Bartholomew
· The name Bartholomew means “son of Talmai” (or Tholmai) which was an ancient Hebrew name, which shows that Bartholomew was of Hebrew decent. However, some scholars point to evidence that seems to suggest that this was not his genuine name but rather one simply added to distinguish him as the son of Talmai. They believe that Bartholomew is in fact Nathanial, one of the first disciples of Jesus. The reason that scholars believe this is that in the synoptics (the first three canonical Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke), no mention is made of Nathanial but in their lists is a Bartholomew. However in the Fourth Gospel (John), the name Bartholomew is never mentioned.
· Another reason that Bartholomew and Nathanial are thought to be one in the same is because it is known that his friend Philip introduced him to Jesus and Bartholomew is always mentioned next to Philip in the lists of the Twelve given in the synoptics.
· There seems to be some evidence that Bartholomew preached in Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Armenia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, and on the shores of the Black Sea.
· The circumstances surrounding his death are uncertain, but it is believe to have occurred at Albanopolis in Armenia. Some believe he was beheaded; others claim he was flayed alive and crucified, head downward, by order of Astyages, for converting his brother, Polymius, King of Armenia. Because of the latter account, he is often represented in art as flayed and holding in his hand his own skin.
· May have written a gospel, but it was condemned and subsequently lost.
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