Thomas

Thomas, also called Didymus, was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, known for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw him in person.

Thomas, also known as Didymus (meaning "twin"), was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in all four Gospels and the Book of Acts (Mat 10:3; Mrk 3:18; Luk 6:15; Jhn.11.16; 14.5; 20.24-29; 21.2; Act 1:13). Thomas is best known for his doubt about Jesus' resurrection, earning him the nickname "Doubting Thomas." When Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, Thomas was absent and refused to believe unless he could see and touch Jesus' wounds (Jhn 20:24-25). A week later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas then confessed, "My Lord and my God!" (Jhn 20:26-28). Jesus praised those who believe without seeing (Jhn 20:29). Thomas also showed devotion to Jesus, willing to die with him (Jhn 11:16) and asking questions during the Last Supper (Jhn 14:5). According to tradition, Thomas later preached the gospel in India, where he was martyred. His initial doubt and later confession serve as an encouragement for believers who struggle with doubts.

Twin, one of the twelve (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18, etc.). He was also called Didymus (John 11:16; 20:24), which is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name. All we know regarding him is recorded in the fourth Gospel (John 11:15, 16; 14:4, 5; 20:24, 25, 26-29). From the circumstance that in the lists of the apostles he is always mentioned along with Matthew, who was the son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18), and that these two are always followed by James, who was also the son of Alphaeus, it has been supposed that these three, Matthew, Thomas, and James, were brothers.