One of the most infamous figures in Christian history is the Roman soldier who is said to have stabbed Jesus during his crucifixion. This soldier is commonly referred to as Longinus, although his actual name is not definitively known.

According to the Gospel of John, Longinus was the soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a spear to ensure that he was dead before being taken down from the cross. This act is often seen as fulfilling a prophecy in the Old Testament that none of Jesus' bones would be broken.

The name Longinus is not mentioned in the Bible, but rather comes from later Christian tradition. The apocryphal Acts of Pilate, dating from the 4th century, identifies the soldier as Longinus and even provides a backstory for him. According to this account, Longinus was blind in one eye and was miraculously healed after coming into contact with Jesus' blood.

Longinus is venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and other Christian traditions. He is often depicted in art and iconography holding a spear or lance, symbolizing his role in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Despite the lack of historical evidence for Longinus' existence, his story has captured the imagination of countless believers over the centuries. His act of piercing Jesus' side has been interpreted as a symbol of the atonement and the redemption of humanity through Christ's sacrifice.

While the identity of the Roman soldier who stabbed Jesus may never be definitively known, the figure of Longinus continues to be a powerful symbol in Christian theology and art. Whether seen as a villain or a hero, Longinus' role in the crucifixion of Jesus remains a central part of Christian tradition and belief.

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