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Crucifixion

Illustration of Crucifixion
Era
Life of Christ
Date
AD 30 or 33 โœ“ Historically confirmed
Historical Source
Astronomical Passover calculations; Pontius Pilate's tenure (AD 26-36) per Tacitus and Josephus
Reference
John 19:17-30
They crucified Him between two criminals. The sky went dark. The earth shook. And the curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom.

The crucifixion of Jesus took place at Golgotha, a site outside Jerusalem, where Roman soldiers nailed him to a cross and he died after hours of suffering. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus voluntarily endured this execution while bearing the sins of the world as the ultimate atoning sacrifice, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death. This event holds central importance in Scripture because it accomplishes God's plan of redemption, providing forgiveness and reconciliation for humanity through the shedding of innocent blood. It also marks the establishment of the new covenant, demonstrating both divine justice and love as the foundation for salvation.

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Did You Know?

1

According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus voluntarily endured this execution while bearing the sins of the world as the ultimate atoning sacrifice, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death.

2

This event holds central importance in Scripture because it accomplishes God's plan of redemption, providing forgiveness and reconciliation for humanity through the shedding of innocent blood.

3

This event is dated to approximately AD 30 or 33 in biblical chronology.

4

Key figures involved: Jesus, Peter, John Apostle, Mary Mother Of Jesus.

5

This took place at or near Golgotha and Jerusalem.

Key Passage

Crucifixion

John 19:17-30

A17nd he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. 22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his motherโ€™s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Read full chapter: John 19 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

The Roman Empire is at its peak under Augustus and Tiberius (Pax Romana). Rome controls the entire Mediterranean world. Roads, common language (Greek), and peace make travel and communication easy - the 'fullness of time.' Herod the Great rules Judea as a client king.

When: c. 5 BC - AD 33

Key Civilizations: Roman Empire (Pax Romana)