Thomas was one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ. He is also referred to as Didymus, or the Twin, in the Bible (John 11:16, 20:24, 21:2). This Apostle unfortunately has earned the nickname “Doubting Thomas” over the years due to his not wanting to believe that Jesus had risen.
Possibly A Fisherman
Although not for certain, it is possible that Thomas worked as a fisherman before he became a follower of Jesus. It was a common occupation of that day and time, and the Bible says Jesus appeared to Thomas, along with several other disciples at the Sea of Galilee while they were on a fishing trip. (John 21:1-3)
Doubting Thomas
Thomas was not the only doubter among the disciples when it came to believing Jesus had risen. The Bible says the Apostles did not believe the women when they were told what had happened at the tomb (Luke 24:11). Even so, the label of “Doubting Thomas” has attached itself throughout history to Didymus the Twin. So what did he do to earn the name “Doubting Thomas?
Because he was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them, he did not believe them when they told him they had seen the risen Lord. He told the disciples, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” (John 20:24-25)
Eight days later the disciples were gathered together again. Thomas was with them this time. As before, Jesus suddenly appeared amongst them. He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” Thomas responded, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:26-29)
The Bible doesn’t say if Thomas actually touched the wounds of Jesus. Some traditions say he did, some say he didn’t. Either way, seeing was believing for him, and at that point he was no longer a doubter.
Even if his words have earned him such a negative nickname over the years, most of us who want to be honest about it can relate to having moments of doubt. In (Mark 9:24) the father of the child cried out, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” It’s the struggle of the our spirit desiring to believe, battling against our flesh wanting to doubt.
He Died A Martyr According To Tradition
The last time Thomas is mentioned in the Bible is when he is listed alongside the other disciples (Acts 1:13). The Bible does not tell us how he died. Tradition does say he died as a Christian martyr, being stabbed to death with a spear.
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