When Did the Crucifixion Really Happen?

In this article, you will learn how John 19:14 contradicts Mark 15:25, Matthew 27:45 and Luke 23:44. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The timeline of Jesus' crucifixion, as documented in the gospels, presents a challenging puzzle. These contradictions, found in the accounts of John, Mark, Matthew, and Luke, raise questions about the precise timing of these pivotal events.

In John 19:14, Jesus is depicted standing before Pilate at the sixth hour on the day of preparation before the Passover. Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd, sarcastically referring to Him as their King. This sets the scene for impending judgment, but according to John, it is still earlier in the day, around noon.

Contrastingly, Mark 15:25 records that Jesus was crucified at the third hour. This creates a three-hour discrepancy with John's account. If one were to compare this to modern-day scheduling where timing is critical, it’s as if two historians wrote about a famous event—one saying it happened in the morning, and the other in the afternoon.

Similarly, Matthew 27:45 states that from the sixth to the ninth hour, darkness covered the land. Here, the sixth hour is during the crucifixion rather than a time preceding it as John suggests. Luke 23:44 concurs with Matthew, noting that darkness engulfed the land at the sixth hour during Jesus' time on the cross.

These differing timelines could be likened to witnesses at a trial giving conflicting testimonies about a timeline for an event. It challenges readers to consider how historical recordings can vary depending on perspective or intention.

Such discrepancies invite reflection upon the nature of historical recordings and the purposes behind different accounts. This isn't just about reconciling times but exploring deeper theological meanings intended by each gospel writer. The coexistence of these accounts urges readers to ponder how narrative differences might serve broader spiritual or thematic purposes.