The Significance of Three Hours of Darkness after Jesus Died

The Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew, describes a significant event during the Crucifixion of Jesus: a deep darkness that covered the land for three hours, from noon to three. Skeptics often dismiss this event as an embellishment or myth without historical basis. However, there is evidence to suggest that this darkness was more than just a religious embellishment. Let's explore the historical accounts and the significance of this event.

The Contradictions and Skepticism

The most common argument against the Biblical account of the darkness is that there is no historical evidence for it. Many skeptics claim that since it was not recorded by historians, it must not have happened. This view overlooks the fact that not all historical events are recorded by contemporary non-religious sources. Moreover, the argument dismisses the documentation provided by Christian and secular sources that bear witness to this event.

Documentation by Non-Christian Sources

There are several non-Christian records that confirm the occurrence of a significant celestial event during the Crucifixion of Jesus. These sources contribute to the understanding and historical plausibility of the event described in Matthew 27:45.

Thallus: The Eastern Mediterranean Historian

Thallus, a Greek historian from around 52 AD, wrote about the history of the Eastern Mediterranean world, including the region where the Crucifixion took place. Thallus described a significant darkness that occurred during the time of Jesus' Crucifixion (approximately between 26 and 33 AD).

Although Thallus' original writings are not available, a third-century historian, Julius Africanus, quoted him. In his account, Thallus referred to the event as an 'unreasonable' solar eclipse. Africanus noted that Thallus' description was during the same time period as the historical event recorded in the Bible.

Phlegon: A Greek Historian

Phlegon, a Greek historian, lived around 137 AD. In his work, a chronology of significant events in history, he mentioned a 'most extraordinary eclipse of the sun' that occurred on the 14th day of the month Xanthicus (Nisan) in the year of the 202nd Olympiad (33 AD).

Phlegon specifically noted that the darkness was so profound that it would have cast shadows like night in the sixth hour of the day (around noon). He also recorded an earthquake in Bithynia and a number of buildings destroyed in Nicaea during this period.

Africanus: Pagan Convert and Scholar

Julius Africanus, a fifth-century historian and Christian convert, wrote a comprehensive five-volume history of the world around 220 AD. He records an earthquake, darkness, and the overturning of buildings in Judea during the Crucifixion. He also mentions that Thallus and Phlegon provided accounts of the same event.

Clarification on the Scope of the Darkness

The extent of the darkness described in the Bible does not imply a global event but rather a regional one. Most modern translations of the Bible use phrases like 'over the land' or 'over all the land' to describe the darkness, suggesting it was localized.

Thallus specifically mentions 'over the land' (gē), from which we derive the term 'geology', indicating the event was not global but regional. This aligns with the accounts of ancient historians and supports the idea that the darkness was a description of a significant solar event, possibly a solar eclipse, observed locally.

Conclusion

While skepticism is valid in any historical context, the documentation of the three hours of darkness from non-Christian sources like Thallus, Phlegon, and Africanus strengthens the argument for the historical significance of this event. These sources, though not contemporary Christian accounts, serve as valuable evidence that the darkness described in the Bible reflects a genuine celestial phenomenon observed in the region during the Crucifixion of Jesus.

The significance of this event extends beyond its literal occurrence; it symbolizes the profound impact of Jesus' testament and symbolizes a moment of profound spiritual and natural change. Whether seen as a mythological or historical account, the three hours of darkness remain an intriguing aspect of Christian history and one that contributes to the broader narrative of the Bible.

References

1. Thallus, quoted by Julius Africanus

2. Phlegon, as mentioned by Julius Africanus

3. Africanus, 'History of the World'