Which Disciple of Jesus Went to India?
The question of which disciple of Jesus went to India has intrigued historians, theologians, and enthusiasts of the Bible for centuries. The New Testament provides limited information about the travels of Jesus’ disciples after His resurrection, making it a topic of much speculation and debate. This article aims to explore the various theories and evidence that suggest which of Jesus’ disciples may have traveled to India.
One of the most prominent theories revolves around Thomas, also known as Didymus. According to tradition, Thomas is believed to have been the apostle who journeyed to India. The story of Thomas’s missionary work in India is documented in the “Acts of Thomas,” an early Christian text that was not included in the canonical New Testament. According to this text, Thomas was sent by Jesus to spread the Christian faith in India, where he faced numerous challenges and obstacles. He is said to have converted many people, including a king, and even performed miracles.
The connection between Thomas and India is further strengthened by the existence of several churches in India that claim to be founded by Thomas. The most famous of these is the Church of St. Thomas in Mylapore, Chennai, which dates back to the 4th century. The Indian tradition also attributes the construction of the St. Thomas Cathedral in Chennai to Thomas himself.
Another theory suggests that it was Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, who traveled to India. This theory is based on the belief that Bartholomew’s name is mentioned in a Syriac manuscript as the apostle who went to India. However, this claim is not supported by any other historical or archaeological evidence.
Some scholars propose that it was Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew, who traveled to India. This theory is based on the fact that the Gospel of Matthew contains a genealogy of Jesus that mentions a Jewish exile in India. However, this connection is not conclusive, and the genealogy could simply be a literary device to emphasize Jesus’ Jewish heritage.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer to the question of which disciple of Jesus went to India, the evidence and traditions suggest that Thomas is the most likely candidate. The story of Thomas’s journey to India has left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the region, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the many churches and monuments dedicated to him across India.
