Two Artifacts of the Resurrection

Klaus Berger, Professor of New Testament Theology in the Department of Evangelical Theology of the University of Heidelberg, is one of Germany’s best-known modern biblical scholars and author of numerous books. Apropos of the Veil of Manoppello, he states in the German-language publication Focus, that the image of Christ’s face represents “the first page of the Gospel. If the Gospel is the text, then this image of the Resurrection is its frontispiece….Jewish tradition required two witnesses to come forward before a matter could be brought to court. In this instance, we have two witnesses–Peter and John–but we also have two fragments of cloth: the Shroud of Turin and the Veil of Manoppello. They constitute two pieces of material evidence attesting to the Resurrection. The Resurrection is a fact; it is not a theological metaphor. The Resurrection is a reality, and [the] Manoppello image attests to this.”

On being removed from the cross, Christ’s body was first wrapped lengthwise in a long linen cloth (sindon). Custom required this for two reasons: to keep the body from being defiled by bare hands and to prevent further spillage of blood. Once so wrapped, the body was bound laterally with broad linen bands (othonia). Throughout this process, generous quantities of aromatic oils were poured in and outside the wrappings. The body of Jesus was then laid like a cocoon in the tomb; and there, a costly napkin made of marine byssus (sea silk) was placed over His head. This very napkin can be seen displayed in the Church of Manoppello in Italy.