Acts 1:12-14 (after Jesus’ ascension)
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Today we remember St. Bartholomew, one of the 12 apostles of the Lord. He was present with Jesus throughout His ministry, and witnessed Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after He had risen from the dead. In the reading for today from Acts 1, we see that Bartholomew also witnessed Jesus ascension.
Bartholomew, along with the other apostles, continued to share the gospel as Jesus had commanded them. What other things Bartholomew did isn’t recorded in the Bible. Even his name is sometimes in question because he isn’t mentioned in the Gospel of John. Therefore, Bartholomew is sometimes thought to be another name for Nathanael.
Tradition places Bartholomew’s ministry in India, Ethiopia, Armenia and other places. But, one of the most memorable things about Bartholomew comes from the world of art.
There are many painting and sculptures of St. Bartholomew. They are striking, because they usually depict him in connection with the means of his martyrdom. Tradition records that Bartholomew was martyred by being flayed alive. As horrible as this thought is, some of the sculptures in particular, picture the saint quietly holding his skin like a robe, and continuing to faithfully bear witness to Jesus.
So, what are we to learn today as we remember St. Bartholomew. He was a faithful disciple of the Lord who went on to share the Gospel far and wide. He steadfastly suffered the burden of his ministry and perhaps was martyred. But, because of His Lord Jesus, Bartholomew’s martyrdom wasn’t the end of his story. He now lives in Christ, and the message He proclaimed not only saved Him, but all those who are still touched by his apostolic witness around the world. We ourselves are among those who are being saved by the Gospel that our Lord Jesus sent to us through the blessed apostles, of whom Bartholomew was one.
The power of the Gospel of Jesus is seen in the lives and deaths of His servants. Though the evil one would terrorize us into submission through the fear of death, Jesus has come to steal the power of death through the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus died and rose victorious, so that all who live and believe in Jesus have eternal life.
Let us pray,
I thank you Lord Jesus for the faithful witness of your apostles and for your apostle Bartholomew. Strengthen all your saints who boldly bear witness to you in the world today. Though the evil one still desires to terrify humanity, you have come to give peace and eternal life. I thank you for your salvation. Grant steadfast faith and comfort to all your saints who are persecuted for sharing the Gospel. Encourage and embolden us in all things we ourselves face, so that we will not fear, but rejoice in the one eternal Gospel. In Jesus name. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.