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Lesson #11 - The Apostle Thomas Didymus
Series: The Fourteen ApostlesLESSON #11 – THE APOSTLE THOMAS DIDYMUS
According to Jn.11:16, Thomas was also called Didymus.
Thomas is Hebrew and Didymus is Greek - - both mean “twin".
While this may imply that Thomas was born as a twin, the Scriptures do not reveal the identity of his twin.
Due to his proximity to Matthew in the lists of the Twelve, some argue that his twin was Matthew, but that’s speculation.
An old tradition says that his twin was a girl named Lysia, but that just a "tradition".
A few contend that Thomas' real name was Judas (Mt.13:55 & Mk.6:3) and that he was Jesus' twin brother.
This argument derives from the apocryphal work, Acts Of Thomas, and makes no sense in light of Jesus’ virgin birth..
Trench contends that the name Didymus is descriptive of a two-fold nature (twin-mindedness). cf. Js.1:8 & 4:8
Hebert Lockyer pens a wise word of caution that is well worth our consideration:
“Where Scripture is silent, we should preserve that same silence, and not let our imagination run riot."
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THOMAS?
~ He was either a twin - - literally, by birth, or speaking metaphorically, he had a dual personality.
~ From the context of Jn.21:2, one might safely conclude that he was also a fisherman (like several other apostles).
~ He was one of the Twelve apostles.
cf. Matthew (Mt.10:3), Mark (Mk.3:18), Luke (Lk.6:15) and Acts (Acts 1:13).
INSIGHTS ON THOMAS FROM JOHN'S GOSPEL
Other than naming Thomas as one of Twelve, the synoptic gospels and the book of Acts tell us nothing more about him.
However, John's Gospel, offers two brief narratives that provide a bit of insight.
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¡ Jn.11:1-16 speaks of Thomas' courage.
Jesus was again traveling to Bethany in Judea to be with Mary and Martha after the death of Lazarus.
The simple act of traveling with Jesus was becoming perilous.
Jn.8:59; 10:31; and 11:8 tell of previous attempts by the Jews to stone Jesus.
Jn.11:16 records the brave and bold words of Thomas: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
¡ Jn.14:1-6 reflects Thomas' candor.
As Jesus spoke about going away and coming again, Thomas spoke up and said:
“Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”
This may have been a case of Thomas being frank enough to verbalize the thoughts of all of the apostles.
¡ Jn.20:19-29 tells of a post-resurrection event where Jesus appeared to many disciples, although Thomas was absent.
When the others were declaring, “We have seen the Lord”, Thomas comes across as cautious and circumspect - -
replying with what sounds like real skepticism: Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails,
and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe (Jn.20:25).
~ Was this a case of a Thomas overwhelmed with melancholy, sadness and pessimism (we've all been there)?
In the shadow of great affliction a soul sits dumb!
Being grief-stricken and sorely disappointed for eight days put Thomas in a state of dismay, depression and doubt.
Once Thomas witnessed the evidence first-hand (Jn.20:26-28), he was revived.
An invigorated Thomas becomes the only person in the gospel narratives to address Jesus as “God” (vs.28).
~ What is meant by Augustine’s words: “Thomas doubted, that we may never doubt!”?
The apostles were not a bunch of gullible, wishful thinkers. Jesus had indeed resurrected!
Thomas may have been a doubter, but he was an honest doubter. He was a truth-seeker, an inquirer with integrity.
