The Crucifixion
A historical and theological examination of the death of Jesus Christ, exploring its biblical accounts, context, and enduring significance.
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Overview
The Central Event
The crucifixion of Jesus represents the execution of Jesus by nailing him to a cross. This pivotal event occurred in 1st-century Judaea, with scholarly consensus pointing to AD 30 or AD 33. The canonical Gospels provide detailed accounts, corroborated by early New Testament epistles and later historical sources, establishing its historicity, though specific details remain subjects of scholarly discussion.[note 1]
Condemnation and Execution
According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested, tried by the Sanhedrin, and subsequently sentenced by Pontius Pilate. The sentence involved scourging and crucifixion by Roman authorities. The Gospel of John specifically frames Jesus's death as a sacrificial act for the atonement of sins.[8]
Foundation of Faith
The suffering and redemptive death of Jesus through crucifixion are central tenets of Christian theology, forming the basis for doctrines of salvation and atonement. This event, coupled with his resurrection, is understood by Christians to restore humanity's relationship with God, offering new life and the promise of eternal life.[217]
New Testament Narratives
Canonical Accounts
The four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—offer the most detailed narratives of Jesus's crucifixion. These accounts collectively describe his arrest, trials before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, scourging, carrying of the cross (with assistance from Simon of Cyrene), crucifixion at Golgotha, and eventual entombment and resurrection. Scholars note the intense, almost hour-by-hour detail provided for this period.[14]
Last Words and Events
The Gospels record Jesus speaking seven distinct statements from the cross. These include prayers for forgiveness, reassurances to the penitent thief, and expressions of thirst and completion. The accounts also detail supernatural events such as darkness, earthquakes, the tearing of the Temple veil, and the resurrection of saints, though these are primarily found in Matthew and Mark.[180]
Witnesses and Participants
The Gospel narratives mention various individuals present at the crucifixion. These include the women who followed Jesus from Galilee (Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Mary of Clopas, and others), the chief priests, scribes, elders, Roman soldiers, a centurion, passers-by, bystanders, and the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are noted for their roles in Jesus's burial.[126]
External Accounts
Early Non-Christian References
Beyond the biblical texts, early non-Christian sources provide corroborating evidence. Mara Bar-Serapion, writing after AD 73, likely refers to the execution of the "wise king of the Jews."[49] Jewish historian Josephus, in his *Antiquities of the Jews* (c. AD 93), states that Jesus was crucified by Pilate.[54] Roman historian Tacitus, in *The Annals* (c. AD 116), also records Pilate ordering Jesus's execution.[54]
Later Mentions
The 2nd-century satirist Lucian mentions the crucifixion of Jesus in his letter *Passing of Peregrinus*, referring to Christians worshipping "a man... who was crucified on that account."[65] Philosopher Celsus, an opponent of Christianity, also references the crucifixion, noting that those who crucified Jesus suffered no immediate retribution.[67] The Babylonian Talmud contains a passage likely referring to Jesus's execution, mentioning "Yeshu" being hanged on the eve of Passover.[69]
Islamic Perspective
Islamic tradition, based on interpretations of the Quran (4:157-158), holds that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, but that it only appeared so to his persecutors. Muslims believe Allah raised Jesus to Himself.[73]
Gnostic Views
Certain early Gnostic sects, denying Jesus's physical substance, rejected the reality of his crucifixion. Ignatius of Antioch, in response, emphasized the physical reality of Jesus's birth and crucifixion, stating that those who claimed Jesus only seemed to suffer were not true Christians.[74]
Scholarly Consensus
Established Fact
The baptism of Jesus and his crucifixion are widely considered by scholars of the historical Jesus to be the two most historically certain facts about his life. The historicity of the crucifixion is supported by multiple criteria, including the criterion of embarrassment (Christians would not invent a humiliating death for their leader), multiple attestation (corroboration across various sources, including non-Christian ones), and coherence with other historical data.[78]
Archaeological Evidence
While most evidence for crucifixion is literary, archaeological findings have provided confirmatory support. The discovery of the remains of Yehohanan ben Hagkol, a man crucified around AD 70, near Jerusalem, offered insights into the Roman practice of crucifixion consistent with Gospel descriptions.[88] Another find, a heel bone with a spike, further supports the historical reality of crucifixion during the Roman period.
Interpretations and Context
While the fact of the crucifixion is broadly accepted, scholars debate the specific context and Jesus's own foreknowledge of his death. Some argue Jesus did not predict his crucifixion, viewing such predictions as later theological developments, while others maintain that Jesus did anticipate his violent end.[84]
Chronology and Manner
Dating the Event
Scholarly consensus places the crucifixion on a Friday, likely between AD 30 and AD 33, aligning with the Passover period. While Friday is the most common estimate, alternative theories suggest Thursday or Wednesday based on interpretations of biblical chronology and Jewish customs, such as the concept of a "double Sabbath."[92]
Location and Path
The crucifixion occurred at Golgotha, a site outside the city walls of Jerusalem, accessible to onlookers. The traditional location is within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while a second site, Gordon's Calvary near the Garden Tomb, is also proposed. The path Jesus took, known as the Via Dolorosa, is marked by stations commemorating the events.[119]
Method and Instruments
While early Christian writings consistently describe a two-beamed cross, the exact method of execution—whether by nails or ropes—is debated. Theories suggest nails were driven through the wrists or forearms to support the body's weight. The number of nails used (three or four) and the presence of a foot support (hypopodium) are also subjects of discussion and artistic interpretation.[142]
Extraordinary Occurrences
Biblical accounts mention several phenomena during the crucifixion: a three-hour darkness over the land (from noon to 3 p.m.), the tearing of the Temple veil, an earthquake, and the opening of tombs with the resurrection of saints. These events are interpreted by scholars as literary devices to emphasize the theological significance of the crucifixion, drawing on ancient traditions of celestial phenomena accompanying the death of important figures.[193]
Medical Aspects
Cardiovascular Collapse
Prominent theories suggest Jesus died from profound shock and cardiovascular collapse. The scourging, beatings, and the physical strain of crucifixion likely led to severe dehydration and exhaustion, culminating in hypovolemic shock. The presence of pericardial fluid, suggested by the Gospel of John's mention of blood and water from Jesus's side, supports the theory of cardiac rupture.[206]
Pathological Analysis
Forensic pathologists have analyzed the potential physiological effects of crucifixion. Studies suggest that the body's position on the cross would have caused immense strain, potentially leading to asphyxia. The ability of Jesus to speak his last words is attributed to voluntary muscle relaxation to gain air, a process that would have been agonizing.[213]
Carrying the Cross
The physical exertion of carrying the cross along the Via Dolorosa, especially after extensive preceding suffering, has been medically analyzed. Studies examining the forces involved in suspension and the potential for carrying such a weight suggest the immense physical toll, supporting the narrative of Simon of Cyrene's intervention.[214]
Theological Significance
Atonement and Reconciliation
Central to Christian belief is that Jesus's death on the cross served as a sacrifice, reconciling humanity with God. This act is seen as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, such as those in Isaiah 53, concerning the suffering servant. Through his death and resurrection, Christians believe access is restored to God's presence, love, and grace, securing eternal life.[217]
Christological Interpretation
The crucifixion is a cornerstone of Christology, the study of the nature and person of Christ. The event is interpreted as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, particularly those related to the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world. The concept of Jesus as God's agent, submitting to death for eventual victory, is a key theme in Johannine theology.[224]
Symbol of Sacrifice
The crucifixion remains the most profound symbol of Christian faith, representing ultimate sacrifice, love, and redemption. The imagery of the cross is pervasive in Christian art, liturgy, and theology, signifying both the suffering endured and the triumph over death.[221]
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References
References
- Eddy & Boyd 2007, p. 172. "...if there is any fact of Jesus's life that has been established by a broad consensus, it is the fact of Jesus's crucifixion..
- Mark 15:25
- Mark 15:34â37
- 1 Corinthians 15:4
- In some manuscripts of Luke, these words are omitted. Annotation Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling (2004).
- Lucian, Passing of Peregrinus, 11â13
- L. Patterson, "Origin of the Name Panthera", JTS 19 (1917â18), pp. 79â80, cited in Meier, p. 107 n. 48
- Rainer Riesner, Paul's Early Period: Chronology, Mission Strategy, Theology (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1998), p. 58.
- Cyclopaedia of Biblical, theological, and ecclesiastical literature: Volume 7 John McClintock, James Strong â 1894 "... he lay in the grave on the 15th (which was a 'high day' or double Sabbath, because the weekly Sabbath coincided ..."
- Jn. 19:17
- Lk. 23:28â31
- Luke 23:46 and 23:55
- Notes and Queries, Volume July 6 â December 1852, London, page 252
- Mk. 15:40
- Matthew 27:55â56
- Mark 15:27, Matthew 27:38
- Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39
- Mark 15:29, Matthew 27:39
- John 19:23â24, 19:32â34
- Epistle of Barnabas, 9:7â8
- Lk. 23:34
- Lk. 23:43
- Lk. 23:46
- Jn. 19:25â27
- Jn. 19:28
- Jn. 19:30
- David Anderson-Berry, 1871 The Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross, Glasgow: Pickering & Inglis Publishers
- Rev. John Edmunds, 1855 The seven sayings of Christ on the cross Thomas Hatchford Publishers, London, p. 26
- Simon Peter Long, 1966 The wounded Word: A brief meditation on the seven sayings of Christ on the cross Baker Books
- Harris, Stephen L., Understanding the Bible. Palo Alto: Mayfield. 1985. "John" pp. 302â310
- Edwin Keith Broadhead Prophet, Son, Messiah: Narrative Form and Function in Mark (Continuum, 1994) p. 196.
- Schaefer, B. E. (July 1991). Glare and celestial visibility. Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 103, 645â660.
- David E. Garland, Reading Matthew: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the First Gospel (Smyth & Helwys Publishing, 1999) p. 264.
- Mt. 27:51â53
- Mk. 15:39
- Mt. 27:54
- Lk. 23:47
- William Stroud, 1847, Treatise on the Physical Death of Jesus Christ London: Hamilton and Adams.
- 19:34
- See Development of the Christus Victor view after Aulén
- Quran 4:157â158
- Zeitschrift für Religionswissenschaft. Jahrgang 1997 diagonal-Verlag Ursula Spuler-Stegemann Der Engel Pfau zum Selbstvertändnis der Yezidi p. 14 (German)
- Jn. 19:26â27
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