Scholars are of the opinion that the apostle Bartholomew is the same as Nathanael mentioned by St. John. He hailed from Cana of Galilee and was brought to Jesus through the instrumentality of Philip. Though he was a pious Jew, prejudice was his major weakness. His vocation story is fascinating. When Philip reported to him how he and his companions had found the Messiah who was none other than Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph, Nathanael quipped with certain disdain: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” However, he was open to the invitation of Philip: “Come and see.” Thereafter, Jesus took control of the situation and opened the conversation by paying the sceptical Jew a major compliment: “Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” (Jn.1:47). This certificate issued him by Jesus Himself speaks volumes in favour of the new recruit to discipleship. On a simple query from Nathanael, Jesus answered: “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” These words disarmed the doubting seeker. Shedding his prejudice and welcoming Jesus as the promised Messiah, Nathanael publicly manifested his faith in Jesus saying: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” No one can outdo Jesus in generosity. So, forthwith came another staggering statement from the Messiah: “…You shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (Jn.1: 45-50).
The promise of Jesus that Nathanael would see greater things did come true. Like the rest of the Apostles, miracles were wrought through his hands and even devils were subject to him. After the Resurrection, he was one of the privileged disciples to witness the Risen Lord at the Sea of Tiberias and where Jesus himself served them their breakfast of grilled fish and bread. (Jn.21: 1-13). According to tradition, Nathanael preached the Gospel in Armenia where he is said to have been flayed alive by King Astyages at Derbend, near the Caspian Sea. The relics of this zealous missionary were transported first to Benevento, Italy, and eventually to Rome, where the Church of St. Bartholomew treasures them.
Reflection: Bartholomew had neither the authority of Peter nor the eloquence of Paul nor the mysticism of John nor the pen of Mathew. However, he had the humility and courage to respond to the call of Jesus even if it meant preaching His Word in obscurity and unrecognized by the world.
Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel. (Jn.1: 49)
