Is the stigmata biblically sound?

Question

The stigmata is sores or wounds in the places that Jesus suffered wounds during the crucifixion. That's about as much as I know.

My questions:

What's the purpose of the stigmata?

Is the stigmata biblical? Similarly, if Jesus' crucifixion was payment for our sins, is the stigmata anti-biblical since we are taking on the suffering of Jesus (indicating that our sins are on ourselves and that his suffering wasn't sufficient)?

Also, How do we know that the stigmata is of Christian origin (meaning that we're reflecting Christ's crucifixion and not someone else that was crucified)?

Answer 1

1. Stigmata is a grace given to a follower of Christ₁, meaning

2. Stigmata is not public revelation, nor could it be. So it's not biblical in the way the 7 Sacraments (Baptism, Marriage, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, Last Rites and Confirmation) are.

3. These private revelations often come directly from Christ Himself. It is contingent on the authority of the Church ₂ to quash belief in a particular private revelation or allow it to continue.

₁ do all work miracles? (1 Cor 12:29)

₂ thou art peter (Matt 16:18))

Answer 2

I can pick a few verses from here to show some Biblical backing on the stigmata: http://www.openbible.info/topics/stigmata

Galatians 6:17 ESV

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

1 Peter 4:13 ESV

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stigmata you can read more on the origin, but St. Francis of Assisi was the first recorded example of someone have a stigmata, but, as is mentioned, Padre Pio (I believe he is now a saint) endured this for 50 years and it could be investigated by modern doctors.

The fact that there are some examples of non-Christian stigmata was interesting, but when someone is close to God and they are blessed with the stigmata, and it brings them closer, it appears to be from God. But, as when someone does miracle healings, we have no idea if these are truly from God, we have to take it on faith, and look at the fruits from that tree (does that person bring Glory to God for example).