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Gospels · New Testament

Bartholomew

Apostle Often Identified with Nathanael

Name meaning
Son of Tolmai
Name origin
Aramaic patronymic Bar-Tolmai, “son of Tolmai”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Apostle
Birthplace
Cana of Galilee (for Nathanael; identification with Bartholomew is traditional)
Modern-day location
Cana is traditionally identified with Kafr Kanna in Galilee, northern Israel; the site and Nathanael identification are debated.
Family
  • One of the Twelve
  • Often identified with Nathanael, though Scripture does not explicitly equate the names
First mention
Matthew 10:3
Last mention
Acts 1:13
Key artifacts
  • Fig tree
  • Apostolic traveling staff
  • Scroll

Key verses

  • “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

    John 1:46

  • “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.”

    John 1:49

  • “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”

    John 1:47

Biography

Early Life

Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve. Many Christian traditions identify him with Nathanael, whom Philip brought to Jesus, but the Bible does not explicitly make the identification.

Defining Biblical Moments

In John’s Gospel, Nathanael questions whether anything good can come from Nazareth, then follows after Jesus reveals knowledge of him. He is present among disciples after the resurrection.

Strengths

The Nathanael tradition portrays honest questioning, openness to evidence, and direct confession.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The identification of Bartholomew with Nathanael and details of his later ministry remain traditional and uncertain.

Life Lessons for Today

The identification of Bartholomew with Nathanael and details of his later ministry remain traditional and uncertain.

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Bartholomew appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #35 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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