Bartholomew the Apostle

Who was Bartholomew the Apostle?

Why this Father matters to Catholic apologetics: Identified with Nathanael in John — the Israelite in whom Christ found no deceit; missionary to Armenia and India

Born

c. 5 BC · Cana, Galilee

Died

c. AD 68 · Armenia (martyrdom by flaying)

See / Role

One of the Twelve Apostles

Historical Period

Apostolic

Identified with Nathanael in John — the Israelite in whom Christ found no deceit; missionary to Armenia and India.

Where Bartholomew the Apostle stands in the chain

Ordination chain from Christ to this Father — and onward to students. Solid links cite named primary sources. Unknown means no ordainer is historically attested. Nodes with a profile are linked.

Bartholomew the Apostle received authority directly from Christ — not through a chain of human ordination. The Apostles are the foundation of the chain, not a link within it. Every bishop in the unbroken succession traces their authority back through the Fathers to the Apostles, and through the Apostles to Christ himself.

Who was Bartholomew the Apostle?

Where Bartholomew the Apostle stands in the chain

History has always been on her side.