Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThomas, also known as Didymus, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is often remembered for his initial doubt regarding the resurrection of Jesus, earning him the moniker "Doubting Thomas." His account is primarily recounted in the Gospel of John, where his absence during Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples is highlighted. Biblical Account The account of Thomas's absence is found in John 20:24-29. After Jesus' crucifixion and burial, the disciples were gathered together, but Thomas was not with them. John 20:24-25 states, "Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he replied, 'Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.'" Significance of Absence Thomas's absence from the initial gathering of the disciples is significant for several reasons. It highlights the human tendency towards doubt and the need for personal experience in matters of faith. Thomas's demand for physical evidence underscores a desire for tangible proof, reflecting a common struggle among believers to reconcile faith with empirical evidence. Subsequent Appearance of Jesus A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, and this time Thomas was present. John 20:26-27 describes the encounter: "Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.'" Thomas's Confession of Faith Confronted with the risen Christ, Thomas's response is one of profound faith and recognition. In John 20:28 , Thomas declares, "My Lord and my God!" This confession is a pivotal moment, as it affirms the divinity of Jesus and serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Lord. Theological Implications Thomas's journey from doubt to faith is instructive for believers. It illustrates the grace and patience of Jesus, who meets Thomas in his skepticism and provides the evidence he seeks. Jesus' words in John 20:29 , "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed," extend a blessing to future generations of believers who would come to faith without the benefit of physical sight. Legacy Thomas's account is a reminder of the importance of faith and the assurance that Jesus meets believers in their doubts. His confession, "My Lord and my God," has become a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing the recognition of Jesus as both Lord and God. Thomas's experience encourages believers to seek a personal encounter with Christ and to trust in the testimony of the resurrection. Nave's Topical Index John 20:24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Nave's Topical Index Library The Lord Seen by the Apostles. Of Christ's Subsequent Manifestations of Himself to the Disciples ... John xx. 24, 25 Thomas' Test. On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... To the Monks of Constantinople. On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ... The First Native Converts and Christian Schools Homilies on the Gospel of John. Resources What is the Thomas Jefferson Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Saint Thomas Aquinas? | GotQuestions.org After His resurrection, why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him, but later tell Thomas to touch Him? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thomas: Absent when Jesus First Appeared to the Disciples After the Resurrection Thomas: Asks Jesus the Way to the Father's House Thomas: Lives With the Other Apostles in Jerusalem Thomas: One of the Twelve Apostles Thomas: Present at the Raising of Lazarus Thomas: Sees Jesus After the Resurrection Related Terms Fellow-disciples (1 Occurrence) |
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