Here's the first one. Remember he received these questions more or less in the same format on his very first visit to South Africa, in the Methodist Church in central Johannesburg, in writing from me into his own hands. I may still have copies of it. I cannot remember the year. After that again at a 'Sabbath' symposium in the Synod hall of the Gereformeerde Kerk in Potchefstroom. Also with many letters by e-mail. Etc. Here is an example of one such attempt. I did initially receive replies from him, which I would rather not supply for personal reasons. But as time went on, he simply ignored me.
I herewith submit some questions on a pivotal point of exegesis I hope you will favourably consider to put to Professor Samuele Bacchicchi when he visits you.
They are understandable and matter of fact questions which Professor Bacchiocchi might recognise not too strange to answer.
As far as his time allows, Professor Bacchiocchi is well acquainted with my views and criticisms. I therefor have limited my questions to just this one point, the meaning of the Greek word <opse> in Matthew 28:1. Professor Bacchiocchi wrote a book, <The Times of the Crucifixion and Resurrection> in which he treats on the subject.
I present the questions as though I ask them in person, so as not to perhaps embarrass you. (Emphasis - with capital letters - is mine.)
Preliminary Question: Professor Bacchiocchi, Do you realise that the meaning you attach to this word <opse> in Matthew 28:1 is in disagreement with men like Tyndale, Webster, Lightfoot, Young and Knoch - and Dionysius of centuries before them?
Professor Bacchiocchi, I today have four questions for you on your interpretation of the phrase in Mt.28:1, <In the end of the Sabbath>.
First Question: Professor Bacchiocchi, How can you claim <NUMEROUS evidences> (<The Time of the Crucifixion and Resurrection>, p. 49, 84 et al.) that Matthew uses the sunrise day-reckoning and not the sunset day-reckoning in chapter 28:1 while you fail to present a SINGLE example of Matthew's use of the sunrise reckoning - except 28:1 itself?
My Second Question is: