St Bartholomew was from Cana in Galilee, and in the Gospel according to Matthew he is listed together with Philip as one of the first apostles chosen by Christ.
Because of that he is usually identified as Nathaniel in the gospel of John as we have heard in the gospel passage.
He was introduced to Christ through St. Philip, another of the twelve apostles, and in their dialogue, we can see that the enthusiasm of St. Philip was met with the skepticism of Nathaniel.
Even though he didn't think much good can come out of Nazareth and Jesus, yet he accepted Philip's invitation to go along and see this person called Jesus.
To be flayed means to be skinned alive and that is indeed a very painful way to die. Some pictures of St. Bartholomew had him carrying his own skin, an indication of his martyrdom.
This is certainly gruesome to even think about, but that may help us reflect on another aspect - a skin-deep impression or understanding.
That was St. Bartholomew's initial impression of Jesus. But he would later understand Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel.
And when he went forth to witness for Jesus, he not only shed his blood, he would even have to shed his skin for Jesus.
May our faith and love for Jesus not be merely skin-deep. May it be deep in our hearts, just as it was in St. Bartholomew's heart, so that it will show forth in our lives.