| BETHEL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY |
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| medical article on the physical death of jesus christ |
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Bibliography
William Edwards, M.D. (Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic), Wesley Gabel, M.Div., and Floyd Hosmer, M.S, AMI, published the results of their investigation "On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ" Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) 1986; 255:1455-1463
Abstract:
The scourging produced deep stripe-like lacerations and appreciable blood loss and probably set the stage for hypovolemic shock, as evidence by the fact that Jesus was too weakened to carry the crossbar to Golgotha. At the site of the 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 pathophysiological effect of the crucifixion was interference with normal respirations. Accordingly, death resulted primarily from hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia. Jesus' death was ensured by the thrust of the soldier's spear into His side. Modern medical interpretation of the historical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead when He was taken down from the cross.
