InstaStudy

A Study of Didymus: Faith, Doubt, and Revelation

A Bible study outline focusing on the Apostle Thomas, also known as Didymus.

1. Thomas Before the Resurrection: A Disciple's Journey

1.1 Loyalty and Courage

Verses: John 11:16
  • John 11:16 reveals Thomas's willingness to stand with Jesus, even in the face of danger. He encourages the other disciples to go with Jesus to Judea, despite the risk of death.
  • This demonstrates a deep commitment and loyalty to Jesus, even if tinged with a sense of foreboding.

1.2 A Question of Understanding

Verses: John 14:5; John 14:6
  • Thomas's question in John 14:5 reveals a struggle to understand Jesus's teachings about His departure and the way to the Father.
  • This highlights the human element of the disciples, their limitations in grasping spiritual truths, and their need for further revelation.
  • Jesus's response in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me," is a pivotal declaration of His unique role as the manifestation of God.

2. Thomas and the Resurrection: From Doubt to Revelation

2.1 The Nature of Doubt

Verses: John 20:24-25
  • The account in John 20:24-25 describes Thomas's famous doubt regarding Jesus's resurrection. He refuses to believe without physical proof.
  • This doubt, while often criticized, represents a desire for concrete evidence and a struggle to reconcile the miraculous with his understanding of reality.

2.2 Encountering the Risen Christ

Verses: John 20:26-29
  • Jesus's appearance to Thomas in John 20:26-29 is a powerful demonstration of His grace and understanding. He meets Thomas where he is, offering the requested proof.
  • Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, providing tangible evidence of His resurrection and fulfilling the prophecies concerning Him.
  • Thomas's subsequent declaration, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28), is a profound affirmation of Jesus's deity, recognizing Him as the fullness of God manifested in flesh.

2.3 The Blessing of Faith

Verses: John 20:29
  • Jesus's words in John 20:29, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed," offer a broader perspective on faith. While Thomas needed physical proof, future believers are called to trust in the testimony of Scripture and the witness of the Spirit.
  • This verse emphasizes the importance of faith based on spiritual revelation rather than solely on sensory experience.

3. Legacy of Thomas: Apostle and Witness

3.1 Tradition of Ministry

Verses:
  • Tradition suggests that Thomas preached the gospel in India, establishing churches and spreading the message of Jesus.
  • While not explicitly stated in the Bible, this tradition highlights the transformative power of Thomas's encounter with the resurrected Christ and his subsequent dedication to spreading the gospel.

3.2 Lessons for Today

Verses:
  • Thomas's story serves as an encouragement to those who struggle with doubt. It demonstrates that God can meet us in our doubts and lead us to a deeper understanding of truth.
  • His journey from doubt to faith is a testament to the power of encountering the risen Christ and the importance of personal revelation.