Topical Bible: The Death of Christ: Inflicted by the Gentiles

Bible > Topical > The Death of Christ

◄ The Death of Christ: Inflicted by the Gentiles ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The death of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian theology, was carried out by the Gentiles, specifically the Roman authorities, under the governance of Pontius Pilate. This event is significant as it fulfills Old Testament prophecies and underscores the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work.

Prophetic Background

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies foretelling the suffering and death of the Messiah at the hands of Gentiles. Isaiah 53:3-5 speaks of the suffering servant who is "despised and rejected by men," and "pierced for our transgressions." Psalm 22:16 also foreshadows this event, stating, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet."

Roman Involvement

The involvement of the Gentiles in the crucifixion of Christ is primarily represented by the Roman authorities. The Gospels detail how Jesus was handed over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, by the Jewish leaders. Pilate, despite finding no fault in Jesus, succumbed to the pressure of the crowd and authorized His crucifixion. In John 19:16, it is recorded, "Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away."

The Role of Roman Soldiers

The Roman soldiers played a direct role in the crucifixion. They mocked Jesus, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and led Him to Golgotha. Matthew 27:27-31 describes how the soldiers "stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him," and "spat on Him, and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly." They were responsible for nailing Him to the cross, fulfilling the prophecy of His pierced hands and feet.

Significance of Gentile Involvement

The involvement of the Gentiles in the death of Christ highlights the universal nature of His mission. Jesus' crucifixion by the Romans, a Gentile power, signifies that His sacrifice was not only for the Jews but for all humanity. In John 12:32, Jesus declares, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." This act of crucifixion, therefore, becomes a means of reconciliation for both Jews and Gentiles, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:14-16, where Paul speaks of Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the death of Christ at the hands of the Gentiles underscores the sovereignty of God in using human actions to fulfill divine purposes. Acts 4:27-28 reflects on this, stating, "Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They did what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."

Conclusion

The death of Christ, inflicted by the Gentiles, is a profound event that fulfills prophecy, demonstrates the universality of Christ's atonement, and reveals the divine orchestration of salvation history. Through the actions of the Roman authorities and soldiers, the redemptive plan of God was accomplished, offering salvation to all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:26-35
Then released he Barabbas to them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Death of Christ
... Even so was it with Christ. ... He accepted and bore upon the cross a death inflicted
by others, and ... every one that hangeth on tree." [28] Again, the death of the ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 4 the death of.htm

Whether Christ Ought to have Suffered on the Cross?
... entire and indivisible body might obey death, and that ... Reply to Objection 2: Christ
refused to undergo ... of virtue, but not those injuries inflicted from without ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ ought to have 2.htm

How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ...
... to which, and for our piety, punishments even to death have been inflicted on us ...
to them by you), and endure all torments rather than deny Christ even by ...
/.../chapter cxxxi how much more faithful.htm

How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ...
... said that he descended to hell, seeing he endured the death which is inflicted on
the ... But after explaining what Christ endured in the sight of man, the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 how christ performed.htm

The Destroyers and the Restorer
... the Old Testament to the entrance of the Gentiles into the ... in another fashion, it
is also true that the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, inflicted by Jewish ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the destroyers and the restorer.htm

The First-Fruits of the Gentiles
... hopes would lead to fresh cruelties inflicted by the ... He was probably within a few
months of his death. ... too was brought within sight of the Christ, and summoned ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the first-fruits of the gentiles.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... It is to no purpose to allege that the death of Christ was of efficacy enough to
leave saved all mankind, if in effect its virtue be not so far extended as to ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Its Basis
... that the penalty of the law should be inflicted upon her ... Rom.4 shows) was justification
by faith through the righteousness of Christ. ... Upon a Death I did not die ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/4 its basis.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... son; by so much did the rejection, persecution and cruel death of Jesus ... in mind the
evil thoughts which were revealed by the sufferings inflicted on Christ. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

Whether Christ Endured all Suffering?
... to accomplish the sacrament of His death, when with ... this way it was not necessary
for Christ to endure ... we are dealing now with sufferings inflicted from without ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ endured all suffering.htm