In celebration of good friday and easter, we have dedicated our S.O.U.L section to honor the historic sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. As such, our focus will be on the crucifixion; it's definition, and it's history.

Definition of Crucifixion:

Crucifixion was an ancient method of execution in which the victim's hands and feet were bound and nailed to a cross. It was one of the most horribly painful and disgraceful methods of capital punishment.

The word crucifixion comes from the latin "crucifixio," or "crucifixus," meaning "fixed to a cross."

History of Crucifixion:

Crucifixion was not only one of the most disgraceful forms of death, it was one of the most dreaded methods of execution in the ancient world. Accounts of crucifixions are recorded among early civilizations, most likely originating with the Persians and then spreading to the Assyrians, Scythians, Carthaginians, Germans, Celts and Britons. This type of capital punishment was primarily reserved for traitors, captive armies, slaves and the worst of criminals. Crucifixion became common under the rule of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.).

Different Forms of Crucifixion:

Detailed descriptions of crucifixions are few, perhaps because secular historians could not bear to describe the gruesome events of this horrible practice. However, archaeological finds from first century Palestine have shed a great deal of light on this early form of death penalty. Four basic structures or types of crosses where used for crucifixion: Crux Simplex, Crux Commissa, Crux Decussata, and Crux Immissa.

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The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ - Bible Story Summary:

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, died on a Roman cross as recorded in Matthew 27:27-56, Mark 15:21-38, Luke 23:26-49, and John 19:16-37. Christian theology teaches that Christ's death provided the perfect atoning sacrifice for the sins all mankind, thus making the crucifix, or cross, one of the defining symbols of Christianity. Take some time to meditate on this Bible story about the crucifixion of Jesus, with Scripture references, interesting points or lessons to be learned from the story, and a question for reflection:

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