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John 20:24
Verse
Context
Jesus Appears to Thomas
23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” 24Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.”
Sermons
Alan Redpath
Willie Mullan
Michael Koulianos
Phil Beach Jr.
T. Austin-Sparks
C.I. ScofieldSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thomas - called Didymus - See this name explained, Joh 11:16 (note). Was not with them - And, by absenting himself from the company of the disciples, he lost this precious opportunity of seeing and hearing Christ; and of receiving (at this time) the inestimable blessing of the Holy Ghost. Where two or three are assembled in the name of Christ, he is in the midst of them. Christ had said this before: Thomas should have remembered it, and not have forsaken the company of the disciples. What is the consequence? - His unbelief becomes 1st. Utterly unreasonable. Ten of his brethren witnessed that they had seen Christ, Joh 20:25; but he rejected their testimony. 2dly. His unbelief became obstinate: he was determined not to believe on any evidence that it might please God to give him: he would believe according to his own prejudices, or not at all. 3dly. His unbelief became presumptuous and insolent: a view of the person of Christ will not suffice: he will not believe that it is he, unless he can put his finger into the holes made by the nails in his Lord's hand, and thrust his hand into the wound made by the spear in his side. Thomas had lost much good, and gained much evil, and yet was insensible of his state. Behold the consequences of forsaking the assemblies of God's people! Jesus comes to the meeting - a disciple is found out of his place, who might have been there; and he is not only not blessed, but his heart becomes hardened and darkened through the deceitfulness of sin. It was through God's mere mercy that ever Thomas had another opportunity of being convinced of his error. Reader! take warning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JESUS AGAIN APPEARS TO THE ASSEMBLED DISCIPLES. (Joh 20:24-29) But Thomas--(See on Joh 11:16). was not with them when Jesus came--why, we know not, though we are loath to think (with STIER, ALFORD and LUTHARDT) it was intentional, from sullen despondency. The fact merely is here stated, as a loving apology for his slowness of belief.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus,.... The person here spoken of, is described by his Hebrew name Thomas, and his Greek one Didymus, which both signify a twin; and perhaps he was one. It was common with the Jews to have two names, a Jewish and a Gentile one; by the one they went in the land of Israel, and by the other when without the land (q); nay, they often went by one name in Judea, and by another in Galilee (r); where Thomas might go by the name of Didymus with the Greeks, that might live with the Jews in some of those parts: he is also said to be "one of the twelve" apostles, which was their number at first, though Judas now was gone off from them, and therefore are sometimes only called the "eleven"; but this having been their complement, it is still retained; but what is observed of him to his disadvantage and discredit is, that he was not with them when Jesus came: Beza's ancient copy reads, "he was not there with them"; and so read the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions; he either had not returned to the rest after their scattering one from another upon the apprehending of Christ; or did not choose to assemble with the rest, for fear of the Jews; or was taken up with some business and affair of life; however, he was not with the rest of the disciples, when they were assembled together, and Jesus appeared among them: as it is of good consequence to attend the assemblies of Christ's disciples and followers, so it is of bad consequence to neglect or forsake them: it is frequently to good purpose that persons attend them; here God comes and blesses his people, Jesus grants his presence, the graces of the Spirit are increased, and drawn forth into exercise; souls that have lost sight of Christ find him, disconsolate ones are comforted, weak ones strengthened, and hungry ones fed: on the other hand, not to attend is of bad consequence; neglect of assembling together exposes to many snares and temptations; brings on a spiritual leanness; leads to an indifference and lukewarmness: issues in a low degree of grace, and a non-exercise of it, and in a loss of Christ's presence. (q) T. Hieros. Gittin, fol. 43. 2. (r) T. Hieros. Gittin, fol. 45. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:24-25 Thomas: See also 11:16; 14:5). Thomas was absent when Jesus revealed himself. He remained skeptical despite the testimony of his friends, who had seen the Lord. Thomas demanded a concrete experience identical to theirs.
John 20:24
Jesus Appears to Thomas
23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” 24Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Communication of Our Faith - Part 3
By Alan Redpath5.2K54:29FaithJHN 20:19JHN 20:241CO 13:42CO 4:7EPH 2:81TH 1:81TH 4:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a group of people who are wounded and in need of help. They receive a message about an approaching enemy and quickly prepare to fight. Despite being outnumbered, they stand in front of the radio, ready to face the battle. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of standing before God and giving an account of one's actions. They emphasize the need for faith, love, and service to God. The sermon concludes with a story about fighter pilots during World War II, highlighting the importance of endurance and perseverance in difficult times.
(John) the Scene With Mary
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:00:56MaryJHN 20:24ACT 13:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses three themes from the Bible. The first theme is about Mary standing at the sepulchre and Jesus revealing himself to her. The preacher emphasizes the importance of putting faith in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. The second theme is about the feasts of Jehovah outlined in chapter 13 of the book of Paul. The preacher highlights the significance of these feasts and their connection to the harvest. The third theme focuses on Thomas and his transgressions, but also his powerful testimony declaring Jesus as his Lord and God. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on these themes and the message of salvation they convey.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus From Genesis to Revelation (Pt. 3)
By Michael Koulianos3646:27The Nature of ChristHumility and SurrenderJesusJHN 20:24Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of recognizing Jesus as both crucified and risen, urging believers to understand the depth of His wounds and the power of His resurrection. He highlights the importance of humility and the need for a genuine encounter with Christ, which transforms our hearts and lives. Koulianos challenges the church to seek the presence of God earnestly, reminding us that true power comes from surrendering to Him and embodying His love and gentleness. He encourages believers to embrace the trials of life as opportunities for growth and deeper revelation of Jesus. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart posture that seeks to honor God above all else, reflecting the nature of the crucified and risen one.
The Unselfishness of God - Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.2646:07God's UnselfishnessReflecting God's GloryGodGEN 1:1GEN 1:26JHN 20:24Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the unselfishness of God, illustrating how God's desire to create humanity was rooted in His eternal love and purpose. He explains that God, knowing the pain and suffering that sin would bring, chose to create man in His image to reflect His glory and character. The sermon highlights that God's ultimate revelation of Himself as the Lamb of God was a response to the fall, showcasing His love and sacrifice. Beach encourages believers to recognize their purpose in revealing God's nature through their lives, urging them to overcome evil with love, just as God did. The message calls for deep reflection on how our lives can reflect the likeness of God in a world that often centers on self.
Thomas
By T. Austin-Sparks0TransformationFaith and DoubtJHN 20:24T. Austin-Sparks explores the character of Thomas, emphasizing how the resurrection of Jesus posed a unique challenge for him, demanding a transformation in his understanding and approach to faith. He describes Thomas as a person marked by caution, meticulousness, and a tendency towards self-reliance, which can hinder spiritual growth and openness to God's work. Despite these traits, Sparks highlights that Thomas was chosen by the Lord, indicating that even those with such dispositions have a vital role in the Church when they are redeemed. The resurrection represents a crisis for Thomas, calling for a deeper surrender and a shift from a reliance on human reasoning to a faith that embraces the spiritual. Ultimately, Thomas's journey illustrates the need for believers to be adaptable and open to the transformative power of the resurrection.
Christ Risen
By C.I. Scofield0PSA 16:8MAT 28:1LUK 24:33JHN 1:39JHN 20:24ACT 2:231CO 15:41TH 4:14C.I. Scofield preaches on the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the triumph that began with His sacrificial death and the authentication of His resurrection through various witnesses, including Paul. The resurrection affirms the truth of Jesus' claims, confirms our justification through His sacrifice, and assures believers of their own resurrection. It is a pivotal event in human history, providing hope and victory over death.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thomas - called Didymus - See this name explained, Joh 11:16 (note). Was not with them - And, by absenting himself from the company of the disciples, he lost this precious opportunity of seeing and hearing Christ; and of receiving (at this time) the inestimable blessing of the Holy Ghost. Where two or three are assembled in the name of Christ, he is in the midst of them. Christ had said this before: Thomas should have remembered it, and not have forsaken the company of the disciples. What is the consequence? - His unbelief becomes 1st. Utterly unreasonable. Ten of his brethren witnessed that they had seen Christ, Joh 20:25; but he rejected their testimony. 2dly. His unbelief became obstinate: he was determined not to believe on any evidence that it might please God to give him: he would believe according to his own prejudices, or not at all. 3dly. His unbelief became presumptuous and insolent: a view of the person of Christ will not suffice: he will not believe that it is he, unless he can put his finger into the holes made by the nails in his Lord's hand, and thrust his hand into the wound made by the spear in his side. Thomas had lost much good, and gained much evil, and yet was insensible of his state. Behold the consequences of forsaking the assemblies of God's people! Jesus comes to the meeting - a disciple is found out of his place, who might have been there; and he is not only not blessed, but his heart becomes hardened and darkened through the deceitfulness of sin. It was through God's mere mercy that ever Thomas had another opportunity of being convinced of his error. Reader! take warning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JESUS AGAIN APPEARS TO THE ASSEMBLED DISCIPLES. (Joh 20:24-29) But Thomas--(See on Joh 11:16). was not with them when Jesus came--why, we know not, though we are loath to think (with STIER, ALFORD and LUTHARDT) it was intentional, from sullen despondency. The fact merely is here stated, as a loving apology for his slowness of belief.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus,.... The person here spoken of, is described by his Hebrew name Thomas, and his Greek one Didymus, which both signify a twin; and perhaps he was one. It was common with the Jews to have two names, a Jewish and a Gentile one; by the one they went in the land of Israel, and by the other when without the land (q); nay, they often went by one name in Judea, and by another in Galilee (r); where Thomas might go by the name of Didymus with the Greeks, that might live with the Jews in some of those parts: he is also said to be "one of the twelve" apostles, which was their number at first, though Judas now was gone off from them, and therefore are sometimes only called the "eleven"; but this having been their complement, it is still retained; but what is observed of him to his disadvantage and discredit is, that he was not with them when Jesus came: Beza's ancient copy reads, "he was not there with them"; and so read the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions; he either had not returned to the rest after their scattering one from another upon the apprehending of Christ; or did not choose to assemble with the rest, for fear of the Jews; or was taken up with some business and affair of life; however, he was not with the rest of the disciples, when they were assembled together, and Jesus appeared among them: as it is of good consequence to attend the assemblies of Christ's disciples and followers, so it is of bad consequence to neglect or forsake them: it is frequently to good purpose that persons attend them; here God comes and blesses his people, Jesus grants his presence, the graces of the Spirit are increased, and drawn forth into exercise; souls that have lost sight of Christ find him, disconsolate ones are comforted, weak ones strengthened, and hungry ones fed: on the other hand, not to attend is of bad consequence; neglect of assembling together exposes to many snares and temptations; brings on a spiritual leanness; leads to an indifference and lukewarmness: issues in a low degree of grace, and a non-exercise of it, and in a loss of Christ's presence. (q) T. Hieros. Gittin, fol. 43. 2. (r) T. Hieros. Gittin, fol. 45. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:24-25 Thomas: See also 11:16; 14:5). Thomas was absent when Jesus revealed himself. He remained skeptical despite the testimony of his friends, who had seen the Lord. Thomas demanded a concrete experience identical to theirs.