Saint Stories

St. Thomas the Apostle was one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples and is best remembered for a single moment of doubt that became one of the most relatable scenes in all of Scripture. Often called “Doubting Thomas,” he was a follower of Jesus who wrestled openly with his questions. Tradition holds that he later traveled as far as India to spread the Gospel and was eventually martyred for his faith. Today, he is venerated as the Patron Saint of India, architects, and builders. But before he became a great missionary and saint, he had one of the most raw and powerful encounters with the Risen Christ ever recorded.

As the Gospel of John describes, Thomas wanted physical proof that Jesus had risen from the dead. If he didn’t get that proof, he wouldn’t believe. What he eventually experienced was probably more than he could have imagined:

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:24-28).

Many of us probably would have doubted too if we heard rumors that Jesus had risen from the dead. But Jesus didn’t condemn or shame Thomas for needing proof. Instead, He gave him what he asked for: the chance to touch His wounds. It was one of the most unique and intimate experiences anyone has ever had with the risen Jesus.

After such a profound encounter, it’s no surprise that Thomas was transformed. He embarked on a courageous missionary journey, traveling to the region that is now India to proclaim the Gospel. He was eventually martyred at Mount Chennai, a site that remains a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians today.

St. Thomas went from doubting the Resurrection to becoming one of the most famous and fearless saints in history. His story reminds us that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from faith—it can be the beginning of a deeper relationship with Christ. His direct encounter with the risen Lord has inspired centuries of reflection and continues to speak to our own moments of doubt.

We might expect Jesus to be frustrated with Thomas, especially after being abandoned and crucified only days earlier. But when He appears, Jesus’ first words are of peace—not rebuke: “Peace be with you.” It’s then that He invites Thomas to place his hand in His side.

After that moment, St. Thomas was no longer “Doubting Thomas.” He allowed himself to be transformed in faith, renewing his personal relationship with Jesus through a heartfelt proclamation: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). When we have doubts, it’s okay to bring them to Jesus, who desires to turn our doubts into faith and our fears into fortitude. By persevering through uncertainty and seeking a relationship with Christ, we too can be transformed—just like St. Thomas.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29).