What is the meaning of John 1:46? Can anything good • Nathanael hears Philip’s claim that they have found “the One Moses wrote about in the Law” (John 1:45) and instinctively raises the possibility that nothing good could emerge from an obscure source. • His words capture the natural skepticism of fallen humanity (Romans 3:11-12) and the common assumption that greatness must come from celebrated places (1 Samuel 16:6-7). • The question also highlights the upside-down way God works: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). come from Nazareth? • Nazareth was a small, insignificant village in lower Galilee, never mentioned in Old Testament prophecies by name. Its obscurity made it unlikely in people’s eyes that Messiah would originate there. • Yet Matthew 2:23 affirms that Jesus “lived in a city called Nazareth, to fulfill what was spoken by the prophets, that He would be called a Nazarene.” God deliberately linked the Savior with a humble place to reveal His grace to the lowly (Luke 1:52). • The disbelief mirrors later reactions: “Does the Christ come from Galilee?” (John 7:41-42). Fulfillment is not hindered by human expectations; God’s Word stands literal and true. Nathanael asked • Nathanael, likely from Cana (John 21:2), is portrayed as “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47). His question is frank, not cynical; he desires accuracy in light of Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). • Honest inquiry is welcomed by the Lord. Thomas voiced doubts (John 20:24-29) and was answered. Gideon sought confirmation (Judges 6:36-40) and received it. God invites seekers to test and see His faithfulness (Psalm 34:8). • Nathanael’s question sets the stage for a personal revelation that will turn skepticism into worship (John 1:49). Come and see • Philip’s response mirrors Jesus’ own earlier invitation, “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39). Evangelism is not an argument to be won but an introduction to a Person. • By urging experience over debate, Philip models how to engage doubters: – Point them to Christ, not to ourselves. – Trust that the Holy Spirit will confirm the truth (John 16:13-14). – Keep the door open for dialogue rather than shutting it with condemnation (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Similar language is later used by the Samaritan woman: “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:29), showing a pattern of invitation leading to belief. said Philip • Philip’s simple words testify to his confidence. Having personally found Jesus to be the Messiah, he naturally shares the discovery (John 1:45). • Scripture records Philip repeatedly bringing people to Jesus—Nathanael here, the Greeks in John 12:20-22, and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. His example urges believers to: – Know the Scriptures that point to Christ (Acts 17:2-3). – Live with expectation that God has prepared hearts (Acts 16:14). – Speak plainly and invite others to meet the Savior themselves (2 Corinthians 5:20). summary John 1:46 shows that God delights in overturning human preconceptions: the Messiah arises from despised Nazareth, fulfilling prophecy and displaying grace to the humble. Nathanael’s honest doubt becomes an opportunity for revelation, answered not by argument but by an invitation to encounter Jesus personally. Philip’s “Come and see” remains the model—confidently pointing seekers to the living Christ, trusting the literal, unfailing truth of God’s Word to do its work. |
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