Five women rose in the dark of a Sunday morning on Nisan 18, AD 30. They had agreed to meet together in the most densely populated city in the Roman Empire to perform a necessary but cheerless and gruesome task. Two of them were relatives of the deceased man; each of the other three had been healed by his touch. Their mission was critical. In the rush to entomb their Rabbi by nightfall three and a half days earlier, a crucial step had been omitted-that of applying oils to his burial shroud.
The women had prepared the oils as soon as possible and carried them in small alabastra, but they had been excessively delayed. Not one but two intervening Sabbaths had postponed their graveside visit until that particular morning. They knew the stench inside the cave-like tomb would be unbearable, but their love compelled them to honor the man they grieved so deeply.
They didn’t know that Roman soldiers had been posted to guard the doubly sealed tomb.
They didn’t know that the stone over the tomb entrance weighed about three-quarters of a ton.
But then the sun broke.
This is their story-and his.
The most important day in history is the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This is the complete, integrated account of the events from Jesus’ last words to his ascension, combining all the New Testament records with additional historical and cultural information. The resurrection of Jesus was the most pivotal day in history.
DAWN is actually two books in one.
Part One (the first half of the book) is dramatized history. It reads as a multi-layered story, with dialogue and historical details to highlight the emotions and movements of the characters involved. It transports you, the reader, back into Palestine some 2, 000 years ago to experience the dynamics of those emotionally charged days.
The second half of the book provides the background research for the story. This half of the book consists of Part Two, which is a complete integration of the four gospel accounts with extensive footnotes, and Part Three, which addresses questions about the chronology, writers, characters, and relationships. Particular focus is given to the women, especially Mary Magdalene. The book is 392 pages (softcover).
From the Author:
While researching and writing this book, I was continually surprised and delighted by the discovery of hidden details which I had never noticed before, despite having already read the resurrection accounts more than 100 times.
For example, in this book you will discover:
1. The names of the four relatives of Jesus at the cross, and their relationships
2. What was happening at the temple at the time Jesus died
3. Where the disciples were between the crucifixion and resurrection
4. Why Peter and John were separated from the other disciples and from each other
5. Why the Jewish leaders wanted Roman guards at the tomb (It was not for the reason they gave)
6. How it’s known that Jesus was resurrected (at least) several hours before dawn.
7. How the guards’ own words prove they were lying about the body being stolen
8. From whom Matthew learned about the soldiers’ experience at the tomb
9. Why Peter made a second trip to the tomb (yes, he made a second trip)
10. What was the connection between Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene
11. Who first believed that Jesus was alive (it’s not Mary Magdalene)
12. Where Mother Mary was between the crucifixion and the day of Pentecost
…and more!
Table of Content
PART ONE: DAWN – THE STORY
Introduction to Part One
Prologue to Part One: The Backstory
Death at Mid-Afternoon
Burial before Sundown
The Longest Night
First Day of Unleavened Bread
Between the Sabbaths
Weekly Sabbath
The Sabbath Ends
First Light
Sunday Noon to Night
Between the Resurrection and Galilee
Galilee
Farewell outside Jerusalem
PART TWO: THE UNIFIED ACCOUNT
Introduction to Part Two
Wednesday Midafternoon, Nisan 14
Wednesday Late Afternoon, Nisan 14
Thursday (High Sabbath Day), Nisan 15
Friday (between Sabbaths), Nisan 16
Saturday (Weekly Sabbath), Nisan 17
Saturday Night, Nisan 18
Resurrection Morning, Nisan 18
Sunday Daytime, Nisan 18
Sunday Evening, Nisan 18
Monday, Nisan 19
Sunday, Nisan 25 (One Week after the Resurrection)
A Month Away from Jerusalem, Nisan 27 – Iyar 26
Thursday, Iyar 27 – the Ascension
PART THREE: EXPLANATION OF THE UNIFIED ACCOUNT
Introduction to Part Three
When Was Jesus Crucified?
Writers
A Closer Look at the Characters
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
The Women Who Came to the Tomb
Relationships
Important Locations
The Order of Appearances
The Day of First Fruits
Epilogue
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Calendar Notes
Appendix B: Was the Last Supper a Passover Meal?
Appendix C: At What Hour Was Jesus Crucified?
Appendix D: Clopas’ ‘Third Day’
Appendix E: The Year of the Resurrection
Appendix F: Is Cleopas the Same as Alphaeus?
Appendix G: The Significance of Emmaus
Appendix H: Two Earthquakes, Multiple Resurrections, and Debated Text
Endnotes
About the author
Mark Miller, author of the children’s book ‘Meerkats Don’t Fly, ‘ has studied the Bible for more than four decades. His research for ‘DAWN’ involved deep dives into the chronology, cartography, and culture of first-century Jerusalem. He examined the temple system and rituals, Jewish burial customs, archaeological finds, and ancient historical records outside of the New Testament.Miller holds BA and BS degrees from Lehigh University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island. His career has included work in research and development, college teaching, entomology, and entrepreneurial ventures. He now resides with his wife on a mountainous farm with an increasing variety of animals.
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