Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:18

"where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst." — John 19:18 (ASV)

Apart from this simple statement, the writer makes no attempt to describe the process of crucifixion, probably because it was well known to the readers and he did not want to dwell on the physical horror of the Cross. At the place of execution, the condemned man was affixed to the cross by nails driven through the hands or wrists and through the feet. Generally, a rope was tied around the chest knotted between the shoulders, and then tied to the wooden stake behind the body to prevent its falling forward as fatigue weakened the muscles. A peg was set in the upright stake to act as a supporting seat. The victim was stripped of his clothing and left shamefully naked, exposed to the mocking people, the heat of the sun by day, and the chill and dampness of night (on death by crucifixion, see comment on Mk 15:24). A crucified man might live as long as thirty-six hours, or even longer, in an increasing agony. Crucifixion was probably the most diabolical form of death ever invented. Paul, in writing of the humiliation of Christ, says, “He humbled himself and became obedient to [the point of] death—even death on a cross” (Php 2:8, italics mine), a statement that reveals his feeling toward death by this method. John gives no details concerning the two others crucified with Jesus (see comments on Mt 27:16; Mark 15:27).