Topical Bible: Sincerity: Nathanael

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Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew in the synoptic Gospels, is a figure in the New Testament who exemplifies sincerity and genuine faith. His encounter with Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of John, where he is introduced as a man "in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). This statement by Jesus highlights Nathanael's character as one of honesty and integrity, qualities that are central to the biblical understanding of sincerity.

Biblical Account

Nathanael's introduction occurs in John 1:43-51. Philip, who had just been called by 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 skepticism is evident in his response, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). This question reflects a candid and straightforward nature, unafraid to express doubt or question prevailing assumptions.

When Nathanael approaches Jesus, the Lord declares, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). This commendation from Jesus underscores Nathanael's sincerity, suggesting that he embodies the ideal qualities of an Israelite—faithfulness, honesty, and a heart open to truth.

Sincerity in Faith

Nathanael's sincerity is further demonstrated in his response to Jesus' supernatural knowledge of him. Jesus tells Nathanael, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree" (John 1:48). This revelation prompts Nathanael to confess, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (John 1:49). His immediate and heartfelt declaration of faith reveals a readiness to accept truth when presented with evidence, a hallmark of sincere belief.

Theological Significance

Nathanael's encounter with Jesus serves as a powerful illustration of the virtue of sincerity in the life of a believer. His openness to truth and lack of guile align with the biblical exhortation to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Nathanael's account encourages believers to cultivate a heart free from deceit, characterized by transparency and a genuine pursuit of God.

Legacy and Tradition

While the Gospel of John provides the most detailed account of Nathanael, he is traditionally identified with Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles listed in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14). This identification is supported by early Christian writings and the pairing of Philip and Bartholomew in the apostolic lists, suggesting a close association similar to that of Philip and Nathanael in John.

Nathanael's legacy as a model of sincerity continues to inspire Christians to live authentically, embracing truth and integrity in their walk with Christ. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with an honest heart, free from pretense and open to the transformative power of divine revelation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Israelite Indeed
... thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee." "Nathanael answered and ... thing
which is implied in the character of "an Israelite indeed," is, sincerity. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 90 an israelite indeed.htm

"He Ordained Twelve"
... In happy contrast to Philip's unbelief was the childlike trust of Nathanael. ... With
great earnestness and apparent sincerity he declared, "Master, I will follow ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm

Twenty-Sixth Day. Guilelessness.
... "Behold," said He, of Nathanael, "an Israelite ... Let transparent honor and sincerity
regulate all your dealings; despise all meanness; avoid the sinister motive ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-sixth day guilelessness.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ...
... out of it also was called the people of God, who in sincerity and truth ... Accordingly
in the Gospel, when the Lord saw Nathanael, He said, "Behold an Israelite ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxix on the words.htm

They Indeed who Say that Baptism is not to be Repeated...
... were also true Israelites, as the Lord Himself bears witness to Nathanael, "Behold
an ... return to the way of peace, to seeking God in all sincerity,"for their ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 19 25 they.htm

Divine Calls.
... from his nets, Matthew from his office, Elisha from his farm, Nathanael from his ...
righteousness, that hope of glory, which they have who in sincerity love and ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ii divine calls.htm

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ...
... overcame, the first temptation by the humility of his intense sincerity, the second ...
advance of the rest, when he found his acquaintance Nathanael, and engaged ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the twofold testimony.htm

For the Candid and Thoughtful
... Of course, even this natural openness and sincerity of character is God's gift,
but ... but they were as transparent as glass, and as free from guile as Nathanael. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/for the candid and thoughtful.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... are Philip and Bartholomew; the latter is supposed to be the same as Nathanael,
the Israelite ... Again, the centurion revealed the sincerity of true faith. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

The Conversion of Zaccheus
... love; Jesus the everlasting God, the Prince of peace, who saw Nathanael under the
fig ... To the best of my knowledge I have spoken the truth in sincerity, and the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the conversion of zaccheus.htm