Thomas
· Also called Didymus, which mean twin.
· Little is recorded of Thomas, except for the accounts in the fourth Gospel that showcase his cynical and disbelieving nature.
· He questioned Jesus’ decision to raise Lazarus from the dead.
· Thomas questioned Jesus at the Last Supper, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?”
· Thomas is remembered most for his incredulity when the other Apostles announced that Jesus had been resurrected. He said he would not believe that it was so until he was able to touch Christ’s wounds. This earned him the moniker of “Doubting Thomas.”
· It is believed that he wrote a gospel but it was deemed apocryphal, although some believe that it may contain some truth.
· Thomas preached in Parthia, Persia and India, but he was so reluctant to start the mission that he had to be taken into slavery by a merchant headed that way. He eventually gave in to God’s will, was set free, and began preaching the Gospel. He formed many parishes and built many churches along the way.
· He was martyred at a place called Calamine (also referred to as Mylapore) in south India, where he was speared to death.
· Patron saint of architects.
Images
Links