For those interested, check out the following article which gives a
pretty gruesome idea of what happens to the body during crucifixion.
JAMA 1986 Mar 21;255(11):1455-63
On the physical death of Jesus Christ.
Edwards WD, Gabel WJ, Hosmer FE.
Jesus of Nazareth underwent Jewish and Roman trials, was flogged, and
was sentenced to death by crucifixion. The scourging produced deep
stripelike lacerations and appreciable blood loss, and it probably set
the stage for hypovolemic shock, as evidenced by the fact that Jesus was
too weakened to carry the crossbar (patibulum) to Golgotha. At the site
of crucifixion, his wrists were nailed to the patibulum and, after the
patibulum was lifted onto the upright post (stipes), his feet were
nailed to the stipes. The major pathophysiologic effect of crucifixion
was an interference with normal respirations. Accordingly, death
resulted primarily from hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia.
Jesus' death was ensured by the thrust of a soldier's spear into his
side. Modern medical interpretation of the historical evidence indicates
that Jesus was dead when taken down from the cross.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-sinclair@quarterman.org
[mailto:owner-sinclair@quarterman.org] On Behalf Of Carter, Judy G
(Judy)
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 10:08 AM
To: sinclair@quarterman.org
Subject: RE: Joseph of Arimathea
What I've read on crufication it causes the lungs to fill with
fluid...The spear that punctured Christ's side would
have let the fluid drain out...
as always
[ Excess quotations omitted. ]
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