Mark 15:25

Verse 25. And it was the third hour, etc. In Joh 19:14, it is said, "And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour," etc. Much difficulty has been felt in reconciling these passages; and infidels have usually adduced them to prove that the evangelists have contradicted themselves. In reconciling them the following remarks may perhaps make the matter clear. (1.) The Jews divided both the night and the day into four equal parts of three hours each. See Barnes "Mt 14:25". The first division of the day commenced at six o'clock in the morning, and ended at nine; the second commenced at nine, and ended at twelve, etc.