The Gospels appear to present differing times regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. According to Mark 15:25, “And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.” This suggests that Jesus was crucified at about 9 a.m. However, John’s Gospel offers a different timing. John 19:14-15 states, “And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!… They cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him.” This would suggest that Jesus was brought before Pilate around the sixth hour, according to Roman timekeeping, which could be interpreted as around noon.

This discrepancy might seem confusing, yet it reflects the different perspectives and emphasis of each Gospel writer. Mark, writing to a Roman audience, might have been using Jewish time-keeping methods, which start the day at sunrise (approximately 6 a.m.), making the third hour around 9 a.m. John, on the other hand, might have been using Roman time-keeping, where the day starts at midnight, making the sixth hour around 6 a.m., or he too is using Jewish time but situates the narrative to emphasize the point at which Jesus was before Pilate, leading into the crucifixion rather than the exact moment of crucifixion itself.

The essence of these accounts converges on the truth that Jesus was crucified, suffered, died, and was buried for the sins of humanity, and on the third day, He rose again, as professed in the Christian faith. The specific hour, while interesting from a historical and textual analysis perspective, ultimately serves to underscore the profound sacrifice and its significance.