The details of the crucifixion are well known and detailed in such Biblical sections as John 19:17-35 ("so the soldiers took charge of Jesus, carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull, here they crucified him, and with him two others"), (NIV, 1995). .
Did Jesus really die during the crucifixion or was he just unconscious and later revived? In this act, Jesus was pierced with a sword (John 19:34). Prior to the crucifixion he had been beaten and whipped in ways that would have led to severe injuries without medical attention (McDowell, 1990). The act of the crucifixion itself has been described in great detail by Roman scholars and modern researchers, in a way that emphasizes maximum suffering and minimum chance of survival (McDowell, 1990). A Roman soldier (Mark 15:44, 45) told Pilate that Jesus was dead. Pilate had been surprised at the speed of death, so wanted it verified. A Centurion would have made very sure of this before telling vital information to a king with power over his life and death (McDowell, 1990). Joseph of Arimathea and numerous religious leaders as well as followers confirmed this physical death (Life Application Bible, 1993). .
The tomb was found empty by Mary Magdalene ("They have taken my Lord away" John 20:13), Peter (Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away wondering to himself what had happened" Luke 24:14), and others. Now, the tomb had been sealed with a heavy stone that a very sick man without medical attention couldn't have moved, and guarded by Roman soldiers who were under strict orders to allow no disturbance or theft, under likely pain of death (McDowell, 1990).
There has long been a theory that the disciples of Jesus some how bribed the guards (the high priests were on alert specifically for this- Matthew 7:62-66) and stole the body. However, all but one of the disciples (John) later died violently would they have died for their faith if it was meaningless? Their motives could be later clarified by Paul, who wrote, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so, is your faith" (I Corinthians 15:14).
