The individual widely known as the twin among Jesus's apostles was Thomas the Apostle.
Understanding the Title "The Twin"
Thomas earned this distinctive title due to the meaning of his names. Both his Aramaic name and his Greek epithet translate to "twin," emphasizing this characteristic.
Names and Their Meanings
Name | Origin | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Thomas | Aramaic | The Twin |
Didymus | Greek | Twin |
His Aramaic name, Tʾōmā, directly means "the twin." Similarly, he was also known by the Greek name Didymus, which also translates to "twin." This dual nomenclature reinforced his identity as "the twin" within early Christian tradition.
Thomas's Role Among the Apostles
Thomas was a significant figure among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is mentioned in the New Testament and is known for his initial skepticism regarding Jesus's resurrection, famously requiring tactile proof before believing—an event that led to the phrase "Doubting Thomas." Despite this, he became a devoted follower and is traditionally credited with spreading the Gospel to distant lands, including India.
For more information on Thomas the Apostle, you can visit his Wikipedia page.