This Quick Facts poster examines one of the New Testament's most debated verses—John 20:28. By comparing Thomas' statement with Jesus' teachings about the Father, John's conclusion in John 20:31, and the wider testimony of Scripture, the study encourages readers to examine the whole biblical context before reaching a conclusion. Read the full research at https://wwwrealdiscoveriesorg-simon.blogspot.com/
Quick Facts
Did Thomas Believe Jesus Was God?
What Did Thomas Mean When He Said, "My Lord and My God"?
John 20:28
One of the most frequently quoted verses used to support the doctrine of the Trinity is John 20:28, where Thomas says to the risen Jesus:
"My Lord and my God!"
Many conclude from this single statement that Thomas believed Jesus was Almighty God.
But is that what the passage actually teaches?
Before reaching a conclusion, we should do what the Bereans did and carefully examine the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).
Quick Facts
Thomas had heard Jesus repeatedly teach that the Father was in Him and working through Him (John 14:10–11).
Jesus consistently distinguished Himself from His Father, whom He called "the only true God" (John 17:3).
In the Greek text Thomas says:
"My Lord and my God."
Thomas uses the conjunction καὶ (kai) meaning "and."
This naturally raises the question of whether Thomas is referring to two persons—his Lord, Jesus Christ, and his God, the Father.
Throughout the New Testament, similar expressions frequently refer to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ together.
Immediately after recording Thomas' words, John explains the purpose of his Gospel:
"These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God."
John 20:31
Notice that John does not conclude by saying:
"Jesus is Almighty God."
Instead, he directs readers to believe that Jesus is:
The Christ, the Son of God.
The Main Article
Did Thomas Believe Jesus Was Almighty God?
Trinitarians often argue that Thomas finally recognised Jesus as Almighty God when he declared:
"My Lord and my God!"
John 20:28
Many commentators conclude that Thomas was directly calling Jesus "God."
But before accepting that interpretation, we should ask several important questions.
Did Thomas suddenly abandon the monotheistic faith that he had always believed?
Did Thomas forget the greatest commandment that Jesus Himself had quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4?
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
Mark 12:29
Did Thomas forget Jesus' repeated teaching that:
"The Father is in Me."
John 14:10–11
Or:
"The Father who dwells in Me does His works."
Or Jesus' prayer:
"That they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
John 17:3
These questions deserve careful consideration before concluding that Thomas believed Jesus was the same Almighty God whom Jesus Himself worshipped.
The Grammar Matters
Thomas did not simply say:
"My Lord God."
Instead he said:
"My Lord and my God."
The Greek conjunction καὶ (kai) means "and."
This raises the possibility that Thomas is addressing both:
My Lord — Jesus Christ.
My God — the Father dwelling in Jesus.
This interpretation fits remarkably well with everything Jesus had taught His disciples before His crucifixion.
Jesus never claimed to be the Father.
Instead He repeatedly taught:
"I am in the Father and the Father is in Me."
John 14:10–11
If Thomas finally understood that truth after seeing the risen Christ, his words become entirely understandable.
He recognises:
His risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
And the God who was working through Him.
OLD ARTICLE: Did Thomas BELIEVE Jesus was GOD when Thomas said “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28?
