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John 11:16; 20:24-25 – Thomas the Twin
Thomas the Twin – Always, I considered Thomas having the nickname, Didymus, simply meant he had a twin brother. And I wondered if his brother was a believer, even though not of the Twelve. But could there be another reason? Commenting on John 11:16, “Did St. John intend us to see any significance in this name? Many, both in ancient times and in modern, have thought he did. It is very possible that Thomas may have received this as a new name from his Lord, even as Simon and the sons of Zebedee received in like manner names from Him. It was a name which told him all he had to fear, and all he had to hope. In him the twins, unbelief and faith, were contending with one another for mastery” (R.C. Trench, Miracles of Our Lord, pp.249-250). Thomas said, “Let’s go so we may die with Him” (Jn 11.16); and Thomas said, ” “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!” (John 20:25). Both times, one of faith (11:16) and one of unbelief (20:24), John makes the statement that Thomas is called Didymus, connecting the narratives.
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