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    In Context

    Who Was Thomas the Apostle (Doubting Thomas) — In Biblical Context

    Thomas was an apostle known for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw the risen Lord, after which he made one of Scripture's greatest confessions of faith.

    Quick Answer

    Thomas was an apostle known for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw the risen Lord, after which he made one of Scripture's greatest confessions of faith.

    "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." — John 20:28 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Thomas gets an unfair reputation as 'Doubting Thomas.' He was actually a courageous disciple who said 'Let us also go, that we may die with him' when Jesus went to dangerous Judea (John 11:16). After the resurrection, Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared and declared he would not believe unless he could touch Jesus' wounds (John 20:25). A week later, Jesus appeared and invited Thomas to touch His hands and side. Thomas responded with the most exalted confession in the Gospels: 'My Lord and my God!' (John 20:28). Jesus then pronounced a blessing on all who believe without seeing (John 20:29). Thomas' honest doubt led to profound faith. According to tradition, he carried the gospel to India, where the Mar Thoma Christians trace their heritage to his ministry.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, John 20:28, sits inside John 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
    — John 20:28 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    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."
    John 11:16
    "Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him."

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