The wooden structure to which criminals were nailed. Jesus died on a cross: hence it is an emblem of the crucifixion of Christ, so that we read of the “death of the cross,” and the “blood of his cross” (Phil. 2:8; Col. 1:20); also the “preaching of the cross” (1 Cor. 1:18). The cross of Christ makes nothing of man and sets aside all his pretensions: therefore to preach “the cross” arouses man’s hatred and persecution (Gal. 5:11; Gal. 6:12,14). “The cross” is also a symbol of the shame and self-denial that lie in the believer’s path. He is exhorted to take up his cross daily and follow the Lord (Luke 9:23).