The Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John: Harmonizing Dates and Times

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the Gospel of John describe Jesus' Last Supper and crucifixion without any difference in the actual dates. However, the differences in timekeeping methods used in these accounts have caused confusion. To clarify, this comparison explores the differences between the Gospels and their implications.

The Synoptic Gospels: Preparation for the Passover and the Last Supper

In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus instructed His disciples to prepare for the Passover, which corresponded to the day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread when the Passover lamb was sacrificed. During the Last Supper, Jesus gave bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood, and referred to them as the Passover meal.

Based on these accounts, some biblical scholars and certain groups (e.g., the World Mission Society Church of God) interpret the Last Supper as the Passover meal that occurred on the evening of the 14th day of Nisan (Jewish calendar), which corresponds to the night of the 15th day of Nisan. This interpretation has led to the misunderstanding that Jesus died on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the 15th day of Nisan.

The Gospel of John: The Day Before Passover and Jesus' Sacrifice

The Gospel of John, in contrast to the Synoptic Gospels, records the Last Supper as occurring the evening before Passover (the evening of the 13th day of Nisan). According to John:

• Jesus was crucified on the day of Preparation for Passover (14th day of Nisan) at around 3 PM, the same time the Passover lambs were being slaughtered.
• The Jewish people observed the Passover meal that evening.

John portrays Jesus as the true Passover Lamb, emphasizing that His death coincided precisely with the sacrifice of the Passover lambs.

The Cause of Confusion: Differences in Timekeeping

The apparent differences in dates between the Synoptic Gospels and John arise from the use of different timekeeping systems. Both accounts record the same events but from distinct perspectives:

The Synoptic Gospels: Jewish Timekeeping

• In Jewish tradition, the day begins at sunset.
• When Jesus instructed His disciples to "prepare for the Passover," it would have been the evening of the 13th or 14th day of Nisan, leading into the Passover meal.
• According to the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus died at 3 PM on the 15th day of Nisan (the "ninth hour" by Jewish reckoning).

The Gospel of John: Roman Timekeeping

• The Romans started their day at midnight (similar to modern timekeeping).
• According to John, Jesus was handed over to Pilate at 6 AM (the "sixth hour" by Roman reckoning) on the 14th day of Nisan.
• Jesus was crucified and died at 3 PM on the 14th day of Nisan, just before the Jewish Passover meal.

The Meaning of the Passover Lamb and the Last Supper

Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb in both accounts:

• The bread and wine He shared with His disciples during the Last Supper were not traditional lamb, but symbols of His body and blood, establishing a new covenant.
• Jesus’ crucifixion at 3 PM on the 14th day of Nisan perfectly aligned with the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, completing the Old Testament prophecy.

Pilate’s Release of Prisoners and the Day of Preparation

Both the Synoptic Gospels and John mention Pilate releasing a prisoner as a customary practice during the feast:

• In the Synoptic Gospels, this is linked to the feast day.
• In John, it is clarified that this occurred on the day of Preparation for Passover (14th day of Nisan).

Jewish tradition also regarded the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (15th day of Nisan) as a holy Sabbath, during which executions or any profane activities were strictly prohibited. Thus, Jesus' crucifixion took place on the 14th day of Nisan, the day of Preparation.

Key Summary: Harmonizing Dates and Times

No Difference in Dates

Both the Synoptic Gospels and John agree that Jesus died on the day of Preparation (14th day of Nisan).

Difference in Timekeeping Systems

• Synoptic Gospels: Jewish timekeeping (day starts at sunset).
• Gospel of John: Roman timekeeping (day starts at midnight).

Significance of the Passover Lamb

• Jesus is the true Passover Lamb.
• He offered His body and blood as symbols of the new covenant during the Last Supper.
• He was crucified at the exact time the Passover lambs were sacrificed, fulfilling the prophecy of the Passover Lamb.

Conclusion

Jesus' sacrifice fulfilled the prophecies of the Passover Lamb, bringing salvation to all. The Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John both recount the same events but use different timekeeping systems, which explain the apparent discrepancies in the timeline.