Definition and Origin
Stigmata refer to bodily marks, sores, or sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ, such as the hands, feet, and side. The term originates from the Greek word "stigma," meaning a mark or brand, as used by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:17 : "From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus."

Biblical Context
While the Bible does not explicitly mention the phenomenon of stigmata as experienced by individuals after the time of Christ, it does provide a theological framework for understanding suffering and identification with Christ. The Apostle Paul speaks of sharing in Christ's sufferings and being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10): "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death."

Historical Accounts
The first recorded case of stigmata is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. Since then, numerous individuals, primarily within the Roman Catholic tradition, have reported experiencing stigmata. These occurrences are often accompanied by deep religious devotion and mystical experiences.

Theological Significance
From a theological perspective, stigmata are seen as a profound identification with the Passion of Christ. They are considered a form of participation in the sufferings of Jesus, reflecting the believer's deep union with Him. This is in line with the biblical teaching of taking up one's cross and following Christ (Matthew 16:24): "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'"

Skepticism and Verification
While stigmata are revered by many as a sign of holiness and divine favor, they have also been met with skepticism. The Church has historically approached claims of stigmata with caution, often subjecting them to rigorous investigation to rule out natural or fraudulent causes. The authenticity of stigmata is typically discerned through the examination of the individual's life, character, and the fruits of their experiences.

Spiritual Implications
For those who accept the phenomenon of stigmata, it serves as a powerful reminder of the call to live a life of sacrificial love and devotion to Christ. It underscores the biblical principle of being crucified with Christ, as expressed by Paul in Galatians 2:20 : "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Conclusion
While the Bible does not directly address stigmata, the phenomenon is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition of suffering and sanctification. It invites believers to reflect on their own journey of faith and their willingness to share in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of the Gospel.Galatians 6:17
From now on let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
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1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked on, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
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Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
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1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
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4742. stigma -- a bed of leaves or rushes
... ownership), ie (figuratively) scar of service -- mark. (stigmata) -- 1
Occurrence. 4741, 4742. stigma. 4742a . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4742.htm - 6k

Of the Sacred and Holy Stigmata of St Francis and Certain ...
... PART ONE. HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF THE SACRED
AND HOLY STIGMATA OF ST FRANCIS AND CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS THEREON. ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the sacred and holy.htm

How Pope Gregory ix, who had Doubted of the Stigmata of St Francis ...
... HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPTER LVIII HOW POPE
GREGORY IX, WHO HAD DOUBTED OF THE STIGMATA OF ST FRANCIS, WAS ASSURED OF THEIR ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter lviii how pope gregory.htm

Of the Fifth and Last Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... PART ONE. HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF THE
FIFTH AND LAST CONSIDERATION OF THE SACRED, HOLY STIGMATA. ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the fifth and last.htm

How a Noble Knight who was Devout to St Francis was Assured of his ...
... THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPTER LVII HOW A NOBLE KNIGHT WHO
WAS DEVOUT TO ST FRANCIS WAS ASSURED OF HIS DEATH AND OF THE SACRED STIGMATA. ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter lvii how a noble.htm

Of the Third Consideration of the Sacred Holy Stigmata
... PART ONE. HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF THE
THIRD CONSIDERATION OF THE SACRED HOLY STIGMATA. We are ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the third consideration of.htm

Of the Fourth Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... PART ONE. HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF THE
FOURTH CONSIDERATION OF THE SACRED, HOLY STIGMATA. As to ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the fourth consideration of.htm

Of the Second Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... PART ONE. HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF THE
SECOND CONSIDERATION OF THE SACRED, HOLY STIGMATA. The ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the second consideration of.htm

Of the First Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... PART ONE. HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF THE
FIRST CONSIDERATION OF THE SACRED, HOLY STIGMATA. Concerning ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the first consideration of.htm

How a Holy Friar, Having Read in the Legend of St Francis of the ...
... It happened as a devout and holy friar was reading in the legend of St Francis the
chapter concerning the sacred, holy stigmata, that he began in great anxiety ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter liv how a holy.htm

The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi
... OF THE SACRED AND HOLY STIGMATA OF ST FRANCIS AND CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS THEREON.
OF THE FIRST CONSIDERATION OF THE SACRED, HOLY STIGMATA. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/

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