The Spear of Longinus: The Blood-Stained Legacy That Changed History Forever!

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:26:41 +0000

# The Spear of Longinus: The Blood-Stained Legacy That Changed History Forever Almost 2,000 years ago, a single act recalibrated the course of human history—an event carved into legend, scripture, and scholarly debate: the piercing of Jesus Christ’s side with a spear by Longinus, the soldier who thrust the fatal thrust. Known as the Spear of Longinus, this blood-stained relic is more than a historical artifact—it is a symbol of faith, power, and the enduring mysteries surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. From its purported origins to its revered place in religious and cultural heritage, the Spear of Longinus remains one of the most potent and debated artifacts of the ancient world. ## The Biblical Foundation: Longinus and the Crucifixion While the Bible does not name the soldier who drove the spear, early Christian tradition identifies him as Longinus, a Roman centurion mentioned in the Gospel accounts. Luke 23:34–35 describes the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothing, but not Longinus specifically. Yet apocryphal texts from the early centuries post-Resurrection—such as the Gospel of Nicodemus and early Christian writings—portray Longinus as deeply moved by Christ’s sacrifice. According to legend, after piercing His side with a spear, Longinus witnessed the blood and water that flowed from Christ’s wound, a moment chronicized in John 19:34: “One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water flowed.”