Known both as the Gospel of Nicodemus and the Acts of Pilate, this non-canonical text offers an extended narrative surrounding Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. It includes a scene in which a Roman soldier uses a spear to wound Jesus after his death, an act said to cause blood and water to flow from his side.

This detail echoes a moment described in John 19:34, which mentions an unnamed soldier piercing Jesus — but the Gospel of Nicodemus provides the name Longinus, linking him to a broader sacred tradition outside the official biblical canon.

Church authorities excluded the Gospel of Nicodemus from the final version of the Bible for several reasons, including doubts about its authorship, its late emergence, and concerns about its theological consistency with other scriptures. Some scholars speculate that Nicodemus—a Pharisee mentioned in the Gospel of John—might have written it, though they have not confirmed this.

How the Name Longinus Entered the Christian Story

Most experts believe an anonymous writer composed the text in the 4th century, several centuries after the events it describes. Despite these doubts, Christians—especially in Eastern traditions—have drawn heavily from its names and stories.

The Gospel of Nicodemus describes the Roman centurion Longinus not only as the soldier who pierced Jesus but also as a witness to the supernatural events that followed. According to the account, he saw the earthquake and declared, “Truly this was the Son of God,” a statement found in Matthew 27:54 and traditionally attributed to him in legend.

Over time, Christians elevated Longinus from a background figure to a martyr and saint in church tradition. Although the Bible does not name him, many believers identify him as the soldier who delivered the fatal spear thrust to Jesus on the cross.

Healing by Blood and a Mission to Preach

According to legend, Longinus suffered from impaired vision or near-blindness. The story says that when the blood and water from Jesus' side touched his face, it restored his sight—a moment many interpret as a symbol of the spiritual awakening that followed.

Tradition holds that Longinus served among the guards stationed at Jesus’ tomb. When Jesus rose from the dead, the guards reportedly fled in fear. Authorities later tried to bribe them to say the disciples had stolen the body, but Longinus refused to lie.

After these events, Longinus returned to the region now known as Turkey and actively preached about Jesus and his resurrection. His bold profession of faith eventually led Roman authorities to arrest him.

The Martyrdom That Shaped His Legacy

According to long-standing narrative traditions, authorities tortured Longinus during his imprisonment. Stories describe how they inflicted severe physical punishment, removing his teeth and cutting out his tongue. Yet, legend says he continued to speak afterward—a feat some regard as further divine proof of his mission.

The account ends with authorities executing Longinus by beheading, a moment that transforms him from soldier to martyr in many Christian narratives. Although the Bible does not formally recognize him, Christians have embraced Longinus as a lasting symbol of redemption and conversion.

Today, historians have found no confirmed records to verify Longinus’ existence, and his story remains rooted in early Christian legend rather than documented history. Still, his presence endures in art, worship, and teaching—especially within Eastern Orthodox traditions.

Lasting Cultural Impact and Modern Reflections

A statue of Longinus stands beneath the majestic dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, one of several artistic tributes to the storied centurion. While the Vatican does not officially authenticate the historicity of non-canonical figures, Longinus remains a powerful figure of faith for many believers.

Recently, the story of Longinus resurfaced in popular discussion after being featured on the Sunday Cool podcast, where commentators explored his lesser-known portrayal in ancient Christian texts and questioned why the Gospel of Nicodemus was never included in the official Bible.

This renewed attention has reignited interest in apocryphal texts — writings that were excluded from the canonical Bible but continue to shape the cultural and spiritual landscape across Christian denominations.