What Year Did Jesus Die — Meaning Explained
Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness." — Luke 3:1 (KJV)
What "What Year Did Jesus Die?" Actually Means
Scripture does not give an exact calendar year for the crucifixion, but several historical clues narrow the date. Luke notes that John the Baptist began his ministry in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar (about AD 28-29), and Jesus' public ministry began shortly after. The Gospel of John records at least three Passover feasts during Jesus' ministry, indicating a span of about three to three and a half years. Pontius Pilate ruled Judea from AD 26 to AD 36, and Caiaphas was high priest from AD 18 to AD 36 — both must have been in office during the crucifixion. Lining these dates with Passover and a Friday crucifixion narrows the year to either AD 30 (Friday, April 7) or AD 33 (Friday, April 3). The AD 33 date best fits Daniel's 'seventy weeks' prophecy and most modern scholarship.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Luke 3:1
"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness."
Daniel 9:26
"And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary."
Matthew 27:50
"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost."
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