Good morning. Today is my birthday and my Saint's Day.
One of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles, Philip the Apostle, hailed from Bethsaida in Galilee and shared his hometown with fellow apostles Andrew and Peter. Known for his dedication to studying Jewish law and the prophetic books, he recognized Jesus as the prophesied Messiah and shared this revelation with Nathanael. Philip actively spread the message of Jesus across various regions in Asia Minor, enduring significant hardships for his faith. His ministry concluded with his martyrdom by crucifixion, upside down, in Hierapolis of Phrygia.
John 1:43-51(NKJV):
Philip and Nathanael
43 The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter[a] you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
John 1:43-51 (NKJV) recounts the initial encounter between Jesus and two future disciples, Philip and Nathanael. Here’s a brief understanding of the passage:
• Jesus Calls Philip: Jesus decides to go to Galilee and calls Philip directly, saying, “Follow Me.” Philip, from the same hometown as Andrew and Peter, immediately recognizes something extraordinary about Jesus.
• Philip Finds Nathanael: Excited by his encounter with Jesus, Philip finds Nathanael and tells him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Philip is convinced Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
• Nathanael’s Skepticism: Nathanael is doubtful, questioning, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” This reflects a common skepticism about Nazareth, a humble and seemingly insignificant place.
• Jesus Sees Nathanael: When Nathanael approaches, Jesus greets him with high praise, calling him “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit.” Surprised that Jesus seems to know him, Nathanael asks, “How do You know me?”
• Jesus’ Insight into Nathanael’s Character: Jesus explains that He saw Nathanael under the fig tree even before Philip called him. This statement implies a miraculous knowledge of Nathanael’s actions and thoughts, which moves Nathanael deeply.
• Nathanael’s Declaration: Recognizing Jesus’ insight, Nathanael proclaims Him as the “Son of God” and “King of Israel,” acknowledging Jesus’ divine and royal identity.
• Jesus’ Promise: Jesus responds by telling Nathanael he will witness even greater things, including “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” This alludes to Jacob’s ladder in Genesis, suggesting that Jesus Himself is the link between heaven and earth.
This passage reveals Jesus as the awaited Messiah and a figure with divine insight and authority. The story highlights early recognition of Jesus’ true nature and sets a foundation for His ministry as one who fulfills prophecies and connects humanity with God.
In Christ, love ❤️ Jared W Campbell
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