Who Was Bartholomew?
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is mentioned in the New Testament as a close friend of Philip, another apostle.
What Do We Know About Him?
* Called by Jesus: In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls Nathanael "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile" (John 1:47). This suggests that Bartholomew was a man of integrity and sincerity.
* A Witness to the Resurrection: Like the other apostles, Bartholomew witnessed the resurrected Jesus (John 21:2) and was present at the Ascension (Acts 1:1-11).
* A Missionary: Tradition holds that Bartholomew traveled to Armenia, India, and other regions to spread the Gospel.
Bartholomew's Legacy
While there is limited information about Bartholomew in the Bible, his life and ministry are celebrated by many Christians. He is often depicted in Christian art with a large knife, symbolizing his martyrdom.
Want to Learn More?
If you're interested in learning more about Bartholomew, here are some resources:
* The Bible: Read the Gospel of John and the book of Acts for mentions of Bartholomew.
* Online Encyclopedias: Websites like Wikipedia and Britannica offer detailed information about Bartholomew's life and ministry.
* Christian Books: Many books on the apostles and early Christianity discuss Bartholomew in more detail.
By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of this enigmatic apostle and his role in the early Christian church.