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I. HOW VARIOUS ARE THE PATHS BY WHICH SOULS ARE LED INTO THE NARROW WAY OF LIFE.

1. Philip does not seem to have been moved by the preaching of the Baptist.

2. He was not drawn by the outspoken declarations of a brother like Peter.

3. He was called directly by Christ Himself.

4. Though the earliest disciples entered by different roads, they reached the same way, served the same Master, and at length reached the same home.From which facts we may deduce —

1. That there are diversities of operations answering to diversities of needs. All cannot be converted in precisely the same manner.

2. That we must beware of making the experience of other believers the measure of our own.

II. HOW MUCH OF CHRIST THERE IS IN THE OLD YESTAMENT. Christ is its sum and substance.

1. The promises pointed to Him.

2. The types prefigured Him (John 5:39).

III. THE GOOD ADVICE PHILIP GAVE NATHANAEL.

1. Wiser counsel it would be impossible to conceive. If he had rebuked Nathanael's unbelief he might have driven him back for many a day. Had he reasoned with Nathanael he might have confirmed his doubt. By inviting him to see for himself he showed his entire confidence in his own assertion and his willingness to have it proved.

2. Let us never be afraid to deal with people about their souls. Christianity courts inquiry.

IV. THE HIGH CHARACTER WHICH JESUS GIVES OF NATHANAEL.

1. He was a true child of God. He had that which grace alone can give.

2. He was a genuine son of Abraham. A Jew inwardly.

(Bp. Ryle.)

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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.