No details are given about Thomas in the first three Gospels other than the mention of his name.
John’s first mention of Thomas is in John 11:16. Lazarus had died and the disciples feared for the life of Jesus and themselves if they were to go back to Bethany.
“Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
Thomas the Apostle Facts tell us that Thomas usually was nicknamed “Doubting Thomas,” Thomas was also called Didymus, meaning The Twin.
He was an outspoken skeptic to the point of being known as a pessimist.
Saint Thomas shared the Gospel message — in Syria, Persia, and India. Right before his death in 72 AD, Thomas stood up to an Indian king (whose wife had become a Christian) when he pressured Thomas to make religious sacrifices to an idol.
Miraculously, the idol shattered into pieces when Thomas was forced to approach it. The king was so enraged that he ordered his high priest to kill Thomas, and he did: Thomas died from being pierced by a spear but was reunited with Jesus in heaven.
Thomas is also characterized by being somewhat gloomy and easily discouraged. While he was much of a pessimist Thomas was a full believer in Christ and followed Him loyally throughout His life. Thomas is known for being unable to see the forest for the trees and Jesus often had to help him to see the whole forest.
Thomas is the one disciple who was not present on the first Easter Sunday.
Thomas was the disciple who refused to believe in resurrection but he went on to spread the word of Christ until his death. It is believed that Thomas died the death of a martyr but this cannot be verified.