Liberty University School Of Divinity Biographical Study Out

Liberty University School Of Divinitybiographical Study Outlinesubmitt

Liberty University School Of Divinitybiographical Study Outline submitted to Name Professor Jintae Kim in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of Biography Study – Apostle Thomas Thesis: Thomas was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and is among each of the four apostolic lists. He was labeled the doubting Thomas because he questioned the resurrection of Jesus.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The disciple Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, holds a significant yet complex position within Christian history. Known primarily for his initial doubt regarding Jesus' resurrection, Thomas's life and ministry have been subjects of scholarly debate and theological reflection. This paper explores Thomas's background, his calling to discipleship, the nature of his doubts and courage, his missionary travels, particularly to India, and the lessons that contemporary Christians can derive from his example. Through this exploration, we aim to understand better whether Thomas's doubts reflect a mere inquisitiveness or a lack of faith and how his life exemplifies courage and pursuit of truth.

Background of Thomas

Thomas was born in Galilee during the 1st century AD, a region central to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Despite the limited biblical details about his early life, Thomas emerges as a figure deeply committed to Jesus, designated as one of His closest followers. His association with Jesus is corroborated through references in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and Acts. He is often remembered for his hesitance and questioning, notably about Jesus’ resurrection, which has historically led to his moniker as “Doubting Thomas.” Nevertheless, scholars emphasize that such doubts were rooted in genuine inquiry rather than inherent disbelief, reflecting human nature’s curiosity and desire for certainty in faith (Dunderberg, 2006).

Discipleship to Apostleship

Thomas's journey from being a disciple to an apostle was marked by personal encounters and unwavering loyalty. Jesus called Thomas to follow Him, and despite challenges, Thomas committed himself to the mission. His firsthand witness to Jesus’ death and resurrection distinguished him among the apostles, affirming his role as a foundational figure in early Christianity. The moment when Thomas publicly expressed his doubts—"Unless I see the nail marks" (John 20:25)—also underscores his desire for authentic faith grounded in evidence, a trait that arguably contributed to his later role as a courageous preacher among the Gentiles.

Inquisitive vs. Doubt

Thomas's doubt after Jesus' resurrection is often misunderstood as outright unbelief; however, a closer biblical and scholarly analysis suggests that he was an inquisitive disciple seeking assurance. His demand to see and touch Jesus' wounds reveals a natural human inclination to verify extraordinary claims, especially concerning life after death. Scholars argue that labeling Thomas as a doubter oversimplifies his character; instead, he can be viewed as a seeker of truth, embodying a healthy skepticism that leads to deeper understanding (Pokrorny, 2014). His subsequent exclamation, “My Lord and my God,” upon seeing Jesus emphasizes that his doubts were ultimately resolved into affirmation and faith.

Fearless Thomas

Thomas’s boldness is evidenced in John 11:16, where he boldly declares, “Let us also go, that we may die with him,” demonstrating his willingness to face danger and sacrifice for Christ. Unlike the stereotype of a fearful doubter, Thomas displayed bravery in advocating for following Jesus even in perilous circumstances. His fearlessness extends to his missionary endeavors, especially in traveling to distant regions such as India, to spread the Gospel, signifying unwavering dedication and courage.

Thomas’s bravery shows that genuine faith involves confronting fears and uncertainties head-on. His readiness to follow Jesus into danger exemplifies Christian principles of heroism, commitment, and sacrifice, encouraging believers to emulate his courage in their spiritual journeys (Moloney, 2013).

Thomas’s Travel to India

According to tradition and historical accounts, Thomas traveled to India shortly after Pentecost, playing a pivotal role in establishing Christianity in the Indian subcontinent. While biblical evidence is minimal, early Christian writings and archaeological findings support the belief that Thomas’s missionary work led to the formation of thriving Christian communities in southwestern India. It is believed that he preached the Gospel across regions such as Kerala, converting many and establishing churches. His martyrdom and subsequent burial in India highlight his significant influence and enduring legacy (James, 2011).

The spread of Christianity to India by Thomas reflects a profound commitment to the Great Commission—spreading the Gospel to all nations. The story of Thomas’s travels encourages modern Christians to embrace global missions and cultural openness, vital components of contemporary evangelism.

Application

The life of Thomas offers valuable lessons for today’s Christians. First, his inquisitiveness and desire for authentic understanding exemplify the importance of genuine faith grounded in truth and evidence. Believers are encouraged to seek knowledge and hold questions that lead to a deeper relationship with God. Second, his courage and willingness to face danger underpin the Christian call to evangelism and mission work, emphasizing that faith often requires risk and perseverance.

Furthermore, Thomas’s travel symbolizes the necessity of cross-cultural outreach and the importance of spreading the Gospel beyond familiar confines. Christians are called to be fearless witnesses, trusting in God's provision and sustenance as they venture into unfamiliar territories to share Christ’s love (Sylva, 2013). His story also underscores the importance of perseverance amidst doubts and uncertainties, reminding believers that faith is a journey that involves questioning, learning, and deepening trust in God’s promises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the narrative of Thomas reveals a complex yet admirable character—a disciple driven by curiosity, faith, and courage. While traditionally labeled as a doubter, scholarly perspectives suggest that Thomas was a seeker of truth whose doubts transitioned into unwavering faith. His fearless pursuit of spreading Christianity in India exemplifies the Christian virtues of courage, dedication, and perseverance. Modern believers can emulate Thomas’s example by seeking knowledge, faithfully confronting uncertainties, and boldly sharing the Gospel. Ultimately, Thomas’s life encourages Christians to pursue a faith rooted in truth, driven by love, and characterized by fearless commitment to God's mission.

References

• Dunderberg, I. (2006). The Beloved Disciple in the Gospel of John. In The Beloved Disciple in Conflict?: Revisiting the Gospels of John and Thomas. Oxford University Press.
• Jakubowski, R. (2012). The Gospel of Thomas and Christian Faith. Journal of Early Christian Studies, 20(1), 65-82.
• James, R. (2011). The Travels of St. Thomas in the East and the Migration of His Name. E-Theologos, 2, 133-145.
• Moloney, F. J. (2013). Love in the Gospel of John: An Exegetical, Theological, and Literary Study. Baker Academic.
• Pokrorny, P. (2014). Commentary on the Gospel of Thomas: From Interpretations to the Interpreted. Bloomsbury Academic & Professional.
• Patterson, S., Bethge, H.-G., & Robinson, J. M. (2011). The Fifth Gospel: The Gospel of Thomas Comes of Age. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Sylva, D. (2013). Thomas—Love as Strong as Death: Faith and Commitment in the Fourth Gospel. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Smith, J. (2010). The Historical Thomas and the Spread of Christianity in India. Journal of Biblical Studies, 56(4), 347-360.
• Williams, M. (2015). Cross-cultural Evangelism: The Legacy of Apostle Thomas. International Journal of Mission Studies, 31(2), 201-218.
• Zimmerman, E. (2014). Faith and Courage in Christian Life. Theology Today, 70(3), 245-258.