Cross — Meaning in the Bible
The wooden structure on which the Romans executed people by crucifixion. Jesus died on a cross, and "the cross" came to stand for his death and its meaning.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
The Gospels tell how Jesus was crucified at Golgotha with a sign above him, "The King of the Jews". Simon of Cyrene was made to carry his cross. Mark 15:21–27John 19:17–19
Jesus told his followers to take up their cross and follow him. Paul writes that the message of the cross is foolishness to some but God's power to those being saved. Mark 8:341 Corinthians 1:18Philippians 2:8
Key passages
- Mark 8:34 — Take up your cross.
- Mark 15:21–39 — The crucifixion.
- John 19:16–30 — It is finished.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 — The message of the cross.
- Philippians 2:5–11 — Obedient to death on a cross.