Insight
The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)—so-named because they contain many of the same events in the same order—tell us nothing about Thomas except to list him as one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). It’s only in John’s gospel where we learn more about his interactions with Jesus (John 11:14–16; 14:5–6; 20:24–29; 21:1–14). In John 11:16, he’s called “Thomas (also known as Didymus).” Thomas is his Hebrew name; Didymus is his Greek name, which means “Twin.” So some translations render his name as “Thomas, the Twin” (NLT , ESV , NKJV ). John presents him as a devout believer in Jesus. Because Lazarus had died, Jesus wanted to go back into Judea for his funeral (11:14). Earlier the Jews had tried to stone Jesus to death (10:31, 39), so it was dangerous for Him to go into Judea. Thomas showed raw devotion to Christ when he urged his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus” (11:16 NLT ).
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