Crucifixion of Jesus

The crucifixion of Jesus is a historical and theological event central to the Christian faith. It refers to the execution of Jesus by the Romans using a specific method of capital punishment. This method involved a wooden instrument commonly called a cross. Most versions of the instrument were cruciform, meaning they had a T-shape. This shape was created by adding a transverse beam across an upright wooden beam.

Scholars almost universally accept that this event actually happened in the 1st century. They believe it likely occurred in Judaea during either AD 30 or AD 33. The details of the event are found in the four canonical gospels of the New Testament and other ancient sources.

According to the canonical gospels, the process followed a specific sequence of legal and physical steps. First, Jesus was arrested and brought before a group known as the Sanhedrin. Following this initial trial, he was sent to Pontius Pilate for sentencing. Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged, which is a form of whipping. After this, he was led to the place of execution. The Synoptic Gospels note that Jesus initially carried his own cross. However, Roman soldiers eventually induced a man named Simon of Cyrene to help carry it.

Upon arriving at the site, known as Calvary or Golgotha, several specific actions took place. Jesus was offered a drink of vinegar mixed with myrrh or gall, which was likely a substance called posca. The Gospels of Mark and Matthew record that he refused this drink. He was then hung on the cross between two other convicted men. Some translations suggest these men were bandits or Jewish rebels.

The Gospel of Mark provides a specific timeline for this suffering. It states the crucifixion began at the third hour, around 9 a.m. The process lasted until the ninth hour, which was approximately 3 p.m.

During the execution, the soldiers performed several distinct tasks. They affixed a sign to the top of the cross. According to the Gospel of John, this sign stated "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This inscription was written in three different languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The soldiers also divided his clothing among themselves. They even cast lots to decide who would receive his seamless robe.

While the two other convicts had their legs broken to hasten death, the Gospel of John notes that the soldiers did not break Jesus' legs because he was already dead.

Each of the four gospels provides unique details that add depth to the narrative. The Gospel of Matthew describes an earthquake and the resurrection of saints. The Gospel of Luke mentions a criminal who defended Jesus and received a promise of paradise. The Gospel of John includes the detail of a soldier named Longinus piercing Jesus' side with a spear. This action caused blood and water to flow from the wound. The Synoptic Gospels also describe a period of darkness lasting from the sixth to the ninth hour.

These variations allow scholars to study the different perspectives of the ancient writers.

Following the death of Jesus, the accounts describe the care of his body. Joseph of Arimathea requested the body from the authorities. He then placed Jesus in a tomb that was cut from rock. The Gospel of Matthew notes that Joseph used his own tomb for this purpose. The Gospel of John adds that a man named Nicodemus helped with the burial.

These details are part of the broader narrative that includes his resurrection.

The significance of the crucifixion extends into the core of Christian theology. This period of suffering and death is collectively called the Passion. It is fundamental to the doctrines of atonement and salvation. The First Epistle to the Corinthians states that Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day. The canonical gospels describe him appearing to his disciples before his ascension into heaven.

These beliefs connect the historical event to the spiritual systems practiced by billions of people today.