wont to offer sacrifices and burnt-offerings to the God of Israel, in the temple, with prayers.3 And when the high priest Simeon took him up in his arms. he said to him, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people: a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.4 Simeon in like manner blessed Mary the mother of Jesus, and said to her, I declare to thee concerning that child; He is appointed for the fall and rising again of many, and for a sign which shall be spoken against.5 Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also, and the thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.6 Then said all the Jews, Let us send to those three men, who said they saw him talking with his disciples in Mount Olivet.7 After this, they asked them what they had seen; who answered with one accord, In the presence of the God of Israel we affirm, that we plainly saw Jesus talking with his disciples in Mount Olivet, and ascending up to heaven.8 Then Annas and Caiaphas took them into separate places, and examined them separately; who unanimously confessed the truth, and said, they had seen Jesus.9 Then Annas and Caiaphas said "Our law saith, By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." 10 But what have we said? The blessed Enoch pleased God, and was translated by the word of God; and the burying-place of the blessed Moses is known.11 But Jesus was delivered to Pilate, whipped, crowned with thorns, spit upon, pierced with a spear, crucified, died upon the cross, and was buried, and his body the honorable Joseph buried in a new sepulchre, and he testifies that he saw him alive.12 And besides these men have declared, that they saw him talking with his disciples in Mount Olivet, and ascending up to heaven.13 ¶ Then Joseph rising up. said to Annas and Caiaphas, Ye may be justly under a great surprise, that you have been told, that Jesus is alive, and gone up to heaven.14 It is indeed a thing really surprising, that he should not only himself arise from the dead, but also raise others from their graves, who have been seen by many in Jerusalem. 15 And now hear me a little: We all knew the blessed Simeon, the high-priest, who took Jesus when an infant into his arms in the temple.16 This same Simeon had two sons of his own, and we were all present at their death and funeral.17 Go therefore and see their tombs, for these are open, and they are risen: and behold, they are in the city of Arimathæa, spending their time together in offices of devotion.18 Some, indeed, have heard the sound of their voices in prayer, but they will not discourse with any one, but they continue as mute as dead men.19 But come, let us go to them, and behave ourselves towards them with all due respect and caution. And if we can bring them to swear, perhaps they will tell us some of the mysteries of their resurrection.20 When the Jews heard this, they were exceedingly rejoiced.21 Then Annas and Caiaphas, Nicodemus, Joseph, and Gamaliel, went to Arimathæa, but did not find them in their graves; but walking about the city, they bound them on their bended knees at their devotions:22 Then saluting them with all respect and deference to God, they brought them to the synagogue at Jerusalem: and having shut the gates, they took the book of the law of the Lord,23 And putting it in their hands, swore them by God Adonai, and the God of Israel, who spake to our fathers by the law and the prophets, saying, If ye believe him who raised you from the dead, to be Jesus, tell us what ye have seen, and how ye were raised from the dead.24 Charinus and Lenthius, the two sons of Simeon, trembled when they heard these things, and were disturbed, and groaned; and at the same time looking up to heaven, they made the sign of the cross with their fingers on their tongues.25 And immediately they spake, and said, Give each of us some paper, and we will write down for you all those things which we have seen. And they each sat down and wrote, saying,
CHAP. XIII.
1 The narrative of Charinus and Lenthius commences. 3 A great light in hell. 7 Simeon arrives, and announces the coming of Christ.
O LORD Jesus and Father, who art God, also the resurrection and life of the dead, give us leave to declare thy mysteries, which we saw after death, belonging to thy cross; for we are sworn by thy name.
2 For thou hast forbid thy servants to declare the secret things, which were wrought by thy divine power in hell.3 ¶ When we were placed with our fathers in the depth of hell, in the blackness of darkness, on a sudden there appeared the colour of the sun like gold, and a substantial purple-coloured light enlightening the place.4 Presently upon this, Adam, the father of all mankind, with all the patriarchs and prophets, rejoiced and said, That light is the author of everlasting light, who hath promised to translate us to everlasting light.5 Then Isaiah the prophet cried out, and said, This is the light of the Father, and the Son of God, according to my prophecy, when I was alive upon earth.6 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim beyond Jordan, a people who walked in darkness, saw a great light; and to them who dwelled in the region of the shadow of death, light is arisen. And now he is come, and hath enlightened us who sat in death.7 And while we were all rejoicing in the light which shone upon us, our father Simeon came among us, and congratulating all the company, said, Glorify the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God.8 Whom I took up in my arms when an infant in the temple, and being moved by the Holy Ghost, said to him, and acknowledged, That now mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.9 All the saints who were in the depth of hell, hearing this, rejoiced the more.10 Afterwards there came forth one like a little hermit, and was asked by every one, Who art thou?11 To which he replied, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, John the Baptist, and the prophet of the Most High, who went before his coming to prepare his way, to give the knowledge of salvation to his people for the forgiveness of sins.12 And I John, when I saw Jesus coming to me, being moved by the Holy Ghost, I said, Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.13 And I baptized him in the river Jordan, and saw the Holy Ghost descending upon him in the form of a dove, and heard a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.14 And now while I was going before him, I came down hither to acquaint you, that the Son of God will next visit us, and, as the day-spring from on high, will come to us, who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
CHAP. XIV.
1 Adam causes Seth to relate what he heard from Michael the archangel, when he sent him to Paradise to entreat God to anoint his head in his sickness.
BUT when the first man our father Adam heard these things, that Jesus was baptized in Jordan, he called out to his son, Seth, and said,2 Declare to your sons, the patriarchs and prophets, all those things, which thou didst hear from Michael, the archangel, when I sent thee to the gates of Paradise, to entreat God that he would anoint my head when I was sick.3 Then Seth, coming near to the patriarchs and prophets, said, I Seth, when I was praying to God at the gates of Paradise, beheld the angel of the Lord, Michael appear unto me saying, I am sent unto thee from the Lord; I am appointed to preside over human bodies.4 I tell thee Seth, do not pray to God in tears, and entreat him for the oil of the tree of mercy wherewith to anoint thy father Adam for his head-ache;5 Because thou canst not by any means obtain it till the last day and times, namely, till five thousand and five hundred years be past.6 Then will Christ, the most merciful Son of God, come on earth to raise again the human body of Adam, and at the same time to raise the bodies of the dead, and when he cometh he will be baptized in Jordan:7 Then with the oil of his mercy he will anoint all those who believe on him; and the oil of his mercy will continue to future generations, for those who shall be born of the water and the Holy Ghost unto eternal life.8 And when at that time the most merciful Son of God, Christ Jesus, shall come down on earth, he will introduce our father Adam into Paradise, to the tree of mercy.9 When all the patriarchs and prophets heard all these things from Seth, they rejoiced more.
CHAP. XV.
1 Quarrel between Satan and the prince of hell concerning the expected arrival of Christ in hell.
WHILE all the saints were vv rejoicing, behold Satan, the prince and captain of death, said to the prince of hell, 2 Prepare to receive Jesus of Nazareth himself, who boasted that he was the Son of God, and yet was a man afraid of death, and said, My soul is sorrowful even to death.3 Besides he did many injuries to me and to many others; for those whom I made blind and lame and those also whom I tormented with several devils, he cured by his word; yea, and those whom I brought dead to thee, he by force takes away from thee.4 To this the prince of hell replied to Satan, Who is that so-powerful prince, and yet a man who is afraid of death?5 For all the potentates of the earth are subject to my power, whom thou broughtest to subjection by thy power.6 But if be be so powerful in his human nature, I affirm to thee for truth, that he is almighty in his divine nature, and no man can resist his power.7 When therefore he said be was afraid of death, he designed to ensnare thee, and unhappy it will be to thee for everlasting ages.8 Then Satan replying, said to the prince of hell, Why didst thou express a doubt, and wast afraid to receive that Jesus of Nazareth, both thy adversary and mine?9 As for me, I tempted him and stirred up my old people the Jews with zeal and anger against him?10 I sharpened the spear for his suffering; I mixed the gall and vinegar, and commanded that he should drink it; I prepared the cross to crucify him, and the nails to pierce through Ibis hands and feet; and now his death is near at hand, I will bring him hither, subject both to thee and me.11 Then the prince of hell answering, said, Thou saidst to me just now, that he took away the dead from me by force.12 They who have been kept here till they should live again upon earth, were taken away hence, not by their own power, but by prayers made to God, and their almighty God took them from me.13 Who then is that Jesus of Nazareth that by his word hath taken away the dead from me without prayer to God?14 Perhaps it is the same who took away from me Lazarus, after he had been four days dead, and did both stink and was rotten, and of whom I had possession as a dead person, yet he brought him to life again by his power.15 Satan answering, replied to the prince of hell, It is the very same person, Jesus of Nazareth.16 Which when the prince of hell heard, he said to him, I adjure thee by the powers which belong to thee and me, that thou bring him not to me.17 For when I heard of the power of his word, I trembled for fear, and all my impious company were at the same time disturbed;18 And we were not able to detain Lazarus, but he gave himself a shake, and with all the signs of malice, he immediately went away from us; and the very earth, in which the dead body of Lazarus was lodged, presently turned him out alive.19 And I know now that he is Almighty God who could perform such things, who is mighty in his dominion, and mighty in his human nature, who is the Saviour of mankind.20 Bring not therefore this person hither, for he will set at liberty all those whom I hold in prison under unbelief, and bound with the fetters of their sins, and will conduct them to everlasting life.
CHAP. XVI.
1 Christ's arrival at hell-gates; the confusion thereupon. 10 He descends into hell.
AND while Satan and the prince of hell were discoursing thus to each other, on a sudden there was a voice as of thunder and the rushing of winds, saying, Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, O everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall come in.2 When the prince of hell heard this, he said to Satan, Depart from me, and begone out of my habitations; if thou art a powerful warrior, fight with the King of Glory. But what hast thou to do with him?3 And he cast him forth from his habitations.4 And the prince said to his impious officers, Shut the brass gates of cruelty, and make them fast with iron bars, and fight courageously, lest we be taken captives.5 But when all the company of the saints heard this they spake with a loud voice of anger to the prince of hell:6 Open thy gates that the King of Glory may come in.7 And the divine prophet David, cried out saying, Did not I when on earth truly prophesy and say, O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.8 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. He hath taken them because of their iniquity, and because of their unrighteousness they are afflicted.9 After this another prophet, namely, holy Isaiah, spake in like manner to all the saints, did not I rightly prophesy to you when I was alive on earth?10 The dead men shall live, and they shall rise again who are in their graves, and they shall rejoice who are in earth; for the dew which is from the Lord shall bring deliverance to them.11 And I said in another place, O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?12 When all the saints heard these things spoken by Isaiah, they said to the prince of hell, Open now thy gates, and take away thine iron bars; for thou wilt now be bound, and have no power.13 Then there was a great voice, as of the sound of thunder saying, Lift up your gates, O princes; and be ye lifted up, ye gates of hell, and the King of Glory will enter in.14 The prince of hell perceiving the same voice repeated, cried out as though he had been ignorant, Who is that King of Glory?15 David replied to the prince of hell, and said, I understand the words of that voice, because I spake them by his spirit. And now, as I have above said, I say unto thee, the Lord strong and powerful, the Lord mighty in battle: he is the King of Glory, and he is the Lord in heaven and in earth;16 He hath looked down to hear the groans of the prisoners, and to set loose those that are appointed to death. 17 And now, thou filthy and stinking prince of hell, open thy gates, that the King of Glory may enter in; for he is the Lord of heaven and earth.18 While David was saying this, the mighty Lord appeared in the form of a man, and enlightened those places which had ever before been in darkness,19 And broke asunder the fetters which before could not be broken; and with his invincible power visited those who sate in the deep darkness by iniquity, and the shadow of death by sin.
CHAP. XVII.
1 Death and the devils in great horror at Christ's coming. 13 He tramples on death, seizes the prince of hell, and takes Adam with him to heaven.
IMPIOUS Death and her cruel officers hearing these things, were seized with fear in their several kingdoms, when they saw the clearness of the light,2 And Christ himself on a sudden appearing in their habitations; they cried out therefore, and said, We are bound by thee; thou seemest to intend our confusion before the Lord.3 Who art thou, who hast no sign of corruption, but that bright appearance which is a full proof of thy greatness, of which yet thou seemest to take no notice?4 Who art thou, so powerful and so weak, so great and so little, a mean and yet a soldier of the first rank, who can command in the form of a servant as a common soldier?5 The King of Glory, dead and alive, though once slain upon the cross?6 Who layest dead in the grave, and art come down alive to us, and in thy death all the creatures trembled, and all the stars were moved, and now hast thou thy liberty among the dead, and givest disturbance to our legions?7 Who art thou, who dost release the captives that were held in chains by original sin, and bringest them into their former liberty8 Who art thou, who dost spread so glorious and divine a light over those who were made blind by the darkness of sin?9 In like manner all the legions of devils were seized with the like horror, and with the most submissive fear cried out, and said,10 Whence comes it, O thou Jesus Christ, that thou art a man so powerful and glorious in majesty, so bright as to have no spot, and so pure as to have no crime? For that lower world of earth, which was ever till now subject to us, and from whence we received tribute, never sent us such a dead man before, never sent such presents as these to the princes of hell.11 Who therefore art thou, who with such courage enterest among our abodes, and art not only not afraid to threaten us with the greatest punishments, but also endeavourest to rescue all others from the chains in which we hold them?12 Perhaps thou art that Jesus, of whom Satan just now spoke to our prince, that by the death of the cross thou wert about to receive the power of death.13 Then the King of Glory trampling upon death, seized the prince of hell, deprived him of all his power, and took our earthly father Adam with him to his glory.
CHAP. XVIII.
1 Beelzebub, prince of hell, vehemently upbraids Satan for persecuting Christ and bringing him to hell. 4. Christ gives Beelzebub dominion over Satan for ever, as a recompense for taking away Adam and his sons.
THEN the prince of hell took Satan, and with great indication said to him, O thou prince of destruction, author of
Beelzebub's defeat and banishment, the scorn of God's angels and loathed by all righteous persons! What inclined thee to act thus?2 Thou wouldst crucify the King of Glory, and by his destruction, hast made us promises of very large advantages, but as a fool wert ignorant of what thou wast about.3 For behold now that Jesus of Nazareth, with the brightness of his glorious divinity, puts to flight all the horrid powers of darkness and death;4 He has broke down our prisons from top to bottom, dismissed all the captives, released all who were bound, and all who were wont formerly to groan under the weight of their torments have now insulted us, and we are like to be defeated by their prayers.5 Our impious dominions are subdued, and no part of mankind is now left in our subjection, but on the other hand, they all boldly defy us;6 Though, before, the dead never durst behave themselves insolently towards us, nor, being prisoners, could ever on any occasion be merry.7 ¶ O Satan, thou prince of all the wicked, father of the impious and abandoned, why wouldest thou attempt this exploit, seeing our prisoners were hitherto always without the least hopes of salvation and life?8 But now there is not one of them does ever groan, nor is there the least appearance of a tear in any of their faces.9 O prince Satan, thou great keeper of the infernal regions, all thy advantages which thou didst acquire by the forbidden tree, and the loss of Paradise, thou hast now lost by the wood of the cross;10 And thy happiness all then expired, when thou didst crucify Jesus Christ the King of Glory.11 Thou hast acted against thine own interest and mine, as thou wilt presently perceive by those large torments and infinite punishments which thou art about to suffer.12 O Satan, prince of all evil, author of death, and source of all pride, thou shouldest first have inquired into the evil crimes of Jesus of Nazareth, and then thou wouldest have found that he was guilty of no fault worthy of death.13 Why didst thou venture, without either reason or justice, to crucify him, and hast brought down to our regions a person innocent and righteous, and thereby hast lost all the sinners, impious and unrighteous persons in the whole world?14 While the prince of hell was thus speaking to Satan, the King of Glory said to Beelzebub, the prince of hell, Satan, the prince shall be subject to thy dominion for ever, in the room of Adam and his righteous sons, who are mine.
CHAP. XIX.
1 Christ takes Adam by the hand, the rest of the saints join hands, and they all ascend with him to Paradise.
THEN Jesus stretched forth his hand, and said, Come to me, all ye my saints, who were created in my image, who were condemned by the tree of forbidden fruit, and by the devil and death;2 Live now by the wood of my cross; the devil, the prince of this world, is overcome, and death is conquered.3 Then presently all the saints were joined together under the hand of the most high God; and the Lord Jesus laid hold on Adam's hand and said to him, Peace be to thee, and all thy righteous posterity, which is mine.4 Then Adam, casting himself at the feet of Jesus, addressed himself to him, with tears, in humble language, and a loud voice, saying, 5 I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.6 O Lord thou hast brought up my soul from the grave; thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.7 Sing unto the Lord, all ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but for a moment; in his favour is life.8 In like manner all the saints, prostrate at the feet of Jesus, said with one voice, Thou art come, O Redeemer of the world, and hast actually accomplished all things, which thou didst foretell by the law and thy holy prophets.9 Thou hast redeemed the living by thy cross, and art come down to us, that by the death of the cross thou mightest deliver us from hell, and by thy power from death.10 O, Lord, as thou hast put the ensigns of thy glory in heaven, and hast set up the sign of thy redemption, even thy cross on earth! so, Lord, set the sign of the victory of thy cross in hell, that death may have do minion no longer.11 Then the Lord stretching forth his hand, made the sign of the cross upon Adam, and upon all his saints.12 And taking hold of Adam by his right hand, he ascended from hell, and all the saints of God followed him.13 Then the royal prophet David boldly cried, and said, O sing unto the Lord a new song, for he hath done marvellous things; his right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory.14 The Lord hath made known his salvation, his righteousness hath he openly shewn in the sight of the heathen.15 And the whole multitude of saints answered, saying, This honour have all his saints, Amen, Praise ye the Lord.16 Afterwards, the prophet Habakkuk cried out, and said, Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for the salvation of thy people.17 And all the saints said, Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord; for the Lord hath enlightened us. This is our God for ever and ever; he shall reign over us to everlasting ages, Amen.18 In like manner all the prophets spake the sacred things of his praise, and followed the Lord.
CHAP. XX.
1 Christ delivers Adam to Michael the archangel. 3. They meet Enoch and Elijah in heaven, 5 and also the blessed thief, who relates how he cares to Paradise.
THEN the Lord holding Adam by the hand, delivered him to Michael the archangel; and he led them into Paradise, filled with mercy and glory;2 And two very ancient men met them, and were asked by the saints, Who are ye, who have not yet been with us in hell, and have had your bodies placed in Paradise?3 One of them answering, said, I am Enoch, who was translated by the word of God: and this man who is with me, is Elijah the Tishbite, who was translated in a fiery chariot. 4 Here we have hitherto been, and have not tasted death, but are now about to return at the coming of Antichrist, being armed with divine signs and miracles, to engage with him in battle, and to be slain by him at Jerusalem, and to be taken up alive again into the clouds, after three days and a half. 5 ¶ And while the holy Enoch and Elias were relating this, behold there came another man in a miserable figure carrying the sign of the cross upon his shoulders.6 And when all the saints saw him, they said to him, Who art thou? For thy countenance is like a thief's; and why dost thou carry a cross upon thy shoulders?7 To which he answering, said, Ye say right, for I was a thief who committed all sorts of wickedness upon earth.8 And the Jews crucified me with Jesus; and I observed the surprising things which happened in the creation at the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus.9 And I believed him to be the Creator of all things, and the Almighty King; and I prayed to him, saying, Lord, remember me, when thou comest into thy kingdom.10 He presently regarded my supplication, and said to me, Verily I say unto thee, this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise. 111 And he gave me this sign of the cross saying, Carry this, and go to Paradise; and if the angel who is the guard of Paradise will not admit thee, shew him the sign of the cross, and say unto him: Jesus Christ who is now crucified, hath sent me hither to thee.12 When I did this, and told the angel who is the guard of Paradise all these things, and he heard them, he presently opened the gates, introduced me, and placed me on the right-hand in Paradise,13 Saying, Stay here a little time, till Adam, the father of all mankind, shall enter in, with all his sons, who are the holy and righteous servants of Jesus Christ, who was crucified.14 When they heard all this account from the thief, all the patriarchs said with one voice, Blessed be thou, O Almighty God, the Father of everlasting goodness, and the Father of mercies, who hast shewn such favour to those who were sinners against him, and hast brought them to the mercy of Paradise, and hast placed them amidst thy large and spiritual provisions, in a spiritual and holy life. Amen.
CHAP. XXI.
1 Charinus and Lenthius being only allowed three days to remain on earth, 7 deliver in their narratives, which miraculously correspond; they vanish, 13 and Pilate records these transactions.
THESE are the divine and sacred mysteries which we saw and heard. I, Charinus and Lenthius are not allowed to declare the other mysteries of God, as the archangel Michael ordered us,2 Saying, ye shall go with my brethren to Jerusalem, and shall continue in prayers, declaring and glorifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ, seeing he hath raised you from the dead at the same time with himself.3 And ye shall not talk with any man, but sit as dumb persons till the time come when the Lord will allow you to relate the mysteries of his divinity.4 The archangel Michael farther commanded us to go beyond Jordan, to an excellent and fat country, where there are many who rose from the dead along with us for the proof of the resurrection of Christ.5 For we have only three days allowed us from the dead, who arose to celebrate the passover of our Lord with our parents, and to bear our testimony for Christ the Lord, and we have been baptized in the holy river of Jordan. And now they are not seen by any one.6 This is as much as God allowed us to relate to you; give ye therefore praise and honour to him, and repent, and he will have mercy upon you. Peace be to you from the Lord God Jesus Christ, and the Saviour of us all. Amen, Amen, Amen.7 And after they had made an end of writing and had wrote in two distinct pieces of paper, Charinus gave what he wrote into the hands of Annas, and Caiaphas, and Gamaliel.8 Lenthius likewise gave what he wrote into the hands of Nicodemus and Joseph; and immediately they were changed into exceeding white forms and were seen no more.9 But what they had wrote was found perfectly to agree, the one not containing one letter more or less than the other.10 When all the assembly of the Jews heard all these surprising relations of Charinus and Lenthius, they said to each other, Truly all these things were wrought by God, and blessed be the Lord Jesus for ever and ever, Amen.11 And they went about with great concern, and fear, and trembling, and smote upon their breasts and went away every one to his home.12 But immediately all these things which were related by the Jews in their synagogues concerning Jesus, were presently told by Joseph and Nicodemus to the governor.13 And Pilate wrote down all these transactions, and placed all these accounts in the public records of his hall.