Title
Bartholomew
Scripture
Now the names of the twelve apostles are... Bartholomew.
(Matthew 10:2-3)
Devotional
We find the name Bartholomew mentioned only four times in the scriptures, the synoptic gospels and the book of Acts. He is naturally listed with the twelve and likewise found in the upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. In John's gospel he is called Nathanael. The name Bartholomew is most likely a surname, which gives cause to him being known also as Nathanael. It was this Nathanael who said to Philip when told of Christ, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" To which Christ responded of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael was amazed and asked, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God!" If there is one thing we know about this disciple, it is that this was a man in whom there was no deceit.