Topical Bible: Love to Christ: Thomas

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Topical Encyclopedia

Thomas, also known as Didymus, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His journey of faith and love for Christ is a profound narrative that reflects both human doubt and the transformative power of encountering the risen Lord. Thomas is most famously known for his initial skepticism regarding the resurrection of Jesus, which earned him the moniker "Doubting Thomas." However, his account is also a testament to the deep love and devotion he ultimately displayed toward Christ.

Biblical Account

Thomas is first introduced in the synoptic gospels as one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). However, it is in the Gospel of John that Thomas's character and his relationship with Jesus are most vividly portrayed.

In John 11:16, Thomas demonstrates a willingness to follow Jesus even unto death. When Jesus decides to return to Judea to visit the deceased Lazarus, despite the danger posed by the Jewish leaders, Thomas says to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." This statement reflects a profound loyalty and love for Christ, indicating Thomas's readiness to face peril alongside his Master.

The most notable episode involving Thomas occurs after the resurrection of Jesus. In John 20:24-29, Thomas is absent when Jesus first appears to the other disciples. Upon hearing their testimony, he expresses doubt, famously stating, "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). This declaration underscores a desire for personal and tangible evidence of the resurrection.

Eight days later, Jesus appears again to the disciples, and this time Thomas is present. Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, 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). In response, Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). This confession is one of the most explicit acknowledgments of Jesus's divine nature in the New Testament, signifying a profound transformation in Thomas's understanding and love for Christ.

Theological Implications

Thomas's journey from doubt to faith is emblematic of the Christian experience. His initial skepticism is not condemned by Jesus but is met with compassion and an invitation to believe. This encounter illustrates the patience and grace of Christ, who meets individuals in their doubts and leads them to a deeper faith.

Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, affirming the deity of Christ and the personal relationship believers are called to have with Him. This confession is a model of the love and reverence that Christians are to hold for Jesus, recognizing Him as both Savior and God.

Legacy and Tradition

Tradition holds that Thomas carried the message of the Gospel beyond the borders of the Roman Empire, traveling as far as India. His missionary work is said to have established a Christian presence in the region, and he is venerated as the patron saint of India. This missionary zeal further exemplifies Thomas's love for Christ, as he dedicated his life to spreading the message of salvation.

In summary, Thomas's love for Christ is a journey marked by initial doubt, profound revelation, and ultimate devotion. His account encourages believers to seek a personal encounter with the risen Lord, leading to a faith that is both intellectually and spiritually satisfying.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:16
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love. ... at will." Rather, faith comes
as Christ speaks His ... always pre-supposes revelation" (WH Griffith Thomas, 55 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

Love and Discernment.
... intellect, and perhaps with mental powers decidedly below the average, who are
nevertheless full of profound spiritual wisdom because love to Christ has given ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

Strength and Indwelling.
... in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/viii strength and indwelling.htm

Thomas Traherne and the Spiritual Poets of the Seventeenth Century
... the meaning of life through the revelation in Christ, which sets ... then my soul shall
know thee; knowing, love thee.[7 ... Thomas Traherne is one of the best and most ...
/.../chapter xvii thomas traherne and.htm

Jesus and Thomas.
... then speaks but little. Thomas was convinced, not by words, but by seeing
the proofs of Christ's love in the prints of the nails. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter viii jesus and thomas.htm

Love and Peace.
... and every thought of holiness" are the work of the Holy Spirit of God in guiding
and directing our hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/thomas/the prayers of st paul/iv love and peace.htm

The Seventeenth Chapter: the Burning Love and Strong Desire to ...
... BOOK FOUR. AN INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION The Seventeenth Chapter: The Burning
Love and Strong Desire to Receive Christ. The Disciple ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the seventeenth chapter the burning.htm

Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ
... THE FOURTH BOOK. OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR CHAPTER XVII Of fervent love and
vehement desire of receiving Christ. The Voice of the Disciple ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xvii of fervent love.htm

Ambassadors for Christ
... Mark, like Luke, puts Matthew before Thomas; but Matthew puts himself last, and ... of
enthusiasm, are achieved when the pure flame of love to Christ burns up ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/ambassadors for christ.htm

Index to Preachers and Sermons
... By Charles John Vaughan Man, God's Love to Fallen. ... By Thomas DeWitt
Talmage Moody, Dwight Lyman, What Think ye of Christ? ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/index to preachers and sermons.htm

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
... Bernard to his beloved son Thomas, as being his son. ... double proof, and that most
sure, of God's love towards us. Christ dies, and deserves to be loved by us. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xl to thomas prior.htm