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Introduction
Nathanael son of Tolmai (Hebrew: bar Tolmai—Greek: Bartholomaios, "Bartholomew") was born circa AD 15 (3775–3776 in the Hebrew calendar) in the Roman district of Galilee. The synoptic gospel writers Matthew (10:3), Mark (3:18), and Luke (6:14; Acts 1:13) called him Bartholomew (G918, "son of Tolmai," from H1247 and H8526), while John referred to him by his first name, Nathanaēl (G3482, from H5417; Nethanel, "gift from God;" see 21:1-2). He was from the Galilean village of Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-12; 4:46). Many biblical scholars consider Nathanael and Bartholomew to be two different men. However, their strict criticism methods rule out the process of elimination between the synoptic lists of Jesus' apostles and that of John. It is evident by the etymology of both names that Nathanael was his first while Bartholomew was his surname. Nathanael was a close friend of Philip of Bethsaida, who introduced him to Jesus (John 1:45).
Nathanael: A True Israelite
Nathanael Bartholomew is a minor character in the gospels. Nevertheless, his fifteen minutes of fame in John's gospel was significant (John 1:43-50). When Jesus met Nathanael, he remarked, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit" (v. 47). Why did he announce this? Was Jesus being sarcastic? The comment was sincere, referring to Nathanael's enthusiasm while he awaited the Messiah. He was genuinely surprised when Jesus noticed him under the fig tree (v. 48). The fig tree was no coincidence, but many readers may not understand the reference. The prophet Micah foresaw God's messianic kingdom:
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken (4:3-4).
Nathanael was a "genuine Israelite" because he still hoped for the Messiah, diligently preserving the fig tree of his faith. In the narrative, Jesus alluded to Nathanael being a responsible tree farmer. It takes many years of patience and care to grow a fig tree, especially one that can provide shade. Nathanael was taken aback when Jesus observed his long-awaited hope under his fig tree. When he asked, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (John 1:46), Philip knew Nathanael was about to have an answer for his lifelong existential hope. Only the true Messiah could know a true Israelite. Therefore, Nathanael confessed, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel" (v. 49). True to form, Jesus responded, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that" (v. 50).
Missionary to India
In his book Church History, Eusebius of Caesarea (AD 260–340) wrote, "Pantaenus was one of these [philosophers], and is said to have gone to India. It is reported that among persons who knew of Christ, he found the gospel according to Matthew, which had anticipated his arrival. For Bartholomew, one of the apostles had preached to them and left with them the writing of Matthew in Hebrew, which they had preserved till that time" (Bk. 5, Ch. 10). This passage is significant because it suggests early Christian missionary activity beyond the traditional areas of the Roman Empire, reaching as far as India. It also highlights the role of apostolic tradition in disseminating and preserving the Christian message.
Conclusion
Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, emerges from the pages of history as a figure whose identity is intriguing and enigmatic. Born in the heart of Galilee, Nathanael's encounter with Jesus, as recorded in the gospel of John, reveals his journey from skepticism to profound belief. Whether Nathanael and Bartholomew are indeed the same person remains a matter of scholarly debate, yet what remains undeniable is his role as a devoted follower of Christ. His association with Philip and willingness to follow Jesus exemplify the transformative power of encountering the Messiah. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his identity, Nathanael's story challenges us to embrace the call of faith and to journey with openness and humility toward the truth. His life reminds us that God works in mysterious ways, often using ordinary individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Nathanael's legacy invites us to explore the depths of discipleship and encounter Christ today.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe; you gave your apostle Bartholomew grace honestly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your church may love what he thought and preach what he taught; through Jesus the Messiah our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Bibliography
Book of Common Prayer. Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019. p. 631.
Britannica, eds. "St. Bartholomew." Encyclopædia Britannica. Chicago: Britannica, 2010–present. Last updated November 5, 2024. (link).
Cruse, C. F., trans. Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History: Complete and Unabridged, New Updated Edition. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1998.
Ferguson, Everett. "Eusebius of Caesarea." Christian History 72 (2001). (link).
Kranz, Jeffrey. The Beginner's Guide to the Bible. Bellingham, WA: OverviewBible, 2020.
Nelson, Ryan. "Who Was Bartholomew the Apostle? The Beginner's Guide." OverviewBible. June 19, 2019. (link).
Eusebius of Caesarea. "The Church History of Eusebius." Trans. Arthur Cushman McGiffert. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Ser. 2, Vol. 1: Eusebius Pamphilus: Church History; Life of Constantine; Oration in Praise of Constantine. Eds. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1890. p. 225. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Calvin University. (link).
"The Symbolism of Figs in the Bible." One for Israel. (link).