Roman Influence on the Birth of Christianity

The Crucifixion


Movie

  • 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]


[1]Mark 15:25

[2] Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, Luke 23:44-45

[3] Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41

[4] Luke 23:49

[5] Matthew 27:36

[6] Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47

[7] Mark 15:45

[8] Matthew 27:58, Mark 15:45, Luke 23:52, John 19:38

[9] Matthew 27:57

[10] Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50

[11] John 19:38



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Historical Discussion
In Depth




Historical Context



Dating the Gospels



I Was a Sunday-School Spy



THE CRUCIFIXION (animation)



Post Appearance of Jesus



Who Did Jesus Curse-Praise



Taxes to Rome



Submissiveness to Oppression


John the Baptist


Admirable and Amazing Works



The Term Gospel



Jewish Judgment



Pilate's Defense (animation)



Roman Soldiers at the Tomb



Migration of Christianity to Rome



Irony of Faith



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