Thomas the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and was also known as "Doubting Thomas." In this article, you will learn more about Thomas, as well as why he was described as 'doubting.'
Why is Thomas Called "Doubting Thomas"?
While the other apostles believed that Jesus had risen from the dead, it was Thomas who refused to accept the notion without having concrete evidence or seeing it with his own eyes. He lacked faith without proof. Jesus had appeared to some of the disciples. At the time, Thomas was not among one of them. He heard about it when the other disciples relayed the experience to him. He scolded the disciples and replied, "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 not believe it."
Eight days had passed and Jesus once again appeared to the disciples. This time, Thomas was among the witnesses of this moment. He stood with the disciples and said, "Peace be with you" and turned to Thomas. He said, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe." Thomas remarked that because he had seen, he was able to believe. Jesus answered, "You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe".
11 Facts about Doubting Thomas
1. Thomas the Apostle is considered the only Apostle to go outside of the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel.
2. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have covered the largest region, which included the Parthian Empire and India.
3. Thomas was born during the 1st century AD in Galilee. He died on December 21, 72 in Mylapore, India.
4. Thomas is celebrated with feast days on July 3 (Roman Catholic Church) and December 21 (Episcopal Church).
5. The Twin is a symbol typically used to refer to Thomas. A square is another symbol to suggest his profession, which was a builder.
6. Thomas is known as the patron of architects, builders, and India.
7. Thomas makes an appearance in some of the passages in the Gospel of John, including John 11:16, where he bravely calls to action to follow Jesus as he makes his decision to return to Judea.
8. At the Last Supper, Thomas speaks on the matter of Jesus' disciples knowing where he is going. Thomas says that they do not know at all.
9. Thomas appears in the New Testament, where after Thomas sees Jesus is alive, he makes it known his faith. The Bible does not state that Thomas actually touched Christ's wounds as mentioned in other texts.
10. In the Roman Catholic Church, Thomas is seen as a saint. Other churches that pay homage to Thomas as a saint include the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Church, and the Church of the East.
11. According to Indian tradition, it is said that Thomas the Apostle died near the ancient town of Mylapore. It is said that his remains were buried in the town. The burial place is said to be located in the right hand chapel of the Church. In 1523, the Portuguese excavated the site. However, a handful of experts who looked over the records claim that the Portuguese excavations were not reliable.
