The Curse of the Law (Galatians 3.13): Crucifixion,Persecution,and Deuteronomy 21.22-23

Abstract

It is widely accepted that Christians were persecuted for preaching a crucified messiah because, according to Deut. 21.22-23, one who is crucified is also accursed. However, the arguments in favor of that position are weak. A larger examination of Jewish texts on Deut. 21.22-23 and crucifixion per se demonstrate that attitudes toward crucifixion and its victims were generally very different. The article concludes that Deut. 21.22-23 is an unlikely basis for early Jewish rejection and persecution of Christianity and that other causes should be sought.