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In the New Testament, Bartholomew is mentioned only in the lists of the apostles. Some scholars identify him with Nathanael, a man of Cana in Galilee who was summoned to Jesus by Philip. Jesus paid him a great compliment: Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him (John 1:47b). When Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, Jesus said, I saw you under the fig tree (John 1:48b). Whatever amazing revelation this involved, it brought Nathanael to exclaim, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel (John 1:49b). But Jesus countered with, Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this (John 1:50b).
Nathanael did see greater things. He was one of those to whom Jesus appeared on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection (see John 21:1-14). They had been fishing all night without success. In the morning, they saw someone standing on the shore though...