If they only beat the sun disappearing over the Western horizon by say (for discussion's sake) an half-hour or so, possibly less --- would that still count as a "day"?
If not, and one could somehow reasonably push the crucifixion back yet another day, with the next somewhat mid-week day being on of those "extra" Sabbaths, then the count gets too long by half a day or so...?
Please don't get me wrong here... I'm not meaning to be argumentative, in the very least. Frankly, I lack the wherewithal, knowledge, and time to research, digging back through calendar changes of several cultures in an attempt to unravel the mysteries. Though I have heard it explained in fairly close detail previously, including in the argument put forth, much the same sort of observation or way of thinking you share with us here...
In normal usage, the term “day” is normally understood to be either a part of, or an entire day.
Backing the crucifixion to Wednesday, or having it on Friday, cannot acocunt for 3 days and 3 nights. Wednesday makes too much and Firday makes too little.
Not claiming superior knowledge, just presentign a theory that is interesting for discussion.
Most important, is that our faith overcomes our doubts.
Ok...did a quick google search and came up with a few comparable articles...
Search results here...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=ig&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=chuck+swindoll+plural+sabbaths&spell=1
First article from the search that I read and agrees with Chuck’s teaching on the subject here...
http://www.bibleteacher.org/pdf_sermons/What_Day_Did_Jesus_Die.pdf
AN interesting not eis the context of the Matt 12 prophecy, seems to be that the Pharisees asked for a sign and Jesus said that the only sign given would be that the Son of Man would be as Jonah, 3 dyas and 3 nights in the eart. SO to my ears and logic it would seem that this was a prophecy to be taken literally, not figuartively, because it was meant to be a conformation of Jesus’ diviniyt. Just my thoughts.
More importanlty, let God be glorified and all here be blessed!