John 1:44-51 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.… I. NATHANAEL'S PREJUDICE EXPRESSED, AND PHILIP'S REPLY. 1. Nathanael looking for the Messiah, but had the prophecy of Bethlehem in his mind. Hence his difficulty, and his unreasonable imputation of the character of Nazareth to Christ. The objection of the Samaritan woman was that He was a Jew, others that He was a carpenter, etc. But these not more unreasonable than modern objections. 2. Philip's reply was such as became a disciple. Let Nathanael know Christ as he knew Him, and all objections would be removed. II. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS TO NATHANAEL'S CHARACTER. Nathanael's prejudice did not prevent his taking Philip's advice. He approaches, and before he or Philip open their lips, Christ's testimony is given. 1. An Israelite indeed is genuine, in the spirit, not in the letter. 2. In whom is no guile, because an Israelite indeed; no Judas, no dissembler. III. NATHANAEL'S INQUIRY INTO THE SOURCE OF CHRIST'S KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, AND THE ANSWER. The inquiry evidenced Nathanael's sincerity. Christ's reply met Nathanael's state of mind. No minister is ever first with those who are called: Jesus has been working in them previously. As the trees of Eden could not hide Adam, neither could the fig-tree hide Nathanael from his Lord. IV. NATHANAEL'S CONVICTION AND CONFESSION OF JESUS. 1. Rabbi, the promised prophet. 2. The Son of God. 3. The King of Israel. Notice the satisfactoriness of this testimony. V. CHRIST'S EXPRESSED SATISFACTION, AND HIS PROMISE OF FUTURE CONFIRMATION TO BE GIVEN TO HIS DISCIPLES. Christ had already given Nathaniel an evidence of His glory in His omnipotence, but there were greater things in store: the things which were to prove Christ to be the Son of God with power. (A. Beith, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.WEB: Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. |
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