By Ian M. Giatti, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology, with historical, biblical and archaeological evidence strongly supporting the use of nails in this brutal execution method.

Recently, however, some have raised questions about the method by which Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. 

Here are three reasons believers can be sure that Jesus’ crucifixion involved the Son of God being nailed to a cross. 

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Biblical accounts confirm nail usage

The New Testament provides critical textual evidence that nails were used in Jesus’ crucifixion. In the Gospel of John, Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, declares he will not believe in the resurrection unless he sees “the mark of the nails” in Jesus’ hands (John 20:25).

This reference to nails is significant, as the gospels, written within decades of Jesus’ death, reflect early Christian testimony and likely eyewitness accounts.

The Greek word used, hēlos, specifically denotes a nail or spike, aligning with the Roman practice of crucifixion. Additionally, the description found in Luke 24:39 of Jesus’ wounds in his hands (or wrists, as was common) and feet matches the mechanics of crucifixion, where nails were driven to secure the victim to the cross.

These accounts, preserved in texts like the Synoptic Gospels and John, are consistent with the historical context of Roman execution methods, which often employed nails for maximum suffering and stability. The scriptures serve as a primary source, grounding the use of nails in the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion.