Official source
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
Official Jehovah's Witnesses Bible translation available on JW.org.
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, JW.org, accessed June 16, 2026.
Open sourceObjection
The Cross Should Be a Torture Stake
Jesus died on a torture stake, not a cross, and the cross is a false religious symbol.
The shape of the instrument is not the center of the gospel; the decisive claim is that Jesus was publicly executed, died for sins, and was raised.
Keep the main issue central
Christians may discuss translation and historical usage, but the gospel does not rest on the devotional use of a symbol. It rests on Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances.
Do not let terminology hide the event
Whether someone says cross or stake, the New Testament and ancient witnesses present Jesus as publicly executed under Roman authority.
Sources
Official source
What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?
Official JW.org summary of Jehovah's Witness beliefs.
What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?, JW.org, accessed June 16, 2026.
Open sourceReference
BibleRef
Reference pages used for BibleRef-first links to Scripture passages.
BibleRef, accessed June 16, 2026.
Open sourcePrimary source
Annals 15.44
Roman historical reference to Christus suffering under Pontius Pilate.
Tacitus, Annals 15.44.
Primary source
Antiquities of the Jews 18.63-64
Jewish historical reference to Jesus, handled with the standard interpolation caution.
Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18.63-64.