Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified as Nathanael . He was introduced to Christ through St. Philip but was skeptical about the Messiah coming from Nazareth, saying: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?", but nonetheless, follows Philip's invitation. Jesus immediately characterizes him as "Here is a man in whom there is no deception."
Some scholars hold that Jesus' quote "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you", is based on a Jewish figure of speech referring to studying the Torah. Nathanael recognizes Jesus as "the Son of God" and "the King of Israel".
Nathanael is one of the disciples to whom Jesus appeared at the Sea of Galilee after the Resurrection. It is believed to be true that Saint Bartholomew was skinned alive before he was beheaded, a martyr that is today the patron saint of tanners.
Two ancient testimonies exist about the mission of Saint Bartholomew in India. These are of Eusebius of Caesarea (early 4th century) and of Saint Jerome (late 4th century). Both these refer to this tradition while speaking of the reported visit of Pantaenus to India in the 2nd century.
The studies of Fr A.C Perumalil SJ and Moraes hold that the Bombay region on the Konkan coast, a region which may have been known as the ancient city Kalyan, was the field of Saint Bartholomew's missionary activities.
We in Betalbatim are so fortunate to celebrate the feast of Saint Bartholomew in our parish today. ( actual date is August 24th ).
