Abacus and Capital - Doubting Thomas - The Mission of the Apostles

myminifactory

Above this capital is an abacus (Inv ME 149) with a frieze of palmettes in scrolling foliage. Absent when Jesus first appears to the apostles, Thomas is doubtful of his resurrection. Jesus then appears to him and allows him to touch his wounds as proof that he has risen. Peter and John are usually portrayed as witnesses of this scene on the other side. Christ gives Peter the New Covenant, intended to replace the Old Covenant of Moses. As the first head of the Christian community in Rome, Peter occupies a central position. Consequently, Peter and his successors, the popes, receive their mission directly from Christ himself.