The Apostles
Thomas
Thomas, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, was an impulsive, confused, honest sceptic. Jesus could understand and work with such a man. Thomas’ impulsiveness was evident when Jesus prepared to visit Lazarus in Bethany. It was a dangerous trip to make, because of the Jews, but Thomas urged his fellow disciples: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (Jn 11.16) Instead, Jesus brought Lazarus back to life. Thomas’ confusion is shown in later talks with Jesus. He was not really sure where Jesus was going long-term (Jn 14.5). But Jesus accepted this confused commitment, and began to untangle it, patiently explaining, “I am going to my father”, and “No one comes unto the Father but by me.”
Finally, Thomas’ honest scepticism is revealed after the Resurrection, which he flatly refused to believe - unless he could touch the wounds of the risen Jesus. Sure enough, Jesus appears - but instead of scolding him, shows him the wounds. Thomas responds: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20.26ff).
Thus Doubting Thomas’ honest doubts, turned to honest faith, have become a reassurance for thousands of men and women across the centuries, who also want to follow Jesus, but who require some proof of this amazing event - the Resurrection. In Doubting Thomas’ complete affirmation of faith, after meeting the risen, crucified Christ, they can find support for their own faith.
Ancient legends tell how Thomas went on to India as a missionary. There are rumours that Thomas even built a palace for a king’s daughter in India, and thus he is the patron saint of architects. It is believed that he was martyred by a spear on 3 July, 72 AD in Mylapore, near Madras. 46 ancient churches in England were dedicated to him. [And of course our own Church in Greetland and West Vale is dedicated to St Thomas
Luke
Luke wrote two books of the Bible: a Gospel and The Acts of the Apostles, i.e. just over ¼ of the New Testament. He was a physician (Colossians 4:14), a companion of Paul on some of his missionary journeys (Luke speaks of “us” in Acts 16:10; Acts 20:5). In his Gospel alone we find much of the account of Jesus's birth, infancy and boyhood, some of the most moving parables (the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son), and three of the sayings of Christ on the Cross: "Father, forgive them," "You will be with me in Paradise," and "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
We find an emphasis on the human love of Christ, his compassion for sinners and for the suffering and the unhappy, for outcasts such as the Samaritans, tax collectors, lepers, shepherds (not a respected profession), and the poor. The role of women in Christ's ministry is more emphasised in Luke than in the other Gospels. In Acts, we find the early Christian community carrying out its commission, confident and aware of divine guidance. We see how the early Christians at first preached only to Jews, then Samaritans, then outright Gentiles like Cornelius (Acts 10), and finally explicitly recognized that Gentiles and Jews are called on equal terms to the service and fellowship of Christ.
Peter
St. Peter's original name was Simon. He was the son of Jonah, and was born in Bethsaida, a town on the sea of Galilee. The Apostle Andrew was his brother, and the Apostle Philip came from the same town. Peter settled in Capernaum, where he was living with his mother-in-law in his own house at the beginning of Christ's public ministry (about A.D. 26-28). Simon was thus married, and possibly had children. Peter was a fisherman and owned his own boat.
Peter’s brother Andrew said "We have found the Messiah", and brought him to Jesus. Simon made the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus replied: "Blessed are you Simon the son of Jonah: you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”.
Among the Twelve Peter soon became conspicuous. Though of changeable character, he clings with great loyalty, firm faith, and inward love to the Saviour. He can be rash in word and deed and he is full of zeal and enthusiasm. At times, however, he can be subject to the effects of external influences and circumstances. In spite of his firm faith in Jesus, when Christ proceeded to wash the feet of His disciples before the Last Supper, and came first to Peter, he at first protested. In the Garden of Gethsemane Peter had to hear Jesus’s rebuke for falling asleep like the others, while his Master suffered deadly anguish. He followed his captured Lord to the courtyard of the High Priest, and there denied Christ, swearing that he did not know him. Luke tells us that at this point Jesus turned and looked at Peter, who went out into the night with bitter tears.
In spite of this weakness, the women, who were the first to find Christ's tomb empty, received from the angel a special message for Peter. Christ also foretold the violent death Peter would have to suffer, and thus invited him to follow Him in a special manner.
Back to top