The Passover, followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was the first of five major annual feasts. It took place in early spring (March or April). The Passover did not require public sacrifices. It was a family event celebrated at home (see also 9:1–4; Exodus 12:1–13:10; Leviticus 23:5–8; Deuteronomy 16:1–8).
This festival is important in the background of the Last Supper (see Matthew 26:17–19, 26–27; Mark 14:12; John 11:55; 12:1; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14, 31; compare 1 Corinthians 5:7).