Bartholomew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned by name in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) as being among the twelve that Jesus called to be his closest followers. Beyond his inclusion in the lists of the twelve disciples, little else is known about Bartholomew from the Bible. However, church tradition provides some additional insights about his identity and ministry.
Bartholomew’s Name
In the lists where Bartholomew is named as one of the twelve disciples, he is always paired with Philip (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13). This consistent pairing suggests that Philip and Bartholomew likely knew each other and may have been connected in some way before becoming Jesus’ disciples.
The name Bartholomew means “son of Tolmai.” It is likely that this was not the disciple’s actual first name, but rather his patronymic – his father’s name. This was a common practice in biblical times. The disciple probably had another first name that has not been recorded in the biblical accounts. Based on other traditions about his identity (discussed below), his first name could have been Nathanael.
Bartholomew and Nathanael
Although the Gospel of John does not mention Bartholomew in its list of the twelve disciples, it does include Nathanael as one of the very first disciples called by Jesus (John 1:43-51). Many scholars believe Nathanael and Bartholomew were the same person. Nathanael is identified as being from Cana in Galilee and he was brought to Jesus by Philip. The parallels between Nathanael and the synoptic gospels’ Bartholomew suggest they could be one and the same:
– Nathanael was brought to Jesus by Philip, just as Bartholomew is always paired with Philip in the synoptic gospels’ lists.
– Nathanael was from Cana, a town in Galilee. All of the twelve disciples were Galileans.
– Nathanael is not mentioned in the synoptic gospels, while Bartholomew is not mentioned in John’s gospel. The two names could refer to the same person.
However, this connection is not definitive. It is also possible they were two separate individuals. But many scholars view the Nathanael-Bartholomew identification as likely. If they were the same person, then Bartholomew’s first name was probably Nathanael.
Bartholomew’s Background
The Gospel of John provides a brief account of Nathanael’s first encounter with Jesus that potentially sheds light on Bartholomew’s background. When Philip told Nathanael that Jesus was the Messiah, Nathanael was skeptical and questioned if anything good could come out of Nazareth (John 1:46). But after speaking with Jesus, Nathanael was convinced and declared Jesus to be the Son of God and King of Israel.
This exchange suggests a few key insights about the disciple who was probably also known as Bartholomew:
– He was well-versed in Scripture – Nathanael’s declaration of Jesus as Son of God and King of Israel reflects knowledge of Old Testament messianic prophecies.
– He was from Cana in Galilee – He shared the common hometown of Galilee with many of the other disciples.
– He may have been learned or a teacher of the Law – His familiarity with the Scriptures indicates he had substantial religious training and possibly was a teacher himself.
So while the Bible does not provide many details about his identity, the account in John indicates Bartholomew/Nathanael was very knowledgeable about Jewish Scripture and worship.
Bartholomew’s Call by Jesus
The Gospel of John recounts Nathanael’s brief but important first meeting with Jesus. Nathanael initially doubted Philip’s claims that Jesus was the Messiah. But upon meeting Jesus, he quickly changed his mind and declared Jesus to be the Son of God and King of Israel after Jesus miraculously revealed his omniscience by declaring he saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip called him (John 1:48).
This account provides insight into both Bartholomew/Nathanael’s character and how he became a follower of Jesus:
– He was frank in questioning Philip’s claims about Jesus but open-minded in going to meet Jesus in person.
– He became convinced of Jesus’ identity based on Jesus’ supernatural knowledge of seeing him under a fig tree before they met.
– Jesus commended him as “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47)
– Unlike the skeptical townspeople in his hometown of Nazareth, Nathanael recognized Jesus as Messiah because of Jesus’ miraculous revelation.
So within the short account in John 1, Bartholomew/Nathanael comes across as an earnest truth-seeker, willing to acknowledge Jesus’ identity once confronted with evidence of Jesus’ power.
Bartholomew’s Activities as a Disciple
Beyond Bartholomew/Nathanael’s call to discipleship, the Gospels do not record any additional information about his time as a follower of Jesus. As one of the Twelve, he likely accompanied Jesus during his ministry travels, heard his teachings firsthand, and was present at key events like the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Bartholomew was also among the disciples after Jesus’ ascension who gathered in Jerusalem as the early Christian church began to grow and spread (Acts 1:12-14). He may have been among those empowered by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost when the church received its missionary call to take the gospel to all nations (Acts 2:1-4).
Beyond this, the New Testament is silent about Bartholomew’s activities. But some key points can be surmised:
– As one of the Twelve, he occupied a privileged position among Jesus’ followers, being chosen by Jesus himself to take part in his ministry.
– He likely witnessed Jesus’ miracles firsthand.
– He was probably present at the Last Supper.
– He would have observed the crucifixion.
– He encountered the risen Christ.
– He waited with the other believers for the promised Holy Spirit.
So although not mentioned frequently in the Gospels, Bartholomew’s inclusion among the Twelve means he was part of the core group of disciples who spent three years learning from Jesus before being commissioned as apostles.
Bartholomew in Church Tradition and Extra-Biblical Texts
Beyond Bartholomew’s limited appearances in the New Testament, later church tradition provides some additional details (not found in the Bible) about his ministry and martyrdom:
– He is said to have preached in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Armenia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, and Arabia.
– Along with Philip, he is credited with bringing many people to faith in Christ throughout his missionary travels to these regions.
– Tradition states that he was martyred by being flayed (skinned alive) in Armenia.
Various apocryphal gospels and texts also mention Bartholomew, claiming he wrote certain gospels and citing secret revelations he received from Jesus. However, these extra-biblical books were likely not actually authored by Bartholomew and contain spurious/heretical accounts, so they do not provide reliable information about him.
While the historical accuracy of the extra-biblical accounts is uncertain, they do indicate Bartholomew was venerated in various places like Armenia where he may have ministered and died.
Lessons from Bartholomew’s Life
Though little is recorded about him in Scripture, some key lessons can be drawn from what we do know about Bartholomew:
1. He was willing to sincerely examine the evidence about Jesus. When Philip told him Jesus was the Messiah, he could have dismissed the claims out of hand, but instead seems to have approached the issue with an open mind.
2. He acknowledged the truth about Jesus’ identity once confronted with miraculous signs. Unlike many of the religious leaders of the day who rejected Jesus despite his miracles, Nathanael/Bartholomew recognized the divine hand behind the supernatural knowledge Jesus displayed about his life.
3. He became a faithful disciple, being chosen as one of the Twelve and following Jesus for the remainder of his ministry on earth.
4. He helped lay the foundations of the early church after Jesus’ ascension as one of the key apostles in Jerusalem.
5. According to very early tradition, he sacrificed greatly to travel and spread the gospel message about Jesus in difficult circumstances.
So although the Bible does not record specifics about Bartholomew’s contributions to the church, the little information available still reveals an individual sincerely seeking God’s truth who found the Messiah, followed him faithfully even to death, and served as his witness to the ends of the earth. The available information presents Bartholomew as an exemplary model of a disciple of Christ.
Conclusion
In summary, here are some of the key points to understand about Bartholomew from Scripture and tradition:
– He was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, called to follow Jesus during his earthly ministry.
– He is likely the same person as Nathanael, the disciple introduced in John 1.
– His name means “son of Tolmai” – he may have been known as Nathanael Bartholomew.
– He recognized Jesus’ true identity after Jesus revealed his supernatural knowledge.
– He became a close, faithful follower and apostle of Christ.
– Very early tradition indicates he ministered extensively and was martyred for his faith.
Though not mentioned often in Scripture, the evidence indicates Bartholomew wholeheartedly devoted his life to serving Jesus as disciple and apostle. His story provides an example of sincere faith in Christ leading to a fruitful ministry dedicated to making the Savior known throughout the world.