The full story of Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael) in the Bible is primarily found in the Gospel of John. He is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be His closest disciples and spread His teachings to the world.
Introduction of Nathanael:
The story begins in John 1:43-51. Philip, who had already become a disciple of Jesus, finds Nathanael and excitedly tells him that they have found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, whom Moses and the prophets wrote about. Initially, Nathanael is skeptical, asking, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" But Philip invites him to come and see for himself.
Jesus' Encounter with Nathanael:
As Nathanael approaches Jesus, Jesus greets him by saying, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael is surprised that Jesus knows him so well, and he asks, "How do you know me?" Jesus responds, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."
Nathanael's Confession:
Jesus' response astounds Nathanael because it reveals that Jesus has divine knowledge. He immediately confesses, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" This acknowledgment shows Nathanael's recognition of Jesus' identity.
Jesus' Prophecy:
Jesus goes on to tell Nathanael that he will see even greater things than these, indicating the miracles and signs that will follow Jesus' ministry.
Participation in Jesus' Ministry:
As one of the twelve apostles, Nathanael becomes a close companion of Jesus during His ministry. Alongside the other disciples, he witnesses Jesus' teachings, miracles, and interactions with various people.
The Last Supper and Beyond:
The Bible doesn't provide extensive details about Nathanael's specific actions during Jesus' final days, the Last Supper, and the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. However, it is assumed that he was present with the other apostles during these critical moments.
After Jesus' Resurrection:
After Jesus' resurrection, Nathanael, like the other apostles, receives the Great Commission to go and preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing and making disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:16-20).
Later Traditions:
Beyond the New Testament, there are various traditions about Nathanael's missionary activities. According to some accounts, he preached in India, Armenia, and possibly other regions. However, historical evidence regarding his exact movements is limited.
It's important to note that the information about Bartholomew/Nathanael is relatively scarce compared to some other apostles, and the details about his life and actions mainly come from the Gospel of John and later Christian traditions.
