12: Thomas

 12: Thomas by ric gustafson

Thomas has been called the doubter. He was mentioned just a few times in Scripture. Only the book of John lists four incidents involving Thomas. Thomas was at the raising of Lazarus. Another incident Jesus told them that he was leaving to prepare a place for them. Jesus told Thomas that he was the way, truth and the life no one comes to the Father but through me. The third incident was when the disciples told Thomas that the resurrected Jesus had come to them. Thomas doubted this. Hence his nickname. Later, Jesus came. He showed Thomas his hands and feet. Thomas declared ' my Lord and my God'.

Thomas was called ' Didymus' or twin. After Jesus's resurrection, Thomas quickly left Jerusalem. He spent time in Armenia. Then he moved on to India. His spiritual time there was described in the Acts of Thomas. In Osroene, he was hailed as the founder of their national Church. In India in the 16th century, there was a flourishing Christian community started by Thomas. Thomas was active in northwestern India. 

On July 3 A.D. 72, Thomas was fatally stabbed with a spear.

research help: ' The Twelve' by C. Bernard Ruffin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric