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Gospels · New Testament

Thomas

Apostle Who Asked and Came to Believe

Name meaning
Twin
Name origin
Aramaic: תְּאוֹמָא (Te’oma), “twin”; Greek: Didymus, same meaning

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Apostle
Birthplace
Galilee (region; birthplace unstated)
Modern-day location
His birthplace is not specified; Galilee is in present-day northern Israel.
Family
  • One of the Twelve; called Didymus
First mention
Matthew 10:3
Last mention
John 21:2
Key artifacts
  • Traveling staff
  • Boat on the Sea of Galilee
  • Wounds of the risen Jesus

Key verses

  • “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

    John 11:16

  • “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?”

    John 14:5

  • “My Lord and my God.”

    John 20:28

Biography

Early Life

Thomas was one of the Twelve, also called Didymus, the Twin. The Gospels provide little about his early life.

Defining Biblical Moments

Thomas expressed willingness to die with Jesus, asked how the disciples could know the way, and after the resurrection asked for evidence. When he encountered Jesus, he confessed him as Lord and God.

Strengths

Thomas is candid, loyal, and willing to voice questions that others may share.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His hesitation reminds readers that doubt can be brought into honest encounter rather than hidden or mocked.

Life Lessons for Today

His hesitation reminds readers that doubt can be brought into honest encounter rather than hidden or mocked.

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Thomas appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #29 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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