THE BIBLE/GOD'S VIEWPOINT - The Cross

Many people view the cross as the symbol of Christianity. Yet, not all believe that crosses should be worn or should be displayed in homes and churches.

Did Jesus die on a cross?

WHAT SOME PEOPLE SAY

 The Romans executed Jesus by hanging him on a cross made of two pieces of wood. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS 

Jesus was executed "by hanging on a tree."  (Acts 5:30, The New Jerusalem Bible, and the King James Version)  Both of the words used by the Bible writers to describe the instrument of Jesus' death suggest one piece of wood, not two. The Greek word stau-ros,' according to Crucifixion  in Antiquity means "a pole in the broadest sense. It is not the equivalent of a 'cross. ' " The word xy'lon, used at Acts 5:30, is  "simply an upright pole or stake to which the Romans nailed those  who were thus said to be crucified.' 

The Bible also relates the method of Jesus' execution  to an ancient Israelite law.  The law stipulated:  "If a man commits a sin deserving the sentence of death and he has been put to death and you have hung him on a stake, . . . the one hung up is something accursed of God."  (Deuteronomy 21:22, 23) Referring to that law, the Christian apostle Paul wrote that Jesus became "a curse instead of us, because it is written:  'Accursed is every man hung upon a stake [xy'lon].'" Paul thus indicated that Jesus died  on a stake-a single piece of wood.  

Next time: THE BIBLE'S/GOD'S VIEWPOINT -The Cross 

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