The crucifixion of Christ on the cross of Calvary stands as a central pillar of the Christian faith, around which many aspects of the faith revolve. In establishing the truth concerning the death of Christ, the following lines of evidence are presented: 1. The circumstantial evidence based on history. 2. Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah. 3. The testimony of persons who claim to have witnessed the events. These lines of evidence are now summarized.

1. It is a documented fact of history that the Romans employed crucifixion as a form of punishment for slaves and notorious criminals. The 1st. century historian Flavius Josephus testifies to this, citing this mode of punishment as being inflicted on a friend of his, who, in the absence of vigilant guards was taken down from the cross and recovered. It was not until the reign of Constantine in the 4th century that this mode of punishment was abolished. It is therefore not unlikely that one such as Jesus who was wrongly considered to be a threat to the Jewish nation could be executed in such a manner upon the request of the Jewish leaders to the Roman authorities.

It is also significant that Constantine, in professing acceptance of Christianity adopted the cross as an emblem, replacing the Roman eagle. These can be seen on coins of Constantine the Great and his near successors. This indicates a clear association of the cross with the Christian faith, an association which could only be based on the idea that Christ was crucified on a cross.

2. In the writings of Old Testament prophets are found predictions concerning the life and death of the Messiah who was then expected. Such predictions seem to accord with the events that are reported to have taken place in the life and death of Jesus. Among such predictions are the following: The time of His death – Dan.9:25,26; His betrayal – Ps.41:9, Zech.11:12,13; His sufferings which include the piercing of His hands and feet – Ps.22:16, Zech.13:16, Isa.50:6, Isa.53:1-12; The casting of lots for His vesture – Ps.22:18. Since these prophets have also predicted other events that have occurred in accordance with their predictions, it is not unreasonable to accept the account of witnesses who testify that the events concerning Christ did likewise occur as predicted.

3. Gospel writers, particularly John and Matthew, claim to have been eyewitnesses of many of the events that transpired in the life of Christ. The testimonies of these and other witnesses is that Jesus was crucified on a cross. Minor differences in the accounts that are given are typically what might be expected when any event is reported by different human beings due to the differences in human perception and recollection. Such inevitable differences only indicate that the witnesses did not collude.

The evidences indicate clearly that the crucifixion of Christ is certainly not a myth but rather, a credible account that is worthy of acceptance. Further, the significance of the death of Jesus Christ is not particularly the method that was employed in carrying out His execution, since death by crucifixion was not unique to His case. Rather, the significance lies in the idea that this individual was the only begotten Son of the Most High God, was morally upright, blameless and did only good, yet, without just cause, He was dragged off and killed in a manner that was specifically reserved for the most notorious of criminals. If this was so, as Christians believe, then every well-thinking person should ask himself/herself, “why?”.

- Colin A. Gyles is Founder of God’s Love evangelistic ministry.