John 1:47
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold an Israelite indeed - A worthy descendant of the patriarch Jacob, who not only professes to believe in Israel's God, but who worships him in sincerity and truth, according to his light. In whom is no guile! - Deceitfulness ever has been, and still is, the deeply marked characteristic of the Jewish people. To find a man, living in the midst of so much corruption, walking in uprightness before his Maker, was a subject worthy the attention of God himself. Behold this man! and, while you see and admire, imitate his conduct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
an Israelite indeed . . . no guile--not only no hypocrite, but with a guileless simplicity not always found even in God's own people, ready to follow wherever truth might lead him, saying, Samuel-like, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth" (Sa1 3:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him,.... For notwithstanding his prejudices, he was a man of so much uprightness and honesty, that he thought Philip's request was very reasonable; and that it was but right, and fair, that he should see, and hear, and judge, for himself, whether the person Philip spoke of was the Messiah, or not; and therefore he came along with him; and as he was coming, Jesus saw him, who knew all that had passed between him and Philip: and saith of him; to those that were standing by him, and in the hearing of Nathanael, behold an Israelite indeed! a son of Israel, as the Syriac and Persic versions read; a true son of Jacob's; an honest, plain hearted man, like him; one that was an Israelite at heart; inwardly so; not one after the flesh only, but after the Spirit; see Rom 2:28; and which was a rare thing at that time; and therefore a note of admiration is prefixed to it; for all were not Israel, that were of Israel; and indeed but a very few then: and so, , "a son of Israel", and , "a perfect Israelite", are (s) said of such who have regard to the articles of the Jewish faith, though not even of the seed of Israel: it is added, in whom there is no guile; not that he was without sin; nor is this said of him; nor was he in such sense without guile, as Christ himself was; but guile was not a governing sin in him: the course of his life, and conversation, was with great integrity, and uprightness, and without any prevailing hypocrisy and deceit, either to God, or men. This Christ said to show how much such a character is approved by him; and that he knew the secrets of men's hearts, and the inward frames of their minds, (s) Addareth Eliahu apud Trigland de Sect. Karaeorum, c. 10. p. 175, 176.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:47 Jesus referred to Nathanael as a man of complete integrity, contrasting him with Jacob, the scheming, deceitful patriarch whom God renamed Israel (see Gen 25:27-34; 27:1-36; 32:22-32). It is as though Nathanael embodied God’s ideal for Israel.
John 1:47
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
46“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell's Best Kept Secret (Korean)
By Ray Comfort2.4K56:09EvangelismJHN 1:47ACT 2:5ROM 3:19ROM 3:24ROM 7:71TI 1:8In this sermon, the preacher challenges the popular teaching that the Gospel is solely about finding peace, joy, love, and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He uses a story of two men on a plane, where one is given a parachute and told it will improve his flight. The skeptical man eventually puts on the parachute and realizes its weight and difficulty, but he is assured it is necessary for a jump later. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of breaking the law of gravity, comparing it to the consequences of sin. He warns against a shallow commitment to Jesus based on personal benefits, and instead urges listeners to have a genuine understanding of the need for salvation and the consequences of rejecting it.
The Inadequacy of Ethics
By Art Katz2.1K53:02EthicsMAT 16:23MAT 17:17MRK 4:40LUK 24:25JHN 1:47ROM 3:23COL 3:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own inadequacies and failures in preaching the word of God. He shares a personal experience of a Jewish woman who came to him seeking answers and guidance. Despite his doubts and insecurities, he allowed her to come and engage in conversation. Through their interaction, the woman and several others were saved and brought into the kingdom of God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not striving to be sharp or cryptic in our approach, but rather to rely on God's wisdom and guidance.
An Ambition to Please God
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:12DEU 28:47JHN 1:472CO 5:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an ambition as Christians, focusing on pleasing God whether in heaven or on earth. It highlights the need to prioritize pleasing God above all else, to be driven by one ambition of pleasing Him in heaven, and to experience the joy and excitement of living for God. The speaker encourages honesty and gratitude, urging listeners to seek God's kingdom first, do good, and share with others as sacrifices that please God.
Expressing Appreciation
By Zac Poonen1.0K21:38MAT 8:10JHN 1:47EPH 1:16COL 3:151TH 5:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of appreciating and expressing gratitude towards others, highlighting the need to overcome the tendency to criticize and find fault. It encourages filling our hearts with appreciation rather than accusation, following the example of Jesus who appreciated even those society deemed unworthy. The message stresses the significance of expressing thanks to those who serve us, including parents, elders, and spiritual leaders, as a reflection of living a new covenant life like Jesus.
(John) John's Gospel
By Brian Brodersen66749:27JHN 1:47JHN 14:15JHN 14:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spiritual component in everything and understanding that the spiritual realm is superior. He laments that many people are still in darkness despite the light of the world, Jesus, coming into the world. The preacher highlights the tragic incident in Saudi Arabia where pilgrims were trampled to death, illustrating the destructive nature of darkness. He also addresses those who may feel content and fulfilled in their worldly pursuits, but reminds them that they are spiritually dead and in need of Jesus' offer of life. The sermon concludes with an invitation for people to receive the Lord and find spiritual fulfillment.
The Bride Standing With the Lamb
By Zac Poonen53429:23MAT 10:32JHN 1:47ROM 8:29EPH 2:8REV 7:9REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 19:7The sermon delves into the symbolism of the 144,000 in the book of Revelation, contrasting them with the great multitude. It emphasizes the importance of being cleansed by the blood of Christ and having the name of the Father and Jesus on their foreheads. The sermon highlights the significance of living a life without lies or hypocrisy, following the Lamb wholeheartedly, and being prepared as the bride of Christ through righteous actions.
Rulership of the King of the Kingdom of God on Earth - Part 1
By Art Katz3301:24:05Kingdom Of GodMAT 7:1MAT 22:14JHN 1:471CO 10:312TI 4:2HEB 12:29REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for worship to be centered on God and filled with awe and reverence. He highlights the importance of recognizing God as the King and approaching Him with reverence. The speaker also discusses the concept of being fitted and prepared to receive a kingdom, referring to Ezekiel 37 and the appointment of a ruler over the dry bones. He encourages believers to understand their identity and hope in the kingdom of God, regardless of their social status or origin. The sermon concludes with a personal testimony of a trial within the church and the speaker's belief in God's ability to transform individuals and use their present circumstances for character development and rule in the kingdom.
Not for Me? Why Not?
By William Edwin Boardman0EXO 3:4JDG 4:61SA 3:4ISA 6:5ZEC 4:2LUK 7:6JHN 1:47ACT 2:39HEB 4:16REV 3:20William Edwin Boardman preaches about the importance of holy boldness in approaching God, highlighting the need to surrender self-complacency and embrace a deep sense of humility and reverence in His presence. He emphasizes the call to willingly respond to God's invitation with boldness and faith, rather than shrinking back in unbelief or modesty. Boardman uses the examples of Peter at Pentecost, Moses, Barak, and various biblical figures to illustrate how God calls and equips individuals for great and good things, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The First Thing God Requires From Us Is Honesty
By Zac Poonen0PSA 139:23PRO 11:3MAT 6:1JHN 1:471JN 1:7Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and being honest before God and others. He highlights that true spiritual progress is hindered by hypocrisy and the desire for the praise of men. Poonen stresses that God values honesty above religious activities or outward appearances, and that our spiritual worth is determined by our sincerity before God, not by human standards.
An Israelite Indeed
By John Wesley0True VirtueLove and TruthMAT 22:37JHN 1:47John Wesley emphasizes the character of Nathanael, whom Jesus called 'an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile,' to illustrate the essence of true virtue, which he argues is rooted in the love of God rather than mere benevolence. He critiques contemporary thinkers like Hutcheson and Wollaston for separating love for God from love for neighbor, asserting that genuine virtue arises from a heart true to God, leading to sincere and truthful actions. Wesley insists that both truth and love must be united in a believer's life, as they reflect the character of Christ and fulfill the commandments of God. He encourages believers to seek happiness in God alone and to maintain sincerity and simplicity in their interactions with others.
Jacob and the Law of Life (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 28:10GEN 31:13JHN 1:47JHN 14:61CO 1:201CO 2:14GAL 6:1PHP 2:8COL 1:18T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the sevenfold operation of life as represented by seven persons in Genesis, focusing on Jacob as a symbol of God's way of life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the House of God, Bethel, starting from its heavenly side and the heavenly order that governs the Church. It highlights the need for everything to begin and lead to heaven, being of Christ, and the significance of Christ linking heaven with earth. The sermon also delves into the principles of authority and subjection in the Church, showing how authority is reached through subjection, and how heavenly order is governed by the law of Christly increase.
Nathaniel - a Key to Breaking the Power of Our Predictable Christianity
By Art Katz0Awakening from PredictabilityAuthentic FaithJHN 1:47Art Katz emphasizes the story of Nathaniel as a representation of those disillusioned with conventional Christianity, urging believers to seek a deeper, more authentic experience with God. He highlights Nathaniel's skepticism and the transformative moment when Jesus acknowledges him, suggesting that true faith requires awakening from the slumber of predictability in church life. Katz calls for a church that transcends ordinary experiences, becoming a conduit for divine encounters that can liberate others from the confines of cultural norms. The sermon challenges listeners to aspire for greater revelations and to embody an apostolic presence that connects Heaven and earth.
A Christian Indeed
By Thomas Reade0JHN 1:47JHN 13:35ACT 11:262CO 5:17GAL 2:201PE 1:231JN 3:91JN 4:71JN 4:201JN 5:4Thomas Reade preaches about the essence of being a true Christian, emphasizing the importance of having the Spirit of Christ, being transformed internally, and living a life conforming to the teachings of Jesus. He highlights the need for genuine regeneration through the Holy Spirit, bearing the image of Christ, and having faith that works through love and overcomes the world. Reade urges believers to examine themselves, seek sanctification, and demonstrate true Christian love towards all, even their enemies, reflecting the unity and charity found in the early Church.
Exposition on Psalm 88
By St. Augustine0PSA 87:4ISA 53:4MAT 26:37MAT 27:33LUK 23:34JHN 1:47ROM 6:9ROM 8:31CO 1:201CO 13:3EPH 5:81PE 2:211JN 3:16St. Augustine delves into Psalm 87, exploring the prophetic nature of the Psalm in relation to the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He highlights the importance of imitating Christ's sacrifice and the need for charity in our actions. The Psalm is interpreted to reflect the sorrows and pains experienced by Christ, emphasizing His humanity and willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of humanity. St. Augustine connects the Psalm to the concept of Christ being free among the dead, emphasizing His unique ability to lay down His life and take it up again. The Psalm is further analyzed to reveal the depth of Christ's suffering, the rejection He faced, and the ultimate victory over death and sin.
Exposition on Psalm 74
By St. Augustine0ISA 66:2MAT 3:12MAT 5:3LUK 18:13JHN 1:17JHN 1:47ROM 9:6ROM 10:3ROM 11:1GAL 3:29St. Augustine preaches about the understanding of Asaph in the Psalms, delving into the significance of the congregation being referred to as Synagogue, symbolizing a certain understanding congregation. He explores the distinction between the people of Israel who truly follow God's ways and those who are unfaithful, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience. St. Augustine reflects on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting the differences in sacraments, promises, and the need to fully surrender to God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold an Israelite indeed - A worthy descendant of the patriarch Jacob, who not only professes to believe in Israel's God, but who worships him in sincerity and truth, according to his light. In whom is no guile! - Deceitfulness ever has been, and still is, the deeply marked characteristic of the Jewish people. To find a man, living in the midst of so much corruption, walking in uprightness before his Maker, was a subject worthy the attention of God himself. Behold this man! and, while you see and admire, imitate his conduct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
an Israelite indeed . . . no guile--not only no hypocrite, but with a guileless simplicity not always found even in God's own people, ready to follow wherever truth might lead him, saying, Samuel-like, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth" (Sa1 3:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him,.... For notwithstanding his prejudices, he was a man of so much uprightness and honesty, that he thought Philip's request was very reasonable; and that it was but right, and fair, that he should see, and hear, and judge, for himself, whether the person Philip spoke of was the Messiah, or not; and therefore he came along with him; and as he was coming, Jesus saw him, who knew all that had passed between him and Philip: and saith of him; to those that were standing by him, and in the hearing of Nathanael, behold an Israelite indeed! a son of Israel, as the Syriac and Persic versions read; a true son of Jacob's; an honest, plain hearted man, like him; one that was an Israelite at heart; inwardly so; not one after the flesh only, but after the Spirit; see Rom 2:28; and which was a rare thing at that time; and therefore a note of admiration is prefixed to it; for all were not Israel, that were of Israel; and indeed but a very few then: and so, , "a son of Israel", and , "a perfect Israelite", are (s) said of such who have regard to the articles of the Jewish faith, though not even of the seed of Israel: it is added, in whom there is no guile; not that he was without sin; nor is this said of him; nor was he in such sense without guile, as Christ himself was; but guile was not a governing sin in him: the course of his life, and conversation, was with great integrity, and uprightness, and without any prevailing hypocrisy and deceit, either to God, or men. This Christ said to show how much such a character is approved by him; and that he knew the secrets of men's hearts, and the inward frames of their minds, (s) Addareth Eliahu apud Trigland de Sect. Karaeorum, c. 10. p. 175, 176.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:47 Jesus referred to Nathanael as a man of complete integrity, contrasting him with Jacob, the scheming, deceitful patriarch whom God renamed Israel (see Gen 25:27-34; 27:1-36; 32:22-32). It is as though Nathanael embodied God’s ideal for Israel.