Shroud of Turin: Exploring Biblical Connections

Introduction

Good evening and a warm welcome to “To the Point.” I’m delighted to be back with you for another program. Last week, we embarked on a four-part series delving into the Shroud of Turin. This linen artifact, located in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, is believed by some to be the cloth that Jesus was buried in. However, the Shroud’s authenticity is a subject of controversy, with varying perspectives. Our series aims to explore this topic comprehensively. Last week, we started with the question, “What is the Shroud of Turin?” Today, we focus on the biblical aspect, examining whether the Shroud appears in the Bible.

Unveiling Biblical Evidence

Scripture Reference: Lazarus’ Resurrection

To begin our exploration, let’s turn to John chapter 11, verses 43 and 44. The scripture narrates the resurrection of Lazarus: “Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped in a cloth.”

Understanding Lazarus’ Grave Clothes

Examining this passage, we gain insights into the nature of Lazarus’ grave clothes. Lazarus emerged from the tomb bound in “karas,” resembling bandages. A typical Jewish burial involved covering the face with a cloth called a “sudarian” and wrapping the body with “karas” or bandages.

Sudarian and Karas: Essential Elements

A “sudarian” is a small cloth, akin to a handkerchief, used to cover the face. This practice aligns with the general principle seen in Acts 19:11-12, where even handkerchiefs touched by Paul were used for healing.

Scriptural References: Shroud and Sudarian

Drawing parallels, we find references to “sudarian” in the Bible, establishing a connection with the Shroud. Acts 19:11-12 highlights the miraculous power associated with cloths, reinforcing the biblical significance of such coverings.

Supporting Evidence: Sudarian of Oviedo

The presence of the Sudarian of Oviedo in Spain, displaying identical bloodstains and blood type AB as the Shroud of Turin, strengthens the case for their common origin. Professor Wanger’s meticulous research affirms the shared provenance of these two cloths.

Addressing Contradictory Interpretations

Contrary to claims of contradiction in John 20 regarding two pieces of linen, the consistency between the Shroud of Turin and the Sudarian of Oviedo provides a compelling explanation. The rare blood type AB further substantiates the authenticity of these artifacts.

Lazarus’ Resurrection: Scriptural Insights

To understand the connection between the Shroud and the Bible, let’s turn to John chapter 11, verses 43 and 44. The scripture narrates the resurrection of Lazarus, shedding light on the nature of Lazarus’ grave clothes—bandages or “karas.” Comparing this with Acts 19:11-12, where handkerchiefs touched by Paul were used for healing, we establish a biblical precedent for the significance of cloths.

Sudarian and Karas: Essential Elements

A “sudarian” is a small cloth, similar to a handkerchief, used to cover the face in Jewish burial traditions. Examining Acts 19:11-12, we find a connection between “sudarian” and miraculous occurrences, reinforcing its significance. Further, the Sudarian of Oviedo in Spain, displaying identical bloodstains and blood type AB as the Shroud of Turin, strengthens the case for their common origin.

Two Pieces of Linen: John 20

Addressing the passage in John 20 about Peter and John at the tomb, we encounter the term “ethonia.” Contrasting it with “syndon” used in Mark 15:46 to describe Mark’s large cloak, we gain insights into the nature of the cloths. Luke 24:12 further references “aphonia,” emphasizing a large piece of cloth used in Jesus’ burial.

Controversial Interpretation: Galatians 3:1

While Galatians 3:1 is usually interpreted as referring to Paul’s preaching, a controversial perspective explores the term “prographos” and suggests the possibility of a literal portrayal or picture carried by Paul. This interpretation remains speculative but adds an intriguing layer to the discussion.

Unique Aspects of the Shroud

As we consider the Shroud’s biblical connections, we must not overlook its unique features. The Shroud’s photo negative image, captured in 1898, remains a subject of controversy. Additionally, the microscopic evidence of pollen and flowers, specific to Jerusalem during the Passover season, adds compelling authenticity to the Shroud.

Conclusion and Preview

In concluding this segment on biblical evidence, we emphasize the importance of the large piece of cloth used in Jesus’ burial. Next week, we will dive into the authenticity of the Shroud, examining whether it truly served as the burial cloth of Jesus. Join us as we continue this intriguing exploration.