Willmington, Harold

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Liberty UniversityScholars CrossingNew Testament Biographies A Biographical Study of Individuals of the Bible10-2018A Biographical Study of ThomasHarold WillmingtonLiberty University, hwillmington@liberty.eduFollow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/nt_biographiesPart of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought,Theology and Philosophy of Religion CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the A Biographical Study of Individuals of the Bible at Scholars Crossing. It has been acceptedfor inclusion in New Testament Biographies by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contactscholarlycommunication@liberty.edu.Recommended CitationWillmington, Harold, "A Biographical Study of Thomas" (2018). New Testament Biographies. 5.https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/nt_biographies/5Thomas CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY I. The call of Thomas (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15) II. The confusion of Thomas (John 14:1-7)—“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:2-6). III. The conflicts of Thomas A. His despair preceding the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:7-16)—“Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? . . .  These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:7-8, 11-16). B. His doubt following the resurrection of Christ (John 20:24-29) 1. The report to Thomas (John 20:24-25)—“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD” (John 20:24-25a). 2. The reluctance of Thomas—“But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25b). IV. The convincing of Thomas (John 20:26-29) A. The manifestation—“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you” (John 20:26). B. The invitation—“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). C. The adoration—“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God” (John 20:28). D. The observation—“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 20:29).  STATISTICS Brother: Thomas had an unnamed twin brother (John 11:16; 20:24; 21:2). First mention: Matthew 10:3 Final mention: Acts 1:13 Meaning of his name: Thomas means “twin” (from the Greek); Didymus also mean “twin” (from   the Aramaic). Frequency of his name: Referred to 15 times Biblical books mentioning him: Five books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts) Occupation:  Apostle Place of birth: The area of Galilee Place of death: Tradition says he died in India. Circumstances of death: Tradition says he died a martyr, killed by arrows as he was praying. Important fact about his life: He was known as the doubting apostle.  

A Biographical Study of Thomas

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A Biographical Study of Thomas

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