What About The Shroud Of Turin?

What About The Shroud Of Turin?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 27, 2026 (Donate)

When discussing the resurrection, the Shroud of Turin often comes up (and I’ve commented on this before).[1] The Shroud of Turin is no doubt a remarkable linen cloth measuring approximately 14.3 feet long and 3.7 feet wide.

However, linking it to grave of Christ does have its problems. First, it appeared in documented history in medieval France in AD 1357, it is now housed in Turin, Italy. The cloth contains a mysterious negative image resembling a dead man, perhaps even crucified. Some arbitrarily believe this was Jesus Christ and that the image formed miraculously during His resurrection.

 

Full length Shroud of Turin, Giuseppe Enrie, 1931, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite extensive scientific investigations, including controversial carbon-14 dating and other analyses, questions remain concerning its authenticity. But before accepting the Shroud as Christ's burial cloth, we should examine what Scripture actually says.

Was Jesus Wrapped In A Single Linen Cloth?

Matthew 27:59, Mark 15:46, and Luke 23:53 describe Joseph of Arimathea taking Jesus' body from the Cross and wrapping it in linen. The Greek word sindon refers to a linen cloth.

Christ's body had suffered tremendously from scourging, the crown of thorns, crucifixion, and the spear wound (Matthew 27:26-29; John 19:34). Consequently, this initial linen would likely have absorbed considerable blood. And a cloth like this would be used for initial cleaning and transporting the body. Then more linens, rages, towels, washcloths, would be used for further cleaning before applying spices and strips of linen.  

So was this same used, bloody cloth re-used for His burial? It would violate cleanliness laws of the Old Testament if they did! Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John provides additional details that the other Gospel writers summarize.

What Does John Reveal About Christ's Burial?

John 19:38-42 records that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepared Jesus' body for burial. Nicodemus brought approximately 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, and they wrapped Christ's body in linen cloths (e.g., strips) with the spices, according to Jewish burial customs.

In parallel, Lazarus had been buried similarly, with his hands and feet bound in grave clothes and a cloth around his face (John 11:43-44). Applying these spices means that the initial bloodied linen was indeed removed. There is no biblical indication that this cloth was reused. Instead, the account says it burial linens and spices.

John 20:3-7 describes what Peter and John discovered after the Resurrection: linen strips or cloths (othonia) lying in the tomb and a separate cloth that had covered Jesus' head. Luke 24:12 also mentions the linen cloths but none mention an additional large shroud.

Some defenders of the Shroud argue that othonia encompasses all burial cloths, including a large shroud. However, John distinguishes the linen cloths from the separate facial covering—thus scripturally, it doesn’t include all burial cloths. Neither account explicitly identifies another large cloth.

Therefore, the Bible provides no clear evidence that a large, single-piece shroud remained around Christ's body in the tomb. We can ascertain from God’s Word that there was a large linen when He was taken off  the Cross, but not in the grave.

Could The Shroud Have Been The One Used At The Cross?

Some have pondered if perhaps the Shroud of Turin was the initial linen used when Joseph removed Christ's body from the Cross rather than His final burial covering.

This could explain why the Shroud isn’t identified among the burial linens. Furthermore, the reported absence of substantial burial-spice residue could be consistent with a cloth removed before Nicodemus applied the spices.

However, this is still problematic. First, the notable feature in the now bloody linen when Christ was taken off the Cross is…blood. Yet that doesn’t match the Shroud of Turin. Nor would cleaning His bloody body yield the image impressed on the Shroud.  

Nevertheless, equating the Shroud of Turin with the removal linen is simply blind speculation. Scripture doesn’t tell us what happened to the original linen. Nor can we establish that the Turin cloth was ever associated with Jesus.

Conclusion

The Shroud of Turin is unquestionably an intriguing historical artifact worthy of investigation. However, its documented medieval appearance, disputed dating, and uncertain history warrant caution. We need to keep in mind that the brilliance of man and our ancient technology and skills often surprise us today. Could this have been made as a decorative piece for an ancient church to remind congregants what Christ suffered for us? The possibilities are likely numerous for how and what this linen was made. 

Biblically, the strongest argument against this being the burial cloth of Christ is the distinction between the initial linen used at the Cross and the burial linens described by John. Could the Shroud have been that initial cleaning cloth? It's rather doubtful. Was it one of the burial cloths present during the Resurrection? Scripture provides no compelling reason to conclude so.

Christians should avoid imposing interpretations of artifacts upon God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15). Our confidence in Christ's death and bodily resurrection rests upon the authority of Scripture, not the authenticity of a disputed relic.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:21 reminds us, we should test all things and hold fast to what is good. And as for the things that aren’t so good, take them as a grain of salt at best. 

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

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[1] Bodie Hodge, Shroud Of Turin: Was It In The Grave With Christ?, Biblical Authority Ministries, June 20, 2025, https://www.biblicalauthorityministries.org/2025/06/shroud-of-turin-was-it-in-grave-with.html.

Resurrection Sunday (And Other Holidays Connected To Easter)

Resurrection Sunday (And Other Holidays Connected To Easter)

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 26, 2026 (Donate)

There are a lot of holidays that directly connect to Easter Sunday, which itself connects to Passover. Of course, there is Ash Wednesday, which begins the Easter Season and the countdown to it. Naturally, a lot happens on Holy Week. There is Palm Sunday (a week before Easter) and Maundy Thursday, a day before the crucifixion. Crucifixion Day also called Preparation Day, a High Sabbath, then the resurrection or Easter Sunday.

Laying out palm branches like a conquering hero when Jesus came into Jerusalem a week before resurrection Sunday; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

But then we often forget the days that follow. Some celebrate Easter Monday as part of the Octave of Easter commemorating the day that Jesus began appearing to other people beside his close disciples. That is the last of the immediate days of the Octave of Easter which technically began with Palm Sunday.

But there are two other holidays that follow that are powerfully important! One is Ascension Day, which was 40 days after the resurrection. Then there is Pentecost which is 50 days after. This is when the Holy Spirit poured out on believers in a miraculous way to baptize the church with the power of the Spirit.

A Note On The Calendar

Easter Sunday (and these other holidays tied to it) moves around on our modern Gregorian calendar. The reason is that it is directly tied to Passover, which is still calculated today based on a lunar calendar (a calendar based on 12 moon cycles or either 29 or 30 days, giving a yearly 354 days). The current Jewish calendar is lunar (and was borrowed from Babylonians while they were in captivity).[1]

Basic differences between a Jewish lunar calendar and the solar Gregorian calendar; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Our modern Gregorian calendar (a corrected version of the old Julian calendar of Roman days) is a solar calendar with 365 day a year with a leap year every 4 years (and other slight corrective features from time to time). The lunar calendar also has a leap, but it doesn’t add a day, instead they add an entire leap month every few years to correct the calendar. Basically, they add an extra month at the end of the year to make up for the fact that they year ends so early (remember, it was only 354 days, where a true year is about 365.25 days). 

But because of this, Passover, Easter, Pentecost and other holidays attached to Passover drifts and then resets, then drifts, then resets. So Resurrection Sunday drifts on our calendar, then resets beca sue we just translate the dates over to the Solar calendar. And then drifts again on our calendar and resets forward every few years.

Biblical Holidays Surrounding Passover, Easter, And Pentecost

The Bible obviously records several key events surrounding the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Some of these originated in the Old Testament and pointed forward to Christ.

We have made holidays to remember and commemorate these events (we are made in the image of holiday-making God!). Sometimes, understanding these events helps us appreciate the connections between the Old and New Testaments. Let’s go back to the Passover ever so briefly.

1. Passover

Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) was instituted by God when the Israelites were preparing to leave Egypt. According to Exodus 12, each household was instructed to select a male lamb without blemish on the tenth day of the first month (Nisan or Abib—equivalent to late March to late April).

The lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of Nisan, and its blood was applied to the doorposts and lintel of the home. When God struck the firstborn of Egypt, He passed over the houses marked by the blood. In the same way, Christ—our eternal Passover Lamb’s blood, saves us from eternal death!

By God’s decree, Passover was celebrated to remember Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It was followed by the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, during which leaven (yeast) was removed from their homes. These observances reminded Israel of God's judgment, mercy, and deliverance.

Take note that even for Christians, Passover has tremendous significance because Jesus Christ is the ultimate Passover Lamb. John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29). Likewise, the Holy Spirit through Paul declared,

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV).

Just as the Israelites were spared judgment through the blood of the Passover lamb, believers are delivered and saved from eternal judgment through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Thus, Passover was more than just a remembrance of Israel removal from Egypt. It was a prophetic picture pointing forward to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ to save us for eternity. (See: Exodus 12:1-28; Leviticus 23:4-8; Matthew 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-20; John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7.)

2. Preparation Day

Preparation Day was an important part of Jewish religious life. The term generally referred to the day before the weekly Sabbath, when people prepared food and completed necessary work before the Sabbath began at sunset.

In the New Testament, Preparation Day is particularly significant because Jesus Christ was crucified and buried on this day. Hence, is sometimes called Crucifixion Day.

Mark 15:42 identifies the day of Christ's burial as the Preparation Day, as it was the day before the Sabbath. Also, Luke 23:54 states that the Sabbath was approaching when Jesus was placed in the tomb.

John 19:14 specifically mentions the Preparation Day of the Passover, connecting Christ's crucifixion with the Passover season. Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover meal (the Last Supper) after sunset on Preparation Day as it was crossed over with Passover. The Jewish religious leaders were still going to eat it after they arrested and was having Him condemned to death (John 18:28).

Jewish days were reckoned from evening to evening (today, we push it back a few hours to Midnight), making the approaching sunset particularly important. Because the Sabbath was drawing near, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus needed to act quickly in preparing Jesus' body for burial (John 19:38-42).

Preparation Day also helps explain why the Jewish leaders requested that the crucified men's legs be broken to hasten their deaths (John 19:31). They didn’t want the bodies remaining on the crosses during the approaching Sabbath.

Christ, however, had already died, fulfilling the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb. For those of us in Christ, Preparation Day is powerful because it marks the day of the Last Supper and Christ’s crucifixion. (See: Exodus 12:6; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14, 31, 42.)

3. High Sabbath

A High Sabbath was a Sabbath that fell during one of Israel's appointed feasts. Unlike the ordinary weekly Sabbath, which is celebrate every seventh day (honoring God’s work of creating all things in six days and resting on the seventh), certain festival days were designated as sacred assemblies when ordinary work was prohibited.

The first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread were such occasions (Leviticus 23:6-8).

John 19:31 interjects that the Sabbath immediately following Christ's crucifixion:

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. (NKJV).

This means that the approaching Sabbath possessed special significance because of its association with the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread festival.

The High Sabbath should remind us that the ceremonial observances of the Old Testament pointed toward something greater. As Colossians 2:16-17 explains, these observances were  types and shadows, while their ultimate substance is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. (See: Leviticus 23:5-8; Exodus 12:16; John 19:31; Luke 23:54-56.)

4. Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday)

Resurrection Sunday is all about the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is commonly called Easter Sunday (based on the German month name to which Passover falls), although many Christians prefer the designation Resurrection Sunday to honor the biblical event.

According to all four Gospels, Jesus' tomb was discovered empty early on the first day of the week, following the Sabbath. The women who came to the tomb expected to find Jesus' body. Instead, they encountered an empty tomb and received the extraordinary announcement that He had risen (Matthew 28:6)!

A newly hewn grave; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The resurrection wasn’t merely spiritual or even symbolic. Jesus, who is God in the flesh, physically rose from the grave, proving His victory over sin and death.

He subsequently appeared to Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and numerous other witnesses. Paul records that more than 500 brethren witnessed the risen Christ at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).

The resurrection is foundational to Christianity. Without it, the Christian faith would be meaningless, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:14-19. So one can understand how important it is to remember. 

Unlike Passover, which was specifically commanded under the Mosaic Law, an annual Easter celebration wasn’t directly commanded in Scripture. Nevertheless, Christians have historically celebrated this unique event to glorify Christ and His resurrection because it confirms His deity, His sacrifice, and the future bodily resurrection.

Since the resurrection happened after Passover, Resurrection Sunday should obviously follow Passover. The date to celebrate Easter is always calculated to follow Passover and it is done in a clever way, based on a moon sign. 

Easter Sunday is always the first Sunday, following the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox (spring equinox). This assures that Easter always comes after the Passover. As Passover drifts, it won't "go behind" Easter using this method. 

Nevertheless, Resurrection Sunday is to celebrate the conquering King who defeated death and holds the keys of Hades and Death (Revelation 1:18). (See: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-22.)

5. Ascension Day

Ascension Day commemorates Jesus Christ's bodily ascension into heaven following His resurrection. He was the original “superman” flying through the air!

According to Acts 1:3, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days after His resurrection. During this time, He provided convincing proofs that He was alive and taught them concerning the kingdom of God.

At the conclusion of these appearances, Jesus led His disciples near the Mount of Olives. Acts 1:9 records that Jesus was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

Some of the disciples still looking up after Jesus ascended; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Two angels then informed the disciples that Jesus would return in the same manner in which they had seen Him ascend into heaven (Acts 1:10-11). Ascension Day is traditionally observed on the fortieth day of the Easter season, counting Resurrection Sunday as the first day. Consequently, it always falls on a Thursday.

The Bible doesn’t command us to establish an annual Ascension Day celebration. But it doesn’t forbid it either. Thus, it is still recognized like many other holidays. The point of Ascension Day isn’t to be a big celebration but simply to remind us that Jesus didn’t cease to exist physically or abandon His humanity. Rather, the risen Christ ascended bodily into heaven, where He reigns at the Father's right hand on the throne of God.

Furthermore, His ascension meant the apostles were to look forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit, whom He promised to send to His followers. For we Christians today, Ascension Day is a reminder that our resurrected Savior will also return just as He promised. (See: Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-11; Mark 16:19; Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3.)

6. Pentecost

This is the final holiday connected to Easter and Passover. Pentecost comes from the Greek word meaning "fiftieth." In the Old Testament, this celebration was known as the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) and was associated with the initial grain harvest.

According to Leviticus 23:15-16, Israel was instructed to count seven complete weeks and observe the feast on the fiftieth day. Naturally, the precise starting point for this count has been interpreted differently among Jewish traditions.

Pentecost became especially significant in the New Testament because of the extraordinary events recorded in Acts 2. It was essentially the inauguration of the church with power.

Following Christ's resurrection and ascension, His disciples remained in Jerusalem as instructed, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the gathered believers. The event was a “wow event”! It was accompanied by a sound like a rushing mighty wind and divided tongues resembling fire.

The disciples began speaking in other languages, enabling visitors from numerous nations to hear God's wonderful works in their own tongues.

Peter subsequently preached a powerful sermon proclaiming Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and exaltation. Approximately 3,000 people received the gospel message, believed in Jesus, and were baptized that day (Acts 2:41).

Pentecost marked a remarkable expansion of the church's public witness and the fulfillment of Christ's promise concerning the Holy Spirit. The unstoppable Holy Spirit has been at work ever since, converting world nations and people to a point where Christianity is largest religion in the world and is still the fastest growing religion by conversions! And yet it is arguably the most persecuted religion in the world too.

Unlike the confusion of languages at Babel, where man was divided through language (e.g., Genesis 10-11), Pentecost shows God's power to communicate His Gospel truth across linguistic boundaries.

For Christians, Pentecost is about the Holy Spirit's coming upon the disciples and early church and the crazy speed of the spread of the gospel to people all around the world. (See: Leviticus 23:15-22; Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Acts 2:1-41; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:4-8.)

Conclusion

These holidays leading up to Resurrection Sunday and following it are closely connected to God's work through Jesus Christ on the Cross. Passover yields a sacrificial Lamb. Christ is our eternal Passover Lamb.

Preparation Day marks the His crucifixion and burial. The High Sabbath shows the body of Christ resting in the grave. Resurrection Sunday reveals the power of God unto salvation! Christ hold eternal victory over death.

Ascension Day commemorates Jesus’ exaltation into heaven. Finally, Pentecost sees the Holy Spirit's coming upon the disciples and the spread of the gospel. There is a remarkable unity in all this if you just stop and think about it.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge

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[1] The Jewish calendar names still have a couple of Babylonian “gods” as the names of their months (e.g., Tammuz).

No Bones Would Be Broken

No Bones Would Be Broken

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 23, 2026 (Donate)

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV)

Christ is our eternal Passover. In Christ’s sacrifice, He was put to death by order of the High Priest after inspection seeing that He was without blemish (hence, they had to throw false charges at Him; Mark 14:53-63). This was in keeping with the Old Testament Law (e.g., Exodus 12:5; Leviticus 22:17-25; Malachi 1:6-14).

There were other laws pertaining to the sacrificial lamb. One of them had to do with its bones—don’t break any. I’m not sure if we should “break a leg” as we dive into this fascinating subject.

The Passover Lamb And The Old Testament Commandment

God instituted the Passover in Exodus 12 based on a real historical event. He gave specific instructions about the selection and preparing of the Passover lamb. The lamb was to be a male without blemish (Exodus 12:5), and at the first Passover, its blood was to be placed on the doorposts and lintel of the Israelite homes. This protected the firstborn from death when God’s judgment came upon Egypt.

A humble Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt after the Passover and penned the Law; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

One particularly important command was that none of the lamb's bones were to be broken.

In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones. (Exodus 12:46, NKJV).

This command was reiterated in Numbers 9:12. The lamb was to stay physically intact, even in death. These instructions weren’t arbitrary. The Passover lamb was a type and shadow pointing forward to the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:1).

Jesus, The Ultimate Passover Lamb

Jesus was identified as the Lamb of God by John the Baptist (John 1:29, 36). Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices under the Old Testament sacrificial system, Christ offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10-14). And He could do that being the very nature of God!

As the sinless Son of God, Jesus fulfilled what the Passover lamb symbolized. Powerfully, the command concerning unbroken bones also sees its fulfillment in His crucifixion.

John 19:33 records that when the Roman soldiers approached Jesus on the cross when they were about to break His legs, they discovered He was already dead. Therefore, they didn’t break His legs. John specifically identifies this as the fulfillment of Scripture:

"For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, 'Not one of His bones shall be broken'" (John 19:36, NKJV).

Psalm 34:20 also declares that God guards the bones of the righteous and that none are broken, providing another possible prophetic connection.

Why Did The Soldiers Not Break His Legs?

Let’s discuss this in more detail. Roman soldiers sometimes practiced what they called “crurifragium”, the breaking of a crucified person's legs, to speed up the dying process. On a cross, a victim must use their legs to push up on the nail that is pierces their feet and foot nerves just to take each breath—it is excruciating! The victim trades immense pain for each breath. But with broken legs, they can’t do this any longer. Hence, they die much quicker, as they can’t breathe properly anymore.

Romans soldiers about to break the legs of one of the thieves on the adjacent crosses, next to Christ; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

John 19:31-32 explains that the Jewish leaders requested the removal of the bodies before the Sabbath, particularly because it was a high day (a Sabbath that fell during the Passover Week celebrations). The soldiers consequently broke the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. However, Jesus had already died. And this makes sense, Jesus was as up all night, beaten fiercely by the Romans, lashed with an unnumbered amount of Roman lashes—perhaps hundreds, and a crown of thorns was thrust onto His head.

John 19:30 says that Jesus declared, "it is finished!" and gave up His spirit. Luke 23:46 also records Jesus committing His spirit into His Father's hands before breathing His last.

Keep in mind though that Jesus also taught that He had authority to lay down His life and take it again (John 10:17-18). Thus, His death was in accordance with God's purpose, even with the enemies of Christ conspiring against Him. Through all this, and unbeknownst to the Roman soldiers, they fulfilled a prophecy about Jesus and his bones not being broken.

Pierced Instead Of Broken

Although the soldiers didn’t break Jesus' legs, one soldier pierced His side with a spear. Blood and water came out (John 19:34). John immediately connects this event with another prophetic passage:

And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” (John 19:37, NKJV).

This goes back to to Zechariah 12:10, written centuries before the crucifixion. The fulfillment is amazing. Jesus was indeed pierced, yet His bones remained unbroken, just as Scripture had foretold. Did we expect anything less from an all-powerful and all-knowing God who sits sovereignly on the throne?

Used Roman spear at the based of the Cross; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

A Caution Regarding Images Of Christ

When producing illustrations, paintings, models, or crucifixion exhibits, Christians should exercise care in representing Christ's injuries.

Scripture states that none of His bones were broken. As a result, depictions showing fractured legs, nails through bones, broken ribs, or other shattered bones would be in contradiction with this biblical prophecy and fulfillment.

Therefore, artists should avoid depicting nails driven directly through bones or portraying fractures on the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The unbroken bones of Jesus Christ is an incredible confirmation between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Passover lamb pointed forward to the ultimate Passover of Christ, whose perfect sacrifice accomplished what animal sacrifices could never accomplish.

Jesus was pierced but not broken, fulfilling Scripture in amazing detail. God wasn’t tricked. His death was no accident. It was the sovereign plan of God to redeem us, as fallen and broken sinners, through the blood of the final and supreme Passover Lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19).

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge

 

Thirty Pieces Of Silver

Thirty Pieces Of Silver

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 22, 2026 (Donate)

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. (Matthew 26:14-16, NKJV)

Silver was commonly used in jewelry and coinage; Image requested by Bodie Hodge* 

Silver is a beautiful and precious metal. It has hosts of uses beyond the common jewelry and coins. It’s used in classic film photography for instance.

Silver is used in photography; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The Value Of Gold, Silver, And Precious Stones

The value of silver, as well as gold, and precious stones, goes back to the earliest chapters of Genesis. Genesis 2:11-12 describes the pre-Flood, pre-Fall land of Havilah, where there was gold, bdellium, and onyx stone. Even before the Fall, God had created a world containing valuable and beautiful materials. These weren’t products of evolutionary development but part of God's original creation.

Following the Fall, mankind continued to recognize the value of these rare materials and it was used as currency. Abraham possessed silver and gold (Genesis 13:2), and Abraham's servant presented precious gifts when seeking a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:22, 53). Scripture also describes silver being used in commercial transactions, including Abraham's purchase of a burial property for Sarah for 400 shekels of silver (Genesis 23:15-16).

The biblical foundation of precious metals is a Christian concept predicated on God's creation. However, their use as money and measures of wealth developed throughout man’s history.

Silver Was Secondary To Gold

Throughout biblical history, gold was generally more valuable than silver. That still rings true today by a large gap! Both served as measures of wealth, but gold often represented greater riches, royalty, and splendor.

During Solomon's reign, Israel experienced extraordinary prosperity. God’s Word says that the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones (1 Kings 10:27). Furthermore, 1 Kings 10:21 states that silver wasn’t considered valuable in Solomon's days because of the abundance of gold!

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Nevertheless, silver remained important for commerce, offerings, and everyday transactions. Its value also yields an important background prophecy for understanding the betrayal of Jesus Christ.

The Prophecy Of Thirty Pieces Of Silver

Several centuries before Christ's crucifixion, Zechariah, God’s servant, recorded an prophetic passage:

Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”  — that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter. (Zechariah 11:12-13, NKJV).

The following verse describes the money being thrown to the potter in the house of the LORD (Zechariah 11:13). This prophetic passage contains an intriguing parallel to silver for which Judas sold Christ. It included the precise amount of silver and its eventual movement to a potter!

Thirty pieces of silver is also the compensation specified in Exodus 21:32 when an ox killed another person's male or female servant. Do realize the significance of this? This shows a striking contrast between the monetary value assigned to the death of a servant. Jesus came to serve even though His value is beyond an infinite worth being the Creator and the Son of God.

Nevertheless, Jesus was literally treated as a lowly servant. Jesus came into the world in a lowly fashion and laid in a manger and when was put to death at the end of His earthly life He was still treated and sold into death as lowly servant.

Judas Betrays Christ

Matthew 26:14-16 reveals that Judas Iscariot—influenced by Satan—approached the chief priests and asking what they would give him to betray Jesus. They agreed upon thirty pieces of silver—a servant’s price. Understand that this was pocket change to the chief priests at the Temple.

Judas then sought an opportunity to betray Christ. He eventually betrayed Him with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47-50). The religious leaders who should have recognized their Messiah instead conspired to have Him arrested and killed.

Judas willingly participated in their wicked scheme for a relatively modest sum. It shows the heart of Judas, He didn’t value Christ—even after seeing miracles and even raising people from the dead (e.g., Lazarus). Judas had a heart so easily sifted by Satan. Satan tried to sift Peter as well, but Jesus wouldn’t let him (Luke 22:31).

Yet none of this surprised God. The betrayal fulfilled Scripture and was part of the events leading to Christ's sacrificial death.

What Became Of The Thirty Pieces Of Silver?

After Jesus was condemned, Judas experienced remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, declaring that he had betrayed innocent blood (Matthew 27:3-4).

Silver thrown into the Temple; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

When they refused to accept the silver back, Judas threw the silver into the Temple and departed. He subsequently hung himself (Matthew 27:5) and then his body fell and was split open by rocks (Acts 1:18).

The chief priests refused to place the money into the Temple treasury because it was blood money—and they knew it (and Judas knew he betrayed innocent blood too, but it was too late for him). Instead, they purchased the potter's field as a burial place for strangers (Matthew 27:6-8).

Matthew 27:9-10 directly connects with the imagery of Zechariah 11:12-13. The field became known as the Field of Blood, a lasting reminder of the terrible transaction.

Conclusion

Thirty pieces of silver became one of history's most infamous payments. Judas exchanged loyalty to the sinless Son of God for a small amount of earthly wealth. He traded his own eternal soul for thirty pieces of silver that he didn’t even keep! This deal was infinitely worse than the rash and ungodly deal Esau did with Jacob—where he sold his birthright (and thus, his blessing) for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25:29-34)!

Yet even this betrayal couldn’t overthrow God's plan. Christ willingly and sacrificially went to the Cross, bore the infinite punishment for our sin, and rose victoriously from the grave.

The silver purchased a burial field, but Christ's precious blood purchased eternal redemption for His people (1 Peter 1:18-19). The lesson is unmissable: earthly silver and gold are temporary, but salvation through Jesus Christ is eternal.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge