Topical Bible: Unbelief: Thomas

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Introduction

Unbelief, as exemplified by the Apostle Thomas, is a significant theme in the New Testament, illustrating the struggle between doubt and faith. Thomas, also known as Didymus, is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. His account is primarily recounted in the Gospel of John, where his initial skepticism and subsequent belief serve as a profound lesson on faith.

Biblical Account

The most notable account of Thomas's unbelief is found in John 20:24-29. After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples, but Thomas was not present at that time. When the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" Thomas responded with skepticism, famously declaring, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe" (John 20:25).

A week later, Jesus appeared again to His disciples, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus addressed Thomas directly, saying, "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27). Confronted with the reality of the risen Christ, Thomas responded with a profound confession of faith, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus then said to him, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).

Theological Implications

Thomas's initial unbelief and subsequent confession highlight several theological themes. First, his account underscores the reality of doubt in the journey of faith. Thomas's skepticism is not condemned but is met with grace and an invitation to believe. This encounter illustrates the patience and understanding of Christ towards those who struggle with doubt.

Second, Thomas's experience emphasizes the importance of personal encounter with the risen Christ. His transformation from doubt to faith occurred through a direct and personal experience with Jesus, suggesting that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a relational trust in the living Christ.

Finally, Jesus' words to Thomas, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed," extend a blessing to future generations of believers. This statement affirms the value of faith that does not rely on physical evidence but trusts in the testimony of the apostles and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.

Legacy and Tradition

Thomas's legacy extends beyond his initial doubt. According to early Christian tradition, Thomas became a fervent missionary, spreading the Gospel to regions as far as India. This tradition is supported by the existence of the Mar Thoma Church in India, which traces its origins to the apostolic ministry of Thomas. His transformation from doubt to a bold proclamation of faith serves as an enduring testament to the power of Christ to overcome unbelief and inspire a life of faithful witness.

Conclusion

The account of Thomas in the Gospel of John provides a rich narrative on the nature of unbelief and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. His journey from doubt to faith offers encouragement to believers who wrestle with uncertainty, reminding them of the grace and patience of Jesus, who meets us in our doubts and calls us to a deeper faith.

Nave's Topical Index

John 20:25
The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the LORD. But he said to 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"Peace be unto You"
... Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief: "Thomas, because
thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 84 peace be unto.htm

Thomas' Test.
... that in so many cases unbelief gives way to belief, not by the removal of intellectual
difficulties, not by such demonstration as was granted to Thomas, but by ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiii thomas test.htm

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
... Bernard to his beloved son Thomas, as being his son. ... Works, then, and not words,
make the difference between sons of God and sons of unbelief. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xl to thomas prior.htm

Jesus and Thomas.
... their belief in the Lord's resurrection made such a change in them, so brightened
and transformed them, that Thomas grew less positive in his unbelief as he ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter viii jesus and thomas.htm

The Lord Seen by the Apostles.
... His compassion for the unbelief of Thomas shows the patient tenderness
of the Savior with the difficulties of an honest seeker. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lord seen by the.htm

Christ Appears to Five Hundred Believers; to his Brother James to ...
... It was implied in them that the long personal intercourse of Thomas with Christ ... be
impossible, if there were no other way of passing from unbelief to belief ...
/.../section 302 christ appears to.htm

O Thou who Didst, with Love Untold
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Holy Days: St. Thomas 269. O Thou who didst, with love untold.
CM [1013]Dundee: ... And while that wondrous record now. Of unbelief we hear,. ...
/.../holy days st thomas 269.htm

We Walk by Faith, and not by Sight
... CM [1015]Arlington: Thomas A. Arne, 1762. [1016]Hermann: ... And cry, "My Lord and God!".
Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; And may our faith abound,. ...
/.../holy days st thomas 270.htm

Whether Unbelief is a Sin?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether unbelief is a sin? Objection 1:
It would seem that unbelief is not a sin. ... Therefore unbelief is not a sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether unbelief is a sin.htm

Whether There are Several Species of Unbelief?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether there are several species
of unbelief? Objection 1: It would seem that there are ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are several species.htm