And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead
For death, by crucifixion, was a slow lingering death; persons
that were in their full strength hung a great while before they
expired; and the two thieves, which were crucified with Christ,
were not dead when he was:
and calling unto him the centurion;
who was set to watch him:
he asked him, whether he had been any while
dead;
he inquired of him, whether he was dead, and how long he had been
dead.