Bartholomew Saint

Bartholomew, Saint (Heb. son of Tolmai), was a native of Cana in Galilee, and is generally supposed to be identical with Nathanael (John i. 45, xxi. 2). The latter was introduced by Philip to Jesus, who on seeing him approach uttered the remarkable words, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." St. Bartholomew was present at the resurrection and ascension, returning with the other apostles to Jerusalem. Of his subsequent career we have only obscure traditions, according to which he went on a mission amongst the "Indians," with whom he left St. Matthew's Gospel in Hebrew. It is probable that Arabia Felix may have been the scene of his efforts. He is reputed to have suffered martyrdom either in Armenia or Cilicia by being crucified head downwards and being flayed alive. His festival is celebrated on August 24th, a day marked by inauspicious events, as it was chosen in 1572 by Charles IX. and his mother for the massacre of the French Protestants, and in 1660 the Act of Nonconformity came into operation on that date in England.