Bartholomew the Apostle
Male·1st century·Greater Armenia·Christianity
Bartholomew the Apostle was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, and is often identified with Nathanael. Tradition holds that he undertook missionary journeys to India and Greater Armenia, where he is considered a patron saint. His martyrdom is a significant aspect of his veneration, often depicted by his flaying.
Key Facts
- ›Bartholomew is listed among the twelve Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles.
- ›Scholars often identify Bartholomew with Nathanael, who appears in the Gospel of John.
- ›Tradition states Bartholomew undertook missionary work in India, leaving a copy of the Gospel of Matthew.
- ›He is reputed to have brought Christianity to Armenia with Jude 'Thaddeus', leading to Armenia becoming the first Christian state.
- ›Christian tradition offers multiple accounts of his martyrdom, including being flayed alive in Albanopolis, Armenia.
- ›He is venerated as a patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church and various trades.
Important Relationships
- Jesus
- Jude 'Thaddeus'
Places Associated
- India
- Greater Armenia
- Albanopolis
- Daras, Mesopotamia
- Lipari, Sicily
- Benevento, Italy
- Rome
- Bensalem
India, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Lycaonia, Ethiopia, Greater Armenia
Flayed Skin, Knife
Tanners, Plasterers, Tailors, Leatherworkers, Bookbinders, Farmers, Housepainters, Butchers, Glove Makers, Salt Merchants, Oil Merchants, Cheese Merchants, Armenian Apostolic Church
Nathanael, Bartholomaios, Bar-Tolmai, son of Tolmai, son of the furrows
Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13, John 1:45–51, John 21:2
- Michelangelo's Last Judgement
- Pacino Di Bonaguida's Laudario of Sant'Agnese
- the Flaying of St. Bartholomew In the Luttrell Psalter
- Guido Da Siena's Reliquary Shutters
- Jusepe De Ribera's the Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew
- Marco D'Agrate's St Bartholomew Flayed
- Gunther Von Hagens's the Skin Man
- Damien Hirst's Exquisite Pain
Apostle, Martyr
About Bartholomew the Apostle
Bartholomew the Apostle is recognized as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ according to the New Testament. While the Synoptic Gospels list him among the Twelve, the Gospel of John does not explicitly name Bartholomew but features Nathanael, whom most scholars today identify as the same individual. The name Bartholomew itself is Aramaic, meaning "son of Tolmai" or "son of the furrows."
Ministry and Tradition
Following the Ascension of Jesus, tradition attributes extensive missionary work to Bartholomew. Eusebius of Caesarea and Saint Jerome mention his evangelistic tour to India, where he reportedly left behind a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. Other traditions place his missionary activities in Mesopotamia, Parthia, Lycaonia, and Ethiopia. A significant aspect of his tradition is his role in bringing Christianity to Greater Armenia, alongside Jude Thaddeus. This evangelism is credited with Armenia becoming the first state to officially embrace Christianity in 301 AD, leading to Bartholomew and Thaddeus being considered patron saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Christian tradition offers several accounts of Bartholomew's death, most notably his martyrdom by flaying. In the Hellenic tradition, he was executed in Albanopolis, Armenia, for converting King Polymius. While specific details vary, the flaying of Bartholomew has become a defining element of his iconography. His feast day is observed on various dates across different Christian denominations, including August 24th in the Roman General Calendar. Bartholomew is also venerated as a patron saint for numerous trades, including tanners, tailors, and leatherworkers, reflecting the nature of his martyrdom.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Related Apostles
Jude the Apostle
Jude the Apostle, also known as Thaddeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is traditionally venerated as the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes, and is often depicted with symbols like a club or an image of Jesus. His identity has sometimes been conflated with Jude, the brother of Jesus, though he is distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Matthew the Apostle
Matthew the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Matthew, earning him the title Matthew the Evangelist. He is recorded in the New Testament as a tax collector called by Jesus, and Church Fathers recount his missionary work in Judea and beyond.
James, son of Zebedee
James, son of Zebedee, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and is known as James the Great. He is distinguished from another apostle named James and is recognized as the first apostle to be martyred. Tradition holds him as the patron saint of Spain, with his supposed remains located in Santiago de Compostela.