Topical Bible: Faith: Thomas

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Topical Encyclopedia

Thomas, also known as Didymus, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, prominently featured in the New Testament. His character is often associated with doubt, yet his journey reflects a profound transformation in faith. Thomas is mentioned in all four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, but his most notable appearances are in the Gospel of John.

Biblical Accounts:

1. Calling of Thomas: Thomas is first introduced as one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. His calling is mentioned in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15) and in Acts 1:13, where he is listed among the apostles.

2. Thomas's Courage: In John 11:16, Thomas displays a moment of courage and loyalty. When Jesus decides to return to Judea to visit Lazarus, despite the danger from those who sought to stone Him, Thomas says to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." This statement reflects a willingness to face danger alongside Jesus, indicating a deep commitment.

3. The Last Supper: During the Last Supper, Thomas questions Jesus about His destination, which leads to one of Jesus' profound declarations. In John 14:5-6, Thomas asks, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus responds, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This interaction highlights Thomas's desire for understanding and clarity in his faith.

4. Doubting Thomas: Thomas is perhaps best known for his initial doubt regarding Jesus' resurrection. In John 20:24-29, Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples after His resurrection. When told of the event, Thomas famously declares, "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). Eight days later, Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds. Thomas responds with a profound confession of faith, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus then says, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). This encounter underscores the transition from doubt to faith and serves as a testament to the blessedness of belief without physical evidence.

5. Post-Resurrection Appearances: Thomas is present with the other disciples during the miraculous catch of fish at the Sea of Tiberias, as recorded in John 21:2. This appearance further solidifies his role as a witness to the resurrected Christ.

Theological Significance:

Thomas's journey from doubt to faith is a powerful narrative that resonates with many believers. His initial skepticism and subsequent confession highlight the human struggle with doubt and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Thomas's account serves as an encouragement to those who grapple with uncertainty, reminding them of the possibility of a deeper faith through personal experience and revelation.

Tradition and Legacy:

According to early Christian tradition, Thomas is believed to have traveled beyond the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, reaching as far as India. The ancient Christian community in India, known as the Saint Thomas Christians, traces its origins to his missionary work. This tradition underscores the far-reaching impact of Thomas's faith and dedication to spreading the message of Christ.

Thomas's legacy is a testament to the journey of faith, illustrating that doubt can lead to a more profound and personal understanding of Jesus as Lord and God. His account is a reminder of the grace extended to those who seek truth and the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 20:28
And Thomas answered and said to him, My LORD and my God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... "Faith always pre-supposes revelation" (WH Griffith Thomas, 55). "Faith is always
a response to a divine revelation" (WH Griffith Thomas, 143). "Faith . . . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

St. Thomas Also Confessed the Same Faith as Peter after the Lord's ...
... Book III. Chapter XV. St. Thomas also confessed the same faith as Peter
after the Lord's resurrection. But I want still to add one ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xv st thomas also.htm

We Walk by Faith, and not by Sight
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Holy Days: St. Thomas 270. We walk by faith, and not by
sight. CM [1015]Arlington: Thomas A. Arne, 1762. [1016]Hermann: ...
/.../holy days st thomas 270.htm

Jesus and Thomas.
... that Jesus died for them and rose again; but their faith fails them for the time
in the hour of sorest distress. Meanwhile they walk in darkness as Thomas did. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter viii jesus and thomas.htm

Thomas' Test.
... The glory, holiness, love of His person, subdue the soul to Him. The faith
of Thomas is full of significance. First, it is helpful ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiii thomas test.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,
and his faith in Jesus as the Son of God and as superior to death, should have ...
/.../section 302 christ appears to.htm

Whether the Object of Faith Can be Something Seen
... 1. It seems that the object of faith is something which is seen. For our Lord said
to Thomas: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed." Thus the ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article four whether the object.htm

Thomas and Jesus
... that Thomas had no right to bring his will to bear on the act of belief, considered
as the intellectual act of accepting a thing as true. But Christian faith, ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/thomas and jesus.htm

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
... Bernard to his beloved son Thomas, as being his son ... child of light leaves the power
of darkness and comes into this new light, if once he can with faith say to ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xl to thomas prior.htm

On the Morrow of the Transfiguration
... as the representative three, and the counterpart of the three chosen Apostles: Philip,
who ever sought firm standing-ground for faith; Thomas, who wanted ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii on the morrow.htm

Growing Faith.
... and events and experiences we may get some hold on how their faith grew ... Thou hast
the words of eternal life."[62] And without doubt Thomas acts as spokesman for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/growing faith.htm