Apostle Thomas
Apostle Thomas (Tommaso, Tome, Maes)

He is not brought to particular attention until John 20,24-29.  He is the twin who was not present at the first appearance of the risen Christ to the twelve.  He is the doubter, whom the risen one challenger eight days later: “give me your hand and look at my hands, give me your hand and touch my side”.  His attributes arise from legends contained in the apocryphal acts of Thomas.  Jesus Christ appeared to him and asked him to follow King Gundoforu’s messenger boy to India, because the king was looking for the best master builder to build him a palace in the Roman style. There were many prophecies, miracles and conversions. Finally he too dies the martyr's death.  Other legends tell of him roaming through strange countries where he met the three holy kings and baptised them.  His insignia in the representations is the sword or spear.  Later, the architect’s protractor is added.