This early Christian story tells about the last days and death of the apostle Bartholomew. It is also called The Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew. The text probably dates back to the fifth or sixth century AD. It became popular and was copied in several languages, including Latin, Greek, Armenian, and Ethiopic.
In the Acts, Bartholomew travels to India and stays in a pagan temple. He stops the temple’s oracle (a spirit that gave messages) and heals a person who had a demon. This attracts the attention of King Polymius. Bartholomew heals the king's daughter, who was also possessed by a demon.
After these events, Bartholomew casts the false god out of the temple. Because of these powerful acts, many people believe in the good news about Jesus. However, the king’s brother becomes angry. He orders soldiers to beat Bartholomew and cut off his head. Soon after, the brother is punished when a demon strangles him. King Polymius becomes a follower of Jesus and serves as a bishop for twenty years.