Thomas Research Outline Paper NBST 515
Thomas
The Man Behind the Doubts
Adult Bible Study Lesson Outlines
Length of the study: 40 minutes per lesson
NBST 515
Dr. David Mappes
Objective Overview:
This series lessons looks at the life of one of the disciples of Jesus, Thomas. He is best known to us today as “Doubting Thomas.” In this study we will examine not only the character of Thomas but also the subjects of doubt and faith.
Lesson I - Thomas: An Introduction
Opening Illustration:
This lesson looks at the life of Thomas. The New Testament has a limited description of this character. There is a primary characteristic that makes Thomas stand out. However there are other facts that lead scholars to understand the connection of the relationships Jesus had as well as the formation of the doctrine on the resurrection.
1. Overview of Thomas
A. Opening comments about Thomas’ life
B. Thomas’ Life
1. One of the disciples of Jesus (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15).
2. The name “Thomas” is Aramaic which means “twin.” (Gk. ‘Didymus’, as in John 11:16; 20:4; 21:2).
C. Thomas is mentioned more in the Gospel of John.
1. Returns to Bethany with Jesus, frightened but loyal (John 11:16)
2. The Last Supper (John 14)
3. The Upper Room after the Resurrection (John 20)
4. Post resurrection reference – fishing on the Lake of Galilee (John 21).
D. Historical Traditions
1. Thomas in Persia and South India
2. Credited with an apocryphal gospel dating from the 2nd century.
II. Conclusion
The main thrust of this lesson was to present an understanding of the character of Thomas, to gain truth about his personhood and to be able to pinpoint his reference points in the Gospels, in particular in the Gospel of John.
Lesson 2 -The Loyalty of Thomas
Opening illustration about being loyal: ‘The Lone Ranger and Tonto were being chased and had
The Man Behind the Doubts
Adult Bible Study Lesson Outlines
Length of the study: 40 minutes per lesson
NBST 515
Dr. David Mappes
Objective Overview:
This series lessons looks at the life of one of the disciples of Jesus, Thomas. He is best known to us today as “Doubting Thomas.” In this study we will examine not only the character of Thomas but also the subjects of doubt and faith.
Lesson I - Thomas: An Introduction
Opening Illustration:
This lesson looks at the life of Thomas. The New Testament has a limited description of this character. There is a primary characteristic that makes Thomas stand out. However there are other facts that lead scholars to understand the connection of the relationships Jesus had as well as the formation of the doctrine on the resurrection.
1. Overview of Thomas
A. Opening comments about Thomas’ life
B. Thomas’ Life
1. One of the disciples of Jesus (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15).
2. The name “Thomas” is Aramaic which means “twin.” (Gk. ‘Didymus’, as in John 11:16; 20:4; 21:2).
C. Thomas is mentioned more in the Gospel of John.
1. Returns to Bethany with Jesus, frightened but loyal (John 11:16)
2. The Last Supper (John 14)
3. The Upper Room after the Resurrection (John 20)
4. Post resurrection reference – fishing on the Lake of Galilee (John 21).
D. Historical Traditions
1. Thomas in Persia and South India
2. Credited with an apocryphal gospel dating from the 2nd century.
II. Conclusion
The main thrust of this lesson was to present an understanding of the character of Thomas, to gain truth about his personhood and to be able to pinpoint his reference points in the Gospels, in particular in the Gospel of John.
Lesson 2 -The Loyalty of Thomas
Opening illustration about being loyal: ‘The Lone Ranger and Tonto were being chased and had
Bibliography: Brownrigg, Ronald. “Who’s Who in The New Testament.” New York: Bonanza Books, 1980 Gardberm Paul D. The Complete Who’s Who in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderzan Publishing House, 1995. Halley, Henry H. Halley 's Bible Handbook with the New International Version---deluxe Edition. Deluxe ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007. Hays, J. Daniel, and J. Scott Duvall, eds. The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011. MacArthur, John. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2002. MacDonald, William. Believer 's Bible Commentary. Edited by Art Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.