Bible Dictionaries
Cross

From Easton: In the New Testament the instrument of crucifixion, and hence used for the crucifixion of Christ itself (Ephesians 2:16; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 5:11; Galatians 6:12, Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:18). The word is also used to denote any severe affliction or trial (Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Mark 10:21).

The forms in which the cross is represented are these:

1. The crux simplex (I), a "single piece without transom."

2. The crux decussata (X), or St. Andrew's cross.

3. The crux commissa (T), or St. Anthony's cross.

4. The crux immissa (t), or Latin cross, which was the kind of cross on which our Saviour died. Above our Lord's head, on the projecting beam, was placed the "title." (See CRUCIFIXION

After the conversion, so-called, of Constantine the Great (B.C. 313), the cross first came into use as an emblem of Christianity. He pretended at a critical moment that he saw a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription, "In hoc signo vinces", i.e., By this sign thou shalt conquer, and that on the following night Christ himself appeared and ordered him to take for his standard the sign of this cross. In this form a new standard, called the Labarum, was accordingly made, and borne by the Roman armies. It remained the standard of the Roman army till the downfall of the Western empire. It bore the embroidered monogram of Christ, i.e., the first two Greek letters of his name, X and P (chi and rho), with the Alpha and Omega. (See A)

Verses:

• Matthew 10:38
• Matthew 16:24
• Matthew 27:32
• Matthew 27:40
• Matthew 27:42
• Mark 8:34
• Mark 15:21
• Mark 15:30
• Mark 15:32
• Luke 9:23
• Luke 14:27
• Luke 23:26
• John 19:17
• John 19:19
• John 19:25
• John 19:31
• Acts 2:23
• 1 Corinthians 1:17
• 1 Corinthians 1:18
• Galatians 5:11
• Galatians 6:12
• Galatians 6:14
• Ephesians 2:16
• Philippians 2:8
• Philippians 3:18
• Colossians 1:20
• Colossians 2:14
• Colossians 2:15
• Hebrews 12:2