# Thomas the Apostle > one of the Twelve Apostles in the New Testament **Wikidata**: [Q43669](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43669) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-the-apostle ## Summary Thomas the Apostle was a missionary and one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is best known for his role as a disciple of Jesus and his contributions to early Christian theology, particularly through the *Apocalypse of Thomas*, a Gnostic text attributed to him. His life and teachings have been commemorated in various religious and cultural contexts, including churches and institutions named in his honor. ## Biography - Born: [Date and place not specified in source material] - Nationality: [Nationality not specified in source material] - Education: [Education not specified in source material] - Known for: Being one of the Twelve Apostles and author of the *Apocalypse of Thomas* - Employer(s): [No specific employers listed in source material] - Field(s): Christianity, early Christian theology ## Contributions Thomas the Apostle is primarily known for his role as a disciple of Jesus and his association with the *Apocalypse of Thomas*, a Christian Gnostic apocalypse attributed to him. This text is part of the Nag Hammadi library and contains teachings attributed to Thomas. Additionally, his life and legacy have been commemorated through various religious sites, including: - **Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg** (inception: 1196) - **Church of Santo Tomé** (Toledo, Spain) - **San Tomà, Venice** (inception dates: 973, 1395, 1652, 1742) - **São Tomé Island** (largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe) - **São Tomé** (capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, founded in 1485) ## FAQs **What is the *Apocalypse of Thomas* and why is it significant?** The *Apocalypse of Thomas* is a Christian Gnostic apocalypse attributed to Thomas the Apostle, part of the Nag Hammadi library. It contains teachings attributed to Thomas and is significant for its early Christian theological perspectives. **Where are there churches and institutions named after Thomas the Apostle?** There are churches and institutions named after Thomas the Apostle, including: - **Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg** (inception: 1196) - **Church of Santo Tomé** (Toledo, Spain) - **San Tomà, Venice** (inception dates: 973, 1395, 1652, 1742) - **São Tomé** (capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, founded in 1485) **What is the significance of São Tomé Island and the city of São Tomé?** São Tomé Island is the largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe, and the city of São Tomé is its capital, founded in 1485. The city is named after Thomas the Apostle and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the island nation. ## Why They Matter Thomas the Apostle is significant in Christian history as one of the Twelve Apostles and for his association with the *Apocalypse of Thomas*. His life and teachings have been commemorated through various religious sites and institutions, reflecting his enduring influence on early Christian theology and cultural heritage. The city of São Tomé, named after him, serves as a key administrative and cultural center for the nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, highlighting his legacy in both religious and geographical contexts. ## Notable For - Being one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ - Author of the *Apocalypse of Thomas*, a significant early Christian theological text - Commemoration through churches and institutions named after him, including: - **Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg** (inception: 1196) - **Church of Santo Tomé** (Toledo, Spain) - **San Tomà, Venice** (inception dates: 973, 1395, 1652, 1742) - Being the namesake of São Tomé Island and the city of São Tomé, the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe ## Body ### Identity and Role Thomas the Apostle was a missionary and one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is best known for his role as a disciple of Jesus and his contributions to early Christian theology, particularly through the *Apocalypse of Thomas*, a Gnostic text attributed to him. ### Religious and Cultural Legacy Thomas the Apostle's life and legacy have been commemorated through various religious sites and institutions, including: - **Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg** (inception: 1196) - **Church of Santo Tomé** (Toledo, Spain) - **San Tomà, Venice** (inception dates: 973, 1395, 1652, 1742) - **São Tomé Island** (largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe) - **São Tomé** (capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, founded in 1485) ### The *Apocalypse of Thomas* The *Apocalypse of Thomas* is a Christian Gnostic apocalypse attributed to Thomas the Apostle, part of the Nag Hammadi library. It contains teachings attributed to Thomas and is significant for its early Christian theological perspectives. ### São Tomé Island and the City of São Tomé São Tomé Island is the largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe, and the city of São Tomé is its capital, founded in 1485. The city is named after Thomas the Apostle and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the island nation. Key facts about São Tomé include: - **Population**: As of 2010, São Tomé had a population of 65,468. - **Area**: The city covers an area of 17 square kilometers. - **Coordinates**: São Tomé is located at latitude 0.3375° and longitude 6.7283°. - **Timezone**: The city operates on UTC±00:00. - **Official Language**: Portuguese is the official language of São Tomé. - **Elevation**: The city is situated at an elevation of 137 meters above sea level. ### Historical and Cultural Significance São Tomé was founded in 1485 during the Portuguese colonial period, with its name derived from Thomas the Apostle. The city served as a key administrative center under Portuguese rule and later became the capital of the independent nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. Its historical significance is reflected in its colonial architecture and cultural practices. ### Related Entities and Networks Thomas the Apostle is connected to various religious and cultural entities, including: - **Assyrian Church of the East** - **Church of the East** - **Chaldean Catholic Church** - **Syro-Malankara Catholic Church** These connections highlight the enduring influence of Thomas the Apostle in early Christian theology and religious history. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.stminastabanoub.org/index.php?option=com_synaxarium&Itemid=86&iday=03&imonth=06&iyear=2011) 2. [Source](http://www.dioceseofkalyan.org/index.php?module=downloads&id=124&action=download.html) 3. [Source](http://northbahamasconference.interamerica.org/bibleinfo_questions/5456) 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. New Testament 7. CONOR.SI 8. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints 9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 10. Enciclopedia Treccani 11. [LIBRIS. 2010](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/53hlr0dp5dk5zd2) 12. Dizionario di Storia 13. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Tomasz;3987910.html) 14. FactGrid 15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 16. GF WordNet 17. Catalogo of the National Library of India