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Stigmata refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ’s wounds on an individual’s body. Some stigmata depict the injuries on Christ’s back from the scourging or the head wounds from the crown of thorns. However, traditionally, stigmata are characterized by five key points: the side (where Jesus was pierced with a spear to confirm His death), and both hands and feet (the wounds from the crucifixion nails). Stigmata are also referred to as the “Five Wounds” or the “Sacred Wounds of our Lord.”
Throughout church history, several people have claimed to have received stigmata miraculously. Nevertheless, there are significant doubts regarding the authenticity of these alleged occurrences. Many cases have been exposed as self-inflicted in an effort to fabricate miraculous stigmata. The Bible does not advocate seeking stigmata or promise that God will bestow them. In Galatians 6:17, Paul mentions, “…for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” This does not imply that Paul bore literal crucifixion scars but rather signifies that his body bore scars due to his dedication to following Christ. Jesus endured the wounds so that we would not have to. The notion of crucifixion wounds being supernaturally imposed on a believer’s body contradicts the truth that “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed” «But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. », (Isaiah 53:5).
