Biblical Character Study: Disciples of Lord Jesus Christනියැදිය

Thomas Didymus – A Pessimist

Introduction

Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, was known by two names — Thomas (Hebrew) and Didymus (Greek), both meaning “the Twin.”

Among the Gospel writers, only John provides detailed references to Thomas, though he is listed among the twelve in the Synoptic Gospels.

According to early tradition, Thomas ministered in Parthia, Persia, and India, where he was martyred near Mylapore (St. Thomas Mount), Chennai, India.

John’s Gospel mentions Thomas in three important contexts:

1. At the raising of Lazarus (John 11:2-16),
2. During the Farewell Discourse (John 14:1-6), and
3. After the Resurrection (John 20:24-29).

A Pessimist and a Realist

By temperament, Thomas was likely a pessimist — cautious, skeptical, and needing tangible proof before believing.

Yet he was also a realist, unwilling to pretend faith he did not feel. The Lord transformed his questioning heart into steadfast conviction, sending him farther than any other apostle — even to India — to proclaim the risen Christ.

“Let Us Also Go, That We May Die with Him” (John 11:16)

When Jesus announced His intention to return to Judea after hearing of Lazarus’s illness, the disciples were alarmed. The memory of hostility in Jerusalem was still fresh:

“Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” (John 11:8)

While others hesitated, Thomas broke the silence:

“Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)

His words may have reflected three layers of meaning:

1. Breaking the silence – when others were speechless with sorrow.
2. Despondency – expecting certain death for returning to Judea.
3. Courage – a willingness to follow Jesus even unto death.

Though all later fled when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:56), Thomas’s statement revealed deep loyalty and love, even amid doubt.

The Way and the Destination

At the Last Supper, Jesus comforted His disciples with the promise of eternal dwelling places:

“Let not your hearts be troubled...I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-3)

Thomas, honest in his confusion, asked:

“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5)

This question led to one of Jesus’ most profound declarations:

“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)

Thomas’s doubt became the doorway to revelation. His honest questioning gave humanity one of the greatest self-disclosures of Christ’s identity.

A Week of Doubt and Discovery

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the ten disciples, but Thomas was absent (John 20:24).

When the others testified, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas refused to believe without evidence (John 20:25). For eight long days, he wrestled with conflicting emotions:

1. Regret – for missing the first appearance of the risen Christ.
2. Doubt and disappointment – wondering if he had been rejected.
3. Inner turmoil – battling feelings of being unloved or forgotten.

This “week of agony” transformed into a moment of grace when Jesus appeared again, addressing Thomas personally:

“Put your finger here…do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27)

Overwhelmed, Thomas proclaimed:

“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

This exclamation is the climax of John’s Gospel — a personal confession of Jesus’ full divinity. The doubter became a worshiper, and the skeptic became a believer.

Thomas in History

Early Church traditions record that Thomas journeyed eastward, preaching the Gospel in Parthia, Persia, and India.

According to Eusebius of Caesarea, Thomas and Bartholomew were assigned these regions for missionary work.

He is believed to have landed at Muziris (Cranganore) on the Kerala coast in AD 52 and established several Christian communities.

Tradition holds that he founded seven and a half churches at:

Kodungallur, Palayoor, Kottakkavu (Paravur), Kollam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kollam, and Thiruvithamcode (the “half church”).

Thomas was martyred in AD 72 at Mylapore, near Chennai. His tomb became a pilgrimage site, revered by the Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Mar Thoma Churches, who trace their origins to his ministry.

Challenge

Thomas was not condemned for his doubts; rather, his sincerity was met with revelation.

His story teaches that honest questioning can lead to deeper faith. God honors the seeker who desires truth.

Thomas’s life — from doubt to devotion, from fear to faith — remains an enduring testimony that God can transform even a hesitant heart into a courageous witness.

Let us, like Thomas, move from questioning to worship, proclaiming with conviction:

“My Lord and my God!”