How do we know Jesus was nailed to a cross? Here’s how...

[Michie]

This is the first part of a deep dive (about 4,000 words) covering the nails of the crucifixion. Part I examines the Biblical, extra-Biblical, and artistic evidence for Jesus being nailed to the Cross. Part II will cover the relics.

Was Jesus Nailed to the Cross?
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It seems like an easy question to answer, but the Gospels are silent on this moment of the crucifixion.

If you look at the four Gospel accounts of the crucifixion itself, nowhere do they specify that Jesus was nailed to his cross. We have such specific images in our minds of this scene that this may come as a shock to some, but let’s look at the passages.

• Mark: “And they crucify him” (15:24)
• Matthew: “And when they had crucified him” (27:35)
• Luke: “And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him” (23:33)
• John: “There they crucified him” (19:18)

There are some interesting things to note about the way the evangelists handled the actual crucifixion. First, there is Mark’s use of the present tense, which is usually translated incorrectly to smooth over his vigorous and sometimes rough style. Next, there is the lack of detail. Various evangelists give more attention to those crucified with him (Luke and John) or the place (John) or the division of clothes (Matthew) in the relevant lines than to the act of crucifixion.

There are also no words dedicated to reactions or pain, or specific recollections of scripture passages. Since each gospel details the particulars of the passion more than any other moment of the life of Christ, this laconic approach has the paradoxical effects of resounding like a gong through the community of the faithful. Anyone who has experienced a Palm Sunday or Good Friday mass knows that these few words are like a thunderclap.

How does the New Testament indicate that Jesus was nailed to the cross?

Helos​

Continued below.

The Nails of the Crucifixion: Part I

How do we know Jesus was nailed to a cross?

weirdcatholic.substack.com

 

[Michie]

This is the second part of a deep dive (about 4,000 words) covering the nails of the crucifixion. Part I examines the Biblical, extra-Biblical, and artistic evidence for Jesus being nailed to the Cross. Part II covers the relics.

The Archaeological Evidence
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The issue of nails in crucifixion was given some archaeological evidence in 1968, with the discovery of three tombs in an area called Givʿat ha-Mivtar (or Ras el-Masaref). Excavated by V. Tzaferis, of the Israeli Department of Antiquities and Museums, Tomb I included an ossuary for a young man named Yehohanan ben ḤGQWL (Yehoḥanan son of Hagkol).

Inside, were the bones of an adult male, age 24-28, and a child. The adult’s tibiae and fibulae had been intentionally broken, and both calcanei (heel bones) were pierced by a nail that was still in place. Following forensic examination of the remains, Tzaferis called it “undoubtedly a case of crucifixion.” Based on other evidence, he speculated that it was either a rebel executed during the census revolt of 7AD, or some other first century crucifixion.

Continued below.

The Nails of the Crucifixion: Part II

Are any genuine nails preserved as relics?

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