Topical Bible: Decision: Nathaniel

◄ Decision: Nathaniel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Nathaniel, also known as Bartholomew, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His decision to follow Jesus is a significant moment in the New Testament, illustrating the transformative power of Christ's call and the importance of discernment and faith in recognizing the Messiah.

Biblical Account

Nathaniel's encounter with Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of John. Philip, who had already decided to follow Jesus, finds Nathaniel 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). Nathaniel's initial skepticism is evident in his response, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). This question reflects a common prejudice of the time, as Nazareth was a small and seemingly insignificant town.

Despite his doubts, Nathaniel decides to meet Jesus, demonstrating an openness to explore the truth. When Jesus sees Nathaniel approaching, He declares, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). This statement reveals Jesus' divine insight into Nathaniel's character, recognizing his sincerity and integrity.

Nathaniel is astonished by Jesus' knowledge of him and asks, "How do You know me?" Jesus answers, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree" (John 1:48). This revelation convinces Nathaniel of Jesus' divine nature, leading him to make a profound declaration of faith: "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (John 1:49).

Theological Significance

Nathaniel's decision to follow Jesus highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores the importance of personal encounter with Christ. Despite his initial skepticism, Nathaniel's direct experience with Jesus leads to a transformative recognition of His divine identity. This encounter emphasizes the necessity of personal faith and the willingness to seek truth beyond preconceived notions.

Second, Nathaniel's account illustrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. His acknowledgment of Jesus as the "Son of God" and "King of Israel" reflects the messianic expectations rooted in Jewish tradition. Nathaniel's decision to follow Jesus signifies the recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah, fulfilling the hopes of Israel.

Finally, Nathaniel's interaction with Jesus demonstrates the power of divine knowledge and insight. Jesus' awareness of Nathaniel's character and his previous location under the fig tree reveals His omniscience, affirming His divine nature. This encounter serves as a testament to Jesus' ability to see beyond outward appearances and understand the true nature of individuals.

Lessons for Believers

Nathaniel's decision to follow Jesus offers valuable lessons for believers. It encourages an openness to explore and discern the truth, even when faced with skepticism or doubt. Nathaniel's willingness to meet Jesus despite his initial prejudice serves as a model for approaching faith with humility and a readiness to be transformed by divine revelation.

Moreover, Nathaniel's account reminds believers of the importance of integrity and sincerity in their spiritual journey. Jesus' commendation of Nathaniel as a "true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit" highlights the value of authenticity and honesty in one's relationship with God.

In summary, Nathaniel's decision to follow Jesus is a powerful testament to the transformative encounter with Christ, the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, and the importance of personal faith and integrity in the Christian life.

Nave's Topical Index

John 1:49
Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Book vi
... Phoebus; of Nathaniel Porter; numbers; work prosperous; domestic missions; their ...
of religion; other missions; Lebanon College; legal decision respecting class ...
/.../bangs/a history of the methodist episcopal church volume iv/book vi.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... Joseph Castle, John Dempster, George Harmon, Josiah Kies, Zachariab Paddock, Nathaniel
Salisbury. ... if found guilty, is to be expelled on the decision of the ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

The Great Schism
... with other churches and come regularly to this." This decision the minority ... once
more in harmony, renewed their covenant, and called Mr. Nathaniel Collins to ...
/.../chapter x the great schism.htm

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... [b] After the decision new settlements were ... By 1800, the teachings of John Wise of
Ipswich, reinforced by those of Nathaniel Emmons, "the father of modern ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

Take Ye Away the Stone.
... When Philip told Nathaniel that he had found the Messiah, he said to him: "Can there
any ... so, if they are to come at all, they must come to a decision about it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter i take ye away.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... not merely to the right, but to the necessity of private decision on all ... Sincerity
was that which Christ commended in Nathaniel, when he was under the fig tree ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Disestablishment
... court of Connecticut; Calvin Goddard, United States representative; Nathaniel Smith,
United ... sovereign discretion would be 'the only rule of decision,"a state ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

The Gospel of John
... be admitted that even in the most recent times the decision of the ... 3) the narratives
touching Jesus dealing with individuals, such as Nathaniel, Nicodemus, the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of john.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... Hence the question of Nathaniel, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Hence ...
as an exception; for this exception is explained in the Papal decision by the ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... and decision; for no man was more determined in his purpose, or more persevering
in his work, when convinced of truth and duty, than was Nathaniel Porter ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm