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JOHN 20:24 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
John 20:23John 20:25
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.”
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came — Thomas's absence is theologically significant; his subsequent demand for direct sensory proof establishes the necessity of faith without sight. The epithet 'Twin' (Didymos) is unexplained but may suggest division or doubling (his coming faith will be doubled/confirmed). His being 'one of the twelve' situates him within the apostolic community despite his isolation.

Church Fathers on John 20:24

The disciples, when they heard what Mary told them, were obliged either to disbelieve, or, if they believed, to grieve that He did not count them worthy to have the sight of Him. He did not let them however pass a whole day in such reflections, but in the midst of their longing trembling desires to see Him, presented Himself to them: Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews.

Chrysostom · 4th century

Wherein is strewn the infirmity of the Apostles. They assembled with doors shut, through that same fear of the Jews, which had before scattered them: Came Jesus, and stood in the midst. He came in the evening, because they would be the most afraid at that time.

Bede · 8th century

and with shut doors, that he might show how that in the very same way he had risen again, i.e. with the stone lying on the sepulcher.

Theophylact · 11th century · Or because He waited till all were assembled
Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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