Bartholomew Nathaniel – a skeptic scholar!

Bartholomew is listed as one of the twelve apostles in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13) He is believed to be from the royal family, as his name is connected to Talmai. Philip, his friend, introduced him to the Lord. His name is always paired with Philip.

Nazarene

Nathaniel was skeptical that nothing good could come out of Nazareth. Messiah himself come from there? The Hebrew word for ‘branch’ is netzer, which is spelt: NZR, same as ‘Nazareth.’ In Hebrew, Nazareth means ‘branch.’ Lord Jesus is called the Righteous Branch, a Nazarene. As a Hebrew and Law scholar, he was initially skeptical. Lord Jesus was gracious to ignore his insult and spoke with him. When he heard ‘without guile’ and under the fig tree, a light flashed in his mind, reminding him of the prophecy of Zechariah. (John 1:47, 48) He understood Jesus the Branch, the Netzer, from the stump of Jesse was right before him. So, He exclaimed and received the Lord as the Son of God and King of Israel (John 1:49)

Jacob’s Ladder

The Lord reminded him of the vision of Jacob. (John 1:51)The ladder represents the Lord, the Son of God and Son of man, who is God in Heaven whilst being incarnate God-man on earth. In His office as Mediator between God and man. Angels minister to him and the body of Christ. There is an eternal, effectual communication channel opened between heaven and earth through the Lord Jesus. (Hebrews 9:12; 10:10)Through Lord Jesus Heaven opened to earth! Also, Heaven opened on Earth!!

Post-resurrection

Along with Peter, Bartholomew Nathaniel was one of the seven disciples who went fishing. (John 21:1-3) Though he was not a fisherman, he joined as an adventure trip or to learn a new trade.

Mission and Death

Along with Jude, Bartholomew Nathaniel served in Armenia. Many believe that Bartholomew Nathaniel was skinned or flayed alive and crucified head downward by Astyages, King of Armenia.

Challenge

Nathaniel was a scholar who was not arrogant about his knowledge but willing to receive the truth. Even though his thought patterns were biased or prejudiced, he was willing to accept the facts. His open mind, willingness to learn and change, and commitment to the truth are some of the noble characteristics of this disciple.