A lot of people know that Jesus of Nazareth lived a long time ago. They may even know that he was a Jewish man born at the time of the Roman Empire. Yet, they are unclear about exactly when he was on the earth and the general timeline of his life. One common question people ask is how long it has been since Jesus was crucified on the cross. Show
The majority of Bible scholars believe Jesus died in 30 or 33 A.D. If he died in 30 A.D., 2022 marks 1,992 years since his death. 2023 will be 1,993 years. 2030 will be 2,000 years. If he died in 33 A.D., 2022 marks 1,989 years since his death. 2023 will be 1,990 years. 2033 will be 2,000 years. Why do some scholars believe that Jesus died in 30 A.D.? Why do others believe he died in 33 A.D.? What details are used to date Jesus’ death? Who killed Jesus? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and others. Also see Why Was Jesus Christ Crucified? to learn more. Is any doctrine dependent on the exact year Jesus died? See belowWhat year did Jesus Christ die?The table below lists significant periods in the last year of Jesus’ life, leading up to his crucifixion. The year and season are based on information compiled from all four Gospels, which mention events like annual festivals and celebrations, and various rulers and governors, which can help date different scenes.
Which Jewish and Roman leaders were ruling when Jesus died?The Gospels reveal that Jesus was crucified during the reigns of the Roman governor, Pilate (26-36 A.D.), the Jewish high priest, Caiaphas (18-36 A.D.), and the Roman Tetrarch, Herod Antipas (4 BC-A.D. 37).
Knowing these facts helps scholars date Jesus’ crucifixion. Why do some people think that Jesus died in 33 A.D.?Some Bible scholars believe that Jesus died in 33 A.D. However, the majority view of those who construct reliable timelines of the Gospels’ details is that his crucifixion occurred in 30 A.D. It’s further argued that what is known about events after the crucifixion with regard to events in Acts and Paul’s life fit better with the 30 A.D. date. Do any theological issues depend on the year of Jesus’ death?No. The person and work of Jesus Christ have the same theological significance no matter what year he died. Nothing about the atonement hinges upon the exact year, month, or day that Jesus died. Also see What Time Was Jesus Christ Crucified? to learn more. When will it be 2,000 years since Jesus’ death? See belowTotal number of years since Jesus’ crucifixion
Jerry Bridges writes, “Jesus did not die just to give us peace and a purpose in life; He died to save us from the wrath of God. He died to reconcile us to a holy God who was alienated from us because of our sin.” He continues: “He died to ransom us from the penalty of sin – the punishment of everlasting destruction, shut out from the presence of the Lord. He died that we, the just objects of God’s wrath, should become, by His grace, heirs of God and co-heirs with Him.” Also see Where Was Jesus Christ Crucified? to learn more. Who killed Jesus Christ? The Jews? The Romans?Acts 4:27 explains that Jews and Romans killed Jesus. “For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod [a Jew] and Pontius Pilate [a Roman], along with the Gentiles [non-Jews] and the peoples of Israel [Jews].” Ultimately, sinners are to blame for Jesus’ death. This includes people of all nations, races, skin tones, languages, and cultures. Jesus died because of sinners and for their salvation (John 3:16; Rom 6:23).
“By His death on the Cross, Christ has become the Lamb that was slain for us, our Redeemer, the One who has made peace between us and God, who has taken our guilt on Himself, who has conquered our most deadly enemy and has assuaged the well-deserved wrath of God.” – Mark Dever 5 Bible verses about the death of Jesus Christ
“Christ died not in order to make God love us, but because He did love His people. Calvary is the supreme demonstration of Divine love. Whenever you are tempted to doubt the love of God, Christian reader, go back to Calvary.” – A.W. Pink Also see Where Was Jesus Christ Crucified? to learn more. References: How many years ago did Jesus live?Using these methods, most scholars assume a date of birth between 6 and 4 BC, and that Jesus' preaching began around AD 27–29 and lasted one to three years. They calculate the death of Jesus as having taken place between AD 30 and 36.
What year exactly did Jesus die?We conclude that Jesus was most likely crucified on April 3, AD 33. While other dates are possible, believers can take great assurance from the fact that the most important historical events in Jesus's life, such as the crucifixion, are firmly anchored in human history.
How long ago is AD 33?How many years has it been since Jesus died? 2021 — 33 = 1988 years. As a side-note, in 2033 it will be 2,000 years.
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