When did Jesus die on the cross?
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Sophia Wright
Studied at Harvard University, Lives in Cambridge. Dedicated educator currently teaching at a public school.
As an expert in historical and religious studies, I often encounter questions about significant events in the history of Christianity, such as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The timing of Jesus' death on the cross is a topic that has been the subject of scholarly debate and theological interpretation for centuries. It is important to approach this question with a careful examination of the biblical texts, historical context, and scholarly perspectives.
The New Testament of the Bible, specifically the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), provides the primary narrative for the life and death of Jesus. These texts are not only sacred scriptures for Christians but also historical documents that offer insights into the social, political, and religious milieu of the time.
In the Gospel of Mark, which is often considered the earliest of the Gospels, the crucifixion of Jesus is described as taking place at the third hour (9 a.m.) and his death at the ninth hour (3 p.m.). This account is found in Mark 15:25, which states, "Now it was the third hour, and they crucified him. At the sixth hour darkness fell across the whole land until the ninth hour, and at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'" This passage is significant because it not only provides a specific time for the events but also includes the famous cry of dereliction from the Psalms, which has profound theological implications.
However, the Gospel of John presents a slightly different timeline. In John 19:14, it is mentioned that Jesus is still before Pilate at the sixth hour. This discrepancy has led to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that the Gospel of John may be using a different timekeeping system or that the author is emphasizing different aspects of the narrative. It is also possible that the differences are due to the symbolic or theological significance that the authors wished to convey rather than a strict chronological account.
It is important to note that the Jewish day began at sunset, which is why the third hour in Mark would be equivalent to 9 a.m. in our modern 24-hour timekeeping system. The ninth hour would then be 3 p.m. This timing is significant because it aligns with the Jewish preparation day for the Sabbath, which began at sunset on Friday. The Gospels often emphasize the timing of Jesus' death and burial to highlight its importance in relation to Jewish law and the Sabbath.
Scholars have also pointed out that the darkness that fell upon the land from the sixth to the ninth hour, as described in Mark, could be a symbolic representation of the divine judgment or the cosmic significance of Jesus' death. The timing of Jesus' death has been interpreted in various ways, including as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, a demonstration of God's judgment on sin, and a sign of the new creation that Jesus' resurrection would bring.
In conclusion, while the exact timing of Jesus' death on the cross is a matter of some debate due to the differences in the Gospel accounts, the general consensus among scholars is that his crucifixion took place in the morning and his death in the early afternoon. The specific times mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in Mark, are often interpreted in the context of the theological and symbolic significance they hold within the narrative of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
The New Testament of the Bible, specifically the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), provides the primary narrative for the life and death of Jesus. These texts are not only sacred scriptures for Christians but also historical documents that offer insights into the social, political, and religious milieu of the time.
In the Gospel of Mark, which is often considered the earliest of the Gospels, the crucifixion of Jesus is described as taking place at the third hour (9 a.m.) and his death at the ninth hour (3 p.m.). This account is found in Mark 15:25, which states, "Now it was the third hour, and they crucified him. At the sixth hour darkness fell across the whole land until the ninth hour, and at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'" This passage is significant because it not only provides a specific time for the events but also includes the famous cry of dereliction from the Psalms, which has profound theological implications.
However, the Gospel of John presents a slightly different timeline. In John 19:14, it is mentioned that Jesus is still before Pilate at the sixth hour. This discrepancy has led to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that the Gospel of John may be using a different timekeeping system or that the author is emphasizing different aspects of the narrative. It is also possible that the differences are due to the symbolic or theological significance that the authors wished to convey rather than a strict chronological account.
It is important to note that the Jewish day began at sunset, which is why the third hour in Mark would be equivalent to 9 a.m. in our modern 24-hour timekeeping system. The ninth hour would then be 3 p.m. This timing is significant because it aligns with the Jewish preparation day for the Sabbath, which began at sunset on Friday. The Gospels often emphasize the timing of Jesus' death and burial to highlight its importance in relation to Jewish law and the Sabbath.
Scholars have also pointed out that the darkness that fell upon the land from the sixth to the ninth hour, as described in Mark, could be a symbolic representation of the divine judgment or the cosmic significance of Jesus' death. The timing of Jesus' death has been interpreted in various ways, including as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, a demonstration of God's judgment on sin, and a sign of the new creation that Jesus' resurrection would bring.
In conclusion, while the exact timing of Jesus' death on the cross is a matter of some debate due to the differences in the Gospel accounts, the general consensus among scholars is that his crucifixion took place in the morning and his death in the early afternoon. The specific times mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in Mark, are often interpreted in the context of the theological and symbolic significance they hold within the narrative of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
2024-05-09 14:30:21
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Works at the International Committee of the Red Cross, Lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
In Mark 15:25 crucifixion takes place at the third hour (9 a.m.) and Jesus' death at the ninth hour (3 p.m.). However, in John 19:14 Jesus is still before Pilate at the sixth hour.
2023-06-14 07:01:04
Harper Collins
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In Mark 15:25 crucifixion takes place at the third hour (9 a.m.) and Jesus' death at the ninth hour (3 p.m.). However, in John 19:14 Jesus is still before Pilate at the sixth hour.
