they had crucified Him: Crucifixion (being nailed to a cross) was not common among Jews. But it was a widespread Roman punishment for military and political offenders. This was especially true for slaves, rebels, and insurrectionists (rioters). The extreme cruelty and public display of crucifixion was a strong warning to society.
The Romans would flog victims (beat them with whips). Then they would crucify the victims naked. This added to their humiliation. Most considered it the most painful death possible. It involved intense suffering, exposure to weather and insects, and suffocation. It often concluded with a final violent spear thrust to end life.
Since the Law said that anyone hung on a tree was under God’s curse (Deuteronomy 21:22–23), crucifixion was especially offensive to the Jewish people. Yet in God’s plan, what humans saw as shameful became the very means of salvation. Earlier, Jesus had told his disciples to take up their cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24).