Thomas Didymus
The Analytical Doubter, the Real Scientist of the Twelve
Thomas was 29 when chosen, married with four children, formerly a carpenter and stone mason turned fisherman. He had the one truly analytical mind of the twelve and was the real scientist of the apostolic group (139:8.2). His great strength was his superb analytical mind coupled with unflinching courage once he made up his mind; his great weakness was suspicious doubting he never fully overcame (139:8.4). Peter initially called him 'mean, ugly, and always suspicious,' but the better his associates knew him, the more they liked him (139:8.3). Thomas lost his twin sister at age nine, contributing to his melancholy. He managed the apostolic itinerary and was a good executive. His motto when facing danger: 'Come on, comrades, let's go and die with him' (139:8.8).