Unveiling the Mystery- The Enigmatic Discovery of St. Thomas by Unknown Explorers
Who discovered St. Thomas? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries. St. Thomas, also known as Thomas the Apostle, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is widely recognized as the founder of the Christian church in India. The discovery of his existence and the establishment of his apostolate have been subjects of extensive research and debate. This article delves into the mysteries surrounding the discovery of St. Thomas and explores the historical evidence that has shaped our understanding of this significant figure in Christian history.
The story of St. Thomas’s discovery begins with the New Testament, where he is mentioned as one of Jesus’ closest disciples. According to the Gospel of John, St. Thomas was known for his skepticism and disbelief in the resurrection of Jesus. However, after witnessing the resurrected Christ, he became a devoted follower and apostle. The question of who discovered St. Thomas in India, however, is not explicitly addressed in the New Testament.
The first historical reference to St. Thomas in India dates back to the 3rd century AD. This reference is found in the writings of the Greek historian Eusebius of Caesarea. Eusebius mentions that St. Thomas traveled to India and established the Christian church there. This account is significant because it provides the earliest known evidence of St. Thomas’s apostolate in India.
Subsequent historical records and traditions suggest that St. Thomas arrived in India during the reign of King Abgar IX of Edessa. According to these accounts, St. Thomas was invited to India by the king, who was seeking a cure for his leprosy. After healing the king, St. Thomas decided to stay in India and spread the Christian faith. He is believed to have established several churches and communities, particularly in the southern part of the country.
The discovery of St. Thomas in India is further supported by the existence of the St. Thomas Christian community, also known as the Nasrani or Syrian Christians. This community traces its origins back to St. Thomas and claims to be the descendants of the apostle himself. The St. Thomas Christians have their own liturgical traditions, liturgical language, and a unique form of church governance.
Over the centuries, various theories have emerged regarding the exact location of St. Thomas’s tomb and the site of his apostolate. One of the most famous theories is the one proposed by the Portuguese explorer Dom Aleixo de Menezes in the 16th century. Menezes claimed to have discovered the tomb of St. Thomas in the southern Indian city of Mylapore. This discovery led to the construction of the San Thome Basilica, which is now a major pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.
In conclusion, the discovery of St. Thomas in India is a topic that has captivated historians and scholars for centuries. While the exact details of his apostolate remain a subject of debate, the historical evidence suggests that St. Thomas played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in India. His legacy continues to be celebrated by the St. Thomas Christian community and by Christians around the world.