The Crucifixion

• None of the written accounts of the crucifixion in the New Testament say anything about nails being used

.

• The most common form of Roman crucifixion:

• Subject was tied to a large post or cross.

• Subject remained on the cross indefinitely, usually denied the dignity of burial.

• Usually took several days to die from thirst, exposure and/or asphyxiation.

• Jesus spent a relatively short period (six hours) on the cross, from the third hour of the day[1] to the ninth hour.[2]

• The women who knew Jesus[3] and all of Jesus’ acquaintances[4] watched from a distance.

• Roman soldiers[5] and a Roman centurion[6] stood guard at the cross.

• In Matthew, Mark, and Luke no form of physical violence was committed against Jesus while he was on the cross.

• A Roman centurion pronounced Jesus’ supposed death.[7]

• Pontius Pilate directed who was allowed to take Jesus’ body from the cross.[8]

• A heretofore unknown person, Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body, not a member of Jesus’ family. He is documented as being:

• A rich man.[9]

• A member of the council[10]

• A “secret” disciple of Jesus[11]