John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! A professor of religion who is what he appears to be, and appears to be what he is. I. THE PROMINENT FEATURES OF THIS CHARACTER. 1. Regeneracy; newness of heart. This its foundation. 2. An earnest desire and endeavour to know the truth: at first-hand; not through a priest. 3. A deliberate purpose and steady intention to please God in everything. The Pharisee prays to get popular applause; Nathanael retires under a fig-tree. 4. Uniformity and consistency. The heart answers to the life, the life to the heart. II. THE EXCELLENCIES OF THIS CHARACTER. 1. It is estimable, and is held in esteem. Without it a man is a worthless character, however otherwise distinguished. 2. It is pleasing to God. 3. It brings peace to its possessor. 4. It secures hereafter its great and everlasting reward. (John Brown, D. D.)One of the rare commendatory words of Christ spoken on a most rare occasion. 1. Bestowed upon a man who spoke contemptuously of his birthplace; was prepossessed against himself; had, immediately after an hour of earnest devotion, fallen again under a prejudice. 2. Was bestowed for the very reason that He was without guile. (Lange.) Parallel Verses KJV: Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! |
    |