Biblical Account of Nathanael (Bartholomew)
• Introduction to Jesus (John 1:45-51)Nathanael is first introduced in the Gospel of John when Philip brings him to Jesus, saying, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael skeptically responds, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"
o However, when Jesus sees him, He says, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"
o Nathanael is amazed when Jesus tells him He saw him under the fig tree before Philip called him. Realizing Jesus' divine knowledge, he declares, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
o Jesus then tells him, "You will see greater things than these... You will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
This passage suggests Nathanael had a pure heart and strong faith, even though he initially doubted.
• Listed Among the Apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13)
The name Bartholomew appears in the synoptic Gospels’ lists of the twelve apostles, but the Gospel of John does not mention Bartholomew. Instead, it mentions Nathanael. Since Bartholomew is not a first name but means "Son of Tolmai" (Bar-Tolmai), many scholars believe Nathanael and Bartholomew are the same person.
• Witness to the Resurrection (John 21:2)
After Jesus’ resurrection, Nathanael is one of the seven disciples who go fishing with Peter on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus appears to them, performs a miraculous catch of fish, and shares a meal with them.
Traditions About Nathanael's Later Life
After Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles, Nathanael (Bartholomew) is said to have traveled extensively to spread the Gospel.
1. Missionary Work
• According to early Christian traditions, Nathanael preached in India, Arabia, Mesopotamia, Persia (modern-day Iran), Egypt, and Armenia.
• Eusebius, an early church historian, records that Pantaenus, a missionary in India in the 2nd century, found a Hebrew copy of the Gospel of Matthew left there by Bartholomew.
• Armenian church tradition holds that Bartholomew brought Christianity to Armenia alongside Thaddeus (Jude). They are considered the founders of the Armenian Church, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.
2. Martyrdom
• The most widely accepted tradition states that Bartholomew was martyred in Armenia by King Polymius, who was angered when Bartholomew converted his brother.
• One account says he was flayed alive (his skin removed) and then beheaded. This gruesome method of execution is why he is often depicted in Christian art holding his own skin or a knife.
• Some sources claim he was crucified upside down like Peter, while others say he was thrown into the sea in a sack.
Legacy
• Feast Day: August 24 (Western Church), June 11 (Eastern Orthodox Church)
• Patron Saint of: Leatherworkers, tanners, and butchers (due to his manner of death)
• Symbolism in Art: A knife, flayed skin, or a book (representing his missionary work)
Conclusion
Nathanael (Bartholomew) started as a skeptic but became one of Jesus' devoted disciples. His bold confession, "You are the Son of God, the King of Israel," marked him as a man of great faith. He carried the Gospel far beyond Israel, possibly reaching India and Armenia, and ultimately gave his life for his faith.