John says it was the Preparation of the Passover and about the sixth hour when Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd.
Jesus in Context
Preparation Day and the Sixth Hour
John dates the final proceedings to the Preparation of Passover at about the sixth hour; both 'Preparation' and ancient hour reckoning require care when comparing John's chronology with the Synoptic Gospels.
Introduction
Historical and Cultural Context
The Greek paraskeue, literally preparation, became a regular designation for Friday because that day prepared for the Sabbath. John's additional Passover wording has generated substantial discussion about the relationship between his chronology and the Synoptic accounts. Likewise, ancient hour references were approximate and different proposals have been made to explain John's 'sixth hour' alongside Mark's 'third hour.' The text should not be forced into modern minute-by-minute precision.
Why It Matters
The historical background encourages precision without false certainty. John unmistakably places Jesus' death in the Passover period and on the day of preparation for the approaching Sabbath.
The chronological questions are real, but they should not obscure the Gospel's deliberate Passover setting for the crucifixion.