Tradition has it that Bartholomew was tortured to death for the faith. Scholars believe that he is mentioned in scripture by both his name and by the name Nathaniel. Nathaniel was famously complimented by Jesus for being a true Israelite, with no duplicity. Purity of heart, in fact, is how most holy disciples attain holiness. Through profound connection to God, they avoid guile, duplicity, and other sins that are so easy to fall into when God slides into the background. Saint Bartholomew, help us maintain a clean heart.