Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 20:24

"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came." — John 20:24 (ASV)

Thomas is singled out for special treatment because his confession provides a climactic illustration of the triumph of belief. “Thomas” is Aramaic for “twin,” of which Didymus is the Greek equivalent (cf. Jn 11:16; 21:2). In 11:16 and 14:5 Thomas appears as a loyal, outspoken, and rather pessimistic person who was uncertain of the future but closely attached to Jesus. Much the same picture emerges from this episode. He was absent from the gathering on the first day of the week, though he must have been in contact with the rest of the disciples afterwards.