Stigmata

Galatians 6:17: “With reference to the time that remains let no man trouble me, because I bear in my body the scars of Jesus.

The concept of “Stigmata” or bodily marks, sores, or sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus is once again emerging in popular culture.  Recently an individual purportedly bearing stigmata, referred to as a stigmatic, appeared on a popular satellite program promoting her wounds as evidence of a special relationship with God.  The causes of stigmata are the subject of considerable debate. Some contend that they are miraculous while others argue they are hoaxes or can be explained medically or psychologically.  To understand the intent of Paul as juxtaposed to modern application, we examine:

  • Historical Context: This verse is part of a final warning and benediction to the Church at Galatia.  The Galatian believers had been devoted to Paul and accepted his teaching when he was with them [Galatians 4:14-15].  Key issues at the time were Gentile conversion, traditional Jewish temple rites and ceremonial rituals.  Soon after Paul departed, other teachers arrived and began teaching contrary to Paul’s instruction [Galatians 1:6], including that the law of Moses was binding on believers and was required for justification [Galatians 4:5], especially the laws about circumcision.  V. 17 clearly demonstrates that Paul was tired of the controversy and, having addressed the false teaching, had nothing further to say.
  • Grammatical Usage: The key phrase with reference to implications upon Stigmata is the predicate, “…because I bear in my body the scars of Jesus.”  The Greek reference is to physical scars (both physical and psychological – hence the use of “in” – 2 Corinthians 4:10)
  • Literal Application: Paul leaves no question as to his meaning: scars received due to the on-going, real-time service to Christ from those who opposed him and his preaching of Jesus.  There is no grammatical basis that lends itself to unexplainable wound appearances of mystical origin for any purpose – including  supernatural origin resembling Christ’s crucifixion wounds as visual evidence of what He had endured.
  • Contextual Interpretation: It is important to recognize that the concept of stigmata is primarily associated with the Roman Catholic faith. Many reported stigmatics are members of Roman Catholic religious orders. The majority of reported stigmatics are female.  There are three problematic points for us in that:

1) While we are all “catholic” in the sense of one in Christ, Roman Catholicism is a particular denomination which harbors many beliefs which have been rejected by Protestants through the centuries – this is one of them.  Protestants as well as some Roman Catholics harbor a level of skepticism when it comes to many historical/current assertions of Catholicism which, to be kind, prove extra-Biblical;

2) Iit is interesting to note that there are relatively few claims of Stigmata among Protestants and those who have claimed it were found to be illegitimate;

3) In fact, no case of stigmata is known to have occurred before the thirteenth century, when the crucified Jesus became a standard icon of Christianity in the west.  This is problematic in that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to convict and convince the world – these type of displays are unnecessary as a witness to either the saved or unsaved – look at the controversy even today, controversy that hasn’t advanced the cause of Christ and controversy that wasn’t necessary previous to the 13th century. 

Skeptics also point out that stigmata have appeared on hands in some cases, and wrists in others. It is unknown whether crucifixion involved nails being driven through the hands or wrists. It has been proven in several studies that the hands would be unable to support the necessary weight, so many advocate the wrist theory; traditional art, however, often presents the opposite view. A new study and documentary called “Quest for Truth: The Crucifixion” on the National Geographic Channel has shown that a person can be suspended by the wrists, as the ankles are nailed to the side of the cross. However, the study also indicates the palms are a likely place for the nails to be driven as it would cause the maximum amount of pain and trauma.  A lot of art does depict the palms.  The fact that there is no consistency of wounds among stigmatics doesn’t bode well for a consistent depiction of the actual crucifixion – after all, God knows how it was carried out.

  • Scriptural Comparison: The fact that there is no relevant Scriptural comparison for context much less definition fails to lend credence to the phenomena itself, much less a sign of God.

Conclusions: The Word tells us to try the spirits to determine if they are of God or otherwise (1 John 4:1).  Bottom line – this is an unnecessary manifestation which can not be attributed to God.  Satan does his best to copy everything of God for the purpose of deception (2 Corinthians 11: 14) – I put stigmata in this category.  This controversy deludes people into believing what can’t be demonstrated consistently nor referenced in the Word, thereby frustrating some and confusing others.  God says He is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33) – hence, this is a basis upon which to reject the legitimacy of stigmata.