19:16b,17
We now come to the crucifixion itself. It is likely that the severe scourging that Jesus received was immediately prior to this. John omits some details that the synoptics have, and includes others. There is no surprise in this, John wanted to add things to the earlier descriptions. One aspect that John does not refer to is Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross. In the second century there were Gnostic writings that claimed that Simon replaced Jesus on the cross. It may be that this myth was starting to arise at the time that John wrote, hence the omission. Or, and perhaps more likely, John was just focusing on other aspects. Anyway, Jesu went carrying His cross to “the Place of the Skull”, or Golgotha.
19:18,19
“There they crucified Him.” Along with two others, with more details being given in the synoptics. Pilate also wrote an inscription and had it placed on the cross. It was common practice for the crime for which the person was being crucified to be listed on the cross. Crucifixion was not just a punishment for the criminal, but also an utter humiliation meant to serve as a warning to others. The inscription read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”.
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