The Resurrection after Three Full Days and Nights?

posted on Fr. Cassien's blog, April 15, 2026

Letter of Saint Isidore of Pelusium

To the priest Theognostus. On the three days and three nights of the Lord's sojourn in the tomb

I am utterly astonished by the folly of those who ask, “Why did Christ rise again before three days?” For if they maintain that he did not rise, why dwell on the question of time? If he did rise again, but sooner than he promised, let them acknowledge that the resurrection also proved the undeniable truth of his words. For having accomplished what was and seemed (in view of human weakness) impossible, he certainly would not have been incapable of accomplishing what was possible. Although his later resurrection was the greatest manifestation of his weakness, his earlier resurrection testified to his full power. And since Christ annihilated the countless lists of Hellenic gods, overthrew all idols, destroyed the impious altars defiled with human blood, rendered the devil powerless, cast out demons, subdued savage tribes, subjected the Jews to immense calamities, and raised those who believed in him above the heavens, it would be fitting to worship his divine and irresistible power rather than argue for hours. For that which is most important and transcends all reason cannot be refuted by trivialities. 

However, since the truth abounds, I will attempt to examine the matter itself. Therefore, in response to their attack, let us say this: if we see a debtor who has promised to pay his creditor within three days settle his entire debt before the due date, should we condemn him as a liar or admire him for his faithfulness to the truth? I am of the latter opinion, and so are they, certainly. Therefore, what is inconsistent between Christ's declaration that he would rise again on the third day and his earlier resurrection, to demonstrate his power, mortify the guards, and silence the Jews? An earlier resurrection would not have provoked accusations, but a delay would have aroused great suspicion. The resurrection was supposed to take place while the guards kept watch at the tomb. Now, if it had occurred after the prescribed days had ended and the guards had left, the matter would have seemed suspicious. If Christ did not rise again, how could the apostles have performed such miracles in his name? Why should these witnesses, who braved thousands of dangers and deaths, testified to the truth, sealing their testimony not with ink but with their own blood, be considered unworthy of faith? To be precise, here is what I will say: Christ announced his resurrection on the third day. There is Friday, and there is the Sabbath until sunset, but after the Sabbath, he rose again, thus fully fulfilling the outermost days and the middle day. For he also said that he would rise again on the third day, not after three days. “Destroy this church,” he said, “and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). And the Prophet, foreshadowing in song the mourning of death, being bound by the most powerful death, said: “After two days he will heal us; “On the third day, we will rise again and live in Him” (Hosea 6:3). If they are referring to the words “three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:39), I reply that He fulfilled His promise through His contact with them. For the entire duration of twenty-four hours is called a day. But if someone is born or dies during the first or last hour, the day itself is counted. For example, if someone is born just before sunset, and that day is the first day of the month, it is considered that they were born on that day. But if someone is born after sunset, it will be the second day. So why, when the difference in time is only an hour, or even less, do we say that one was born on the first day and the other on the second? Because it is clear and obvious to everyone that the first simply completed the previous day, while the second lived the following day, composed of twenty-four hours, without taking their eyes off it. Therefore, if this is confirmed by the precise calculation of the hours, why do those who persist in asserting that Truth has not resided in truth torment themselves in vain?