Biblical Character Study: Disciples of Lord Jesus Christਨਮੂਨਾ

Bartholomew Nathaniel – A Skeptic Scholar!

Introduction

Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel, is listed among the twelve apostles in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13).

In John’s Gospel, he is called Nathaniel, and many scholars identify him as the same person— Bartholomew Nathaniel.

A Royal Lineage

Bartholomew Nathaniel was the son of Talmai and lived in Cana of Galilee. The name Talmai (or Tolmai) appears in 2 Samuel 3:3, referring to the king of Geshur, whose daughter Maacah was the wife of King David and mother of Absalom.

Hence, Bartholomew Nathaniel may have been the only apostle connected to royal descent — a reminder that the gospel reaches both the humble and the noble alike.

Friend of Philip

John’s Gospel presents Bartholomew Nathaniel as a close friend of Philip, and the two are often mentioned together.

Some scholars suggest that since Nathaniel was from Cana, he might have been the bridegroom at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2:1-11).

A Skeptic Turned Believer

Nathaniel’s first recorded reaction to the Messiah was one of skepticism.

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46)

Though he was from nearby Cana, Nathaniel held a bias against Nazareth — a small, insignificant town. Yet, Jesus was not offended by his remark. Instead, He recognized the sincerity behind Nathaniel’s questioning heart.

When the Lord said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47), Nathaniel was astonished. Jesus revealed that He had seen Nathaniel under the fig tree — a private place where Jews often studied the Torah.

In that moment, Nathaniel’s doubt turned to faith. He declared,

“Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49).

Nazareth and the Prophetic Connection

Nazareth was about 80 miles north of Jerusalem, a small and obscure town not mentioned in the Law or the Prophets. However, the Hebrew word for branch — Netzer — shares the same root letters (NZR) as Nazareth.

Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah foretold that the Messiah would be the Branch from the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-2; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 3:8-10).

Thus, Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the prophetic identity of the Righteous Branch, the Netzer, bringing divine truth out of a humble town.

Nathaniel, a learned man of the Scriptures, would have recognized this revelation — the Messiah before him was indeed the Branch, the Nazarene.

Without Deceit

Despite his initial bias, Jesus described Nathaniel as “an Israelite without deceit.” (John 1:47)

His honesty, purity of intention, and love for truth made him receptive to divine revelation. Nathaniel’s encounter under the fig tree revealed his sincerity in seeking God.

Jesus then said,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51)

This statement connects to Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:12, where a ladder connected heaven and earth. Jesus revealed Himself as that ladder — the Mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 9:12; 10:10). Through Christ, heaven is opened to earth, and divine fellowship is restored.

Post-Resurrection Encounter

After the resurrection, Bartholomew Nathaniel is mentioned among the seven disciples who went fishing with Peter (John 21:1-3).

Although not a fisherman by trade, Nathaniel joined them — perhaps seeking comfort in fellowship after the trauma of the crucifixion. There, the risen Lord appeared again and provided breakfast, reaffirming His love and mission.

Missionary Journey and Martyrdom

Tradition holds that Bartholomew Nathaniel preached the gospel in India, Armenia, and other regions.

According to some legends, he traveled with the Apostle Thomas to the western coast of India, near Kallianpur (Karnataka) and Goa, and later ministered in Armenia.

“As per legends some believe St. Bartholomew, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ, landed near Barkur around 50 AD together with St. Thomas…” — Archie Furtado [1]
“St. Bartholomew landed at Kallianpur in Karnataka and went preaching through Goa to Kalyan in Maharashtra.” — Paul Fernandes citing Fr. Cosme Jose Costa [2]

Bartholomew was later martyred in Armenia, reportedly flayed alive and crucified upside down by King Astyages after the conversion of his brother Polymius. Local traditions also associate his death with Baku, Azerbaijan.

Challenge

Bartholomew Nathaniel was a scholar of the Law, yet humble enough to receive truth when it confronted his bias.

His life teaches that true wisdom lies not in knowledge alone, but in openness to God’s revelation.

He exemplifies a heart willing to change, a mind eager to learn, and a soul ready to surrender to truth.

Footnotes (Chicago 17th Style)

1. Archie Furtado, “St. Bartholomew the Apostle,” Barkuronline.com, accessed October 2025.
2. Paul Fernandes, quoting Fr. Cosme Jose Costa, The Times of India, August 24, 2023.

Bibliography

• Furtado, Archie. “St. Bartholomew the Apostle.” Barkuronline.com. Accessed October 2025.
• Fernandes, Paul. “St. Bartholomew’s Mission in India.” The Times of India, August 24, 2023.