The Gospel Witnesses and the Timing of the Crucifixion

All four Gospels describe the crucifixion of Jesus, and when their accounts are harmonized, they reveal a consistent picture. Jesus was placed on the cross around the third hour of the day, which is 9:00 a.m. Jewish time (Mark 15:25), and He died at the ninth hour, which is 3:00 p.m. (Mark 15:34–37; Matthew 27:46–50; Luke 23:44–46). This totals approximately six hours on the cross.

John 19:14 mentions that Jesus was before Pilate at “about the sixth hour,” which some claim conflicts with Mark’s account. However, John is using Roman time, which would place Jesus before Pilate around 6:00 a.m., harmonizing with the early morning events and allowing time for the trial, beatings, and the journey to Golgotha before the 9:00 a.m. crucifixion.

The Hours of Darkness and the Divine Sign

From noon to 3:00 p.m., a supernatural darkness fell over the land (Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44). This was not an eclipse—Passover always occurred at a full moon, making a solar eclipse impossible. This darkness signified divine judgment and cosmic mourning. It was during these final hours that Jesus bore the full weight of humanity’s sin.

At the ninth hour—around 3:00 p.m.—Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” quoting Psalm 22:1. This was not a cry of despair but a declaration of prophetic fulfillment. Jesus was not abandoned morally by the Father but judicially bore the separation sin causes. His final words, “It is finished,” marked the completion of the atoning work (John 19:30).

The Roman Process and Quick Death

Crucifixion was designed to be slow and torturous, often lasting several days. That Jesus died in six hours was unusual and noted by Pilate (Mark 15:44). This relatively rapid death was not due to weakness but divine control. Jesus willingly gave up His spirit (John 19:30; Luke 23:46). No one took His life; He laid it down (John 10:17–18). His death occurred exactly when prophesied—on Nisan 14, as the Passover lambs were being slain.

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