Here's my working outline to conclude 3 1/2 years (to answer the OP).
Christ was born on the 1st day of Tabernacles.
Christ was circumcised on the 8th day.
Mary/Joseph present Him on the 40th day.
Christ was baptised on the 8th day of Tabernacles (about 30 years of age says Luke).
Christ is tested for 40 days. Returns.
Within the next 10 days, the wedding in Cana. Day 1, 2, 3. Picks apostles. This coincides with Dedication (of temple) (aka, hanukah, festival of lights).
Now, the first passover. Jn. 2:13 "And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, " This is 6 months into His ministry.
Now, the second passover. Jn. 5:1 "After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. " I know it doesn't spell out passover, but feast of the Jews is John's passover phrase (see other 3 passovers mentioned and Jn. 2:23 "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." ). This is 1 1/2 years into His ministry.
Now, the third passover Jn. 6:4 "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh." This is 2 1/2 years into His ministry.
Now, the third passover (at His crucifixion). Jn. 13:1 "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father..." This is 3 1/2 years into His ministry.
Christ dies on the passover.
Buried on the first day of unleavened bread.
Raised on firstfruits.
Ascended 40 days later. 10 days later, for a total 50 days, is pentecost (Spirit poured out-temple of believer's body being built up).
The time periods of the beginning and ending correlate.
Another question, why 3 1/2 year ministry?
Christ was born on the 1st day of Tabernacles.
Christ was circumcised on the 8th day.
Mary/Joseph present Him on the 40th day.
Christ was baptised on the 8th day of Tabernacles (about 30 years of age says Luke).
Christ is tested for 40 days. Returns.
Within the next 10 days, the wedding in Cana. Day 1, 2, 3. Picks apostles. This coincides with Dedication (of temple) (aka, hanukah, festival of lights).
Now, the first passover. Jn. 2:13 "And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, " This is 6 months into His ministry.
Now, the second passover. Jn. 5:1 "After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. " I know it doesn't spell out passover, but feast of the Jews is John's passover phrase (see other 3 passovers mentioned and Jn. 2:23 "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." ). This is 1 1/2 years into His ministry.
Now, the third passover Jn. 6:4 "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh." This is 2 1/2 years into His ministry.
Now, the third passover (at His crucifixion). Jn. 13:1 "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father..." This is 3 1/2 years into His ministry.
Christ dies on the passover.
Buried on the first day of unleavened bread.
Raised on firstfruits.
Ascended 40 days later. 10 days later, for a total 50 days, is pentecost (Spirit poured out-temple of believer's body being built up).
The time periods of the beginning and ending correlate.
Another question, why 3 1/2 year ministry?
