Many Christians worldwide have long celebrated Jesus' Last Supper on what is known as Maundy Thursday. However, a University of Cambridge scientist claims Jesus' last meal with his disciples was on Wednesday.

Professor Colin Humphreys explains the confusion is due to a simple calendar mix-up.

Humphreys said that by using a combination of biblical, historical and astronomical research, he was able to pinpoint an accurate timing of Jesus' final meal with his disciples, while at the same time providing an explanation for an inconsistency in the Bible that has long puzzled researchers.

In the Bible's New Testament, passages from the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke say the Last Supper took place at the start of the Passover. However, a passage in the book of John says it took place before Passover.

Humphreys says the mix-up may have come because of different calendars. He says Jesus may have used an old-fashioned Jewish calendar rather than the official lunar calendar.

Humphreys believes that his research finally can add some explanation to how such a large number of events - Jesus' arrest, interrogation, trials - were able to take place between the meal and his crucifixion.

He believes April 5 should be the official date for the Easter holiday, when Christians believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead.