The Life and Death of Thomas the Apostle

Thomas, who was also called Didymus, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a witness to the resurrection. After Pentecost, Thomas journeyed to Parthia and eventually India, where he founded seven churches, some of which are still around today. However, Thomas the Apostle is most famous for refusing to believe in the resurrection, which is why he is called “Doubting Thomas.”

Thomas’ Early Life

Thomas was likely born in Galilee sometime around 1 AD. His parents gave him an Aramaic name, which means “twin” ( תְּאוֹמָא Tʾōmā ). In the New Testament, his name is transliterated into Greek (Θωμᾶς), often with the clarification that he was also known as Δίδυμος (Didymos), which is the Greek word for “twin.” We do not know specifically why he was called “the twin.” It’s possible that he had a twin or that he looked an awful lot like someone.

His early life is a complete mystery. Some speculate that he was from Galilee, but other than that, not much is said. Thomas’ first step onto the historical stage is recorded in the synoptic apostolic lists. Consequently, that is where we will begin our journey through his life to his eventual death.

Thomas Made an Apostle and His First Mission

According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels), Jesus began his ministry in the Jordan and Galilean regions of Israel. He spent most of that time teaching and calling disciples. The gospels tell us about the callings of Peter, Andrew, James, John, Nathanial, Matthew (also called Levi), and Philip. Thomas, unfortunately, is one of the six whose introduction to Jesus is not recorded. However, for reasons that will become evident in the next paragraph, it’s likely he became a disciple sometime during the first year or so.

After finishing his ministry in Galilee, Jesus chose twelve of his followers, one of whom was Thomas, to be Apostles (From the Greek, “Απόστολος,” meaning “messenger”). According to Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives them the authority to cast out demons and heal the sick. He then sends them in pairs of two to spread his message throughout Israel. Each of the synoptic apostolic lists associates Thomas with Matthew, so it’s possible they were mission companions. (Mark 3, Matthew 10, Luke 6)

Matthew 10:2–4	Mark 3:16–19	Luke 6:14–16
Simon (Peter)	Simon (Peter)	Simon (Peter)
Andrew (Peter’s brother)	James (son of Zebedee)	Andrew
James (son of Zebedee)	John (brother of James)	James (son of Zebedee)
John (brother of James)	Andrew	John
Philip	Philip	Philip
Bartholomew	Bartholomew	Bartholomew
Thomas	Matthew	Matthew
Matthew (tax collector)	Thomas	Thomas
James (son of Alphaeus)	James (son of Alphaeus)	James (son of Alphaeus)
Thaddaeus (a.k.a. Judas)	Thaddaeus	Simon (the Zealot)
Simon (the Zealot)	Simon (the Zealot)	Judas (son of James)
Judas Iscariot	Judas Iscariot	Judas Iscariot

Thomas’ first missionary journey must have been a wild experience. From his perspective, the long-awaited messiah had personally chosen him to herald the turning point of history and had given him tremendous spiritual authority. It’s hard to imagine the emotion, excitement, wonder, confusion, and struggle he experienced during those early days.

Once their mission was complete, the twelve reunited with Jesus just in time for the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30). The synoptics do not give us any more specific information about the Apostle Thomas. It’s implied that he witnesses everything recorded, but he is not mentioned by name. His story, however, is picked up by John, who gives us some important information about the man.

Thomas’ Personality According to John

The record given to us by “The Son of Thunder” is very important to this study because it gives us some real insight into Thomas’ personality.

John 11: Thomas the Loyal Apostle

Chapter 11 is the first place John mentions Thomas. In the story, Jesus and the twelve seem to be near the Jordan when they are informed about Lazarus’ death in Bethany. Contextually, Jesus was almost stoned to death in that region. So, the disciples are understandably uncomfortable with the idea of going back, but Jesus decides to go anyway. Seeing the writing on the wall, Thomas turns to the others and says,

“Let us also go, that we may die with him.” – John 11:16

The declaration is sober and seems expectant of death. It highlights Thomas’ courage and the level of his love and loyalty. The text also portrays him as something of a leader amongst the twelve. Yet, at the same time, his defeatist attitude is a little perplexing. Thomas had just seen Jesus miraculously escape his enemies; not to mention the many miracles. Moreover, he believed Jesus was God’s anointed. These facts might suggest that Thomas struggled to incorporate the spiritual into his thinking and analysis.

John 14: Thomas the Team Player

John 14 is the next glimpse into the mind of Thomas. In the story, Jesus is speaking, cryptically, to the disciples about his death. He talks about going to a place they cannot follow but know the way to. Thomas thinks Jesus is talking about a physical location and is confused about how they can “know the way” to an undisclosed location.

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” – John 14:5

The short passage harmonizes well with the earlier story. Thomas is once again portrayed as a spokesman, a devoted follower, and someone who doesn’t intuitively think in spiritual terms. However, there could also be some hints within the context that Thomas was group oriented, and analytical.

Right before Thomas’ question, Peter objects to the idea that “he,” Peter, could not follow Jesus. The outburst is emotionally motivated and centered on himself.

“Lord, why can I not follow you now?” – John 13:37

In contrast, Thomas’ objection is focused on the logic of Jesus’ statement and is considerate of the group’s desire to be with Jesus. “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

John 20: Doubting Thomas

John 20 is probably the most famous Thomas passage. In the text, Jesus appears to all of the apostles except Thomas. The twelve tell their friend about the experience, but he refuses to believe, which, incidentally, is why he is called “Doubting Thomas” today.

“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” – John 20:25

His rejection could indicate a lack of understanding or belief in Jesus’ claims about deity and resurrection. It’s also possible that his struggle to believe came from a feeling of betrayal or the experience of divine hiddenness. Why was he the only one Jesus didn’t appear to? Surely if Jesus had risen, he would have said hello.

On a bit of an aside, one thing that often goes unnoticed about this passage is that Thomas did not abandon his friends despite denying their testimony. His master was dead, and their movement ended, yet Thomas remained with his ten companions.

Eight days later, Jesus appears to Thomas. After witnessing the risen Lord, he makes one of the most beautiful confessions in scripture.

“Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” – John 20:27-28

Thomas’ confession is one of the clearest declarations of Christ’s deity in the Gospels.

John 21: The Galilean

John 21 is the last place where Thomas the Apostle appears. At this time, the twelve seem to have transitioned back to their old homes and careers. Peter, Andrew, James, John, Nathaniel, Thomas, and “two others of his disciples” were in Galilee fishing when Jesus appeared. Thomas’ presence in the story is the main reason why people suggest he was from Galilee. But aside from this, not much more about Thomas can be gleaned from the text. Though if you permit me to step, maybe too far, into the world of speculation, a little water may be left in the rock.

John was writing in his old age, and it seems like he couldn’t remember the identity of the two unnamed apostles.

“Simon Peter, Thomas…, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.” – John 21:2

 If this is true, then it’s possible that John had become particularly close to Thomas and Nathaniel. To the point where he, in his twilight years, retained clear memories of them and not others. (However, I will acknowledge this is very speculative. Take it with a hefty grain of salt.)

Thomas’ Ministry in Jerusalem

We pick up Thomas’ story in the book of Acts. He is only mentioned by name in the list of apostles who gathered in Jerusalem before Pentecost (Acts 1:13). However, his presence in the early events of Acts is implied. He witnessed the ascension, was charged with the great commission, participated in Mathias’ election, received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and helped found the first church in Jerusalem.   

Church tradition tells us that the Apostle Thomas spent the first part of his ministry in the Jerusalem area. Eusebius in his Church History discusses a tradition he read in Apollonius (Not Apollonius of Tyana), which describes the disciples remaining in Jerusalem for 12 years.

“He speaks, moreover, of a tradition that the Savior commanded his apostles not to depart from Jerusalem for twelve years.” – Church History, book V, chapter 20

It’s likely the Apollonian tradition is not exactly accurate, but the idea that he started ministering in Jerusalem does correlate with Acts. Luke tells us that Thomas helped establish the position of deacon and spent his time settling disputes, teaching the believers, and praying (Acts 6:1-4).

The Mission to Edessa

He also seems to have coordinated early mission efforts into the east. According to Eusebius, Thomas sent Thaddeus, who was one of the 70, to evangelize in Edessa.  

“For after his resurrection from the dead and his ascent into heaven, Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, under divine impulse sent Thaddeus, who was also numbered among the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa, as a preacher and evangelist of the teaching of Christ.” – Church History, book I, chapter 13

The church in Edessa became a very important early Christian community. It produced several theologians and hosted major councils.

Thomas the Apostle’s Mission to Parthia

After his time in Jerusalem, Eusebius indicates that Thomas was sent to Parthia (modern-day Iran) to spread the Gospel.

“Meanwhile the holy apostles and disciples of our Saviour were dispersed throughout the world. Parthia, according to tradition, was allotted to Thomas as his field of labor” – Church History, book III, chapter 1.1

Between 49 and 50 AD, Thomas returned for the council of Jerusalem, where the dispute of circumcision was settled. Tradition suggests he did not return to his ministry in Parthia but began a new ministry in India.

Thomas’ Mission to India

Determining the exact details of his time in India is difficult. The information about his journey comes from a second or third-century apocryphal work called the Acts of Thomas, as well as the nearly two-thousand-year-old oral traditions of the St. Thomas Christians, such as Thomma Parvam (“Song of Thomas”), the “Margam Kali Pattu,” and the “Rabban Pattu.” Each of these works combines legend with historical fact, and any attempts to parse the two have not been particularly fruitful. However, the historical core of the traditions can give us some insight.

Thomas seems to have taken two missionary journeys, one north and one south. The St. Thomas Christians tell us that he founded seven churches in the south: Kodungallur, Kottakavu, Palayoor, Kokkamangalam, Nilackal, Niranam, and Kollam. Of these, several are still around today. Some sources suggest he even made it as far as China.

The Death of Thomas the Apostle

Thomas the apostle even spent some time in the confusion of divine hiddenness. Yet, despite all this, he came out on the other side and took the Gospel to the literal end of the world. Though he doubted, he did not abandon the community of believers. While in the midst of unbelief, he still gave Christ a chance and knocked on the door. Thomas’ story is a beautiful testimony of what God can do with us if we are willing to trust in him. Moreover, he serves as a road map, a living messenger of hope for those who struggle to have “conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Sources on the life and death of Thomas the Apostle

• “The Fate of the Apostles,” by Sean McDowell
• “THE RAMBAN PATTU,” Translated by: Nithul Nath, D.P. Curtin
• Eusebius Church History, book III, chapter 1.1
• Eusebius Church History, book V, chapter 20
• Eusebius Church History, book I, chapter 13