Lexical Summary Bartholomaios: Bartholomew Original Word: Βαρθολομαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance BartholomewOf Chaldee origin (bar and Talmay); son of Tolmai; Bar-tholomoeus, a Christian apostle -- Bartholomeus. see HEBREW bar see HEBREW Talmay HELPS Word-studies 918 Bartholomaíos – Bartholomew, probably a surname for Nathanael (literally the "son of Tolmai," cf. Mt 10:3; Jn 1:45ff). That is, Bartholomew's "first name" was apparently "Nathanael." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic origin bar and Talmay Definition "son of Tolmai," Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles NASB Translation Bartholomew (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 918: ΒαρθολομαῖοςΒαρθολομαῖος, Βαρθολομαιου, ὁ (טָלְמַי בַּר son of Tolmai), Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ: Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13. (See Ναθαναήλ and BB. DD.) Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Bartholomew appears in Scripture only in the lists of the Twelve. His name is patronymic, meaning “son of Tolmai,” and many scholars link him with Nathanael, the friend of Philip whose call is narrated in John 1:45-51. In John’s Gospel Nathanael is present while Bartholomew is absent; in the Synoptic lists Bartholomew is present while Nathanael is absent. This complementary pattern, together with the proximity of Philip and Bartholomew in every list, supports the long-held view that Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same man. Biblical Occurrences 1. Matthew 10:3 – “Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector….” These passages portray Bartholomew as an integral yet quiet member of the Twelve, counted among them before and after the resurrection and therefore a witness both to the earthly ministry of Jesus and to His resurrection. Association with Nathanael John recounts that Nathanael was initially skeptical (“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”) yet swiftly confessed, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel” (John 1:46-49). If Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same individual, then the narrative furnishes a portrait of a disciple whose early doubts were overcome by a profound revelation of Christ’s omniscience and messianic identity. This rapid movement from hesitation to conviction illustrates the gracious manner in which Jesus answers honest inquiry and transforms it into mature faith. Role among the Twelve The four Evangelists never record Bartholomew speaking, performing miracles, or asking questions. His significance therefore lies not in recorded words but in faithful presence. He is an example of discipleship defined by steadfast loyalty rather than public prominence. By including such figures in the apostolic band, Scripture reminds believers that quiet faithfulness is no less essential to the advance of the gospel than is public leadership. Missionary Outreach after Pentecost Although the New Testament gives no further details, early Christian writers describe wide-ranging missionary labors: While extra-biblical, these accounts harmonize with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and with Acts’ portrait of apostles scattering “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Church Tradition and Legacy Most traditions agree that Bartholomew was martyred. Armenian sources say he was flayed alive and beheaded at Albanopolis for converting the king’s brother. Such accounts underscore the cost of apostolic witness and have made Bartholomew a symbol of perseverance under persecution. Churches from Rome to India claim relics, demonstrating how widely his memory spread in early Christianity. Theological Insights 1. The inclusion of lesser-known apostles affirms that the gospel advances through the entire body, not merely through headline figures. Applications for the Church Today • Encourage believers who serve in obscurity; God values faithfulness more than fame. Summary Bartholomew stands as a quiet yet resolute disciple, possibly identical with Nathanael, whose early confession in John prefigures a life devoted to proclaiming Christ. Mentioned only four times in the New Testament yet celebrated across continents, he reminds the Church that every follower, however unseen, is called to bear witness “to the ends of the earth.” Forms and Transliterations Βαρθολομαιον Βαρθολομαῖον Βαρθολομαιος Βαρθολομαῖος Bartholomaion Bartholomaîon Bartholomaios BartholomaîosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 10:3 N-NMSGRK: Φίλιππος καὶ Βαρθολομαῖος Θωμᾶς καὶ NAS: Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas KJV: Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and INT: Philip and Bartholomew Thomas and Mark 3:18 N-AMS Luke 6:14 N-AMS Acts 1:13 N-NMS Strong's Greek 918 |
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