Thomas
“Twin”
Summary
Thomas, also called Didymus (meaning 'twin'), was one of the twelve apostles, best known for his initial doubt about Christ's resurrection and his subsequent confession 'My Lord and my God.'
☩Character and Temperament
Thomas possessed a character marked by slow belief, a tendency to see difficulties, inclination toward despondency, and yet ardent love for his Master. He was not easily convinced and required direct personal evidence, yet when convinced, his faith was exceedingly strong. His nature contained conflicting elements: little natural buoyancy combined with indomitable courage and entire unselfishness. Though his temperament led him to imagine the worst, his devotion proved stronger than his fears when action was demanded.
☩Key Incidents in the Gospels
Three significant incidents reveal Thomas's character in John's Gospel. When Jesus determined to return to Judaea despite danger, Thomas said, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him'—showing devoted love despite seeing no hope of escape. At the Last Supper, his question 'Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?' revealed prosaic doubt yet eager inquiry, prompting Jesus' great declaration, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' After the resurrection, Thomas was absent from the disciples' first meeting with the risen Lord, and he demanded tangible proof before believing.
☩The Confession of Faith
Eight days after the resurrection, Thomas was present when Jesus appeared again. Christ invited him to touch His wounds and said, 'Be not faithless, but believing.' Thomas responded with the confession 'My Lord and my God!'—the highest assertion of Christ's divine nature made by apostolic lips. This confession forms a fitting climax to John's Gospel, recalling the opening declaration that 'the Word was God.' Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who would believe without seeing, for all subsequent generations. Augustine noted, 'He doubted that we might not doubt.'
☩Later Traditions
Earlier traditions represent Thomas as preaching in Parthia or Persia and being buried at Edessa. Later traditions carry him further east to India, where he is said to have been martyred by a lance. The apocryphal 'Acts of Thomas' narrates his missionary adventures in India. The Latin Church commemorates him on December 21, the Greek Church on October 6. Some traditions identify him with Judas the brother of Jesus, based on the name 'Judas Thomas' appearing in certain texts.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Thomas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Thomas," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Thomas," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Thomas," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).