Hosea and Luke

The early Christian kerygma of 1 Cor. 15:4 is based upon the Lucan focus on the third day which is unique to Luke among the Synoptic resurrection portrayals. This is a key kergmatic phrase not because it is persuasive but because it proclaims the resurrection. What biblical passage lay behind the words of the credal formula quoted by Paul, “He was raised to life on the third day, according to the scriptures”? Naturally, I have wondered if there is any passage in the OT where resurrection language is linked with “the third day” that could have been a source or inspiration for Luke. In Hosea 6:2 we read:

“after two days he will revive us,
on the third day he will restore us,
that in his presence we may live.”

Hosea as a source for Luke makes more sense than the Jonah passage of being in the whale for three days and three nights although both Hosea and Jonah are cited in support of the Jewish belief that the third day was regarded as the day of salvation.

Copyrighted 2006

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Gospel of Luke