John 11:16 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Then said Thomas,—Let us also go,— "When Jesus had declared his resolution to go into Judea, Thomas, who is called Didymus, conceiving nothing but destruction from such a journey, yetunwilling to forsake his blessed Master, said, Let us also go, that we may die with him." For he knew the inveteracy and malice of his countrymen to be so great, that nothing seemed more certain to them than such an event; and therefore he generously proposed that they should not forsake, but go, and lay down their lives with their beloved Master. Some have supposed that Lazarus is the antecedent to him in this passage; "Let us go, and die with Lazarus, our dear departed friend." And others, considering the great incredulity of Thomas, have supposed these not the words of faith and affection, but of uneasiness and despair, as if Jesus was leading themon to destruction, and it was best to end so miserable and persecuted a life. The first appears to me the most rational and consistent interpretation. Thomas is always distinguished by the name of Didymus, that is, twin, or two-fold.