De nativitate sancti Bartholomei apostoli
Standard abbreviation: Conv. Bart.
Other titles: none
Clavis numbers: ECCA 470
Category: Apocryphal Acts
Related literature: Birth of Bartholomew
Compiled by Tony Burke, York University
Citing this resource (using Chicago Manual of Style): Burke, Tony. “Conversion of Bartholomew.” e-Clavis: Christian Apocrypha. Accessed DAY MONTH YEAR. https://www.nasscal.com/e-clavis-christian-apocrypha/conversion-of-bartholomew/.
Created August 2025.
1. SUMMARY
The Conversion of Bartholomew comes in two forms. The first begins with an introduction to his father: Philip, the king of Syria and a skilled astrologer. He sees in his work that one day the world will be renewed by one man. He writes down his discovery in a chronicle. When King Philip dies, Bartholomew inherits his kingdom and rules very well. News reaches him via Greek merchants that that there is in Judea a certain great prophet named Jesus, who was performing miracles and healings, and three kings from the East brought him gifts. There was a rumor too that he was the Son of God and son of a virgin.
Amazed, Bartholomew orders the chronicle of his father to be brought to him so that he can see if his father had foreseen anything about this prophet. Bartholomew recognizes Jesus in his father’s words and rises with a great company to seek Jesus in Jerusalem. Once he arrives, Bartholomew hears that Jesus is in Bethany, so he follows him there. Convinced of Jesus’ divinity, Bartholomew renounces his kingdom and sends his company back to Syria.
Bartholomew wishes to lay aside his royal garments and sandals, so that he can live like the other apostles, but Jesus tells him to remain in the same calling to which he was called (cf. 1 Cor 7:20). Jesus also gives Bartholomew better food at table. This preferential treatment makes the other apostles envious. Little do they know that Bartholomew cut out the soles of his shoes, so that while he dressed in royal garments, he shed drops of blood wherever he walked.
When the group are about to set out for Capernaum by the sea, Jesus tells Bartholomew to go ahead of them and rest, since that was what he was accustomed to. Bartholomew journeys ahead but becomes tired and lays on the ground. The apostles catch up to him, see the condition of his feet and set aside their envy. They all begin to love and cherish Bartholomew and ask for his forgiveness.
In the second version of the text, Bartholomew’s father is King Avelaus of Persia. His procurator receives news about Jesus from wealthy merchants from Jerusalem. He tells the king and his son. Bartholomew desires to see Jesus, and in the night he has a vision of the Virgin Mary on a throne, surrounded by a great multitude of angels, carrying Christ in her arms. The three kings are there also, led by a star to Jesus. Mary asks her son if he wants Bartholomew for a disciple. Jesus says yes, if he is prepared to suffer as he will. Bartholomew says he is willing, even to the point of being flayed alive. In the morning, Bartholomew sets off for Palestine without telling his parents.
Along the way he encounters the devil who appears to him in many forms (a wild beast, a robber, as fire, as water) in order to hinder him. Finally, the devil comes before a judge and accuses Bartholomew of being a thief and a traitor. Bartholomew is imprisoned but an angel appears to him and frees him from his chains.
The angel brings Bartholomew to Jerusalem where he immediately recognizes Jesus from his dream. Jesus receives him but the apostles wonder why he would accept a stranger and a foreigner, a pagan and not a Jew, into the company of the apostles. Jesus rebukes them and in a very long discourse he claims the calling of the gentiles. The apostles are convinced of Bartholomew’s love of charity and he remains in the service of Jesus with the other disciples.
Named historical figures and characters: Avelaus (king of Persia), Bartholomew (apostle), devil, Magi, Mary (Virgin), Philip (king of Syria).
Geographical locations: Bethany, Jerusalem, Persia, Syria.
2. RESOURCES
2.1 Online Resources
“Bartholomew the Apostle.” Wikipedia.
2.2 Art and Iconography
3. BIBLIOGRAPHY
3.1 Manuscripts and Editions
3.1.1 Latin
3.1.1.1 Version 1
E Erlangen, Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnbergm 487/1, fols. 5r–7r and 7v–8v (15th cent.)
J Jena, Theologische, Landes- und Universitätsbibliothek, El. f. 50a, fols. 148r–148v (15th cent.)
L Leipzig, Universitätsbibliothek, 184, fols. 44v–45r (15th cent.) ~ IMAGES
W Würzburg, Universitätsbibliothek, M. cg. q. 81, fols. 207r–208v (1479)
Krüger, Astrid. “De ortu sancti Bartholomei. Legenden über Herkunft und Bekehrung des heiligen Bartholomäus.” AnBoll 128 (2010): 87–162 (edition of EJLW, pp. 129–32).
3.1.1.2 Version 2
Ber 1 Berlin, Staatsbibliotek Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Theol. lat. fol. 617, fols. 379r–380r (1460)
Krüger, Astrid. “De ortu sancti Bartholomei. Legenden über Herkunft und Bekehrung des heiligen Bartholomäus.” AnBoll 128 (2010): 87–162 (edition of Ber 1, pp. 133–35).
3.2 Modern Translations
3.3 General Works
Krüger, Astrid. “De ortu sancti Bartholomei. Legenden über Herkunft und Bekehrung des heiligen Bartholomäus.” AnBoll 128 (2010): 87–162.
