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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Let us go, that we also may die with Him." Some say that he desired himself to die; but it is not so; the expression is rather one of cowardice. Yet he was not rebuked, for Christ as yet supported his weakness, but afterwards he became stronger than all, and invincible. For the wonderful thing is this; that we see one who was so weak before the Crucifixion, become after the Crucifixion, and after having believed in the Resurrection, more zealous than any. So great was the power of Christ. …
Cyril of Alexandria
The language of Thomas has indeed zeal, but it also has timidity; it was the outcome of devout feeling, but it was mixed with littleness of faith. For he does not endure being left behind, and even tries to persuade the others to adopt the same resolution: nevertheless he thinks that they are destined to suffer [death] at the hands of the Jews, even against the will of Christ, by reason of the murderous passion of the Jews; not looking at the power of the Deliverer, as he ought rather to have done. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
When the Lord said this and proved to the disciples the necessity of His journey to Judea, then Thomas, who was more fearful than the rest, says: "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." For these words express not courage, but fear and faintheartedness. In order to hold back the other fellow disciples as well, he reminds them of death and deliberately adds "die," speaking as if to say: "Let us too, foolish, senseless, and caring nothing for our own salvation and life, go so that we may die with Him. …
Western Saints
Bede
The disciples, checked by our Lord's answer to them, dared no longer oppose; and Thomas, more forward than the rest, says, Let us also go that we may die with him. What an appearance of firmness! He speaks as if he could really do what he said; unmindful, like Peter, of his frailty.
Thomas Aquinas
1504 Now the attitude of the disciples is given, and this can be interpreted in two ways; in one way as indicating a lack of confidence; and in the other as indicating love. Chrysostom interprets it in the first way. As was mentioned above, all the disciples feared the Jews, but especially Thomas. Indeed, before the passion he was weaker than the others and had less faith, but after he became stronger and was beyond reproach, traveling the whole world alone. …
Bonaventure
Therefore Thomas said. Here the fourth point is touched upon, namely the courage of Thomas, even unto dying together; therefore he says: Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, as one long doubting, said: Let us also go, that we may die with him. Chrysostom asks: How did Thomas say this? …
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