Lifting the Fog from Doubting Thomas, Part 1: Who Was Thomas?

I remember as a first-grader learning that fog was actually low-lying clouds. I reveled knowing that when I walked through fog I was walking through a cloud. I excitedly shared my new knowledge with Momma, and she didn’t believe me. She even walked to school with me the next day and asked my teacher to confirm. I remember being amused because I knew what I had heard. The incredulity of my statement caused Momma to doubt the veracity of my statement.

My fog experience is similar to the Bible story commonly known as “Doubting Thomas.” The apostle Thomas heard an incredible story, and he questioned its veracity. Lately, Thomas has appeared frequently in my devotions. Isn’t it amazing how God will continually put something in front of you until you can no longer ignore it? I asked myself what am I to learn from Thomas?

In this mini-series, I will share what I learned. In part 1, I will explore who Thomas was.

Apostle v Disciple

First and foremost, Thomas was one of the twelve original apostles called by Jesus. So that we are all on the same page, there is a difference between being an apostle and a disciple. Both are followers of Jesus. A disciple was a student willing to follow and learn from the Master. An apostle was a disciple specifically called by Jesus to spread the Good News. An apostle was given “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.” (Matthew 10:1)

Thomas as Apostle

After a night of prayer, alone in the mountains, Jesus called twelve of the disciples to come to Him. Think of that! To have presented yourself worthy to be called by the Master for special work. Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, and Luke 6:15 name Thomas as one of those twelve. Can we call him Chosen Thomas?

In Acts 1:13, Thomas is mentioned with the other ten apostles and a small group of disciples. This group prayed together in an upper room. Can we call him Praying Thomas?

Thomas in the Book of John

Only the book of John provides stories about Thomas’ interactions with Jesus.

• John 11:16 – Thomas first appears in John 11 during the debate about visiting the ill Lazarus. The disciples attempted to dissuade Jesus from returning to a location whose citizens wanted to stone him. Only Thomas supported Jesus’ travel to Bethany, saying “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Thomas may have been the first reported “ride or die” friend. Thomas displayed loyalty and full support of Jesus. Can we call him Devoted Thomas?
• John 14:5 – At the end of John 13, Jesus foretold his betrayal, death, and Peter’s denials. But John 14 begins with hope. Jesus told the apostles that He would go and prepare a place for them in God’s glory. He concluded by declaring that they should know the way to where He was going. Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Have you been in a class where someone finally asked the question that was burning in your mind? Was this an instance where Thomas spoke aloud what the other eleven were thinking? Can we call him Inquiring Thomas?
• John 21:2 – After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Peter, Thomas, and five other apostles and disciples recognized Jesus on the shore. Jesus told them to cast down the net. The net became so full that they could not haul it onto the boat. They dragged that heavy net 100 yards to shore. That’s the length of a football field. Can we call him Strong Thomas?

Who Was Thomas

Let’s review what the Bible tells us about Thomas.

• He was chosen by God—remember Jesus prayed to God before selecting the twelve.
• He was a man of faith as evidenced by his praying in that upper room.
• He was a supportive companion, ready to stand by Jesus’ side in danger.
• He was a mobilizer who “rallied the troops” around Jesus.
• He was brave even to ask the difficult question, even if it may have made him look foolish. He sought clarity and understanding rather than relying on his lack of knowledge.
• He was a tough fisherman, working with the other five to drag that net ashore. (Peter left and swam ashore.)

Thomas was more than the story about him in John 20:24-29. We will look at that next time.

Reflection

Read about Thomas in John 11, 14, and 21. What did you learn new about Thomas? What other adjectives can you use for Thomas? Add your thoughts in the comments.