1. Thomas is the Hebrew form of Aramaic, which means, "twin." 2. Also called, Didymus ( Jn.11:16), which is Greek for "twin." Hence, one can say that he had a twin (of whom nothing is known) since this name is a distinguishing second name and not a common first name (which is unknown). He has been called, Judas (not Iscariot) by some, and others even calling him the twin of Jesus Himself (James - Acts of Thomas, p.31). Most unlikely. 3. Nothing Biblical or extra-Biblical is known of his background. 4. He is mentioned only by name in the Synoptics. ( Mt.10:3; Mk.3:18; Lk.6:16) 5. John does not mention his call, but refers to him 9 times (1 indirectly), and gives great insight into his personality:   #1 11:16 - DETERMINED TO GO WITH JESUS TO BETHANY. [Here he demonstrates his great courage.] #2 14:5 - ASKS JESUS FOR CLARIFICATION OF HEAVENLY WAY. [Here he demonstrates both his lack of and desire for understanding.] #3 20:24 - NOT PRESENT WITH THE 10 AT JESUS FIRST APPEARING. [Here indicates, as others, he had separated.] #4 20:25 - UNWILLING TO ACCEPT OTHERS' WITNESS TO JESUS. [Here he demonstrates, maybe doubt, but also his caution of a false Messiah. Consider it. I Jn.4:1] #5 20:26 - WITH THE 10 EIGHT DAYS LATER WHEN JESUS APPEARS. [Here indicates his hope is alive and his desire to remain in His chosen calling.] #6 20:27 - JESUS' PERSONAL CONTACT. [Here his faith is sealed forever!] #7 20:28 - HIS CONFESSION. [Here his eyes, head, and heart finally agree.] #8 20:29 - JESUS CONFIRMS HIM. [Here his belief is defined and validated.] #9 21:2 - TOGETHER WITH 6 OTHERS AT GALILEE. [Here he is solidly in fellowship.] 6. He is last seen in the upper room awaiting Pentecost, continuing in fellowship with the other 10 disciples. ( Acts 1:13) 7. Two truths must be noted of Thomas. Barclay says: (1) "Jesus blames no man for wanting to be sure," and (2) "certainty is most likely to come to a man in fellowship of believers" (Barclay, p. 51). 8. Many traditions have developed as to his later life. Exs.: (1) When separated from Jerusalem, he was allotted Parthia, the region far east of Jerusalem to the Caspian Sea (today's Iraq & Iran); (2) Having preached in the above regions, He went to India, and from there, to China and back to Singapore, where he met resistance from the Brahmins (jealous over his success) and was speared by a Brahminian incited mob.