Proverbs 3:1–8
2 Corinthians 4:7–10
Luke 22:24–30 or John 1:43–51
St. Bartholomew, Apostle
Skinned alive! That, according to tradition, is how Bartholomew (called Nathanael in John) was martyred. Christ’s preachers are not to be great lords, but servants who faithfully stay with Christ in His trials (Luke 22:24–30). They are jars of clay; the Savior they preach is the surpassing power (2 Cor. 4:7). Christ’s servants are afflicted in every way, always carrying in their bodies the death of Jesus, so that His life may also be manifested there (v. 8–10). On the foundation of their prophetic and apostolic confession, the Church is built, held together by Christ the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20–21). As an apostle (Luke 6:13–14), Bartholomew manifested the Son of God in his preaching and his death. Christ is the Son of Man—the King who opens heaven to us by His wounds (John 1:49–51).
We bear sufferings not leaning on our own understanding, but trusting in the Lord (Prov. 3:5–7). Life will be manifested in our bodies too when the Lord brings healing to our flesh and refreshment to our bones in the resurrection (v. 8). For this reason Bartholomew is often depicted holding his flayed skin. He will have need of it on the last day—at least for sizing.
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