Bartholomew, Saint, in the Synoptic Gospels, one of the 12 apostles of Christ (see Mark 3:14-19).
He is identified by many biblical scholars with Nathanael, a native of Galilee described in John 1:45-51.
Unsubstantiated tradition relates that he was a missionary in many countries and preached the gospel in India (properly Arabia), where he left behind a copy, in Hebrew, of the Gospel of Matthew.
He is traditionally said to have been flayed alive in Albanopolis, Armenia, or in India.
Saint Bartholomew's feast day is August 24 in the Roman Catholic church and the Church of England, and June 11 in the Orthodox church.