Topical Bible: The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Darkened at the Crucifixion

◄ The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Darkened at the Crucifixion ►

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The sun, a central celestial body in the biblical narrative, is often associated with divine acts and signs. One of the most profound miracles involving the sun is its darkening during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and holds significant theological implications.

Biblical Account

The darkening of the sun at the crucifixion is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to these accounts, darkness fell over the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour as Jesus hung on the cross. The Gospel of Luke provides a succinct description: "It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining" (Luke 23:44-45). Similarly, Matthew records, "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land" (Matthew 27:45). Mark echoes this account: "At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour" (Mark 15:33).

Theological Significance

The darkening of the sun during the crucifixion is interpreted as a supernatural event, symbolizing the gravity of the moment when Jesus bore the sins of the world. This darkness is seen as a divine act, reflecting God's judgment and the cosmic significance of Christ's sacrificial death. The event underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Amos 8:9, which foretold a day when the sun would go down at noon and the earth would be darkened in broad daylight.

Historical and Apologetic Considerations

From a historical perspective, the darkness at the crucifixion has been a subject of much discussion and debate. Some have attempted to explain it as a natural phenomenon, such as a solar eclipse. However, this explanation is inconsistent with the timing of the Passover, which occurs during a full moon, making a solar eclipse impossible. The event's supernatural nature is thus emphasized, reinforcing the belief in God's direct intervention in the natural order.

Symbolism and Reflection

The darkening of the sun is rich in symbolism, representing the spiritual darkness that enveloped the world as the Son of God was crucified. It serves as a poignant reminder of the separation from God that sin causes and the profound cost of redemption. This miraculous event invites believers to reflect on the depth of Christ's suffering and the magnitude of His love and sacrifice for humanity.

In summary, the darkening of the sun at the crucifixion is a powerful testament to the divine orchestration of events surrounding Jesus' death. It highlights the intersection of the natural and supernatural, serving as a profound symbol of the spiritual realities at play during the pivotal moment of the crucifixion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 23:44,45
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle.
... about His glorious power, and about the miracles which we ... account of a man that the
sun grew dark ... and from dishonest testimony, which is connected with adultery ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching.htm

Acts II
... been witnessed, even in the astonishing miracles of Moses ... vapor," and the darkening
of the sun and moon ... shall be saved." The only salvation connected with the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... us from heresy, [340]138; His honor connected with His ... 435]204; why always retired
after miracles, [436]204 ... His Victory, [469]250; like the Sun, will reappear ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... For the seventh day of rest is connected with the ... for they must understand that the
sun, as also a ... accompanied with the power of working miracles, the miracles ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Dialogue iii. --The Impassible.
... Orth."The passion is never connected with the name "God ... In His temptation, His
crucifixion and His dying, the Word was inoperative; but ... But if the sun being a ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue iii the impassible.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... in one view the causes which have darkened the meaning ... in which the earth goes round
the sun; or that ... often more occupied with the proof of miracles than with ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

part i
... Faith in God's existence is closely connected with faith in ... reflected in the pious
mind as the sun is reflected ... of Christ do not perform any miracles, until I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... my Teacher, my Healer, my Worker of miracles, my Saviour ... ice, are directly exposed
to the sun, and come ... heart is difficult, because it is connected with great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm