He was a Jew. He was also rather brave and dedicated to the message Jesus was bringing to the world as they knew it. When mounting hostilities were growing that would place Jesus life in danger he asked the apostles to travel with him.
Thomas was not with the other apostles when Jesus appeared before them after his crucifixion and death. Thomas refused to believe the revelations of the others unless he was able to see and put his hand in the wounds in Jesus side and in the nail wounds of his hands. Thomas was considered the doubter, hence the expression "Doubting Thomas."
Jesus would appear to the apostles eight days later and Thomas was present. Jesus stated he should make the tests he wishes, but, faith is not about proof. A group of in the Malabar coast of India named "the Christians of St. Thomas" claims he evangelized them and in that region of the world.
It would seem after the weeks of Jesus resurrection and reappearance the Apostles would disperse and travel to evangelize. Pretty interesting really when one realizes there were only twelve apostles. They found themselves in different places and never really crossing paths or returning to a common place.
Thomas went to teach the Parthians, Medes, and Persians. He final destination would be
India, carrying the Faith to the Malabar coast. The region still boasts a large native population calling themselves "Christians of St. Thomas." It is stated Thomas was martyred in 72 A.D. in Madras and buried in Mylapore. His feast day is July 3rd.
The Malabar Coast of India is on it's southeastern tip. It extends about 150 - 160 miles north from the southern tip. It is famous for trade routes. Here again we find an apostle of Jesus in a wealthier port cities. The methods of the apostles are in many instances predictable. They land in a foreign port, find those of influence and begin to teach them of the words of Jesus. CE is an abbreviation for "Common Era." Some would say Chrisitan Era, but, it is the same as AD, Anno Domini ("in the Year of Our Lord"). But, BCE means Before Common Era, or Before Christian Era or Before Current Era. I don't really understand why it is called Before the Current Era. There is definitely a turning point and it was the dawn of a new religion called Christianity. Those that depart from that hold onto their faith as Hebrews and don't really have a reference to time in relation to Jesus. The Hebrew calendar states it is 5774.
