Thomas

Overview

Thomas, also called Didymus, meaning 'the twin,' was one of the twelve apostles. Early in John's Gospel, when Jesus determined to return to Judea despite danger, Thomas showed loyal courage, urging the other disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.' At the Last Supper, it was Thomas who asked Jesus how the disciples could know the way to where he was going, prompting Jesus's declaration, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' Thomas is best remembered, however, for his absence when the risen Jesus first appeared to the other disciples; hearing their report, he declared he would not believe unless he could see and touch the wounds himself. A week later, Jesus appeared again with Thomas present, inviting him to touch his hands and side, and Thomas responded with one of the most direct confessions of Christ's full deity in the Gospels: 'My Lord and my God.' Jesus gently noted the greater blessing of those who believe without having seen.