The term "Ninth Hour" is a significant time reference in the Bible, particularly within the context of Jewish and early Christian practices. In the Jewish reckoning of time, the day was divided into twelve hours, starting at sunrise and ending at sunset. Therefore, the ninth hour corresponds to approximately 3:00 PM in modern timekeeping.

Biblical References:

1. Prayer and Worship:
The ninth hour was traditionally a time of prayer in Jewish custom. This is evident in the New Testament, where it is mentioned as a time for devout Jews to engage in prayer. In Acts 3:1, we read, "Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour." This passage highlights the continuation of Jewish prayer practices among the early Christians.

2. The Crucifixion of Jesus:
The ninth hour holds profound significance in the narrative of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel accounts, it was at the ninth hour that Jesus cried out with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. In Matthew 27:46, it states, "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" This moment marks the culmination of Jesus' sacrificial death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and signifying the atonement for humanity's sins.

3. Cornelius' Vision:
The ninth hour is also noted in the account of Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, who received a divine vision. Acts 10:3 records, "About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came to him and said, 'Cornelius!'" This event is pivotal as it leads to the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles, demonstrating God's inclusive plan of salvation.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In Jewish tradition, the ninth hour was one of the three specific times designated for prayer, along with the third and sixth hours. This practice is rooted in the Psalms, where David speaks of praying "evening, morning, and noon" (Psalm 55:17). The ninth hour, being the time of the evening sacrifice, held particular importance as a moment of reflection and communion with God.

For early Christians, the ninth hour became a time of remembrance and reflection on the sacrifice of Christ. It served as a daily reminder of the passion and the redemptive work accomplished on the cross. The practice of praying at the ninth hour continued in various Christian traditions, emphasizing the continuity of faith from the Old Covenant to the New.

Theological Implications:

The events associated with the ninth hour underscore key theological themes in Christianity, such as atonement, divine revelation, and the universality of the Gospel. The cry of Jesus at the ninth hour is a profound expression of His human suffering and divine mission, encapsulating the mystery of the Incarnation and the depth of God's love for humanity. Cornelius' vision at the ninth hour further illustrates the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, affirming the message of salvation for all people.

In summary, the ninth hour is a time rich with historical, cultural, and theological significance, serving as a focal point for prayer, reflection, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in the biblical narrative.