Was Jesus Christ Crucified On A Cross Or A Stake As The Jehovah's Witnesses Claim?

• The Greek Terms Stauros And Xulon:

          -The Greek word stauros has been a subject of much debate regarding its meaning in the context of crucifixion. Historically, stauros could refer to a pole or stake, not necessarily the traditional cross shape commonly associated with Christian symbolism. Various forms of crucifixion existed, as noted by Seneca the Younger who observed, "I see crosses there, not just of one kind but made in many different ways: some have their victims with head down to the ground; some impale their private parts; others stretch out their arms on the gibbet.”
          -In addition, the Greek word xulon describes anything made from wood and could be used to refer to a tree. In the New Testament, specifically Galatians 3:13, the Apostle Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which originally spoke of people being hanged on trees as a sign that they were cursed by God. This context emphasizes that the form of the crucifixion device, whether a cross or a stake, is secondary to its symbolic significance.

• Biblical Evidence Of The Traditional Cross:

          -Despite the linguistic flexibility of stauros and xulon, there is compelling biblical evidence supporting the traditional cross shape:
            *The doubting Thomas encounter (John 20:24-29): This passage mentions nails (plural) piercing Jesus' hands, suggesting multiple nails, which aligns with the cross having an extended horizontal beam.
            *Pontius Pilate's inscription (Matthew 27:37; Luke 23:38): The inscription nailed above Jesus' head indicates an elevated structure, consistent with a cross rather than a stake.
            *Peter's Foretelling (John 21:18): Jesus describes Peter's future crucifixion by Roman guards, emphasizing the stretching out of hands, which mirrors the traditional crucifixion posture.

• Controversy With The Jehovah's Witnesses:

          -Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that Jesus was crucified on a stake, not a cross. Originally, the Watchtower Society taught that He died on a cross but later shifted this stance. This change has sparked theological debates, particularly given the biblical descriptions that support the traditional cross shape.

• The Jehovah's Witnesses And Bodily Resurrection:

          -Jehovah's Witnesses also contend that Jesus did not resurrect in a physical body, but as a spirit. Scriptural accounts, however, affirm the physical resurrection of Jesus. Luke 24:39 explicitly shows Jesus inviting His disciples to touch Him and witness that He has flesh and bones. Moreover, in Luke 24:40-43, Jesus eats in front of His disciples, further proving His physical form. John 2:19-22 emphasizes that Jesus' body was indeed resurrected, countering the notion of a purely spiritual resurrection.