Bartholomew (Nathanael) (jan 1, 33 – jan 1, 68)

Description:

Early Life and Background

-Also known as Bartholomew, which means "son of Tolmai" or "son of the furrows" (suggesting a possible connection to farming).
-Hailed from Cana in Galilee.

Calling by Jesus

-Introduced to Jesus by Philip, who declared that they had found the one Moses wrote about in the Law (John 1:45).
-Initially skeptical, famously asking, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46).
-Jesus praised Nathanael as an Israelite "in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47).
-Convinced of Jesus' identity after Jesus demonstrated supernatural knowledge of him sitting under the fig tree (John 1:48-49).

Role Among the Apostles

-Included among the twelve apostles.
Often listed alongside Philip in the synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.
-Little is detailed about his specific actions in the New Testament.

Ministry and Missionary Work

-Tradition holds that he preached in various regions, including India, Armenia, Lycaonia, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt.
-Associated with the establishment of the Armenian Church, considered one of its founding apostles.
-Some accounts suggest he brought a copy of the Gospel of Matthew to India.

Martyrdom

-According to tradition, Nathanael was martyred for his faith.
-Various accounts describe his death by flaying (skinning) alive and then beheading, particularly in Armenia.

Legacy

-Remembered for his initial skepticism that turned into a firm faith in Jesus.
-Revered for his missionary zeal and the spread of Christianity to different parts of the world.

Veneration

-Recognized as a saint in multiple Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.
-Feast day is observed on August 24 in the Western Church and June 11 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
-Often depicted in Christian art holding a knife (symbolizing his martyrdom by flaying) and sometimes with a book, representing his evangelistic work.

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