Who is Bartholomew in the Bible?

While Bartholomew does not have a lengthy narrative or many direct quotations attributed to him in the biblical text, his inclusion among the chosen twelve apostles underlines his significance. This blog post explores who Bartholomew is, the biblical references to him, his possible identity, and the legacy he left in Christian tradition.

Bartholomew in the Apostolic Lists

Bartholomew is mentioned by name in the lists of the twelve apostles in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—as well as in the book of Acts. In each of these lists, his name appears alongside Philip:

• Matthew 10:2-4
• Mark 3:16-19
• Luke 6:14-16
• Acts 1:13

Despite his repeated mention, the New Testament provides little information about his personality or individual actions. Unlike Peter, John, or even Thomas, Bartholomew does not feature prominently in any particular story or event within the Gospel narratives.

Bartholomew and Nathanael: Are They the Same?

A recurring question among biblical scholars is whether Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same person. The Gospel of John does not list Bartholomew among the apostles but introduces a disciple named Nathanael (John 1:45-51; 21:2). In the narrative, Nathanael is brought to Jesus by Philip—mirroring how Bartholomew and Philip are always paired in the synoptic lists. This has led many scholars and early church fathers to identify Bartholomew with Nathanael, suggesting that "Bartholomew" may be a patronymic meaning "son of Tolmai" (bar-Tolmai).

The story of Nathanael’s calling is notable. When Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael famously responds, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Upon meeting Jesus, Nathanael is astonished that Jesus knows him, and declares, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” If Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same person, this account provides a glimpse into his character—skeptical yet open, honest, and quick to recognize the truth about Jesus.

Bartholomew’s Role Among the Apostles

Bartholomew’s lack of individual stories does not diminish his importance. As one of the twelve apostles, he was chosen by Jesus to be a close companion and a foundational witness to His ministry, death, and resurrection. The apostles were entrusted with spreading the gospel and establishing the early church. According to tradition, after Pentecost, Bartholomew traveled widely to preach the message of Christ. While the Bible does not record his missionary journeys, early Christian writings suggest that he evangelized in regions such as India, Armenia, Ethiopia, and Mesopotamia.

Traditions and Legacy of Bartholomew

Much of what is known about Bartholomew comes from church tradition and apocryphal sources. Eusebius, a fourth-century church historian, records that Bartholomew brought a copy of the Gospel of Matthew to India. Other traditions claim he preached in Armenia, where he is said to have been martyred for his faith. The Armenian Apostolic Church honors him as one of its founding apostles.

Bartholomew’s martyrdom is the subject of many legends. The most common account is that he was flayed alive and then beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ. This gruesome story has made him the patron saint of tanners and butchers in Christian tradition. His feast day is celebrated on August 24 in Western Christianity and on different dates in Eastern Christian traditions.

Lessons from Bartholomew’s Life

Although Bartholomew does not dominate the pages of the New Testament, his life offers important lessons. His willingness to follow Jesus without fanfare or personal glory is a reminder that faithfulness often means humble service. The possible identification with Nathanael highlights the value of honest inquiry and an open heart towards God’s truth.

Bartholomew’s missionary legacy points to the global scope of the Christian message. Even when historical records are sparse, the witness of the apostles laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity throughout the world. Bartholomew’s example encourages believers today to serve faithfully, share the gospel wherever they are called, and trust that their impact reaches far beyond what may be recorded or recognized.