As we continue our research on the provenance of the Holy Lance, we stop for a moment to watch the video below about who Longinus was and what the significance the lance had at the Crucifixion. If you have stumbled on this page and want to know more, we recommend that you begin your journey here: Searching the Destiny of the Holy Lance of Love.
For the rest of our information treasure hunters we leave some research nuggets below the video about Longinus and where the Holy Blood Relics of Nails and the Cross may have gone in history.
St. Longinus
Longinus
Roman centurion identified as LONGINUS ca. 34AD
The Gospel of Nicodemus, also known as the Acts of Pilate
Justin Martyr (100-165) wrote, “And that these things did happen, you can ascertain from the Acts of Pontius Pilate.”[8] The Apology letters were written and addressed by name to the Roman Emperor Pius and the Roman Governor Urbicus. All three of these men lived between AD 138 – 161.
The Acta Pilati have had a long history inspiring devotional works.
Nicodemus. (ca 34AD). Gospel of Nicodemus aka Acts of Pilate.
https://www.fbcoverup.com/docs/library/34AD-Gospel-of-Nicodemus-aka-Acts-of-Pilate-ca-34AD.pdf
https://archive.org/details/pdfy-5lijplxCkA4qdCgY
Here’s why Constantine would have taken the nails that Helena found and make them a bridle-bit for his horse and part of his helmet. THEY COMPLIMENTED THE SPEAR OF LONGINUS, WHICH HE PROBABLY ALREADY HAD.
… to complete his armor, with this scripture in mind…. Many called him “The Thirteenth Apostle.”
Ephesians 6:11-18 King James Version (KJV)
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
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Spear mentioned in second century argument against Celsus
Comment in the Ante-Nicene Fathers:
The Nails
Finally, Eusebius sets us straight. No mention of the spear. But reference to Constantine having the nails incorporated into his helmet and horse’s bridle-bit.
Philip Schaff. (1893). Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Series II, Vol. 2. Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
Eusebius, contemporary historian with Constantine. (The story I have always heard about basil is incorrect. This makes much more sense!)
Here’s more detailed second account of the finding of the cross and nails:
p. 563
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The Cross
The Cross and pieces of it are also considered to be Holy Blood Relics.
Philip Schaff. (1893). Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Series II, Vol. 2. Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
Eusebius’ first hand testimony by Constantine on his vision of the cross and its meaning.
https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/conv-const.asp