The apostle Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the New Testament and venerated as a saint in the Christian tradition.
His calling came after Philip brought him to Christ. The Gospel of John (1:45–51) tells how Philip announced that he had found the Messiah, and how Bartholomew, hearing of Jesus, was doubtful at first — until Jesus told him that he had seen him under the fig tree, and doubt gave way to awe.
In some of the Gospels he appears as Nathanael, which was his personal name.
After the Resurrection, Bartholomew became one of the first preachers of Christianity. Tradition holds that he carried the gospel to various regions, among them India and Armenia.
According to the traditions, Bartholomew died a martyr for his faith. Several accounts of his death exist, including crucifixion and being flayed alive.
Bartholomew is honored as a saint in the Orthodox, Catholic, and other Christian traditions. His feast is kept on August 24 (New Style) in the Orthodox Church and on August 25 in the Catholic Church.