Thomas
Israelite / Jew Jewish · Life of Christ · New Testament
- Also called
- Didymus
- Name means
- 'twin' (Didymus in Greek)
- Role
- Apostle
- When
- c. AD 28-30s
What they did
He was willing to go and die with Jesus, asked the way to the Father, and doubted the resurrection until the risen Jesus showed him his hands and side, when he confessed, 'My Lord and my God.'
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His confession is one of the clearest declarations of Christ's deity, and Jesus' answer blesses all who believe without having seen.
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28 (KJV)
Bible references
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. John 11:16 (KJV)
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:5-6 (KJV)
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. John 20:24-25 (KJV)
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:27-29 (KJV)
Family
Scripture records little about this person's family.