(c) Moreover, the phrase "after three days" is used by the same writers (Matthew and Luke) in connection with the former one, "the third day," as meaning the same thing. Hence the definite and clear expressions must explain the one that is less so. The chief priests and Pharisees remember ([Matt. 27:63]) that Jesus said, after three days I rise again. Hence they urge Pilate to keep a guard over the tomb until the third day ([Matt. 27:64]). This is their own interpretation of the Saviour's words. Besides, in parallel passages in the different Gospels, one will have one expression and another the other, naturally suggesting that they regarded them as equivalent. (Cf. [Mark 8:31 with Matt. 16:21], [Luke 9:22] with [Mark 10:34].) On the third day cannot mean on the fourth day, while after three days can be used as meaning on the third day.
(d) [Matthew 12:40] is urged as conclusive the other way. But the "three days and three nights" may be nothing more than a longer way of saying three days, using day in its long sense. And we have already seen that the Jews counted any part of this full day (day and night) as a whole day (day and night). Hence this passage may mean nothing more than the common "after three days" above mentioned, and, like that expression, must be interpreted in accordance with the definite term "on the third day" and with the clear chronological data given by Luke and the rest. They seemed to be conscious of no discrepancy in these various expressions. Most likely they understood them as well as we do at any rate.
A LIST OF THE PARABLES OF JESUS
The Sign of the Temple, §
.
The Physician, §
(cf. §