John 20:24

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

But {G1161} Thomas {G2381}, one {G1520} of {G1537} the twelve {G1427}, called {G3004} Didymus {G1324}, was {G2258} not {G3756} with {G3326} them {G846} when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} came {G2064}.

Now Tโ€™oma (the name means โ€œtwinโ€), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came.

Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

Commentary

John 20:24 introduces Thomas, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, highlighting his absence during a pivotal moment: Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to the other disciples. This verse sets the stage for Thomas's well-known struggle with doubt and his eventual confession of faith.

Context

Following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples were gathered in a locked room, likely out of fear of the Jewish authorities (John 20:19). In this setting, Jesus suddenly appeared to them, showing them His hands and side, and conferring upon them the Holy Spirit. This verse specifies that Thomas, also known as Didymus, was not present for this miraculous and comforting encounter. His absence is crucial because it directly leads to his refusal to believe the testimony of the other disciples, demanding empirical proof for himself.

Key Themes

  • The Importance of Community: Thomas's absence from the gathered disciples meant he missed a direct, personal encounter with the risen Lord that the others experienced. This underscores the value of Christian fellowship and being present where God is moving.
  • Setting the Stage for Doubt: This verse foreshadows Thomas's famous skepticism. His physical absence from the first appearance leads to a spiritual absence of belief, paving the way for his declaration in John 20:25: "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails... I will not believe."
  • Individuality of Faith Journeys: While the other disciples immediately believed upon seeing Jesus, Thomas's journey to faith in the resurrected Christ took a different, more demanding path, highlighting that faith can manifest and be affirmed in diverse ways.

Linguistic Insights

The verse states, "But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus." The name Didymus (Greek: ฮ”ฮฏฮดฯ…ฮผฮฟฯ‚) literally means "twin." This is a Greek equivalent to the Aramaic name Thomas (Hebrew: ืชึผื•ึนืžึธื, Toma), which also means "twin." The Gospel of John consistently uses both names for him (e.g., John 11:16, John 21:2), emphasizing this distinctive aspect of his identity, though his twin is never mentioned or identified in Scripture.

Practical Application

John 20:24 serves as a reminder of the significance of being present within the community of believers. While God can meet individuals anywhere, there is a unique blessing and strengthening that often comes from corporate worship and fellowship. Thomas's experience shows that missing out on communal spiritual experiences can sometimes lead to personal struggles with faith or understanding. However, it also implicitly sets up the narrative of God's patience and grace in addressing individual doubt, as seen in Jesus' subsequent appearance specifically for Thomas, leading to his profound confession, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 11:16

    Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

  • Hebrews 10:25

    Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

  • John 6:66

    From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

  • John 6:67

    Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

  • John 21:2

    There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

  • John 14:5

    Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

  • Matthew 10:3

    Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
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