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
Thomas (1st century)
“My Lord and my God”
Though Thomas came to be known as “doubting Thomas” because of his sceptical response to the news of Jesus’ resurrection, at other times he displayed deep love and faith in the Lord. John records Thomas’ understanding of what Jesus had come to do, and his willingness to share in His sufferings and to die. Thomas did indeed die for his Lord. And through Thomas, we learn about Jesus’ compassion on those who doubt, as He graciously showed Thomas the evidence:
[Thomas] 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.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 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 20:25b-27)
Thomas then worshipped the risen Lord. In the 6th century Gregory wrote, “By this doubting of Thomas we are more confirmed in our belief than by the faith of the other apostles.”
According to tradition, it was Thomas who first took the Gospel to India, where he established seven churches in the south and converted over 13,000 people including two kings and seven village chiefs. He is believed to have been martyred near Mylapore, where Hindu priests killed him because he refused to worship the goddess Kali. The fruit of his evangelistic work in India has endured for two millennia.
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:28-29