Doubting Thomas? Leave Thomas Alone!

[Jacob's Ladder]

Why does Christianity refer to Thomas as doubting Thomas? Why do they only emphasize on Thomas when also the other apostles were in doubt too? All the apostles were in doubt until Jesus revealed himself to them. Why pick solely on Thomas?

[Michael The Disciple]

Often wondered myself.

[Pressing-On]

Why did Jesus single him out?

"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

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

[Carl]

Thomas sure has always gotten a bad rap for doubting. But it turned out to be a positive thing because he desired to see Jesus. The lesson we can take from the story is we need to have our own encounter with Jesus as well as rejoicing in the experience others have.

[good samaritan]

Thomas' encounter with the resurrected Jesus is why he is known as doubting Thomas. Jesus even remarks blessed are those who believe who don't (have the luxury of Thomas) see. Many lacked faith, but the Bible takes special note of Thomas' moment of unbelief.

[Jacob's Ladder]

Uh.....Because Thomas wasn't initially there when Jesus first appeared to the ten?

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Why did Jesus single him out?

[/B]"

[Jacob's Ladder]

Originally Posted by Carl

Thomas sure has always gotten a bad rap for doubting. But it turned out to be a positive thing because he desired to see Jesus. The lesson we can take from the story is we need to have our own encounter with Jesus as well as rejoicing in the experience others have.

Understood. However, the bible also teaches the other apostles had doubt too. Why single out Thomas. Thomas was more discouraged than doubting.

38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

[mfblume]

It's because the bible narrative highlights that detail of Thomas, just as it did Peter's repeated messes in life.

[Jacob's Ladder]

Originally Posted by mfblume

It's because the bible narrative highlights that detail of Thomas, just as it did Peter's repeated messes in life.

There really isn't much of a significant difference between Jesus' encounter with the apostles and Thomas as an individual.

Jesus speaking to the apostles (Thomas wasn't present)
Luke 24:38-39
38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Jesus speaking to Thomas
John 20:24
26 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!”
27 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.”


Both, the apostles and Thomas doubted Jesus authenticity for a few moments. Why should people only emphasize on Thomas' encounter?

[KeptByTheWord]

It's true that all the disciples disbelieved at different points through the ministry of Jesus. Perhaps he was singled out because the Lord wanted to make a point, that even though they had seen and believed - He said blessed are those who have believed without seeing.