“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'” — John 20:27-28 (NIV)
For two thousand years, Thomas the Apostle has carried a nickname that feels more like a burden: “Doubting Thomas.” His moment of skepticism in John 20 has overshadowed everything else about his life. Yet when we look closer at the Gospel accounts, we discover a man of remarkable courage, deep loyalty, and ultimately, profound faith.
Thomas wasn’t a chronic skeptic who refused to believe. He was a honest questioner who needed evidence—and when Jesus graciously provided it, Thomas responded with one of the most powerful declarations of faith in all of Scripture: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
This is Thomas’ real story—not just the doubt, but the transformation that followed. If you’ve ever struggled with questions, if you’ve ever felt your faith waver, if you’ve ever wondered whether God welcomes your honest uncertainty, Thomas’ journey has something profound to teach you.
Who Was Thomas the Apostle?
Thomas: Meaning and Background
Thomas (Hebrew: Toma; Greek: Θωμᾶς) means “twin.” In fact, the Gospel of John frequently calls him “Thomas (also known as Didymus)” (John 11:16, 20:24, 21:2), and Didymus is the Greek word for “twin.” We’re never told who his twin sibling was—whether a brother, sister, or perhaps someone who died young—but this identifier stuck with him.
Thomas was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). While we don’t know much about his background before following Jesus, he was likely a Jewish fisherman from Galilee, like many of the other disciples.
Thomas in the Gospels: More Than Just a Doubter
Most people only remember Thomas for his doubt in John 20. But Scripture reveals much more:
- He was courageous in the face of danger (John 11:16)
- He asked honest, important questions (John 14:5)
- He was deeply loyal to Jesus, even unto death
- He made the boldest christological confession in the Gospels (John 20:28)
Let’s unpack these moments before we get to the famous doubt.
Thomas Before the Resurrection: A Man of Courage and Confusion
“Let Us Go and Die With Him” (John 11:16)
The first time we hear Thomas speak in Scripture, it’s a moment of stunning bravery. Jesus had just announced His intention to return to Judea to visit Lazarus, who had died. The disciples were alarmed:
“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” — John 11:8 (NIV)
Jesus was walking into danger. The religious leaders wanted Him dead. Going back to Judea was, humanly speaking, a death sentence. And in this tense moment, Thomas spoke up:
“Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.'” — John 11:16 (NIV)
This is not the voice of a doubter. This is the voice of a man willing to die for Jesus. Thomas saw the danger clearly, yet his loyalty to Christ was stronger than his fear of death. This is the Thomas we need to remember—a man of deep devotion and courage.
“Lord, We Don’t Know Where You Are Going” (John 14:5)
Later, in the Upper Room on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples:
“You know the way to the place where I am going.” — John 14:4 (NIV)
But Thomas, honest and direct as always, pushed back:
“Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'” — John 14:5 (NIV)
Was this doubt? Or was it honesty? Thomas wasn’t afraid to admit his confusion. He didn’t pretend to understand when he didn’t. And Jesus, far from rebuking him, responded with one of the most famous declarations in all of Scripture:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” — John 14:6 (NIV)
Lesson: Thomas’ question opened the door for Jesus to reveal profound truth. Sometimes our honest questions lead us—and others—into deeper understanding.
The Famous Doubt: When Thomas Missed the First Appearance
Absent When Jesus Appeared (John 20:24)
On the evening of Resurrection Sunday, Jesus appeared to His disciples in the locked upper room (John 20:19-23). He showed them His hands and side, breathed the Holy Spirit on them, and commissioned them to proclaim forgiveness of sins. It was a life-changing encounter.
But Thomas wasn’t there.
“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.” — John 20:24 (NIV)
Scripture doesn’t tell us why Thomas was absent. Perhaps he was grieving alone. Perhaps he was running an errand. We don’t know. But his absence meant he missed the most important moment of the disciples’ lives.
“Unless I See… I Will Not Believe” (John 20:25)
When the other disciples told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord!” (John 20:25), his response has echoed through the centuries:
“But he said to them, ‘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.'” — John 20:25 (NIV)
These words earned him the label “Doubting Thomas.” But let’s be fair: all the disciples doubted initially. When the women first reported the resurrection, the disciples didn’t believe them (Luke 24:11). When Jesus appeared to the Eleven, He rebuked them for their lack of faith (Mark 16:14). Even in the upper room, some disciples thought they were seeing a ghost (Luke 24:37).
So why is Thomas singled out? Perhaps because he verbalized his doubt so clearly. Or perhaps because his story became the pattern for all future believers who would not physically see Jesus.
Why Thomas Doubted: Understanding His Heart
Thomas wasn’t being stubborn or rebellious. He was experiencing profound grief and disillusionment. Consider his mindset:
- He watched Jesus die. The man he believed was the Messiah had been brutally crucified. All hope seemed lost.
- He felt isolated. While the other disciples were together, Thomas was alone in his grief.
- He wanted certainty. Thomas had already given up everything to follow Jesus. He wasn’t going to be fooled by wishful thinking or mass delusion.
Thomas’ doubt was the doubt of a broken heart seeking truth, not the cynicism of a hardened skeptic. And Jesus understood that.
The Powerful Encounter: Jesus Meets Thomas
“Reach Out Your Hand” (John 20:26-27)
A week later, the disciples were together again—and this time, Thomas was with them. Jesus appeared, stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:26). Then He turned His attention directly to Thomas:
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'” — John 20:27 (NIV)
Notice several things about this encounter:
- Jesus repeated Thomas’ exact words. He had heard every word Thomas said a week earlier. Jesus knew his heart completely.
- Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas harshly. He didn’t say, “How dare you doubt!” Instead, He said, “Here’s the proof you need.”
- Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds. He was willing to be physically examined to remove Thomas’ doubt.
This is the grace of Christ. He meets us where we are. He understands our struggles. And He provides the evidence we need to believe.
The Greatest Confession: “My Lord and My God!” (John 20:28)
And Thomas’ response? It was instantaneous and powerful:
“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'” — John 20:28 (NIV)
This is the highest christological confession in the Gospels. Thomas didn’t just say, “You’re alive!” or “You are the Messiah!” He declared that Jesus is both Lord (Greek: Kyrios, the divine name) and God (Greek: Theos).
In one sentence, Thomas affirmed:
- Jesus’ divinity (“my God”)
- Jesus’ sovereignty (“my Lord”)
- Jesus’ personal relationship with him (“my Lord and my God”)
Interestingly, Scripture doesn’t record whether Thomas actually touched Jesus’ wounds. Most scholars believe he didn’t need to. The moment he saw Jesus, his doubt evaporated. Seeing was enough.
Jesus’ Blessing on Those Who Believe Without Seeing (John 20:29)
Jesus’ final words to Thomas contain a blessing for all future believers:
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'” — John 20:29 (NIV)
This verse isn’t a rebuke of Thomas; it’s a blessing for us. We who live 2,000 years later will never physically see the risen Christ with our earthly eyes. Yet Jesus calls us blessed when we believe based on the testimony of the apostles (like Thomas!) and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Thomas After Pentecost: From Doubt to Devoted Missionary
Thomas in the Upper Room (Acts 1:13)
After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Spirit. Thomas is listed among them (Acts 1:13). He was present on the Day of Pentecost when the Spirit came in power (Acts 2:1-4). The man who once doubted was now empowered to proclaim the resurrection with boldness.
Church Tradition: Thomas’ Ministry in India
While the New Testament doesn’t record Thomas’ later ministry, ancient Christian tradition is remarkably consistent: Thomas traveled east and eventually brought the Gospel to India. Several sources support this:
- The Acts of Thomas (3rd century): Describes Thomas’ missionary work in India, his miracles, and his martyrdom.
- Early Church Fathers: Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome all mention Thomas’ work in India.
- Saint Thomas Christians: A community of Christians in Kerala, India, claims direct lineage from Thomas’ converts in the first century AD.
Whether or not every detail of tradition is accurate, the evidence suggests Thomas traveled far to proclaim the Gospel, reaching one of the most distant corners of the known world. The doubter became a fearless missionary.
Thomas’ Martyrdom and Legacy
According to tradition, Thomas was martyred near Madras (modern-day Chennai), India, around AD 72. He was killed by a spear thrust—ironically, similar to the wound in Jesus’ side that Thomas had wanted to see.
Today, St. Thomas Mount in Chennai is believed to be the site of his martyrdom. Millions of Christians in India trace their faith back to this apostle. His legacy is not his doubt, but his bold proclamation of Jesus as Lord and God.
5 Life-Changing Lessons from Thomas the Apostle
1. Honest Doubt Is Not the Same as Unbelief
Thomas doubted, but he didn’t walk away. He stayed with the community of believers. He was willing to be proven wrong. Honest questions asked in a genuine search for truth are not sinful—they’re part of the journey of faith.
As the father in Mark 9:24 prayed: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” That’s the spirit of Thomas.
2. Jesus Welcomes Our Questions
Jesus didn’t condemn Thomas for his doubt. He met him in his doubt and provided the evidence Thomas needed. God is not afraid of your questions. He invites you to bring them to Him.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. — Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
3. Personal Encounter Transforms Everything
All the secondhand testimony in the world couldn’t fully convince Thomas. But the moment he encountered Jesus personally, everything changed. Faith becomes real when Jesus reveals Himself to you personally—through His Word, through prayer, through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Have you had a personal encounter with the risen Christ? If not, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He promises: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
4. True Faith Leads to Bold Confession
Thomas didn’t just believe quietly. He proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” When you truly encounter Jesus, it changes how you speak about Him. Your faith will overflow into testimony and worship.
5. Your Past Doubt Doesn’t Disqualify Your Future
Thomas’ moment of doubt didn’t prevent him from becoming a powerful apostle and missionary. God doesn’t disqualify you because you’ve struggled with doubt. In fact, your honest wrestling with faith may make you more compassionate toward others who doubt.
If Thomas can go from “I will not believe” to “My Lord and my God!” to preaching the Gospel in India, then God can use you too—right where you are, with all your questions and uncertainties.
Conclusion: From Thomas to You—The Journey of Faith
Thomas’ story is not ultimately about doubt; it’s about transformation. It’s about a man who struggled, asked hard questions, and encountered the risen Christ in a way that changed him forever.
Maybe you see yourself in Thomas. Maybe you’ve wrestled with doubt. Maybe you’ve felt like your faith isn’t strong enough. Maybe you’ve questioned whether God is real, whether Jesus really rose from the dead, whether Christianity is true.
If so, let Thomas’ story encourage you:
- Your questions are valid. God is big enough to handle them.
- Jesus pursues you in your doubt. He came back specifically to meet Thomas. He will meet you too.
- Faith is a journey, not perfection. It’s okay to be in process.
- Encounter leads to transformation. Seek Jesus, and He will reveal Himself to you.
The same Jesus who said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands,” is saying to you today: “Come and see. Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).
Don’t let your doubt be the end of the story. Let it be the beginning of a deeper, more honest, more transformative faith—just like Thomas.
From doubt to devotion. From questioning to confession. From “I will not believe” to “My Lord and my God!”
That is the journey of faith. And it’s a journey Jesus walks with you every step of the way.
FAQs About Thomas the Apostle
Q: Why is Thomas called “Doubting Thomas”?
A: Thomas is called “Doubting Thomas” because he initially refused to believe the other disciples’ testimony that Jesus had risen from the dead, saying, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands… I will not believe” (John 20:25). However, this label doesn’t capture his full story of courage and eventual powerful faith.
Q: What did Thomas say when he saw Jesus?
A: When Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This is one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divinity in the entire New Testament.
Q: Did Thomas actually touch Jesus’ wounds?
A: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say whether Thomas touched Jesus’ wounds. Most scholars believe he did not need to—that seeing the risen Christ was enough to banish his doubt. His confession came immediately, suggesting he believed the moment he saw Jesus.
Q: Where did Thomas preach the Gospel?
A: According to strong early Church tradition, Thomas traveled to India to preach the Gospel. The “Saint Thomas Christians” in Kerala, India, trace their spiritual heritage back to Thomas’ first-century ministry. He is believed to have been martyred in India around AD 72.
Q: What can we learn from Thomas’ doubt?
A: Thomas teaches us that honest questions and struggles with faith are not sinful when we’re genuinely seeking truth. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt with grace and evidence. We learn that God welcomes our questions, that personal encounter with Christ transforms doubt into faith, and that our past struggles don’t disqualify us from future service.
Scripture References:
- John 11:16 (Thomas willing to die with Jesus)
- John 14:5-6 (Thomas asks about the way)
- John 20:24-29 (Thomas’ doubt and confession)
- Acts 1:13 (Thomas in the upper room)
- Matthew 10:3 (Thomas listed as apostle)
Are you wrestling with doubt today? You’re not alone. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or reach out to our prayer team. Just like Jesus met Thomas, He wants to meet you in your questions and lead you to deeper faith.
Share this article if Thomas’ journey encouraged you! Let’s help others know that doubt doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the beginning of a powerful encounter with the living Christ.
🙏 Amen. “My Lord and my God!”