Being crucified is the most painful death ever. Persia (Iraq) invented being crucified. Crucified is where the word "excruciating" comes from. Here's what crucifixion is really like, in medical terms, if you want to look at it in that aspect.
I'm a bit appalled at the rosy picture we see depicted of Christ being crucified. "How can you say that?" , you might ask. While I do find it terrible, it is not even close to what the actual crucifixion looked like. I used to see crucifixes and pictures depicting Christ being crucified, with Christ hanging there on the cross looking rather handsome, a few droplets of blood on His brow and a small gash in His side.
Now i see a much different picture. I think it's important that everybody sees Christ crucified for what He really went through and what He really looked like. Let me take you through the reality leading up to Christ being crucified....
Let's look at the condition of Christ the night before He was crucified. Scripture says that Christ sweat drops of blood as He prayed in the garden at Gethsemane. This is medically possible and is referred to as Hematidrosis. Caused by extreme physical and/or emotional stress, the capillary blood vessels rupture releasing small amounts of blood with the sweat. From this we see that Christ was under an enormous amount of pressure.
In Christ's own words He said "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." (Matthew 26:38) This condition also leaves the skin very sensitive, which made Christ's skin more susceptible to damage during the flogging. During His inquisition by the High Priest Caiaphas, Christ was bound and beaten in the face by the hands of the guards. A bound man who is beaten receives more trauma for he cannot "slip" or "roll" with the punches as they are delivered. Christ then received two more beatings at the hands of the guards. It is likely that Christ's face was severely disfigured by this time. Christ was mocked and spit upon.
A flogging consisted of 39 lashes with a whip made up of multiple leather straps, 18-24 inches long that had small metal balls woven into them. There were also pieces of sharp metal, bone, or glass attached to these straps. Apparently the number 39 was a standard number of lashes, (Jewish mercy was 40 minus one).
After repeated blows, the metal balls would bruise and eventually open the victim's skin. The pieces of metal and bone would imbed into the skin and then rip outward as the whip was recoiled. The lashes would target the entire back, buttocks, and the back of the legs. Some recorded amounts of flogging describe the victim's spine being exposed and the red meat of the muscles being shredded and go into a state of "uncontrollable quivering or trembling".
Sometimes the bowels would be opened up and most often blood vessels and veins would be severed. This led to tremendous blood loss and dehydration. This condition, known as hypovolemic shock, leads to the following bodily reactions: The heartbeat will become rapid in order to try and pump more blood throughout the blood-starved body. Blood pressure drops drastically. The kidneys shut down so to save fluids for a now fluid-starved system. Due to the loss of fluids the victim will thirst, can faint, and go into shock. Lastly, the heartbeat become erratic and eventually can go into cardiac arrest. Many died before even reaching the cross.
One last point before going to the picture of Christ crucified: the placing of the crown of thorns. The crown of thorns was jammed into Christ's skull forcefully, embedding the thorns into His head. Then He was beaten again. This time not only by the hands of the guards, but also with a reed. He was repeatedly struck on top of His head with a reed, driving the thorns deeper into His skull. Again, He was mocked and spit upon and His beard was ripped from His face. All this was in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning Christ's death: (Isaiah 50:6) "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheek to those who pull out my beard. I did not hide my face from the mocking and spitting."
CHRIST CRUCIFIED
The Romans perfected the art of being crucified, which was invented by the Persian in 300-400 B.C. It is arguably the most painful and torturous death ever invented by mankind. In fact, it was so painful that a new word had to be created to describe it. This is where we get the word "excruciating", literally meaning "out of or from the cross".
Now Christ had to hoist the cross up onto His raw and shredded back, or what was left of it...then carry it up a hill in His weakened condition. We see in scriptures how weak He had become in that He could not carry it without the aid of another man. Usually the person being crucified would only carry the crossbeam (75-100 pounds), which would be later attached to the main vertical beam after he had been nailed to it.
The spikes used to crucify the victim were approximately 7 to 9 inches long and filed to a point. They would be driven through the wrist about an inch below the palm of the hand. Medically defined, this point was between the radius and ulna and the small bones of the hand, the carpal bones. This was done because if driven into the palm of the hand the weight of the victim would be sufficient enough to rip the hand from the nail and then the victim would fall off the cross. Driven through the wrist ensured this would not happen, as the nail would rip through until it jammed against the carpal bones.
The nail also placed pressure on or pierced the median nerve. This kind of pain can be described as the same as when you hit your "funny bone", only imagine that pain intensified in volume and duration. In addition to this pain the destruction of this nerve also caused permanent paralysis of the hand. Now firmly affixed to the crossbeam, it then would be attached to the vertical beam. Next, the legs would be flexed at a 45 degree angle and the feet were flexed downward at a 45 degree angle until they were parallel to the vertical beam. The feet would be driven through with another spike between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsel bones. The dorsal pedal artery would be severed and, again, the nerve would be pierced and the tarsal bones would act as the brake for keeping the spike from ripping through the foot as the victim pushed against it.
Death by being crucified is a slow death by asphyxiation. Due to the contractions of the muscles in and about the chest region caused by bearing the weight of the body on outstretched arms, the victim's body would be in an elevated state of perpetual inhalation. In order to be able to exhale, the victim would have to push downward with his legs bearing the weight of his body against the nail in his feet to relieve the pressure on the arms and chest area. All the while scraping his open back against the wood of the beam.
He would then be able to hold this position long enough to exhale, then would slump down placing the weight of his body on his arms. After this repetitious movement in an effort to breathe, his arms would be stretched up to 6 to 9 inches as both shoulders would come out of joint followed by the elbows and wrists. This process would continue until the victim became exhausted, at which point he would go into cardiac arrest. This process produces and elevated blood carbon dioxide (CO2) and a diminishing level of blood oxygen. The elevated level of blood CO2 causes the heart rate to increase in order to increase oxygen to the blood and the transportation of CO2 out of the blood.
This condition is called respiratory acidosis. Simply speaking, the CO2 in the blood turns to carbonic acid, which elevated the acidity of the blood. After several hours, the heart begins to fail and the lungs collapse and fill with liquid. Due to loss of blood and hyperventilation, the victim experiences severe dehydration. Christ called out from the cross, "I am thirsty" (John 19:28). Eventually, all these lead to death. In severe cases of cardiac stress, the heart can actually burst, which is called Cardiac Rupture.
Due to all the trauma caused by these conditions there would be a build-up of fluids in the lining of the heart and lungs. These conditions are medically known as pericardial effusion and pneumatic effusion. The water mixed in the blood witnessed by John when the Roman soldier thrust the spear into Christ's side illustrates this. As the spear pierced Christ's heart and lungs the mixture of water and blood from the linings spilled forth.
Again, Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled:
(Isaiah 52:14) "His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness."
(Isaiah 53:5) "He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our inequities."
(Psalm 22:14, 16-17) "I am poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me...they have pierced my hands and my feet, I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots or my clothing."
(Zechariah 12:10)"....they will look upon me the one they have pierced.
The Roman guards mocked Him and divided up His clothing by casting lots and even at this point Christ showed compassion by forgiving them.
(Luke 23:34) "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do."
Usually taking a metal rod, striking it against the victim's legs and therefore breaking them can speed up the crucifixion process. This was termed "the crurifragium". This would not allow the victim to push against his feet in an effort to inhale in which case sped up the death to as fast as nine minutes.
With the Jewish religious celebration of Sabbath upcoming, the Romans decided to pursue this option. This was not done to Christ however, for when the guards came to break His legs, He had already relinquished His Spirit. The piercing His body with the spear was to make certain He was indeed dead. Again, Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled:
(Psalm 34:20) "He protects all his bones, not one will be broken."
(Exodus 12:46)"....do not break any of my bones."
(Numbers 9:12) "They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones."
These last 2 verses were in reference to how to prepare a sacrifice to God, of which Jesus became on our behalf.
In a society where we crave the gore, the blood and the guts, we shy away from the true picture of the torture Christ suffered for us. I wonder why this is? Upon reflection however, I see a sinister plan at work. Just how many people would be affected and moved towards salvation knowing exactly what Christ endured in our place? How could you dispute His love for us? How could you deny Him?
I don't think Satan wants us to see the real picture. I think he knows that it would move masses of people to Christ. How could you not love a man who was WILLING to suffer like this for you? What has Satan demonstrated in regards to his love for you? How hard a choice is it to choose between the 2? I don't doubt that if someone saved your life today, in some way, you would feel compelled to give him something, grant him some desire. Here is a picture of a man who died a gruesome death and suffered excrutiating pain so that you would not have to.
I believe that Christ suffered Hell being crucified on the cross. Christ did this for you so you wouldn't have to suffer Hell. And what is His one request for this? He says, "Follow me, love me." How easy should that be? What kind of heart is in the man who cannot give Him this? Here comes the amazing thing. If someone did save your life today and died in doing so, could he also come back to life and promise you that you will live eternally? Christ did!!
Not only did Christ save us from eternal pain and torture in Hell, but Christ promises us an eternal life with Him in Heaven. The thing that constantly blows me away is this: If He was powerful enough to bring Lazarus back to life and Himself come back from the grave, He could have saved himself on the cross at any time. But He didn't.
It was the most powerful display of love that was and will ever be. Never to be duplicated or even imitated. If you haven't made a choice concerning Christ, I urge you to consider Christ being crucified, consider the resurrection, and then consider the promise of eternal life. What other "God" offers this?
Make a choice for Christ while you still have time.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shouldn not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
2006-09-14 14:14:19 · 6 answers · asked by I♥him 5 in Religion & Spirituality
2006-09-14 14:14:16 · 13 answers · asked by Bandice 3 in Other - Health
Company is known for being top heavy (too many Directors, AVPs).
If you are in one of those management positions, do you actively pursue other non-management opportunities in the company (at same salary level), or do you wait to see if you will be selected to stay with the new Private company structure? If a severance package is offered before you find out if you will selected to keep your job, do you take it?
2006-09-14 14:14:14 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Corporations
Would that be a fair compromise? What are your thoughts?
2006-09-14 14:14:12 · 23 answers · asked by JistheRealDeal 5 in Immigration
RRRRRaAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
2006-09-14 14:14:02 · 6 answers · asked by AAAHH!! A MONSTER!!! 1 in Religion & Spirituality
I'm looking for a lower cost alternative to a Gear Vendors unit for my old Buick
2006-09-14 14:13:58 · 2 answers · asked by straitiff@sbcglobal.net 1 in Maintenance & Repairs
2006-09-14 14:13:54 · 22 answers · asked by Malik P 1 in Celebrities
2006-09-14 14:13:52 · 4 answers · asked by thekid102464 1 in Motorcycles
I have The Sims 2 and all the expension packs installed and it won't open so... I'm planning to uninstall them and install them again but I don't want to lose my memory. Is there anyway I could save the data I already have?
2006-09-14 14:13:45 · 4 answers · asked by Mariaish 2 in Video & Online Games
2006-09-14 14:13:43 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - News & Events
2006-09-14 14:13:36 · 7 answers · asked by I-C-U 5 in Current Events
2006-09-14 14:13:34 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Polls & Surveys
I am thinking about switching from cable to Direct TV, one of the requirements for Direct TV is to have a land line. Does anyone know why there is this requirement? Will my line be busy when watching tv or is this for initial programming purposes? Thanks!
2006-09-14 14:13:33 · 8 answers · asked by sparklysparky 1 in Television
It seems like the ones on the front transfer files slower than the ones on the back. Is it just me?
2006-09-14 14:13:29 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Desktops
my husband fed the dog and i didn't know it so i fed him again. he's a 75 lb rhodesian ridgeback mix. he seems to feel fine, but nevertheless i'm worried still
2006-09-14 14:13:26 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Dogs
guys and girls what do you think about them? to the girls that have them, did you have any complications? do you regret it? i really want to know your opinions.
2006-09-14 14:13:22 · 10 answers · asked by sexy-cecy 3 in Skin & Body
2006-09-14 14:13:19 · 5 answers · asked by Jmeシ 1 in Astronomy & Space
to Y!A? I haven't been here in over 2 weeks. Did anyone notice?
2006-09-14 14:13:13 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality
i have been living with my girlfriend for about two years. i have a 10 year old son who has also lived with us. he absolutely adores her, and i know once she is gone he will miss her. however, she drives me crazy. i have asked her to leave several times. she has actually left twice. the first time she left she left when her baby sister was in town and tried to weasel her way back when baby sister left. i was stupid and let her. the second time, i kicked her out in an ugly fight and when she called her granny, i told granny that GF had to leave. at that time GF wasn't working for 3 months or bringing anything to the table. i had to pawn my deceased mom's necklace (my mom passed in jan. 06) it really hurt and i was fed up. again, i stupidly let her back. only to find myself feeling like i hate her again. i cannot trust her, she has lied over and over again. she has stolen from me - money. i asked her to leave and she says she will not. what should i do?
2006-09-14 14:13:11 · 15 answers · asked by mss_candy 1 in Marriage & Divorce
She's been under a bookshelf for four days and only comes out at night, won't let me touch her. I've tried toys, treats, catnip, ignoring her, nothing works!
2006-09-14 14:12:58 · 34 answers · asked by velma13 1 in Cats
i have been experiencing tumors on my bladder whats is going on im not kidding i need somebody that knows about this!
2006-09-14 14:12:47 · 20 answers · asked by jaime m 1 in Men's Health
How do you say I don't like being sick? And I love to smile and how do you say yellow?
2006-09-14 14:12:41 · 9 answers · asked by K 3 in Teaching
2006-09-14 14:12:39 · 37 answers · asked by stevenhrtnt 1 in Mental Health
a while back i remeber a song, possibly flash and it was sung in a kinda monotone voice. some of the lyrics were like "Happy good angry bad thats my philosophy ohohoh im so happy" and it was sorta fast paced sorta. does anyone know where to find it? thanks.
2006-09-14 14:12:32 · 2 answers · asked by thrash1616 1 in Music
2006-09-14 14:12:31 · 9 answers · asked by darknightmare01 2 in Singles & Dating
my 9 month old daughter will no longer eat any baby food, stage 2 or 3. she also wont eat infant cereal or formula. the only thing she will take is fruit juice, cheerios ,pudding, yogurt, cottage cheese and breast milk. she hates bottles so i have been giving her drinks in sippy cups. but, i just dont know if she's getting enough nutrition.she also likes sweet stuff like ice cream and any of the other soft desserts that her grandma sneaks to her. i just dont want her to get a sweet tooth this early. can anyone give me any suggestions!!
2006-09-14 14:12:14 · 15 answers · asked by pamela c 1 in Newborn & Baby
I was looking at military jobs at usmilitary.about.com and it says that if you ever served in the Peace Corps you cannot be in the Psyop or Intelligence. Why would they impose a regulation like that?
2006-09-14 14:12:00 · 9 answers · asked by bowlingcap 2 in Military
2006-09-14 14:11:55 · 5 answers · asked by paNics 1 in Hair
just a simple night with my wife of 13 years. guys-moves that have worked. girls-stuff that works or impresses you. thanks!!!
2006-09-14 14:11:53 · 6 answers · asked by mongo862001 5 in Marriage & Divorce
best answer is the largest list!! easy right???!!!
2006-09-14 14:11:51 · 8 answers · asked by spencer c 3 in Other - Food & Drink
Questions asked on 14 September 2006:
Showing 5941 to 5970 of 18907 questions
Questions asked on other days: