The metaphor ‘being crucifi ed with Christ’ in sociohistorical context
Crucifi xion is a concept that is far removed from the experience and understanding of the 21stcentury
post-modern man. To understand the power of the message of the cross, one fi rst has to
determine what the meaning of crucifi xion was to the person in antiquity. The relevant facts about
the cross and crucifi xion were intertwined with social and political realities of the time. This article
endeavours to construct a valid and probable sociohistorical context for the metaphor Xristw~|
sunestau/rwmai (‘I am being crucifi ed with Christ’). The relevant terminology as well as the practice
of crucifi xion in ancient nations also receive attention. Possible differences in the shape of the
cross and crucifi xion procedures are being debated. The article also tries to conceive of the shame
and rejection the condemned had to endure. The sociohistorical implications of the preposition
‘with’ will be discussed to indicate its meaning to the person from ancient times. What would such
a person have understood and experienced when told that he had to be crucifi ed with Christ? To
any individual from that social and historical context such a statement would have immediately
conjured up a clear picture of the price that was to be paid. It would have meant the renunciation
of everything that was dear and essential in the life of that person; rejection of family and friends;
inhuman pain, both physically and emotionally, as well as the knowledge that the decision was
irrevocable.
Die konsep van kruisiging val ver buite die verwysingsraamwerk van die 21e-eeuse mens. Christene
leef vandag in 'n wêreld waar die kruis 'n mooi versiering om die nek of teen 'n muur is. Begryp hulle
enigsins nog hoekom die boodskap van die kruis vir sommige na dwaasheid lyk [1 Kor 1:18 (Bybel
1953)] – dwaasheid om die Skepper God met iemand so vernederd en van alle waardigheid ontdaan,
soos die gekruisigde gelyk te stel? Volgens Hengel (1977:1) was dit vir die Romeine 'n aanstoot om
Christus as God te ag, omdat Hy as misdadiger aan 'n kruis vasgespyker is. Hy dui verder daarop dat
van die kerkvaders selfs die skande van die kruis ontken het en dat dít 'n groot rol in die Dosetisme
kon gespeel het (1977:3). Eweneens verstaan baie Christene vandag nie meer wat dit beteken om
saam met Christus gekruisig te wees nie. Soos destyds, word daar steeds weggedeins van die skande
om jou geheel en al met die Here Jesus Christus te vereenselwig.
