Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He is traditionally identified with Nathanael, though the New Testament does not explicitly establish this identification.
Definition
Bartholomew, meaning “son of Tolmai,” was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The New Testament gives no further narrative about him beyond his place among the apostles and his presence among the disciples after the resurrection and at the Ascension.
Biblical Usage
Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve, witnessed the risen Christ’s appearance by the Sea of Tiberias, and was present with the disciples at the Ascension. He is generally, though not conclusively, identified with Nathanael.
Historical Background
In the Synoptic Gospels Bartholomew is repeatedly paired with Philip, while the Gospel of John pairs Nathanael with Philip and does not name Bartholomew. Later traditions associate him with preaching in India, Arabia, Armenia, or among the Parthians, but the identification with Nathanael remains unproved.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Son of Tolmai, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Acts 1:13); generally supposed to have been the same as Nathanael. In the synoptic gospels Philip and Bartholomew are always mentioned together, while Nathanael is never mentioned; in the fourth gospel, on the other hand, Philip and Nathanael are similarly mentioned together, but nothing is said of Bartholomew. He was one of the disciples to whom our Lord appeared at the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection (John 21:2). He was also a witness of the Ascension (Acts 1:4, 12, 13). He was an “Israelite indeed” (John 1:47).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(son of Tolmai), one of the twelve apostles of Christ. (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13) It has been not improperly conjectured that he is identical with Nathanael. (John 1:45) ff. He is said to have preached the gospel in India, that is, probably, Arabia Felix, and according to some in Armenia.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bar-thol'-o-mu (Bartholomaios, i.e. "son of Tolmai or Tolmai"): One of the Twelve Apostles (Mt 10:3; Mr 3:18; Lu 6:14; Ac 1:13). There is no further reference to him in the New Testament. According to the "Genealogies of the Twelve Apostles" (Budge, Contendings of the Apostles, II, 50) "Bartholomew was of the house of Naphtali. Now his name was formerly John, but our Lord changed it because of John the son of Zebedee, His beloved." A "Gospel of Bartholomew" is mentioned by Hieronymus (Comm. Proem ad Matth.), and Gelasius gives the tradition that Bartholomew brought the Hebrew gospel of Matthew to India. In the "Preaching of Bartholomew in the Oasis" (compare Budge, II, 90) he is referred to as preaching probably in the oasis of Al Bahnasa, and according to the "Preaching of Andrew and Bartholomew" he labored among the Parthians (Budge, II, 183). The "Martyrdom of Bartholomew" states that he was placed in a sack and cast into the sea.</p><p>From the 9th century onward, Bartholomew has generally been identified with Nathanael, but this view has not been conclusively established.</p><p>See NATHANAEL.</p><p>C. M. Kerr</p>
