Question:
Was Jesus nailed on a cross, poles, or on a single pole or stake?
Answer:
Well, let us see what the Bible says:
Matthew 27:32
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross¹.
Colossians 2:13
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross¹
Matthew 27:35
And they crucified² him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
¹ σταυρός stauros (pronounced as: stow–ros’)
This word appears 28 times in the Authorized Version, and is every time translated with cross.
When it appears it points to:
▪︎ The cross it self; a well known instrument for the most cruel punishment.
The Greeks and Romans took the use of it from the Phoenicians. The Romans used it down to the time of Constantine the Great.
It was used for the guiltiest criminals, particularly the basest slaves, robbers, at the arbitrary pleasure of the governors.
▪︎ In almost all cases it points to the crucifixion which Christ underwent.
² σταυρόω stauroo (pronounced as: stow–ro’–o)
This word comes from the same word, as the previous.
This word appears 46 times in the Authorized Version, and is every time translated with crucify.
The meaning of this word however also points to:
▪︎ to stake, drive down stakes
▪︎ to fortify with driven stakes, to palisade
▪︎ and to crucify, or to crucify one. Metaphorically pointing to: to crucify the flesh, destroy its power utterly (the nature of the figure implying that the destruction is attended with intense pain)
(This is probably the basis of your question?)
As far as I know, do only the Jehovah witnesses keep it that the crucifixion was on a stake or pole, and do all other Christian churches talk about a cross, after the instrument the Romans used in the days of Jesus.
To be honest, what would the difference be?
To me this is a similar question like, “Were there sharp peaces of stone or of glass in the whip they used on Jesus?”, or “From what tree came the wood for the cross?” These are matters that lay far besides the reason, effect, and purpose of His death, and have no meaning for the salvation of any person.
________________
Internet: harryschoemaker.nl
P.S.: Facebook doesn’t allow me anymore to share these Bible messages every day with you in groups where I’m a member, but I’ll share them as often as I can. If you don’t want miss out on them, then also join my group “The Worldwide Ekklesia” or follow me on Twitter: @schoemakerharry
About Author
