Again John, the apostle and writer, brings to us two short scenes involving Thomas, which the other writers do not give. It was after the Resurrection of Christ. For some unknown reasons, Thomas seemed to have disappeared for a few days and missed the first appearance of Christ on Easter Sunday. Some time later, Thomas joined the group of disciples and found them bursting with the news that the crucified Christ was alive again. Thomas found this extremely hard to believe. In fact he refused to believe until he had physically examined Christ and had been convinced of Christ's identity. His chance came a week later. Christ again appeared to the disciples in spite of locked doors. He very gently rebuked Thomas showing He knew what Thomas had said, then invited him to examine the scars of the cross. No doubt Christ said it lovingly but He did say the words, "Stop doubting and believe." Thomas was speechless for a moment then burst out in a great statement of faith and recognition, "My Lord and my God." Christ spoke a few further words commending those who had accepted the fact of his resurrection by faith. It would seem that Thomas never doubted again. He had seen the Risen Lord and that was sufficient. What Thomas did after Pentecost is not clear but many traditions place him in various countries, powerfully preaching the Gospel. The church of South India particularly claims him as their founder. It may be so. Eternity alone will reveal the whole story of the ministry of this rather unknown apostle |
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