doubting Thomas

phrase

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July 22, 2026

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The phrase "doubting Thomas" refers to an incredulous or habitually doubtful person. This idiom originates from the biblical account of St. Thomas the Apostle, who doubted the Resurrection of Jesus. Thomas famously stated he would not believe Jesus had risen unless he could see and touch the wounds from Christ's Crucifixion. When Jesus appeared to him and offered proof, Thomas became one of the first to explicitly acknowledge Jesus' divinity. The term "doubting Thomas" is now used to describe anyone who questions the truth or existence of something until presented with undeniable evidence.1234

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list of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus
St. Thomas
…from which the phrase “doubting Thomas” developed. In John 20:19–29 he was not among those disciples to whom the risen Christ first appeared, and, when they told the incredulous Thomas whom they had seen, he requested physical proof of the Resurrection. This evidence was provided when Christ reappeared and…
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…from which the phrase “doubting Thomas” developed. In John 20:19–29 he was not among those disciples to whom the risen Christ first appeared, and, when they told the incredulous Thomas whom they had seen, he requested physical proof of the Resurrection. This evidence was provided when Christ reappeared and…
Read More