Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was crucified by Romans in 1st-century Judaea.
Jesus was a 1st-century Jewish preacher who was put to death by crucifixion in Judaea, most likely in AD 30 or AD 33. His crucifixion is described in the four canonical gospels, referred to in New Testament epistles, and attested by other ancient sources. Scholars nearly universally accept the historicity of the event, though there is no consensus on the details.
- died
- c. AD 30 or AD 33
- field
- Religious teacher
- nationality
- Jewish (1st-century Judaea)
- known_for
- Crucifixion under Pontius Pilate; central figure of Christianity
Lore & Background
According to the canonical gospels, Jesus was arrested and tried before the Sanhedrin, then sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged and crucified by the Romans. He was stripped, offered vinegar mixed with myrrh or gall (likely posca), and hung between two convicted thieves at Calvary (Golgotha). The Gospel of Mark states he was crucified at the third hour (9 a.m.) and died by the ninth hour (3 p.m.). Soldiers affixed a sign reading 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews' in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, and divided his garments, casting lots for his seamless robe. After his death, one soldier (named in extra-biblical tradition as Longinus) pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water gushed out.
Reader's Guide
The crucifixion of Jesus, collectively referred to as the Passion, is the central aspect of Christian theology concerning salvation and atonement. Paul is the earliest surviving source to document the event, but the earliest detailed accounts are in the four canonical gospels. All four gospels conclude with extended narratives of Jesus' arrest, trials, flogging, condemnation, crucifixion, entombment, and resurrection. Scholars note that these events are treated with more intense detail than any other portion of the gospel narratives. Non-Christian references include Mara bar Serapion's letter (written after AD 73 but before the 3rd century), which likely refers to the execution of the 'wise king' of the Jews, and Josephus's Antiquities of the Jews (c. AD 93), which states Jesus was crucified by Pilate. Tacitus, in his Annals (c. Most modern scholars agree that Josephus's passage contains an authentic nucleus with a reference to Jesus' execution by Pilate.
Did You Know?
- The Gospel of Mark is the only gospel to state the time of crucifixion as the third hour (9 a.m.).
- According to the Gospel of John, the sign above Jesus was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
- Only the Gospel of Matthew mentions an earthquake and resurrected saints after Jesus' death.
- The Gospel of Luke is the only gospel to omit the detail of the sour wine mix offered to Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crucifixion of Jesus?
It is the Roman execution by crucifixion of Jesus, a 1st-century Jewish preacher, carried out under the authority of Pontius Pilate in Judaea. All four canonical gospels narrate the event, and the New Testament epistles reference it repeatedly.
What role does the Crucifixion play in Christian theology?
Christians understand it as the decisive act of atonement, in which Jesus's death on the cross reconciles humanity to God. It anchors the doctrine of salvation and gives theological meaning to the Easter celebration.
How does the Crucifixion story end?
In the gospel narratives, Jesus breathes his last on the cross, his body is removed and placed in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea. The account then shifts to the discovery of the empty tomb and the post-resurrection appearances to his followers.
Why is the Crucifixion of Jesus important?
It functions as the theological linchpin of the entire Christian faith, interpreted as the ultimate sacrificial act that overcomes sin and death. Without it, the core claims of redemption and resurrection lose their stated foundation.
When did the Crucifixion of Jesus take place?
Most scholars date it to either AD 30 or AD 33, during the prefecture of Pontius Pilate. While the precise date is still debated, the historicity of the execution itself is accepted by the overwhelming majority of ancient historians.
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