Jesus is the very Son of God, come in the flesh. [2][7] This is not supported by any early, reliable Christian tradition. Nathanael: It is believed that Bartholomew had ministered in Armenia and was flayed to death with knives in . It bothered them that the messiah and all his apostles came from Galilee. And presumably, if he did not use distinguishing details, the early church wouldve assumed he meant Philip the Apostlethe most well-known Philip. The one who died for me and rose again, that I might live. He went and found someone he could share his joy with. The remaining disciples were called at another time. Well, thats what happens now in Jesus. In fact much of Israel rejected their messiah because of their prejudice. The town was located on the northeast side of the Sea of Galilee and meant "house of fish." We know Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. As a man, in the flesh, Jesus takes our place, both in keeping Gods law and in taking the laws punishment on sinners. Dont you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? But the Gospel of John and the early church fill in some blanks and help us understand a little more about who he was. Peter and Andrew were early followers of John the Baptist. We've already looked at this passage in detail when we studied Andrew. This is as good as it gets! As we discussed earlier, these Greeks may have come to Philip because they knew him, or simply because he had a Greek name and spoke Greek the best. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." But what does this actually mean, and why would Jesus compliment someone who had expressed such obvious prejudice? Before Philip invited his brother, already Jesus had an intention of calling the young man. This was not flattery. Again let me say that it is probable that they were all friends or co-workers. This comment has been removed by the author. Like we sang earlier: Love that found mewondrous thought! They had studied the Law of Moses and read the prophets. First is verse 3: "Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector.". And what did Philip do? Because his heart was sincere his faith was real. You would be lost and helpless and hopeless, headed to hell. Notice, by the way, Philip says, We have found him, even though in reality its the other way around. After all Nazareth didn't exist in the Old Testament. And by his resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven, he guarantees our own resurrection and eternal life in heaven. In fact, Jesus sees Nathanael approaching and he says, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit! Nathanael can tell that this Jesus somehow knows something about him, that he has divine insight. In vs. 43 Jesus "found" (EdpltcKeL) Philip. Papias also refers to the Philip in Acts 21 as an apostle, and that title was usually (but not always) reserved for the Twelve. He also was among those surrounding John the Baptist when the . Furthermore, both Philip and Nathanael had studied the Word of God on their own. Phillip, like the other apostles was a man of weak faith and imperfect understanding. The latter is preserved in the names Theodore and Dorothea. So we know that like Philip, Andrew and Simon, Nathanael was from the region of Galilee, and specifically he was from the town of Cana. Philip found Nathanael and told him, We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wroteJesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nazareth! Never-the-less Phillip had a good heart and took the Jews to Andrew. But Phillip didn't bring them to Jesus did he? There could be several reasons for this, which well get to in a moment. Matthews? A fig tree near house provides a large, shady, protected place outdoors. So its very strange to see Phillip eagerly accept Jesus offer to follow him. 6 Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. Sir, they said, we would like to see Jesus.. I want you to notice the expression Phillip used when he told Nathaniel about Jesus. He in turn went and found his brother Simon, who would come to be called Peter. Let's see, one denari can buy 12 wheat biscuits. [2][6], Although Nathanael is sometimes identified with Bartholomew the Apostle mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts 1:13. If anything will put some excitement and joy into your life, this will. And so the church then is our Bethel, the house of God where we find Christ, where heaven is opened to us. Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. Because this is where he has promised to be present. 46 Nazareth! He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. That would have been left to the more academically gifted students at the time. Same thing today. Nathanael is a boy's name of Hebrew origin that means "God has given." In the Bible, Nathanael came from Cana in Galilee and was an early follower of Jesus. The story begins with Jesus finding Philip and saying to him, Follow me. Notice that: Jesus finds Philip. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. These cookies do not store any personal information. In Nathanael, Christ had found a genuine and authentic believer. To be a leader, you have to have a sense of vision. Or crucified upside down. In Church History Eusebius quotes Papias of Hierapolisa contemporary of the apostlesas saying that Philip was living in Hierapolis with his daughters. Phillip eventually got the message. But maybe youll put it a different way, perhaps like this: I have found my Savior, and hes your Savior too. This site uses cookies to analyze traffic and ensure you get the best experience. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. My friends, this is surely good news! 47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, Here truly is an Israelite(J) in whom there is no deceit.(K). Thats life-changing! In fact, Jesus was saying I know where your heart is, because I saw you under the fig tree. In other words between all the disciples -- at least 12 of them and probably more like 70 -- all they had was eight months worth of a single laborers wages. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. While hanging there, Philip preached, and the crowd was moved to release them. Nathaniel knew the Old Testament. The Nathaniel was a true spiritual offspring of Abraham. John's gospel is the only one that mentions a man named Nathanael, who appears to be an apostle (John 1:43-51).John also never mentions Bartholomew. He's not questioning his friend Philip, but a true Bible scholar would be sure to test the spirits. Phillip, on the other hand still hadn't gotten at two years later. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going., 5 Thomas said to him, Lord, we dont know where you are going, so how can we know the way?. We know Jesus called them all before the foundations of the world. Peter and James came to the Lord because of the personal soul-winning of their brothers. One of the best trees to plant near your house is a fig tree. Cana, Nathaniels home town was a side trip from everything. Start for FREE. Hes just pleasantly persistent, inviting Nathanael to find out for himself. Phillip, Nathaniel and Thomas were fishermen from Galilee. Join our email list, and well send you some of our best free resourcesplus well tell you whenever we make something new. Jesus died on the cross as our substitute, taking our sin and death on himself, thus opening heaven and eternal life to us. As John relates how the disciples were called, Philip and Nathanael were the 3 rd and 4 th men named as disciples. To challenge his friends blind bigotry, Philip responded with a simple invitation. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. Hes one of four people named Philip in the Bible, and hes often confused with Philip the Evangelist, who plays a minor role in Acts. One of the main routes going north and south between Jerusalem and Lebanon passes through Nazareth. But the important fact is that Philip followed Jesus and he went immediately to invite his brother Nathanael to follow Him. Nathaniel is also called Bartholomew, which is a Hebrew name meaning God has given". Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. They probably came to hear John the Baptist together. They walked with Jesus while he was upon earth. 'Come and see,' said Philip." John 1:43-46 -- His response to Jesus to follow him was without hesitation. Nazareth on the other hand is at a crossroads. But rather than just being casual readers, Philip and Nathanael had become passionate about the Word of God, even developing an interest in the prophecies of the promised Messiah. However, this tradition largely originates with Acts of Philip, a dubious fourth-century text which intermingled true accounts with legends, including a narrative involving a dragon. Let's go! Apparently Philip was also in the wilderness with John the Baptist. You shall see greater things than that. 51 He then added, I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.. . Maybe he didnt think very highly of that town, we dont know. Church tradition identifies Philip as the missionary to Greece, Syria, and Phrygia, but even early on, Philip the Apostle was frequently confused with Philip the Evangelist (also known as Philip the Deacon), which makes it hard to distinguish which details describe which Philip. Nathanael was one of the 12 original apostles of Jesus Christ. So it is for us in our witness. Now days He would have been accused of spying on the brothers instead. I know what you were doing. Jacob had a dream about a ladder running between heaven and earth. What Do We Know about Nathanael the Disciple without Deceit. The Holy Gospel for today, from John 1, takes place very early in Jesus ministry, when he was first gathering his disciples. We find their names together side-by-side as companions. Never heard of it. Or Luthern? After all Nazareth was full of uncultured people. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. John relates the first, introductory meeting of Jesus with Andrew, John, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. Many believers came to Christ under his preaching. As common tradesmen (possibly fishermen), their study of the Old Testament would have been something they had undertaken as both a hobby and a passion, not a profession. . His answer shows us the contempt Nathaniel felt for the people of Nazareth. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. Trees were planted around houses to keep them cool and shaded. He simply says, Come and see. Thats it. Jesus response to him, 9 Jesus answered: Dont you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Obviously Phillip knew that scripture was important to Nathaniel. Those are the great things that Nathanael will see in Jesus ministry. Following Philips breaking news, however, a second insight into Nathanaels character is revealed. In the Gospel of John, Nathanael is introduced as a friend of Philip, from Bethsaida (1:43-44). Jesus cross is our Jacobs ladder. Come and see, said Philip. John 1:4346. Nathanael: Oh, Hello! We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:24. Sure his mind was tainted by prejudice, but his heart was pure. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. [2] He was not a hypocrite. Philip and Nathanael, on the other hand, are listed jointly in John's tale. 50 Jesus said, You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. "Come and see," said Philip. So when Jesus said these things to him, he might have questioned if Jesus was just flattering him? The Gospel of John recounts Philip's calling as a disciple of Jesus. And they both probably had an earnest desire to see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Despite these thoughts and feelings, however, they continued to be positive instruments in the hands of God. It is interesting to see Jesus characterization of Nathaniel, 47 When Jesus saw Nathaniel approaching, he said of him, Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.. They were fisherman and worked alongside James and John. Trust in God; trust also in me. [2] The first disciples who follow Jesus are portrayed as reaching out immediately to family or friends: thus, Philip found Nathanael and said to him, We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.[3]. Come on along! Philip was from Bethsaida, the same city as his friend Andrew. Some people are so afraid of others religions that they closed themselves off from branches of the body of Christ. It's no doubt that this is where Nathaniel went to study the scriptures and pray. Can anything good come from there? Nathaniel asked. How about you? We know this because when each of the Gospels lists the apostles they list Phillip and Nathaniel (or Bartholomew) together. We see that Philip and Nathanael were faithful servants of Jesus who had questions and concerns, doubts and fears. Jesus is quickening faith in his heart. Now that we've looked at Philips faults, and cited his inability to look at the whole picture. Heaven and earth meet here in Gods house, because Christ is present here. The formal training of the 12 was over and yet their faith was still weak. We have found him! "It can't be done.". Jesus couldn't have known where I Nathaniel had been or what he had been doing and unless he had been omniscient. [8] The earliest reference to this theorywhich is based on Bartholomew being properly a surnameis found in Ishodad of Merv (c.850). Despite his flaws, if there was one thing Nathanael wasnt, it was a hypocrite. In fact, Nathanaels local knowledge and civic pride would come to light when called upon to follow Jesus. Does that have to do with Martin Luther King? Church? But now pause and consider where you are because of Jesus. In each of the listings of the disciples, the names of Philip and Bartholomew are linked, which could mean they were good friends or even related. Jesus knew Nathanaels heart. Jesus proved that in His interactions with these men. Nathaniel lived in a society that was prejudice by temperament. When you know the Lord, it affects the way you speak and act and live. Can anything good come from there? Nathaniel asked. It was Jesus who found Philip! Okayalthough you can reclaim at least some of that joy. Phillip is the administrator -- the bean counter. He doesnt get sidetracked. Can anything good come out of Nazareth? You likewise may encounter objections when you start to tell someone about Jesus. So if you wanted to escape the noise and the stifling atmosphere the house, you could go outside and rest under the fig tree. 48How do you know me? Nathanael asked. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. They dont tell us much, but theyre all we really have to go on. He was a founding Father of the early church and among the first to be martyred. Then Philip identifies this Messiah by name, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. But notice Nathanaels response: Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Apparently Nathanael, as one well-versed in the Scriptures, knew that there was no particular prophecy linking the Messiah to the city of Nazareth. Whats that? 46 Nazareth! Jesus brings Philip to Himself personally and then Philip witnesses to Nathaniel and brings him to the Lord. Here we receive a foretaste of the feast to come. Philip and Nathanael were brothers as were Andrew and Peter. The cooking was done inside, so a fire was burning even in the summer. He was so engrossed in his commonsense calculation, that he couldn't see an opportunity for the supernatural. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. The bad. Its easy to read the gospels and Acts and not even notice that there are two different Philips. "Son of Man" was one of our . So that would be pretty strange if that was Philip the Apostle.Much later in Acts 21:89, Paul and his companions stay at Philips house in Caesarea with his four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. The Synoptics describe the actual calling of these men to . [1] "Come and see," said Philip. Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. The one who gives me eternal life as a free gift. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. His Greek name is Bartholomew. It is Elohim, a portion of Elohim. Another suggests Nathanael died by crucifixion. How does he respond? Some people won't hear a minister of a different race. James and John: the two sons of Zebedee, who were called next: Philip and Bartholomew; the latter of these is by some thought to be Nathanael. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. . The twelve apostles opted out of this position, and then a man named Philip was chosen to be one of the Seven (Acts 6:5). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Invite the folks you knowyour friends and neighbors and your family membersinvite them to come and see. Philip replied that it would take two hundred denari to buy bread enough to feed them (John 6:7). All rights reserved. Nathanael (Bartholomew) was called after Philip told him about the Lord. John 1:35-46 "Come and See"Real Discipleship But when he saw the size of the crowd he began to feel overwhelmed by the impossible. When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, some God-fearing Greeks want to see him, so they come to Philip: Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. He hadnt put on a show or pretended to be something he was not to impress anyone, let alone Jesus. Follow me, Jesus says to each one of us. Besides if Andrew got in trouble that would be Andrew's problem. Think of it this way: Think of where you would be without Jesus. Simon and, probably, James were brought to Jesus by their brothers. I cant think of anything better. The first six disciples, then, were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew. Phillip was already in the presence of the living and eternal God. In John's Gospel, Nathanael is introduced as a friend of Philip, from Bethsaida. And this business about the angels of God ascending and descending? Later they were present in the Upper Room in one accord, when the Holy Spirit, as promised, descended upon them and they were empowered to preach and witness in Jesus name.We dont know where Philip and Nathanael may have gone or what became of them at the end of their lives. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Nathanael would be an Apostle, too. He immediately went to tell Nathanael that the Messiah had come. You have a sure hope to carry you through all the trials and afflictions of this life. You are the King of Israel!. I would like to have a deeper walk with God through the study of the Bible. Nathaniel was prejudice. No thanks. Geneva Study Bible Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES) Meyer's NT Commentary Luke 6:14-16. Phillip had studied the scriptures and everything lined up. That being said, we know Nathanael went on to play an important role in the formation of the early church, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth, as Jesus had commissioned His disciples to do before His ascension (Matthew 28:19-20). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.