Who was Thomas in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Thomas was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Thomas displayed sincere faith and a willingness to seek understanding, as seen in his questioning of Jesus regarding His departure and resurrection. When Thomas demanded proof of Jesus' resurrection, Jesus graciously provided it, leading Thomas to proclaim Jesus as his Lord and God. This episode teaches that genuine faith can come from questioning or doubt if we seek the truth and that seeking answers is a vital part of spiritual growth. Like Thomas, believers are encouraged to approach Jesus with their questions and uncertainties, trusting in His guidance and revelation through Scripture, community, personal experience, and the Holy Spirit.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Thomas is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Thomas was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is sometimes referred to by his Greek name, Didymus. Both Thomas and Didymus mean "twin," though the Bible never explicitly mentions him having a twin (John 11:16; 20:24). Thomas is recorded in each of the lists of Jesus' disciples (Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:14–19; Luke 6:13–16; Acts 1:13) and also features in a few major events in the book of John.
• When Jesus' dear friend Lazarus died, the disciples feared going to grieve for him in the town of Bethany because many people wanted Jesus dead. Going near Jerusalem would put them all in danger. However, Thomas encouraged his fellow disciples to follow Jesus even if it led to their death (John 11:1–16).
• When Jesus explained to His disciples that He would soon leave them and that He would prepare a place for them in heaven. The disciples did not understand yet that Jesus was describing His death and resurrection. Thomas asked for clarification of how he can follow Jesus if he does not know where He is going (John 14:5). Jesus replied with the famous words, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Through Thomas's question we received the clear message that salvation is through Jesus alone.
• A few days after Jesus' death, the disciples were gathered in a locked room, but Thomas was not with them. Jesus appeared in the room, and the disciples told Thomas the good news of Jesus' resurrection (John 20:19–24). Thomas replied, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25). Thomas knew Jesus had been crucified and died. His request for evidence of Jesus' resurrection seems natural.
• A week later Jesus appeared again in front of the disciples and Thomas was with them. He told Thomas, "'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'" (John 20:27–29). Thomas had asked for proof, and when Jesus gave it to him, his response was to trust and believe in Jesus.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Thomas was willing to follow Jesus into danger. He also asked clarifying questions and wanted evidence before believing the claims of others. Thomas’s questions did not mean that his faith was insincere. His doubt was not willful rejection of truth. Rather, he asked honest questions and investigated. Like many of us, Thomas wanted concrete evidence in order to make sense of the seemingly impossible—Jesus rising from the dead. Christians do not follow Jesus blindly or in ignorance. Believers come to the conclusion that Jesus is Lord through the Bible, the witness of other believers, personal experience of God's work in their lives, and the work of the Holy Spirit. You can approach Jesus with your doubts and questions. Jesus did not reveal everything to Thomas, but He did answer him with what he needed to know in order to follow Him. Likewise, we may not have all the answers to life, but we can turn to the Bible and pray to God in order that we may grow in knowledge and know what we need to be able to faithfully follow Jesus.

UNDERSTAND

• Thomas was one of Jesus' twelve disciples and is featured prominently in the gospel of John.
• Thomas is recorded as asking questions.
• When Thomas demanded proof of Jesus' resurrection, Jesus graciously provided it, leading Thomas to proclaim Jesus as his Lord and God.

REFLECT

• How do you relate to what we see of Thomas in the biblical narrative? Do you find yourself questioning aspects of your faith or seeking evidence for spiritual truths?
• What is the role of questioning and seeking truth in your own spiritual growth?
• What are some questions that you are or have wrestled through regarding spiritual matters?

ENGAGE

• Today we call someone a "Doubting Thomas" if they do not believe something they have not experienced personally. This phrase originated from the disciple Thomas after he doubted the resurrection of Jesus.
• The nickname “Doubting Thomas” is not found in the Bible. Do you think this is an accurate nickname for Thomas? Why or why not?
• How can the church community create a safe space for individuals to express doubts and ask questions, following Thomas's example of openness and inquiry? Consider practical ways to encourage honest dialogue and exploration of faith within your community.