Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 25:100 (Oct 1868)
Article: The Death Of Christ In Its Outward Appearance And Its Historical Influence
Author: D. W. Simon

BSac 25:100 (Oct 1868) p. 733

The Death Of Christ In Its Outward Appearance And Its
Historical Influence

Rev. Dr. D. W. Simon

We propose, in the following pages, first, to call attention to the contrast between the estimate formed of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth by his contemporaries and the position it has actually held in the history of mankind for the last eighteen hundred years; and secondly, to inquire into the reason of this phenomenon. Outwardly considered, few events have had less significance than the death of Jesus on Calvary; and yet his death has formed one of the principal factors in the life of humanity ever since it occurred. What is the explanation? There is not another phenomenon of human history remotely comparable to it — not even that very remarkable phenomenon, the rise and progress of Buddhism. The existence of the contrast cannot be denied save by an ignorance so dense that its opinions are worthless. It is therefore the duty of the philosophical historian to

BSac 25:100 (Oct 1868) p. 734

seek to account for it. Nor, considering the important practical bearings of the question, ought any man to rest until he has found a solution. Especially ought those philosophical historians to recognize their obligation, one of whose fundamental principles is, that the course run by the human race has been the development of the highest reason, and one of whose prime axioms is: Where reason is, there must reason be found.

Attempts without number have been made to solve the problem to which we refer; and one solution has seemed to satisfy thousands and tens of thousands of the wisest and best men who have lived. Is that solution the true one? Or does the problem still await a solution?

We shall discuss the subject before us under three heads:

I. In what Light was the Crucifixion of Jesus regarded by

most of his Contemporaries?

II. What Position has his Death actually held in the Spiritual History of Humanity?

III. What is the Explanation of the Contrast between the two?

Let us then consider,

I. The Light in which the Crucifixion of Jesus was regarded by most of his Contemporaries.

1. How It Appeared To The Romans And Greeks

Those who were immediately concerned with the crucifixion of Jesus evidently regarded it as in itself an event of slight consequence.

Pilate, for example, by the very readiness which he evinced to let Jesus go, showed that he attached little importance to his life; and if his life were of small consequence, of how much less his death! He, for his part, found no fault in him; he fe...