First century AD · disciple of Jesus around AD 28–30
Thomas in the Bible
From doubt to confession of faith. Name meaning: Thomas, from an Aramaic word meaning “twin”; Didymus, the Greek name John pairs with it, means the same thing
Thomas, called Didymus, is one of the twelve apostles. In John’s Gospel, he is ready to “die with him” when Jesus goes back to Judea (John 11:16), asks the question that draws out “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:5-6), and then refuses to believe in the resurrection without seeing. Eight days later, standing before the living Jesus, he cries out, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
Key moments
- “Let us also go, that we may die with him” John 11:16
- “Lord, we know not whither thou goest” John 14:5
- Jesus answers him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” John 14:6
- Missing on Easter evening, he refuses to believe without seeing John 20:24–25
- Jesus invites him to touch his hands and his side John 20:27
- “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28
- “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” John 20:29
Strengths
- Loyalty
- Candor
- A demanding mind
- A confessing faith
Weaknesses
Thomas refuses to believe his companions’ testimony: “I will not believe” until he has seen and touched for himself (John 20:25). Jesus tells him, “be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). Like all the disciples, he forsakes Jesus at his arrest (Matt 26:56).
Lessons for today
- Bring your questions to Jesus honestly: Thomas’s question drew out the answer, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:5-6).
- Honest doubt can lead to faith: Jesus does not push Thomas away, he comes to him (John 20:26-27).
- Confess fully who Jesus is: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
- We believe without having seen: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
People around Thomas
- Jesus — The risen Lord who invites him to believe
- Philip — Another disciple who questions Jesus at the Last Supper (John 14:8)
- Peter — Companion at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:2)
- Nathanael — Named right after him in the list in John 21:2
- Matthew — Named next to him in the list of the Twelve (Matt 10:3)
Stories with Thomas
Quiz: how well do you know Thomas?
What other name does Thomas go by in John’s Gospel?
John writes “Thomas, which is called Didymus.” Bartholomew and Thaddeus are other apostles, and Barsabbas is the surname of a man proposed to replace Judas. John 11:16
What did Thomas say when he saw the risen Jesus?
Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God!” “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God” is what Nathanael said, and “Thou art the Christ” is what Peter said. John 20:28
How long after Jesus’ first visit to the disciples did he come again, this time with Thomas present?
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut.” John 20:26
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.