Relating to the Inner Twelve - Thomas

Ever step out of a room just as something big or funny happens? That's what happened to our next apostle.

The scriptures don't say where Thomas was when the risen Savior appeared to the roomful of followers, it just says he wasn't there. But when he returns and hears what happened, the nature of his comment has been remembered for a long time. Ever heard the negative phrase, "You're such a doubting Thomas."?

In his defense, here's another way to think of it. Have you ever come up to a group of friends who were hysterically laughing over something funny that happened at a party you were unable to attend? A strong feeling of being left out can swell within. Would you feel left out? I know I would. I get this part of Thomas's situation.

All Thomas did was to demand the same thing the rest of the apostles got. He wanted equality. Who knows where he was or why he left the room, but he missed it all. Missed seeing Jesus. Missed the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the commission Jesus spoke over them. Missed it! (John 20:19-25) He was more than likely frustrated, thinking he would never get the opportunity to partake in what everyone else received. I get that feeling.

As I looked at Thomas I saw a few other things.

When Jesus first appeared to the disciples in the upper room, they had not believed Mary Magdalene. In fact, they didn't recognize Jesus when He stood in the middle of the room. Jesus had to show them his hands and side. (vs 20) I have to wonder if they told this to Thomas. Is that why he said he wanted to see those too? Of course, once they saw those sites then they rejoiced. Hmm. So, when Jesus made His statements later in John 20:27-29 was he talking to just Thomas, or to the whole roomful of people? Hmmm.

So, was not being present the only reason Thomas was so frustrated and hesitant in believing what the others said? Let's look at two other episodes with him.

In John 11:7-16, we see Thomas as an encourager with leadership qualities. The apostles didn't want Jesus to go see Lazarus because he might get killed in the process, which is something they didn't want to happen. In fact, they argued with him. But Jesus not only insists on going to see Lazarus, he tells them he has something to show them. With resistance in the air, Thomas is the one who speaks up and basically tells the doubting disciples, "Come on people, let's support our leader, our teacher...even if we die with Him."

Then in John 14:1-6 Jesus brings up that He is going to a place that they know the way to. Thomas asks the question everyone else was probably thinking. In some ways, he was the spokesman for the group. His question shows his heart was ready to go with Jesus and that he didn't want to miss being with Him. Because of his question we see how Jesus is transitioning everyone from thinking in the physical realm to thinking in the spiritual realm.

With these two episodes in mind, I understand the defensive attitude he exhibited when he thought he missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thankfully, eight days later, Thomas had his request granted. (John 20:26-29)

In closing, here are some other details about Thomas. He hailed from the Galilee and was called the twin, Didymus. Who was he a twin to? No explanation is given. That's one question we have to wait until we get to heaven to hear the answer. Tradition holds that he was a quiet worker in Parthia, Persia, and India. His life ended in martyrdom near Madras at Mount St. Thomas.

The verses where you  can read about Thomas are: Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; John 11:7-16, 14:1-6, 20:19-29, 21:1-11; Acts 1:12-14

Relating to the Inner Twelve - Nathanael

 Our next apostle is Nathanael, or should I say Bartholomew. He has both names attributed to him. Nathanael means "gift of God". Bartholomew means "son of Tolmai".  Some of the references I looked at said Bartholomew is like a last name. We see in John 21:1-11 Bartholomew is referred to as Nathanael. So, for this post I will just refer to him as Nathanael.

Our time with Nathanael begins in John 1:45-51 when his day is interrupted by his friend Philip. What we can easily over look is that Philip comes from Bethsaida and Nathanael is from Cana. This does indicate that one or both of them traveled the land. Do you find your self traveling about? Meeting new people? Having friends who live in different locations? Maybe you're like Nathanael.

Going back to Philip's arrival... Of all things, Nathanael was asked to follow Philip to see a man from a town that he felt nothing good could come from, Nazareth. The other side of the tracks, so to speak. Have you ever had preconceived thoughts about someone or some place before giving them a chance? Uh huh, I think we all have.

Nathanael has his eyes opened to his wrong way of thinking when he meets this man, Jesus, son of Joseph. He hears something he didn't expect to hear from a stranger. Jesus announces that Nathanael is a true son of Israel, an honest man with no hidden agenda. To be called a true Israelite meant he was a good example of Israel, honest and not cunning, truly living up to the religion of Israel.

Whoa!

Have you ever been given a compliment that you didn't think you deserved? Now you understand what Nathanael was mulling over in his mind.

By his response we know that he didn't feel like he deserved such praise, especially from someone who was not an acquaintance. Asking how Jesus knows this because they had never met... how could Jesus know anything about him? Jesus's answer implies that while others may not have seen Nathanael under a fig tree, He saw him. What was he doing under the tree? No one really knows, but I have read in commentaries that it could refer to praying and being in communion with God. Which makes total sense, especially after the first compliment Jesus gives to Nathanael. In any case, once he realizes that Jesus saw him in a private moment he in turn is able to publicly confess that Jesus truly is the Son of God and King of Israel. (John 1:47-51)

Let me linger here for another moment. Ever wonder if God Almighty sees you? Maybe Nathanael was wondering the same thing... or maybe not. In any case, Jesus tells Nathanael that He saw him. If Jesus saw Nathanael in a place that may have partially hidden him, then He sees us as well... in our hidden places, in our places of searching for Him, in our lonely places...  He sees us too!

None of the gospels mention Nathanael asking questions that were left better unsaid. He probably knew when to keep his mouth shut, or maybe he waited to hear all the details before saying anything. As far as post-resurrection goes, some sources do report that he went to Armenia to preach the gospel and was flayed to death for his teachings.

According to the historian Jerome, Nathanael even wrote a gospel. I'm sure it reached those for whom it was intended even though it didn't make it into the King James Bible.

How I would love to say I have some of what this man possessed ...  no deceit in any part of him, an upright-thinking man who knew when to speak up and when to keep his mouth shut. A man who allowed others to take a closer role with Jesus even though he was the first to confess to Jesus who Jesus truly was. A humble man who watched and absorbed all that took place.

There are aspects of Nathanael that I can relate to even though I don't have all his good qualities. I love that his story affirms how Jesus sees me, no matter where I go or what I suffer, Jesus is watching. That is a wonderful reminder of the hope we have in the Almighty God.

The following verses mention Nathanael: Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; John 1:45-51, 21:1-11; Acts 1:1-14.

Relating to the Inner Twelve - Phillip

So here we go with the twelve apostles... the inner circle of Jesus. I want to start with Philip. 

He was not the first one called, but he wasn’t the last one either. He is known as being one of the quiet apostles. He didn’t loudly blurt out answers for all to hear. His name means “lover of horses.” Interesting meaning, I think. John 1:46 tells us he’s from Bethsaida, just like Andrew and Peter. According to the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, he preached in Phrygia; dying as a martyr in Hierapolis. 

Upon seeing this point, I reviewed Acts 8. What I read burst my bubble. 

Phillip the apostle is not the same Philip who spoke with the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:1 tells us that the apostles remained in Jerusalem while many of the others were scattered. It's after this that we read the account of the eunuch on the road to Gaza, which is followed by Philip being transported to Azotus. Logically, the Philip in these verses is the recently appointed Philip from Acts 6:5, not the apostle.

Don't be disheartened, though. There's enough written to give us some lessons and points to relate with the Apostle Philip. 

John 1:43 tells us Jesus found Philip. Do you feel like Jesus found you where you were? Calling you to follow Him. How sweet is that?

 

Further in John 1:45-46 we see Philip found his friend Nathanael, and shared the good news with him. He even had to be a little persistent to get him to join in the adventure. Any of us want to share good news, any good news, like that? Perhaps we may need to be as persistent as Philip was. Keep trying to get the good news received.

Sometime after joining Jesus, came the moment when a large group of people needed to be fed. Jesus used this to test Philip. (John 6:5-9) Although, I see it as Jesus using an opportunity to show how he can provide when things look overwhelming. First he showed Philip here's a problem coming - lots of people - lots of hungry people. Then he asked the question, "How can we feed these people?" Granted Philip responded the way many would have...are you kidding? Feed them? All of them? There's no possible way we have enough money with us to feed all of those people? It can't be done. (Author's sanctified imagination used here.) In the end, Andrew mentions a small basket of food that Jesus then uses to feed thousands of people. It was Philip that stated the earthly impossibility while Jesus showed that with Him all things are possible.

 

Next came the time when Philip was addressed by Greeks who wanted a special favor. (John 12:20-23) Not knowing the answer he checked with Andrew. Together they approached Jesus. What they got was a long preparatory statement of the soon coming events followed by God the Father speaking from heaven. Ever asked a question for which you received an answer you weren't expecting? I can relate.

Philip's lessons didn't stop there. Have you ever heard the first part of what was said but stopped listening to the words that followed? Yep, Philip did that too in John 14. He made a statement/request that was answered basically with, "Weren't you paying attention to what I just said?" He has a willingness to believe in all that Jesus will show him; it's just that he didn't pay attention to the details Jesus was sharing. Wasn't his head in the game? How many times have my thoughts not been present in the game? I've been guilty of this. Asking  questions that leave those in close proximity giving me the look...really? In this respect, I can so identify with Philip.

 

Perhaps you haven't had any of these Philip-experiences. Come back next week and see if Nathaniel rings a bell. In the meantime, if you're interested in reading the verses where Philip is specifically mentioned, check these out: John 1:43-46, 6:5-9, 12:20-23; John 14; Matt 10:1-15; Luke 6:12-16; Mark 3:18; Acts 1:13