"Sermons on Biblical Characters" by Clovis Gillham Chappell is a collection of sermons written in the early 20th century. The work explores significant figures from the Bible, offering theological insights and reflections on their lives and teachings. It aims to deepen the understanding of these characters and their relevance to contemporary faith and spirituality. The opening of the book begins with a sermon focused on Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles, who is notably absent during a pivotal moment when Jesus appears to the remaining disciples after his resurrection. The author reflects on Thomas's absence not as a mere oversight but as a profound loss of opportunity to witness the resurrection and receive comfort and peace from Christ. Chappell delves into the despair that Thomas experiences, emphasizing the regret of missing out on a transformative moment, and draws lessons on the importance of faithfulness and presence in communal worship. (This is an automatically generated summary.)