Christ was crucified by the Romans who knew well how to kill using that method. Being nailed on a cross meant the method of death was suffocation. The weight of the body restricted the ability to breath. The victim had to stand pushing against the nails through the ankles to free the pressure on the diaphragm to breath. So the victim would be in agony going back and forth between the nails through the wrists/palms and the nails through the ankles/feet.
If it went on too long, because the Romans grew bored, they reached up and broke the legs of the victims causing them to hang by the wrists and suffocate. In Christ's case they did not break is legs, but pierced his side with a spear.
These were professionals. They knew he was dead, because they did it all the time. This was just another day in the week for them. The crucifixion wasn't unique to the Romans, this was just another work day for them. The week before they were crucifying people and the next week they were doing it too.
Joseph had to claim the body from the Romans. Christ was clearly dead, as were the two thieves with him.
Joseph had to claim the body from the Romans. Christ was clearly dead, as were the two thieves with him.
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Certainly the Savior was dead. What does that mean I guess is the question.
What happens to us when we die. Do we sleep? Peter says that while Christ was dead he preached to those that were already dead. I’m sure he didn’t preach to souls that were asleep.
It is interesting that he preached to the souls of the dead. The dead wouldn’t be able to repent and be baptized to join the Church would they? What was the purpose, to torment them? Let them know that they could have been resurrected if only they would have been smart enough to live long enough to see and be a part of Christ’s group.
I know I’m being silly, but these are the kind of questions that can be seriously raised by this question. The Apostles Creed says Christ went to hell, Peter says he preached there and as far as I’m concerned the thief on the cross was there with Him.
Catholics preach purgatory. Many think this is the place that Christ went to. A kind of waiting room before Heaven or Hell. Whatever the place that Christ went to and preached there must be a reason for the preaching. Apparently even those who never knew Christ can be saved by him some how.
While Christ was there he was in spirit just like the other residents of that place. After His resurrection He made it clear that He was no longer a spirit but had flesh and bone. He told those around him that he went to dwell with their Father and His Father. I presume in that place where The Father lives they have physical bodies like Christ had when he left earth to go there.
The more you look at this question about where was Christ for those three days the more questions it raises.