One of the Twelve Apostles, Saint Bartholomew is mentioned sixth in the list of the three Gospels (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14) and seventh in the list of the Acts (1:13). The name (Bartholomaios) is an old Hebrew name that means "son of Talmai."

He is not mentioned in the New Testament in any other ways other than as an apostle, at least not under the name Bartholomew. Many ancient writers, as well as Catholic tradition, identified Bartholomew as Nathaniel in John's Gospel (John 1:45-51, and 21:2).

Specifically, this section from the Gospel of John (1:45–51) is the passage that is read at Mass on the feast of Saint Bartholomew. Nathaniel is introduced to Jesus by his friend Phillip, and Jesus comments about him: "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit (1:47)."

In this succinct and lovely conversation with the Lord Jesus, the Apostle's persona is revealed. He is a good Jew who spends a lot of time in prayer and peaceful thought "under the fig tree (1:48)" and who has been waiting for the Messiah, the Holy One of God.

When Jesus said, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you (1:48)". Nathaniel retorted, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are Israel's King (1:49)."

Since he was "a true child of Israel", Nathaniel was well-versed in the Scriptures and aware of what they taught about the Messiah and his origins. He asks, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth (1:46)?" in response to Phillip's assertion that Jesus is the Messiah.

However, Nathaniel lacked "duplicity"; that is, his heart was undivided and his motives were pure. Nathaniel also had an openness to reality and was always prepared to recognize and submit to the truth when he came across it. He was still receptive to Phillip, his friend, who had said, "Come and see (1:46)."

In coming into contact with Jesus and hearing His words, he came face to face with the Truth Himself, and like John the Baptist's leap in his mother's womb at the Lord's presence, Nathaniel's words leaped out of his own heart in a simple and unambiguous declaration of faith, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

After the Ascension of Jesus, little is known about the life of Nathaniel/Bartholomew; nevertheless, legend has it that he preached throughout the East and died in Armenia as a martyr after being flayed alive for having won converts to the Lord Jesus. He is the patron saint of plasterers, and his feast day is August 24.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Aurea
Saint Yrchard
Saint Ouen
Saint Jane Antide Thouret
Saint Eugene