Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 20:27

"Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach [hither] thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing." — John 20:27 (ASV)

Jesus’ appeal to Thomas shows that he knew what Thomas had said to his colleagues when they told him of the first appearance. Since Jesus had not been visibly present to hear his reaction to their report, Thomas must have been startled to hear Jesus quote his very words. Jesus did not immediately upbraid him for his doubts, but he challenged him to perform the test that he had suggested. Jesus’ words can be translated “Stop becoming an unbeliever and become a believer.” Jesus halted Thomas on the road to a despairing unbelief and offered him the positive evidence on which he could build an enduring faith.