As long as the shroud is not a fake, and especially if it is Jesus’ burial garment, it confirms several details of crucifixion involving more-or-less uncommon procedures. These include (87)the “crown of thorns,” (88)the severity of the beating and whipping, (89)the absence of broken ankles, (90)the post-mortem chest wound, and (91)the blood and watery fluid that flowed from the wound.
While the crucifixion was in progress, (92)Jesus’ executioners gambled for his garments (Acts of Pilate; Justin). (93)Mara Bar-Serapion asserted that Jesus was executed unjustly and that, as a result, the Jews were judged by God. (94)The creed in 1 Peter 3:18 also notes the contrast between a righteous person dying for sinners.
(95)It is reported that darkness covered the land during the crucifixion (Thallus, Phlegon), (96)followed by earthquakes (Phlegon). (97)Jesus was on the cross until evening, (98)after which his body was removed and he was buried (Justin; creeds: 1 Cor. 15:4; Acts 13:29).
The man buried in the Shroud of Turin was also buried (99)hastily, (100) individually, and (101)in fine linen, all of which are uncommon procedures for a victim of crucifixion. Furthermore, (102)Jewish burial procedure sometimes involved sealing the tomb (Nazareth Decree). Even though it may not directly concern Jesus, grave robbing was punishable by death in Palestine (Nazareth Decree). The Resurrection of Jesus
(103)During this time Jesus’ friends left and denied him (Justin), experiencing despair at his death. (104)Then, three days after Jesus’ death, the tomb in which he was buried was found empty (Justin; creeds: Acts 10:40; 1 Cor. 15:4, implied; cf. Toledoth Jesu). (105)The Jews claimed that the disciples stole the body and proclaimed him risen (Toledoth Jesu; Justin), but such a view fails to explain the known facts.
