History of the practice of crucifixions.

Crucifixions as a form of penalty did not begin with the Romans. Its first known use was by King Darius of Persia who is alleged to have crucified thousands of his enemies in Babylon in 519 BC. The Greeks continued the practice, crucifying Jews from 175 to 164 BC. 

Roman use of Crucifixion

The process, perfected by the Romans, was intended to inflict both shame and torture on its victims, as well as to set an example for others in order to maintain order. It was reserved for the worst of crimes. 

It typically began with scourging or beating the criminal which brought him to the edge of death. He was then forced to carry a large wooden crossbeam to the site of his execution, a further attempt at shaming. 

At the site of his execution, the victim would be stripped naked for further shame and nails were hammered typically through his wrists and into the crossbeam, which would then be lifted up and fastened to a vertical pole which typically remained in place from prior use. Now, in the shape of a cross, the individual’s feet would then be placed on top of each other and nailed together in such a way that the knees were slightly bent. 

[It should be noted that the Bible clearly refers to Jesus carrying His cross (John 19:17) rather than just a crossbeam. This may have been an exception to further humiliate Christ, or the Romans may have changed their methods prior to Jesus’ crucifixion.]

All the weight of the crucified was supported by three nails. The arms were twisted in such a way where cramping of the chest muscles made it impossible to breathe unless downward pressure was placed on the feet to open up the airway. This movement up and down, with every breath, caused pain to shoot throughout the body. 

Death came slowly, with some victims lasting four days on a cross. The final cause of death was asphyxiation, when the individual lost the strength to lift himself up to take a breath. There were times when the Romans offered some level of mercy when they would break the legs of victims, making them unable to lift up to breathe. 

The Romans abandoned this form of execution under Constantine the Great around AD 280. He identified himself as a Christian (likely untrue) and brought religious freedom to the Roman Empire. 

The Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus’ crucifixion was recorded in all four gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). His death was prophesied in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. 

Isaiah 53:1-12 – Who has believed what he has heard from us? … He was despised and rejected by men; … Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; … But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed …. like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, … although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; … my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities …. because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm 22:16-18 – For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet — I can count all my bones — they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Matthew 16:21 – From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

Mark 8:31 – And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Timeline Before Jesus’ Death

Jesus met with His disciples for The Last Supper Passover meal (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30). While washing their feet, Jesus identified the one that would betray Him.

The Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45) was where Jesus then went with the disciples where He prayed alone while asking them to “watch and pray” as well. Displaying His humanity, Christ asked the Lord to “let this cup pass from me,” which was a reference to the pending crucifixion. However, He continued, “not as I will, but as you will,” expressing total acceptance that the Father’s will would be done (Matt. 26:39).  

Jesus was betrayed and arrested at Gethsemane when Judas appeared with Roman guards (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11).

The Jewish Synagogue leaders condemned Jesus (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71). Since the Jews were under the authority of Rome, they had to petition for an execution. 

Good Friday Timeline (proposed with sanctified imagination)

6am – Jesus stands trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37) who “finds no guilt in Him,” washing his hands in the matter. So Pilate sent Jesus to Herod because Jesus was within Herod’s jurisdiction. 

7am – Herod, after asking some questions, sent Jesus back to Pilate (Luke 23:11).  Jesus was sentenced to death by the demand of the people. He was then scourged with 39 lashes and, as a mockery, a crown of thorns was placed on His head (Matt. 27:29).

8am – As some traditions have it, Christ was led through the streets of Old Jerusalem down the Via Dolorosa toward Calvary, or Golgotha (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17). 

Timeline at the Crucifixion Itself

9am – In the Jewish chronology, this would have been the “third hour” (Mark 15:25). Jesus called out, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). The soldiers cast lots for His clothing (Mark 15:24). 

10am – Jesus is insulted and mocked by the bystanders (Matt. 27:39-40; Mark 15:31; Luke 23:36-37; Luke 23:39).

11am – Jesus speaks to the two who were crucified with Him. The one who appeared to repent and view Jesus as God was told, “today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:40-43). He also speaks to John, asking him to take care of His mother, Mary (John 19:26-27). 

Noon – In the Jewish chronology, this would be the “sixth hour” where darkness fell over the land (Mark 15:33).

1pm – Jesus cries out to God the Father, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46). Jesus then asks for a drink (John 19:28-29).

2pm – Jesus says, “it is finished” (John 19:30a) and then, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Jesus passes from this earthly life. 

3pm – Referred to as, the “Ninth Hour”, there is an earthquake and the veil or curtain of the inner Holy of Holies is torn from top to bottom. The earth shook and rocks split. Tombs broke open and the bodies of many saints were raised to life (Matt. 27:51-52). A centurion remarked, “surely He was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47). Soldiers then broke the legs of the other two thieves (John 19:34) and pierced Jesus side to confirm He was dead (John 19:34). 

Diving Deeper into the Crucifixion

Why did Jesus ask God to “let this cup pass from me?”

Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to His arrest (Matt. 26:39). The cup was clearly a reference to His impending crucifixion and all that led up to it. Jesus was fully human and fully God. This was His humanity speaking. Luke observed that the struggle was so intense that Christ was sweating blood (Luke 22:44). Imagine the spiritual warfare (not discussed in Scripture) that was likely going on all around, knowing that Christ could call down legions of angels if He chose to. 

Why did the crowds shout “Crucify Him!”

How did it happen that Jesus was so honored with shouts of “Hosanna” as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey on Sunday, and those shouts became “Crucify Him” by Friday?

First, those who praised His arrival were likely not the same group as those who yelled “crucify Him” a few days later. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, many did not know who He was (Matt. 21:10). Those that did become disenchanted may have wanted to see the Jewish Messiah who would free them from bondage and were trying to force God’s hand at the point of Christ’s death. Or perhaps His teachings on repentance turned the crowd.

Why did the Romans give Jesus 39 lashes?

As with Roman practice, Pilate ordered that Jesus be flogged prior to His crucifixion. This was intended to weaken, but not kill the condemned. More importantly, Jewish law set 40 lashes as the number a Jew could receive. So, in order to ensure there were no counting mistakes, the Romans typically stopped at 39. The scourge, also known as a flagellum, was a whip typically made of leather strips that had been knotted with pieces of bone and attached to a short wooden handle. The bone fragments were sharpened in such a way as to strip flesh off the back of the victim as they were held fast, strapped to a pole. 

Who helped Jesus carry the cross?

Jesus was not just given the 40 lashes minus one. He was also beaten (Mark 15:19) to the point that He could not carry the cross all the way to Calvary. At a point along (perhaps) the Via Dolorosa, the Romans pressed Simon from Cyrene (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26) into service to help. Since Cyrene was located in Libya, Africa, many believe Simon was black. From the context, it is also likely that Simon was known by both Mark and Luke. This is the only reference to Simon in Scripture, and there is no definitive evidence that he was a Christian or became one. 

What is the Via Dolorosa?

The Via Dolorosa is translated “the sorrowful way” and was the traditional route through Old Jerusalem from the judgment seat of Pilate (the Praetorium) to Calvary. Today there are markings on the path with fourteen “stations of the cross” which commemorate fourteen incidences that took place, most (all but five) are Catholic tradition rather than Biblical references. 

Why was Golgotha called the “place of the skull?’

The books of Matthew, Luke and John, when referring to the place Jesus was crucified, adds that Golgotha was the place of the “skull” (Matt. 27:33; Luke 23:33; John 19:17-18a). There is no definitive explanation for the use of the term. However, in Jerusalem there is a hill that, from certain angles, appears to look like a skull. However, the exact location of the crucifixion remains unknown. 

What is the meaning of the cross?

From the 6^th century BC to the 4^th century AD, the cross was an instrument that symbolized, due to its use, a long and torturous death. The word “excruciating” literally means “out of crucifying.” However, the death and resurrection of Christ has completely changed the meaning of the cross for believers. 

It is interesting to note the Greek word for “cross” can also be translated as “pole.” However, verses such as John 20:25 clearly note two nails, one in each hand. Roman traditions were that if only a pole or stake was used, there would be only one nail used for the hands. Further, in John 21:18-19, Peter was told by Jesus that at Peter’s death he will “stretch out his hands,” indicating a Roman crucifixion using a cross during that time.

Why was Jesus crucified?

The answer to this question needs to be viewed from both a human and supernatural perspective. 

From a human perspective, the Jewish leaders were afraid and jealous of Jesus because He was not conforming or submitting to their control and theology. Jesus was stirring up the crowds (Luke 23:5), creating havoc for both the Roman overseers and the Sanhedrin.

From an eternal perspective, God’s only Son was born and lived a perfect sinless life as fully God and fully man. He became a final and complete sacrifice for all that are willing to accept Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9). He became the “Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Who was crucified alongside Jesus?

There were two thieves also crucified alongside of Jesus (Luke 23:33-43), and both initially mocked Him (Matt. 27:44; Mark 15:32). However, one ultimately responded to Him in faith, professing that He was the Son of God, while the second remained agnostic. To the first, Jesus responded, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This verse adds further credibility to the fact that our works or efforts do not save us. The thief was already on the cross, unable to do anything except acknowledge his sin and ask Jesus to remember him, “when you come into your Kingdom” (Luke 23:41-43). We are saved by God’s grace alone, through an acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as both our Savior and Lord alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Why did Jesus entrust Mary to the apostle John?

As Jesus hung on the cross, He asked John, one of His closest disciples, to take care of His mother (John 19:25-29). By this time the consensus is that Mary was a widow. However, she did have other sons, James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. She also had at least two daughters (Mark 6:3,13:55). Since Jesus was the oldest Son, He had a cultural responsibility to provide care for His mother. Further, there is no mention of Mary’s other sons being at the crucifixion. James, likely the second oldest son, would have been the logical choice to take on the responsibility. However, at the time of the crucifixion, James was not a believer (John 7:2-5), though later he was saved and became the first leader of the Jerusalem church. 

What was the significance of the centurion saying, “Truly this was the Son of God?”

This centurion was probably present at many crucifixions. However, this one was very different. He likely witnessed the trial of Jesus and knew the jealousy of the priests. He heard Jesus say that His kingdom was not of this earth (John 18:36). He watched as the sign was nailed up on the cross reading in three languages, “Jesus, King of the Jews” (John 19:19-21). Shortly after Jesus’ death, there were earthquakes, rocks were split and graves opened up with dead saints rising, perhaps on Golgotha itself. It’s no wonder why the centurion confirmed what had already been said. 

Did the nails go through Jesus’ hands or wrists?

Many historians believe the nails went through Christ’s wrists rather than His palms, for two reasons. First, the wrist was a more secure place to accept body weight and second, because there are large nerves that run through the wrist, causing excruciating pain, which was the focus of the Roman execution.

However, nail marks in the wrists of Jesus is in conflict with Bible verses at Christ’s appearance after His resurrection (John 20:25-27). One interesting thing of note is that there is no Greek word for “wrist.” 

Why did Jesus say, “I thirst,” from the cross?

Jesus hung on the cross for approximately six hours, stating He was thirsty near the end of His earthly life (John 19:28). This was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:15 which reads, “my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.” Since this action preceded the final words of Jesus, “it is finished,” perhaps His humanity needed the juice to moisten His throat for those final words. 

Who was responsible for Christ’s death?

The Romans performed the act of the crucifixion, under the direction of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Roman soldiers actually scourged and then drove the nails into Jesus, raising Him up on the cross and then piercing His side (Matt. 27:27-35). However, the Jews in Jerusalem were also complicit in shouting, “Crucify Him!” Further, they choose Barabbas when Pilate tried to spare Jesus. Later in the book of Acts, Peter stated that the Jews “helped… put Him to death” (Acts 2:22-23). Finally, God, the Father, as omnipotent and omniscient, allowed His Son to die for the sins of mankind. 

All of mankind played a part in the death of Christ, that we might have a pathway for eternal salvation.