The Healer – Bartholomew
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, represents the role of a healer within the body of Christ, a calling marked by compassion, faith, and a heart open to God’s transforming power. Although the Gospels do not provide specific accounts of Bartholomew healing others, his character and presence among the disciples indicate why he exemplifies this gift. As one of the twelve apostles, he was part of the group commissioned by Jesus to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of God (Matthew 10:1, Luke 9:1-2). This mission placed Bartholomew within a ministry deeply focused on physical and spiritual healing.
In John 1:45-51, Bartholomew (referred to as Nathanael) is introduced as a man of integrity, described by Jesus as “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit.” This insight into his character reveals a heart open to God, one that is honest and spiritually perceptive. Upon meeting Him, Bartholomew’s immediate recognition of Jesus as the Son of God shows a purity of faith and openness to divine revelation. This quality is often associated with those gifted in healing; they possess a profound faith in God’s power to restore and renew, free from skepticism or ulterior motives.
The gift of healing in the early church was both physical and spiritual, and Bartholomew’s journey with Jesus prepared him to be an instrument of this gift. In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus promises believers would “lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” As a disciple who walked closely with Jesus and witnessed His miracles, Bartholomew would have been empowered by the Holy Ghost to continue this healing ministry, demonstrating God’s compassion and power through acts of restoration.
Furthermore, after Jesus’ resurrection, tradition holds that Bartholomew traveled as a missionary, sharing the gospel and healing in Jesus’ name. Early Christian writings suggest that he carried the message of Christ to regions like India and Armenia, where miraculous healings were a testament to the truth of the gospel. His life, dedicated to spreading God’s love, reflects the heart of a healer—one who seeks not only to cure physical ailments but also to bring spiritual wholeness.
In Bartholomew, we see that the role of a healer is not about personal acclaim but about faithfully pointing others to the Great Physician. His life is a testament to how healing flows from a heart aligned with God’s love, a faith grounded in truth, and a desire to see others restored in body and soul.