John 20:24

John 20:24, in plain English

Thomas wasn't there when Jesus appeared. He missed the most incredible moment of his friends' lives, and it's about to lead to a crisis of faith.

Why it's here

Sometimes being absent from a pivotal moment creates its own struggle. Thomas missed the group encounter, and now he's on the outside of an experience everyone else shares.

Who's speaking

John notes Thomas' absence from the first appearance.

Where it sits in the story

Of all the times to miss a meeting. Thomas wasn't there, and now everyone else has seen the risen Jesus except him. His absence sets up one of the most human and relatable moments in Scripture.

The scholarly reading

Thomas, called Didymus (the Twin), was absent from the gathering when Jesus appeared, setting up the subsequent narrative of doubt and faith.

Language and setting

John alone records this detail about Thomas' absence and subsequent encounter. The name 'Didymus' (Greek for 'twin') has led to extensive scholarly discussion. Thomas' absence creates the narrative occasion for one of the Gospel's most powerful faith declarations.

Voice

The narrator introduces Thomas' absence.

Significance

Thomas' absence from the first appearance creates the conditions for a second, more dramatic encounter. His subsequent demand for physical proof will be met with an invitation to faith that transcends empirical verification.

22When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”

24Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

26Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

Read all of John 20 — Mary weeping in a garden hears her name spoken by a voice she thought she'd lost forever. Then Jesus walks into a locked room: peace.