Saint of the day, August 24
St. Bartholomew the Apostle is listed as one of the Apostles in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to tradition, he preached the Gospel in India and died a martyr.
Aug. 24: St. Bartholomew the Apostle
Born: Unknown
Died: Around 69/71 AD
Vocation: Apostle
Attributes: Holding a knife
Patronage: Tanners, tailors, plasterers, leatherworkers, bookbinders, and more
Canonization: Pre-congregation
St. Bartholomew is listed as one of the Apostles in three of the Gospels (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14) as well as in Acts (1:13). Many New Testament scholars have also identified Nathaniel as Bartholomew in John’s Gospel.
Bartholomew came to follow Jesus after his friends had encountered the Lord and they led him to Christ (John 1). Philip told Bartholomew to “Come and see” (John 1:46). Once he met Christ, Bartholomew’s life was changed. Jesus called Bartholomew (Nathaniel) “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47). Nathaniel then asked Jesus, “‘Where did you get to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (John 1:48-49).
When Jesus appeared to the seven Apostles who had been out all night fishing, Nathaniel was included in that group (John 21:2).
Tradition holds that after the Resurrection, Bartholomew traveled to India preaching the Gospel of Christ. He died a martyr after being skinned alive and beheaded.
St. Bartholomew the Apostle, pray for us.
Sources:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bartholomew/
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