Topical Encyclopedia In the context of Roman crucifixion, the breaking of the legs of those crucified was a practice employed to hasten death. This act is notably referenced in the New Testament during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of John.Biblical Account: The Gospel of John provides a detailed account of the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, including the breaking of the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Him. According to John 19:31-33 , "It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a high Sabbath. So in order that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs." Significance: The breaking of the legs, known as "crurifragium," was a method used to expedite death by preventing the crucified individual from pushing up with their legs to breathe, leading to asphyxiation. The decision to break the legs of the crucified was influenced by the Jewish leaders' desire to adhere to the Law, which prohibited bodies from remaining on the cross during the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Prophetic Fulfillment: The fact that Jesus' legs were not broken holds significant theological importance, as it fulfills Old Testament prophecy. John 19:36 states, "Now these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: 'Not one of His bones will be broken.'" This prophecy is rooted in the typology of the Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12, where it is commanded that no bone of the sacrificial lamb should be broken. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, fulfills this typology, underscoring His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Theological Implications: The unbroken legs of Jesus serve as a testament to His fulfillment of Messianic prophecies and the divine orchestration of His sacrificial death. This detail emphasizes the perfection and completeness of His atoning work, aligning with the broader narrative of Scripture that portrays Jesus as the sinless Savior who perfectly fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Historical Context: Roman crucifixion was a brutal and public form of execution designed to maximize suffering and humiliation. The practice of breaking the legs was not standard for all crucifixions but was employed in specific circumstances, such as the need to expedite death for religious or political reasons. The account in John's Gospel reflects the historical reality of Roman practices while highlighting the unique and providential aspects of Jesus' crucifixion. In summary, the breaking of the legs of the crucified, and the exception made for Jesus, is a significant detail in the crucifixion narrative. It underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the typology of the Passover lamb, and the divine orchestration of the events surrounding the death of Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 19:31,32The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) sought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Nave's Topical Index Library Christ Crucified and Buried. The Crucifixion. John Chapter xix. 31-42, and xx. 1-9. The Crucifixion. The Crucifixion. The Crucifixion. Exceedingly Weak is his Assertion, that "The Disciples of Jesus ... And after That, Jesus Knew that all Things were Finished... Barriers Broken Down Christ Crucified Resources Is it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | GotQuestions.orgHow does young earth creationism handle the evidence for millions of years in the fossil record? | GotQuestions.org How does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.org Legs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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