The draughts mentioned by Matthew and Mark refer to a Jewish mixture intended to produce stupefaction and lessen pain. Had the Romans crucified him it is not probable that they would have observed this Jewish custom.
350
How was he fastened on the cross?
Luke and John: His hands and feet were nailed to it ([Luke xxiv, 39]; [John xx, 25, 27]).
The Evangelists do not say that he was nailed to the cross; but it has been inferred from the texts mentioned in Luke and John that he was. In crucifixion the victim was usually bound to the cross. Nails were sometimes driven through the hands, but never through the feet. The allusions to the supposed wounds on his hands and feet were evidently inserted in the accounts for the purpose of establishing his identity after the resurrection. Great prominence has been given them by Christians in order to make Christ’s crucifixion appear especially cruel and create sympathy for him.
351
At what hour of the day was he crucified?
Mark: “It was the third hour [nine o’clock in the morning]” ([xv, 25]).