Topical Encyclopedia
Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew in the synoptic Gospels, is a figure whose encounter with Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of John. His account provides a profound example of faith in Christ, marked by an initial skepticism that transforms into a declaration of belief.
Encounter with JesusNathanael's introduction to Jesus occurs in
John 1:45-51. Philip, who had already met Jesus, finds Nathanael and tells him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (
John 1:45). Nathanael's initial response is one of doubt, as he questions, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (
John 1:46). This skepticism reflects a common prejudice of the time, as Nazareth was a small and seemingly insignificant town.
Recognition and Declaration of FaithDespite his initial doubt, Nathanael's encounter with Jesus leads to a remarkable transformation. As Nathanael approaches, Jesus declares, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit" (
John 1:47). Surprised by Jesus' knowledge of him, Nathanael asks, "How do You know me?" (
John 1:48). Jesus responds, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree" (
John 1:48). This revelation prompts Nathanael to proclaim, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (
John 1:49).
Nathanael's declaration is significant, as it acknowledges Jesus' divine nature and messianic role. His faith is not based on a long period of observation or teaching but on a personal encounter with Christ, who reveals His omniscience and insight into Nathanael's character.
Faith and DiscipleshipNathanael's faith in Christ leads him to become one of the twelve apostles, as indicated in the synoptic Gospels where he is referred to as Bartholomew (
Matthew 10:3;
Mark 3:18;
Luke 6:14). His journey from skepticism to faith exemplifies the transformative power of a personal encounter with Jesus. Nathanael's account highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' true identity and responding with faith, even when initial doubts or prejudices exist.
Promise of Greater RevelationJesus' response to Nathanael's declaration of faith includes a promise of greater revelation: "Truly, truly, I tell you, you will see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (
John 1:51). This promise alludes to the vision of Jacob's ladder in
Genesis 28:12 and signifies the connection between heaven and earth through Jesus. It underscores the idea that faith in Christ opens the believer to deeper spiritual insights and experiences.
Nathanael's faith journey, as recorded in the Gospel of John, serves as an example of how an encounter with Jesus can overcome skepticism and lead to a profound declaration of faith. His account encourages believers to seek a personal relationship with Christ, recognizing Him as the Son of God and the King of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
John 1:49Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Calling of Nathanael.
... That is a genuine faith (according to Christ) which carries itself ... Nathanael was
to see "greater things" than this isolated ray of the supernatural. ...
/.../section 115 the calling of.htm
Christ Appealed to the Miracles as Testimonies; John, xv. , 24 ...
... Jesus said unto Nathanael, "Because I said I saw thee ... them, as did the pagan centurion
whom Christ offered to ... model: "I have not found so great faith, no, not ...
/.../section 95 christ appealed to.htm
The First Disciples: v. Believing and Seeing
... creed, and yet how identical with our faith, if we are Christians, was Nathanael's
faith. He knew nothing about the very heart of Christ's work, His atoning ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first disciples v believing.htm
Preface.
... Unbelievers to the moral perfection of Christ, is, to ... inquirers and earnest skeptics,
like Nathanael and Thomas ... tangible support of their weak faith, will never ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/preface.htm
John Chapter xvii. 20
... For was Nathanael with Him at that time? ... outset constituted teachers in the Church,
others, through their word, attained the proper faith in Christ, or, in ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cix john chapter xvii.htm
"He Ordained Twelve"
... of Nathanael. He was a man of intensely earnest nature, one whose faith took hold
upon unseen realities. Yet Philip was a student in the school of Christ, and ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm
The Divine Christ Confessed, the Suffering Christ Denied
... Nathanael had burst into rapturous adoration of Jesus as 'the Son of God' at the ...
They are the 'natural' consequences of the true faith in Christ, in that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the divine christ confessed the.htm
The Early Preaching and the First Disciples
... deliberate, yet firm steps by which Christ advanced to ... with Andrew and John, Peter
and Nathanael, and then a ... the boldest expectations possible to faith do not ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 14-20 the early preaching.htm
The First Disciples: iv. Nathanael
... has a little more to say about Christ's correspondence with ... And Nathanael, starting
from a lower point than Peter ... rises to a higher point of faith and certitude ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first disciples iv nathanael.htm
The True vision of God
... To all Nathanael's objections he had only the reply, 'Come and see.' And ... directness,
the knowledge of God that we have through faith in the Christ whom our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the true vision of god.htm
Resources
Why do so many people struggle with a lack of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fact that I am struggling with faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhere does faith come from? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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