Bartholomew (Nathanael)
The Honest Heart Known by Jesus
Name Information
- Meaning: "Son of Tolmai" (Bartholomew); Nathanael means "God has given"
- Language of Origin: Aramaic (Bartholomew), Hebrew (Nathanael)
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Bartholomew, often identified with Nathanael, was one of the Twelve Apostles. He is introduced in the Gospel of John as a man without deceit — someone Jesus knew even before they met. Though he asked skeptical questions, once convinced, he gave a bold confession of Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. His life displays how genuine seekers are met with grace and revelation.
⏰ 1st century AD
Roles
- Apostle
- Disciple
Relationships
- Friend: Philip
Story
Skeptical at first when told Jesus was from Nazareth, saying, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'
Met Jesus and was astonished when Jesus described him supernaturally.
Declared, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!'
Listed among the apostles and present after the resurrection.
Church tradition holds he later preached the gospel in distant lands and died a martyr’s death.
Spiritual Significance
- One of the original twelve apostles.
- Believed to be the same person as Nathanael in the Gospel of John.
- Called by Jesus after Philip brought him.
- Recognized by Jesus as a man of integrity: 'an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.'
- Made a bold confession of Jesus' identity early in His ministry.
Christ Connection
Jesus revealed His divine knowledge to Bartholomew, pointing to His omniscience and identity as the Messiah.
Bartholomew’s confession affirms Jesus’ divine sonship and messianic kingship.
His transformation from skeptic to believer reflects how Christ draws sincere seekers to Himself.
What We Can Learn
- Jesus knows our hearts before we speak a word.
- Honest doubts can lead to deeper faith when brought to Jesus.
- True faith recognizes Jesus for who He really is — the Son of God and King.
Memory Verses
Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
— John 1:49
Key Passages
- John 1:45–51
- Matthew 10:2–4
- Mark 3:18
- Luke 6:14
- Acts 1:13
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