Bartholomew’s first encounter with Jesus is memorable. Philip brought him to meet the Jesus and Bartholomew had serious doubts. When Philip introduced Bartholomew, Jesus said, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Bartholomew was startled, “How do you know me?”
Jesus said, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
How did Jesus know that? Overwhelmed, Bartholomew stammered, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
He was flayed to death (skinned alive) by whip in Armenia.