Where does the Bible say Jesus' Hands and Feet were nailed to the Cross?
Answer: By Jon Mullins
In a review of the four gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus (See primarily Matthew Chapter 27, Mark Chapter 15, Luke Chapter 23, and John Chapter 19) it is noted that there is no detailed account of the manner or form of which Jesus hung on the cross. The bible states in these passages simply that Jesus was crucified between two thieves at Golgotha, or "The Place of the Skull." Therefore, we might ask, as you are suggesting, "How then are we to know that the feet and hands of Jesus were pierced in the act of crucifying him on the cross?" In order to answer this, we need to read further of the accounts of Jesus’ appearing to the apostles, specifically Thomas, and listen to Jesus’ statement to Thomas when he doubted Jesus’ appearing. We can also look at the manner in which a person was crucified, according to its definition and also relate one prophetic passage of scripture to the piercing of Jesus hands and side.
First, I would like to direct your study to the book of Luke, Chapter 24, verses 36-44, where Jesus has appeared to his apostles. In verse 39 Jesus states, "See My hands, and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Continuing in verse 40, the bible says, "And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet." Why would Jesus direct the attention of the apostles to his hands and feet? Surely most of us recognize even our closest of intimates by their facial features, voice, and overall body structure before examining their hands and feet. I am sure the same would be true at the time that Jesus appeared to the apostles. Jesus’ statement to the apostles here leads me to conclude that there was something unique about the appearance of His hands and feet that would help them to know without a doubt that He was indeed appearing to them in the flesh, risen from the dead, as He said that He would.
Second, we need to examine what the Bible states in regard to Thomas, and His
doubting the other apostles when he was told by them that Jesus had appeared.
We see in John 20:19-23 how that Jesus appeared to the apostles, although
Thomas was not with them. He then proceeded to show His hands and his side.
The verse goes on to say that the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Again this points out the importance Jesus must have placed on showing them physical signs of His crucifixion. These must have been the nail marks in His
hands, and the place where His side was pierced through. Later, the disciples
were talking to Thomas, and the following is recorded in chapter 20, verses
24-28, in the book of John.