The Apostles Would Not Recant!

 The Apostles Would Not Recant!

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

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 19, 2026 (Donate)

The Apostles held firmly and boldly to the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Having witnessed the risen Lord, they proclaimed His victory over death despite persecution, beatings, imprisonment, threats, and even martyrdom (i.e., being put to death—in horrible ways too!).

The Apostles waiting in the upper in prayer and supplication per Acts 1; Image requested by Bodie Hodge* 

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over forty days, providing many infallible proofs that He was alive (Acts 1:3). He commissioned them to preach the gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). Following His ascension, these once-frightened disciples became courageous and bold witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit, declaring that Jesus Christ had risen from the grave.

Where Did The Apostles Preach After Jesus' Ascension?

The Apostles of Jesus Christ, including Matthias, Paul, Barnabas, and James the Lord's brother, but excluding the betrayer Judas Iscariot (who killed himself), spread the gospel throughout the known world. Scripture records some of their missionary activities, while early Christian writers preserve traditions concerning others.

With some, little is known but I’m including the popular traditions per some local areas—keep in mind that many Apostles (and the 70 extended disciples per Luke 10:1-17) may have went to other places that are simply not recorded as well.

Biblical accounts are authoritative, while later historical traditions vary in reliability (e.g. Eusebius and Josephus are rather reliable but the Acts of Thomas aren’t at that level). The following summarizes their reported missionary destinations and brief reference or authority on it.

1. Peter (Simon Peter): Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Joppa, Caesarea, and Antioch (Acts 2-12; Galatians 2:11). Traditions also place him in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Bithynia, and finally Rome for his execution (Eusebius, Church History, 3.1).
2. Andrew: Traditionally, he preached in Scythia (north of the Black Sea), Asia Minor, and Greece, particularly Achaia (Eusebius, Church History, 3.1). Tradition from Scotland say his bones were brought to Scotland at Kilrymont in Fife and thus it was renamed St Andrews.[1]
3. James, son of Zebedee: Ministered in Jerusalem and Judea. Scripture records his execution by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-2). A later tradition associates him with travelling to Spain at one point but this is without certainty.
4. John, son of Zebedee: Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 3-8); traditionally Asia Minor, especially Ephesus, and then was banished to Patmos Island (Revelation 1:9; Eusebius, Church History, 3.1).
5. Philip: Traditionally preached in Phrygia, particularly Hierapolis in Asia Minor (Eusebius, Church History, 3.31). He shouldn’t be confused with Philip the evangelist in Acts 8.
6. Bartholomew: Traditionally preached in India, Armenia, and possibly Mesopotamia (Eusebius, Church History, 5.10; Armenian Christian tradition).
7. Thomas (Didymus): Traditionally preached in Parthia (Persia) and India, particularly southern India (Eusebius, Church History, 3.1; Acts of Thomas, a later nonbiblical account).
8. Matthew (Levi): Traditionally preached in Judea, Ethiopia, and possibly Persia. His destinations outside Judea remain uncertain (Socrates Scholasticus, Church History, 1.19; later traditions).
9. James, son of Alphaeus: Traditionally associated with preaching in Palestine and possibly Egypt. Reliable historical information about his later travels is extremely limited.
10. Simon the Zealot: Traditions place his missionary activities in Egypt, Persia, and possibly regions surrounding the Black Sea. These accounts differ considerably.
11. Judas Thaddaeus, not Iscariot: Traditionally preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, Edessa, and Persia, with Armenian traditions also associating him with Armenia.
12. Matthias: Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:21-26). Traditions associate him with Judea, Cappadocia, and regions near the Black Sea, although his movements are uncertain.
13. Paul (Saul of Tarsus): Preached throughout Arabia, Damascus, Syria, Cilicia, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Jerusalem, Casearia, Greece, Rome, and possibly Spain. His ministry extended toward Illyricum (Acts 13-28; Romans 15:19, 24-28; Galatians 1:15-21). Tradition records his martyrdom in Rome (Eusebius, Church History, 2.25).
14. Barnabas: Preached in Jerusalem, Antioch, Cyprus, and Asia Minor, including Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 11-15). Tradition places his later ministry and death in Cyprus.
15. James, the Lord's brother: Became a prominent leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). His martyrdom in Jerusalem is recorded by Josephus (Antiquities, 20.9.1).

Several Apostles traveled to multiple regions, and their missionary activities sometimes overlapped. Their combined testimony helped carry the gospel across the Roman Empire and beyond.

Paul trekking to Arabia to do his first ministry per Galatians 1:15-21 (conveniently, the Latin name for English name Arabia is also Arabia!); Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Why Was This Important?

As a whole, the Apostles were willing to suffer and die because they firmly believed Jesus had conquered death. He possessed the keys of Hades and Death (Revelation 1:18). They loved Him and understood that eternal life was found in Him alone (John 14:6).

Peter and John boldly declared that they couldn’t stop speaking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20). Even when threatened and beaten, the Apostles continued preaching Christ (Acts 5:40-42).

People sometimes die for false beliefs they sincerely think are true. However, the Apostles claimed to be eyewitnesses of the risen Christ (Acts 2:32; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). If they had knowingly fabricated the resurrection, they would have understood their deception.

Although Scripture doesn’t document the martyrdom of every Apostle or record individual opportunities to recant, there is no reliable early evidence that any repudiated their testimony of Christ's resurrection.

Their courage, to us, should be powerful! They endured hardship, imprisonment, lashes, persecution, and, in several documented or traditionally reported cases, death—in tortuous ways.

The Apostles’ unwavering proclamation was that Jesus Christ had risen bodily from the grave. Their message wasn’t merely that Jesus had lived, taught, and died, but that He was alive forevermore! Their conviction was simple and summed up by Peter:

But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. “Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69, NKJV).

How Were The Apostles Martyred?

The initial twelve Apostles were the initial disciples, minus the betrayer—Judas Iscariot. And then Matthias who replaced him (Acts 1:26). There were other Apostles elevated and listed in Scripture, all with equal authority. The most famous of these were Paul (also called Saul). But there was also Barnabas and the Lord’s brother (James).

Of course, Jesus Christ is The Apostle of God who was crucified in Jerusalem. Unlike all others, He resurrected and we await the general resurrection of the living and the death. The Apostles of Jesus are listed below.

Table 1: Apostles of Jesus: References and Death Traditions

Apostle	Bible Reference Identifying as Apostle	Death (Biblical or Early Church Tradition)	Primary Historical Source(s)
Peter	Matthew 10:2; Acts 1:13	Crucified upside down in Rome under Nero (tradition).	Origen; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History
Andrew	Matthew 10:2	Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.	Acts of Andrew; early church tradition
James (son of Zebedee)	Matthew 10:2; Acts 1:13	Beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa I.	Acts 12:2
John	Matthew 10:2; Acts 1:13	Died of old age in Ephesus after exile on Patmos.	Irenaeus; Eusebius
Philip	Matthew 10:3	Martyred by crucifixion or hanging in Hierapolis.	Polycrates of Ephesus
Bartholomew (Nathanael)	Matthew 10:3; John 1:45–49	Flayed alive and beheaded according to tradition.	Eusebius; Armenian tradition
Matthew (Levi)	Matthew 10:3; Matthew 9:9	Killed by sword or spear while ministering.	Early church traditions
Thomas	Matthew 10:3; John 20:24	Speared to death in India.	Acts of Thomas
James (son of Alphaeus)	Matthew 10:3	Stoned or beaten to death.	Hegesippus; Eusebius
Thaddaeus (Jude/Lebbaeus)	Matthew 10:3; Jude 1	Killed with clubs or arrows in Persia.	Early Syriac tradition
Simon the Zealot	Matthew 10:4	Martyred, possibly sawn in two or crucified.	Later church tradition
Matthias	Acts 1:26	Stoned and then beheaded according to tradition.	Nicephorus; early church writers
Paul	Acts 14:14; Galatians 1:1	Beheaded in Rome under Nero.	Clement of Rome; Eusebius
Barnabas	Acts 14:14	Stoned to death in Cyprus.	Acts of Barnabas
James (the Lord’s brother)	Galatians 1:19	Thrown from the Temple and beaten to death.	Josephus; Hegesippus

John, although persecuted in the tribulation (Revelation 1:9), was banished to a penal colony in Patmos. So although he was the sole one who wasn’t martyred, he still felt the persecution in a very personal and harsh way.

The point is that they Apostles of Christ, were willing to stand of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection and the threat or death or being put to death wouldn’t stop their testimony.

The Apostles were unwavering in their following of Jesus Christ—even into death. Even with all the persecution, Christianity began to explode and Christianity continues to grow today and transform lives with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

□

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

 

---

[1] Editors, Saint Andrew, Religion and Ethics, BBC, Accessed October 19, 2026, https://www.bbc.co.uk/southscotland/content/articles/2008/11/05/saintandrew_feature.shtml.

Significance Of The Resurrection: The Conquering King Conquering The Grave

Significance Of The Resurrection: The Conquering King Conquering The Grave

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

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 16, 2026 (Donate)

Why is the resurrection so important? Why does it literally sit at the heart of Scripture with eternal matters hinging on it?

You need to understand that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand at the crossroads of the Christian faith. His crucifixion wasn’t a defeat, nor was His resurrection merely a remarkable miracle. Instead, they show the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption as well as Christ's victory [over sin and death].

The Cross and the Resurrection as the pinnacle of the Bible; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

This is why we can have 100% certainty of eternal life for those who belong to Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 54-57). Christ, and Christ alone, holds the keys to eternal life and proved it by His resurrection showing His infinite power over sin and death itself!

Why Was Christ's Death Necessary?

From the earliest pages of Scripture, we know that death entered the world through Adam's sin (e.g., Genesis 2:17, 3:19; Romans 5:12). Because all have sinned (besides the fact that we all sinned in Adam), mankind stands guilty before a holy God (e.g., Romans 3:23; 6:23). Our sin deserves the full wrath and judgment of God. No sinful human being can be a perfect sacrifice sufficient to redeem mankind.

Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, became flesh to accomplish what fallen man could never do (John 1:14; Hebrews 4:15). As the final Passover Lamb, He willingly suffered and died, bearing the penalty for sin (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24).

His sacrifice satisfied God’s infinite justice and provided the only way of salvation (Hebrews 9:26-28; Acts 4:12) because of His full godly nature. In other words, being a fully man and sinless meant He was without blemish; being fully God meant He could endure the infinite punishment for all our sins and have the power to return from the dead victoriously. Thus, Christ's death wasn’t the end!

Why Was The Bodily Resurrection Necessary?

Jesus didn’t merely survive spiritually or live on through His disciples' memories. He physically rose from the dead! His tomb was empty, and His resurrected body was seen, touched, and recognized (Luke 24:39; John 20:27). He even ate food (e.g., fish, honeycomb, and bread) before His disciples (Luke 24:42-43; John 21:9-14).

The body of Christ taken off the cross being transported for preparation and burial by Joseph of Arimathea and his servants; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The bodily resurrection proved that death couldn’t hold Him (Acts 2:24). It vindicated Jesus’ claims (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17). Without the resurrection, Christianity would be meaningless. Paul declared that if Christ hadn’t risen, our faith would be futile and we would remain in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:14-19). So, Christ’s resurrection is the “capstone” of the building of Christianity.

Christ's Power Over Life And Death Points To His Divine Nature

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus utilized a unique authority over life and death because of who He is. He raised Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:41-42), the widow's son (Luke 7:14-15), and Lazarus (John 11:43-44).

However, His own resurrection revealed something far greater. Jesus declared,

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:17-18, NKJV).

Scripture attributes Christ's resurrection to the Father (Galatians 1:1), the Spirit (Romans 8:11), and Christ Himself (John 2:19-21). This harmonious testimony reflects the divine power of the one triune God (one God, three persons of the Godhead).

Christ isn’t merely a prophet through whom God worked miracles. He is God incarnate, possessing divine authority over life and death (John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 2:9). Bear in mind that isn’t too hard for an all-powerful God to do.

Christ Calls Himself "The Resurrection"

Before raising Lazarus, Jesus proclaimed,

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:25-27, NKJV).

This declaration is extraordinary if you think about it! Jesus didn’t simply claim to teach about resurrection or possess the ability to resurrect others. He identified Himself as the resurrection and the life (see also John 14:6)!

All life ultimately comes from Him (John 1:3-4; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1) since He is the uncreated Creator. Jesus continued by promising that those who believe in Him will live even though they die (John 11:25-26). We too will be resurrected. Eternal life is found in Christ alone (e.g., John 14:6; 1 John 5:11-12).

How Does Christ's Resurrection Give Us Confidence In Our Resurrection?

Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of the future bodily resurrection of believers. Paul equates Jesus as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep/died. Consider the entire context:

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, NKJV).

Just as the firstfruits mean that there is a coming harvest, Christ's resurrection assures us as believers that our resurrection will follow.

At the general resurrection, the dead will be raised (e.g., John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). Those belonging to Christ will receive glorified, imperishable bodies, no longer subject to corruption, suffering, or death (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:42-54; Philippians 3:20-21). The Bible also teaches a resurrection of the unjust unto judgment (e.g., Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46; John 5:29).

The same Savior who conquered His own grave has promised to raise His people! Have you received Christ as Lord and believe in His death and resurrection? This is indeed a matter of eternal consequences.

Conclusion: Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection is God's triumphant and victorious declaration that Jesus Christ has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Our salvation rests upon a living Savior, not a dead religious leader.

Christ currently sits on the throne of God with His resurrected body ruling over both heaven and earth. There is no place on earth that isn’t governed by Jesus Christ (even Mecca, Beijing, Salt Lake City, Washington DC, Jerusalem, etc.). He upholds all things into existence and no one can escape His coming judgment.

Christ's victory assures us, as believers, that death isn’t the end. Because He lives, those who belong to Him shall live also (John 14:19). The conquering King conquered the grave, and one day even death itself will be destroyed as it will give up its dead unto judgement (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 20:14). What a glorious hope for those who trust in Jesus Christ!

□

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

 

 

Christ, The Final Passover Lamb

Christ, The Final Passover Lamb

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

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 15, 2026 (Donate)

Passover is fulfilled in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It points forward to Jesus. Jesus is our final “Passover Lamb”. Thus, we no longer need to sacrifice lambs (or anything else). We, ourselves, are treading as living sacrifices as the Bible calls us (Romans 12:1).

Lamb without blemish being led to the slaughter; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

What Was The Passover Lamb In The Old Testament?

The Passover originated when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). God commanded each Israelite household to select a male lamb without blemish, kill it, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their homes. That night, the Lord struck down the firstborn throughout Egypt, but He ‘passed over’ (hence the name Passover) the homes marked by the lamb's blood (Exodus 12:12-13).

The lamb had to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5), foreshadowing the sinless perfection of Jesus Christ (the Son of God, who is the second person of the one triune God). The Israelites were instructed not to break its bones (Exodus 12:46), another detail fulfilled at Christ's crucifixion (John 19:33-36).

Passover was then an annual memorial of God's deliverance celebrated yearly (e.g., Exodus 12:14). Yet it also pointed forward to something far greater: the coming Messiah, who would deliver His people not just from physical slavery but from something far greater: bondage to sin and death (John 8:34-36).

As sinners since Genesis 3, we have all been enemies of God. We deserve the full punishment from an infinite God. Only God was in a position to solve this problem. Let’s jump back for a moment.

Why Were Animal Sacrifices Insufficient For Eternal Punishment?

Sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Since God is perfectly holy, infinite, eternal, and just, sin deserves death (even an eternal death) and an infinite judgment (Romans 6:23). Even before the Passover, God demonstrated the seriousness of sin and the necessity of covering man's shame when He clothed Adam and Eve with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21)—the first animal sacrifice! Abel later offered an acceptable animal sacrifice (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4). Noah did, Abraham did, and so on.

Noah offering sacrifices after the Flood as depicted in the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

Under the Mosaic Law, God established animal sacrifices to address ceremonial uncleanness sacrifices for sin, and provide atonement within God’s covenant with Israel (Leviticus 1-7; 16-17). However, these sacrifices were never sufficient to permanently remove sin or satisfy the eternal, and infinite judgment deserved by sinners. Hebrews 10:4 declares, 

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. (NKJV).

Animals aren’t made in God's eternal image as mankind is (Genesis 1:26-27). Nor are they infinite or eternal. Their deaths could symbolically demonstrate the seriousness of sin, but they couldn’t serve as an eternally sufficient substitute for sinful humanity. Repeated sacrifices revealed their limitations (Hebrews 10:1-3, 11) and they were temporary coverings at best.

These sacrifices were ‘types and shadows’ pointing forward to the perfect sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:9-14; 10:1).

Why Is Christ Our Eternal Passover Lamb?

As mentioned before, Christ is our final Passover Lamb. The one that was sufficient to cover payment for our debt of sin against God. John the Baptist points to Jesus saying:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, NKJV).

The Apostle Paul also said,

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).

Unlike the Old Testament animal sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27; 9:26-28; 10:10-14). His sacrifice never needs repeating because it accomplished what animal sacrifices could never accomplish.

Christ bore the infinite and eternal punishment deserved by us sinners—past, present, and future (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24). Christ, being God is infinite and being eternal, He could take the eternal punishment in a moment! At His death, He took the full brunt of God’s wrath for us. Essentially, Christ became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so believers could receive God's righteousness through Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

His blood secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). His resurrection also proves His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 54-57). For death couldn’t contain the God of Life.

Why Was Christ Alone Qualified?

Jesus Christ alone could accomplish this eternal redemption because He is both fully God and stepped into history and took on flesh to be fully man (e.g., John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:14-17).

As a man, He could represent humanity and die as our substitute, (often called a “kinsman redeemer”). As the eternal Son of God, His sacrifice possessed a worth no mere creature could provide.

Furthermore, Jesus was completely sinless (per Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22). Unlike every other descendant of Adam, He had no personal sin or original sin requiring atonement—though He came in the likeness of sinful flesh—He was the lamb without blemish.

Jesus was not merely another sacrificial victim—He is God. He willingly laid down His life (John 10:17-18). He is also our great High Priest, who offered Himself and now lives forever to intercede for His people (Hebrews 7:24-27). He is the new federal head of the saved (unlike Adam who led us into sin); thus, we will never fall into sin again (in Heaven) because our federal head won’t sin in Heaven.

No prophet, priest, angel, or ordinary human could accomplish this. Salvation is found in Christ, the Son of God, alone (e.g., Acts 4:12).

Conclusion: The Significance Of The Crucifixion

The crucifixion wasn’t simply the tragic death of an innocent man. It was the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan enacted by the high priest of Israel no less (e.g., John 18:24)! It was prophesied and anticipated since Genesis 3:15—the first prophecy of Jesus.  

At Cross on Calvary, God's justice and mercy met. Christ willingly suffered the infinite penalty for sin, satisfying God’s infinite justice and providing forgiveness and eternal life for those who turn to God and believe (e.g., John 3:16-18; Romans 10:9).

During the first Passover, the angel passed over the godly due to the blood of a lamb properly placed. In the instance of eternity, the blood of the eternal lamb of God, Jesus Christ is was properly and timely placed about 2,000 years ago. The godly were either looking forward to Christ or looking back to Him as we do today.

The repetition of the Old Testament Passover lambs pointed forward to once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Their blood temporarily protected Israelite households from physical judgment, but Christ's blood provides eternal redemption.

Jesus Christ is the final Passover Lamb, whose once-for-all sacrifice is sufficient for all who trust in Him. His resurrection confirms His victory, and His sacrifice will never need repeating (Hebrews 10:12-14).

As Revelation 5:12 declares,

saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (NKJV).

□

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

 

Does The Old Testament Hint That Christ Would Be Crucified?

Does The Old Testament Hint That Christ Would Be Crucified?

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

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 14, 2026 (Donate)

God knows everything—even before it happens. When God gave hints about Christ’s death, it was all-too-easy for Him! What can we learn from the Old Testament about Jesus’ prophesied death? Actually, a lot.

The Old Testament never uses the word "crucifixion," since Roman crucifixion as practiced in intertestamental and New Testament times developed much later. Nevertheless, several Old Testament passages describe specifics of the suffering and death of the Messiah (i.e., Christ) in ways that remarkably resemble Christ's crucifixion.

Thomas inspecting the piercings of Jesus' hands; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Psalm 22: Why Have You Forsaken Me

Psalm 22 is especially powerful for this. Written by David nearly 1,000 years before Christ, it describes a righteous sufferer undergoing terrible physical suffering while surrounded and mocked by enemies. Psalm 22:1a begins:

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (NKJV)

These are the very words Jesus spoke from the cross (Matthew 27:46). Why is this so powerful? It is because Christ was declaring at that moment on the cross that Psalm 22 was about Him.

As you continue in the Psalm, verses 7-8 describes people ridiculing the sufferer—who is Christ. They are shaking their heads, and saying:

All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, “He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” (NKJV).

At the crucifixion, Jesus' enemies used familiar words:

“He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:43, NKJV).

Later, Psalm 22:14-15 describes terrible physical suffering:

I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. (NKJV).

These descriptions are consistent with the extreme physical trauma and thirst associated with crucifixion. Then comes Psalm 22:16c:

They pierced My hands and My feet (NKJV).

This is particularly significant in light of Jesus being nailed to the cross. After His resurrection, Jesus showed His disciples His hands and feet (Luke 24:39-40) where He had been pierced, and Thomas specifically referred to the nail-prints in Jesus' hands (John 20:25, NKJV).

Psalm 22 even describes what happened to Christ's clothing:

They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:18, NKJV).

John 19:23-24 points out the soldiers' actions at the cross were fulfilling this very Scripture.

Notice that this type of described death isn’t what would occur if someone was stoned, or died in battle, or was bedridden of a wasting disease. Instead, it is a public event, while beaten and mocked, and pierced while hanging in from of an onlooking crowd.

Isaiah 53: The Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ

Christians have historically understood Isaiah 53 as one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was written approximately 700 years before Christ's earthly ministry. This chapter (often avoided as the forbidden chapter in Jewish thought) describes the coming Messiah as the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of His people.

Isaiah as depicted at a discontinued exhibit at the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

Isaiah 53:3 says:

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (NKJV)

This was fulfilled in Jesus, who was rejected by many of His own people (e.g., John 1:11). Isaiah 53:5 says:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (NKJV)

This points to Christ's substitutionary atonement, suffering and dying in the place of sinners (e.g., 1 Peter 2:24). Isaiah 53:7 reveals that the Messiah is to be a lamb led to slaughter, remaining silent before His accusers (consider Matthew 27:12-14 and Acts 8:32-35). Isaiah 53:9 foretells His burial with the rich, fulfilled when Joseph of Arimathea placed Jesus in his own tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).

Amazingly, Isaiah 53:10-12 prophesied that the Servant's (Christ) life will continue and have ultimate victory after His sacrificial death, which we understand as pointing toward Christ's resurrection. That is, His victory over death!

Ultimately, the entirety of Isaiah 53 is a powerful prophetic testimony about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus Christ willingly suffered and died for sinners—taking the full brunt of God’s infinite punishment that we deserve.

Christ fulfilled God's redemptive plan that was predicted before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:19-20). But again, God knows everything, and by doing all this is, it shows God is all-powerful too!

Other Passages

Other Old Testament passages reinforce the crucifixion picture. Zechariah 12:10 says,

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit through John applies this directly to Christ (John 19:37)! Psalm 69:21 says:

They also gave me gall for my food, And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. (NKJV)

This corresponds with those lifting up sour wine at the cross (John 19:28-30). Psalm 34:20 says:

He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. (NKJV),

And this relates to John 19:33-36. It connects with the soldiers not breaking Jesus' legs nor breaking any bones in the crucifixion. And crucifixion itself is a manner of causing an extremely painful death without breaking bones anyway when done right. The Romans knew how to do it right.  

Finally, Deuteronomy 21:22-23 associates being hung on a tree with bearing a curse. In Galatians 3:13-14, Paul applies this passage to Christ:

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (NKJV).

Christ “became sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and took the punishment we deserved for the curse of sin (Isaiah 53:12).

Taken together, the Old Testament presents a striking prophetic picture:

·       a righteous sufferer is rejected

·       mocked, public humiliation

·       judged falsely (e.g., Isaiah 53: 7-8; Psalm 27:12)

·       thrown in prison and brought our unjustly (Isaiah 53:7-8; Psalm 109:2-3)

·       pierced in His hands and feet

·       experiences terrible suffering and thirst

·       has His garments divided by lot

·       is numbered with transgressors

·       dies without His bones being broken

·       bears the sins of others.

The Holy Spirit through New Testament writers repeatedly identify these passages as being fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The word crucifixion wasn’t use in the Old Testament (as the word wasn’t invented yet). Nevertheless, the devices of crucifixion were and details surrounding Christ’s death were accurately predicted with amazing detail.

□

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