Paintings of the scene from John's Gospel where Thomas the Apostle encounters the risen Jesus sometimes depict Thomas putting out his hand to touch Jesus or even stretching out a finger to feel his wounds. This is quite inaccurate. It is thus important to pay close attention to the Gospel account and not to add details which are not there.

John describes the occasion according to his own principles in composing his Gospel. One of his main principles was to take one example of an occurrence and explore it more deeply. Thus he does not record all the miracles which the Synoptics recount, but chooses a number which, for his presentation of Jesus, he considers of great importance. He then deals with these miracles in greater depth to promote a better understanding of Jesus and the importance of response to him in faith and obedience.

Thomas was not the only member of the early Church to find it difficult to believe in the resurrection, but John chose to recount his personal encounter with the risen Jesus in order to show that our belief in the resurrection cannot be based merely on hearsay. It must find its deepest meaning in a personal encounter with Jesus through faith and adoration.