Thomas
The name Thomas means “a twin.” Thomas is mentioned in 12 verses of the Bible, first in Matthew 10:3. Also called Didymus.
Who was Thomas?
Twin, one of the twelve (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18, etc.). He was also called Didymus (John 11:16; 20:24), which is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name. All we know regarding him is recorded in the fourth Gospel (John 11:15, 16; 14:4, 5; 20:24, 25, 26-29). From the circumstance that in the lists of the apostles he is always mentioned along with Matthew, who was the son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18), and that these two are always followed by James, who was also the son of Alphaeus, it has been supposed that these three, Matthew, Thomas, and James, were brothers.
Biography adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain, linked via Theographic Bible Metadata.
Key verses about Thomas
- Matthew 10:3
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus;
- John 14:5
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
- John 20:24
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
- John 20:27
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
- John 20:28
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
- John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Timeline of Thomas's life
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 28 AD | Apostles Chosen |
| 0 AD | Resurrection and Ascension |
| 0 AD | Matthias replaces Judas |