The Roman Crucifixion

[placebofactor]

The Crucifixion:
I wrote the following some 25 years ago. I do not recall the name of the doctor who did the research concerning the human body when put through the torture of crucifixion. But I remember how it moved me. We read casually about the punishment and crucifixion, not fully getting the impact and degree of suffering.

The Persians between 539 B.C. and 335 B.C. were the inventors of the Crucifixion. They tied their victims to a single stake and left them there to die a slow and agonizing death. Eventually, around 100 B.C., the Romans picked up on this form of torture and death, then brought it to a new level of pain and eventual death. The word ‘excruciating’ did not exist until Christ was crucified. Excruciating interpreted means, “Pain out of the cross.”

Jesus' suffering began in earnest at Gethsemane. It was the day before the Jewish Passover, in early April of 31 A.D. Luke 22:44, “And being in agony he (Jesus) prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood.” because blood may have been mixed with his sweat, he would have been under great physiological stress.

He was then blindfolded and then taken to the high priest’s palace where he was falsely accused of blasphemy, spit on, and beaten. He was then taken to Pilate, and here was Pilate’s offer to the people.
Matthew 27:17, “Who will you that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ? And the crowd answered “Barabbas.” They also cried out, “Let his blood be on us, and on our children.”

Barabbas means “son of the Father.” The people called for the “son of God, so they called for Barabbas. The Roman soldiers mocked him, stripped him, put a scarlet robe on him, then made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. The thorns that grow in that area are two inches in length. The soldiers would have pressed the thorns down on his head cutting deeply into the flesh. They then bowed down mocking him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Isaiah gives further details concerning Jesus' punishment. Isaiah 53:3, He was despised, rejected,” --- Verse 4, “Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten”--- wounded, bruised, and “with his stripes” we are healed.”

The Roman whip consists of three braided pieces of rawhide, attached to a round wooden handle, the last 12 inches were not braided. At the ends of the three lashes were tied pieces of sheep bone and iron lead balls. The iron balls would cause deep contusions in the skin tissue, and the bone would cause deep lacerations in the skin, tendons, and muscles under the skin.

The victim was tied to a post, and the Roman soldier doing the lashing would whip the upper back and work their way down the legs. He would move to the other side and repeat his work. When finished, there would be deep cuts and trauma to the back and legs. The blood loss would be significant, causing a significant drop in his blood pressure. Normally 39 lashes were required by law, but the Romans were not obligated to Jewish law, and depending on their mood no count was necessary.

The crossbeam Jesus carried is estimated to weigh 75 to 100 lbs. When they arrived where the sentence was to be carried out, the crossbeam was nailed to the vertical beam that lay on the ground. He was then laid down on top of the vertical beam his arms in a horizontal position before being nailed to it. The nails used were about 6” long and ¼ inch square. They were driven into the wrist just below the carpal bones, considered part of the hand back then. The nails crushed the median nerve and carpal tunnel causing a great deal of excruciating pain. Then the feet were nailed down into the vertical beam. But before they were nailed down, the knees would have to be bent to bring the feet down flat on the beam. The driven nail would crush the medial plantar nerve causing great pain throughout his body.

When finished, the vertical beam was lifted and set in place. When this happened, the weight of Jesus' body would be pulled downward, placing a great deal of pressure on the elbow and shoulder joints, as well as the nails in his feet being driven up into the bones of the feet. It is estimated that the load on his elbow and shoulder joints was between 150 to 200 lbs. on each arm. This would cause the bones of his joints to separate, lengthening his arms six inches. What prevented the arms from tearing off were the tendons and muscles.

In this position, breathing out was much more difficult than breathing in. To exhale, the Lord had to push down on the nails holding his feet to the beam to raise himself. Each time he would make this move, the open flesh on his back would rub up and down on the beam.

Eventually, in his condition, the blood became filled with carbon dioxide causing him to suffocate. Also, from the loss of blood, he would become very thirsty as his tongue would cleave to the roof of his mouth. Due to the loss of blood, he would go into bulimic shock and eventually die of heart failure.

The Roman guard then plunged a spear into the right side of his heart causing blood and water to come out through the wound, proving that he was dead. If he had been alive, they would have broken both of his legs.
So, the next time you look at, or speak of the man hanging from the cross, understand fully what he suffered for every one of us. Also, have you ever considered how the Lord feels when we fail him in words, deeds, motives, and love?

[servant1]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #10]

Good to hear. Jesus specifically asked for his death and resurrection to be celebrated, not his birth. But Easter is filled with pagan practices as well.

[placebofactor]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #10]

Good to hear. Jesus specifically asked for his death and resurrection to be celebrated, not his birth. But Easter is filled with pagan practices as well.

There is a good and bad side to everything. For example, you can use a thick rope as a handrail across an old rickety bridge, or a person can hang themselves with the same rope. So is the rope good or bad? Christmas, Easter, whatever, it's all for the glory of the Lord.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

[servant1]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #12]

Not with any pagan practices involved-1Cor 10:21

[placebofactor]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

So do millions of others, Baptists, Independents, Methodists, Catholics, the Church of Christ, Lutherans, etc. etc. Most of us who do work at spreading the word are not looking for a pat on the back, neither are we looking for others to join an organization and then pin a nametag (I belong to---) on their shirt of blouse.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

So do millions of others, Baptists, Independents, Methodists, Catholics, the Church of Christ, Lutherans, etc. etc. Most of us who do work at spreading the word are not looking for a pat on the back, neither are we looking for others to join an organization and then pin a nametag (I belong to---) on their shirt of blouse.

Do all those religions go to people's doors specifically to tell them about Jesus? If so, do they do it every day? JWs literally speak about Jesus throughout the world every day. We don't look for a pat on the back from people. Jesus said that we would be hated by all men. He sends us out as lambs among wolves. We don't speak to people about joining our organization unless they are interested. We don't wear name tags except on convention days. You've got us confused with Mormons, unfortunately.

[placebofactor]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

So do millions of others, Baptists, Independents, Methodists, Catholics, the Church of Christ, Lutherans, etc. etc. Most of us who do work at spreading the word are not looking for a pat on the back, neither are we looking for others to join an organization and then pin a nametag (I belong to---) on their shirt of blouse.

Do all those religions go to people's doors specifically to tell them about Jesus?

Sure they do, had two Baptist knock at my door 30 days ago.

If so, do they do it every day? JWs literally speak about Jesus throughout the world every day.

No, you talk about Jehovah, not Jesus when they visit my home.

We don't look for a pat on the back from people.

True, I spoke out of line. What you do though is keep a tally on the number of hours you spend doing Jehovah's work. For what reason? I don't know; possibly for a pat on the back from your fellow members, or some promotion???????

[onewithhim]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

So do millions of others, Baptists, Independents, Methodists, Catholics, the Church of Christ, Lutherans, etc. etc. Most of us who do work at spreading the word are not looking for a pat on the back, neither are we looking for others to join an organization and then pin a nametag (I belong to---) on their shirt of blouse.

Do all those religions go to people's doors specifically to tell them about Jesus?

Sure they do, had two Baptist knock at my door 30 days ago.

If so, do they do it every day? JWs literally speak about Jesus throughout the world every day.

No, you talk about Jehovah, not Jesus when they visit my home.

We don't look for a pat on the back from people.

True, I spoke out of line. What you do though is keep a tally on the number of hours you spend doing Jehovah's work. For what reason? I don't know; possibly for a pat on the back from your fellow members, or some promotion???????

You say that you know more about JWs than we do. That couldn't be true or you would know the answers to subjects you bring up. You should know why we keep a tally of our hours. Only the Pioneers do that, not the rest of JWs, and it is to just keep track of how the preaching work is going. If it is slacking in any particular country the brothers will offer some more encouragement. There are no promotions. A Pioneer is a so-called promotion in itself. But we request the position ourselves. And nobody knows how our hours are going, except the elders. If we don't get our usual number of hours we are not chastized for it. Nobody says anything. It is a very loving arrangement.

[placebofactor]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

So do millions of others, Baptists, Independents, Methodists, Catholics, the Church of Christ, Lutherans, etc. etc. Most of us who do work at spreading the word are not looking for a pat on the back, neither are we looking for others to join an organization and then pin a nametag (I belong to---) on their shirt of blouse.

Do all those religions go to people's doors specifically to tell them about Jesus?

Sure they do, had two Baptist knock at my door 30 days ago.

If so, do they do it every day? JWs literally speak about Jesus throughout the world every day.

No, you talk about Jehovah, not Jesus when they visit my home.

We don't look for a pat on the back from people.

True, I spoke out of line. What you do though is keep a tally on the number of hours you spend doing Jehovah's work. For what reason? I don't know; possibly for a pat on the back from your fellow members, or some promotion???????

You say that you know more about JWs than we do. That couldn't be true or you would know the answers to subjects you bring up. You should know why we keep a tally of our hours. Only the Pioneers do that, not the rest of JWs, and it is to just keep track of how the preaching work is going. If it is slacking in any particular country the brothers will offer some more encouragement. There are no promotions. A Pioneer is a so-called promotion in itself. But we request the position ourselves. And nobody knows how our hours are going, except the elders. If we don't get our usual number of hours we are not chastized for it. Nobody says anything. It is a very loving arrangement.

I spent all day yesterday with six Jehovah's Witnesses, it was seven until last year when my sister's husband passed away. We talked all day, had dinner together, sat at the table when they prayed to Jehovah in the name of his son Jesus, had a few glasses of wine together, and some great dessert. I have been doing this with my sisters, brother-in-law, and nephews for over 40 years. I love them to death and would do anything for them. My three brothers-in-law are elders in their congregations, we have had a thousand conversations concerning the scriptures. But when it comes to the Bible, they are my enemies, not because I hate them, it's because of their stance concerning Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. That's what divides us, nothing else. P.S. Before they became Jehovah's Witnesses, they were all brought up Catholics. The actions of the Catholic church drove them from the frying pan to the fire, and it's so sad, they are all fine, generous people, and they all mean well.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #8]

When one reads the encyclopedias on Christmas, they find plenty of additives straight off the table of demons were added to it- Thus in Gods view and Jesus' view=100% unacceptable-1Cor 10:21
Jesus started a new religion= his Fathers will( Matt 7:21)--One MUST be taught by these( Matt 24:45) or they remain in darkness and do NOT know Jesus.

I never read the encyclopedia on Christmas but am aware of its origin. I have never thought of Christmas as something evil but as the setting aside of one day in the year, be it in January, March, June etc. to remind the pagan world that there is "Christ" who is our King and High Priest. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but not for the reasons you state above.

We remind people about Jesus EVERY DAY of the year. Not just one day. We take to people's homes the message of our King, Jesus, and we are doing it in over 200 lands, even where it is banned.

So do millions of others, Baptists, Independents, Methodists, Catholics, the Church of Christ, Lutherans, etc. etc. Most of us who do work at spreading the word are not looking for a pat on the back, neither are we looking for others to join an organization and then pin a nametag (I belong to---) on their shirt of blouse.

Do all those religions go to people's doors specifically to tell them about Jesus?

Sure they do, had two Baptist knock at my door 30 days ago.

If so, do they do it every day? JWs literally speak about Jesus throughout the world every day.

No, you talk about Jehovah, not Jesus when they visit my home.

We don't look for a pat on the back from people.

True, I spoke out of line. What you do though is keep a tally on the number of hours you spend doing Jehovah's work. For what reason? I don't know; possibly for a pat on the back from your fellow members, or some promotion???????

You say that you know more about JWs than we do. That couldn't be true or you would know the answers to subjects you bring up. You should know why we keep a tally of our hours. Only the Pioneers do that, not the rest of JWs, and it is to just keep track of how the preaching work is going. If it is slacking in any particular country the brothers will offer some more encouragement. There are no promotions. A Pioneer is a so-called promotion in itself. But we request the position ourselves. And nobody knows how our hours are going, except the elders. If we don't get our usual number of hours we are not chastized for it. Nobody says anything. It is a very loving arrangement.

I spent all day yesterday with six Jehovah's Witnesses, it was seven until last year when my sister's husband passed away. We talked all day, had dinner together, sat at the table when they prayed to Jehovah in the name of his son Jesus, had a few glasses of wine together, and some great dessert. I have been doing this with my sisters, brother-in-law, and nephews for over 40 years. I love them to death and would do anything for them. My three brothers-in-law are elders in their congregations, we have had a thousand conversations concerning the scriptures. But when it comes to the Bible, they are my enemies, not because I hate them, it's because of their stance concerning Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. That's what divides us, nothing else. P.S. Before they became Jehovah's Witnesses, they were all brought up Catholics. The actions of the Catholic church drove them from the frying pan to the fire, and it's so sad, they are all fine, generous people, and they all mean well.

It's commendable that you have such a good relationship with your JW family. Yet... What are your thoughts on what I wrote in the OP on the thread "Jesus is Not God"? Please tell me what you think of those points concerning Jesus. Please take one at a time. And I wonder, referring to the Holy Spirit, how a Person can be "poured out" onto 120 disciples in the upper room on Pentecost. A Person can't be poured out, and a person can't be with billions of people around the world at the same time, filling each with himself. Your thoughts?