Many apocryphal gospels appeared after the second century AD, often using the name of a well-known person. The early church knew of these writings and understood that they were fictional. In the fourth century AD, church historian Eusebius described them as heretical (false teachings), untrue, and impious (disrespectful toward God). Later, the scholar Jerome mentioned a Gospel of Bartholomew by name, along with other Gnostic gospels, in the introduction to his commentary on Matthew’s Gospel. But there is no clear evidence that Jerome ever saw this gospel or that it truly existed.
A related work called the Questions of Bartholomew exists in Greek, Latin, and Slavonic manuscripts. The Greek version may date back to the fifth or sixth century AD. In the text, Bartholomew asks Jesus where he went after his crucifixion. Jesus tells him that he went into Hades (the place of the dead). Later, Bartholomew asks Mary how she conceived and bore Jesus, who is beyond human understanding.
Mary warns that if she starts to tell, fire will come from her mouth and consume the world. Bartholomew insists on hearing it. As Mary begins describing the angel’s visit and the announcement of the birth of Jesus, fire does come from her mouth, and the world is almost destroyed. Jesus intervenes and covers her mouth with his hand.
The apostles also ask to see the bottomless pit and "the things which are in the heavens." Bartholomew is shown Beliar, the enemy of humankind. Six hundred sixty angels bind him with fiery chains as restraints. When Bartholomew steps on his neck, Beliar explains that his original name was Satanael and later became Satan. He describes how God created the angels, how he rebelled, and how he deceived Eve.
Finally, Bartholomew asks Jesus what the greatest sin is. Jesus replies that to speak evil against a faithful worshiper of God is to sin against the Holy Spirit.
See also Apocrypha; Bartholomew, the Apostle.