John 1:51
Verse
Context
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
50Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Verily, verily - Amen, amen. The doubling of this word probably came from this circumstance: that it was written both in Hebrew אמן and in Greek αμην, signifying, it is true. Heaven open - This seems to be a figurative expression: 1. Christ may be understood by this saying to mean, that a clear and abundant revelation of God's will should be now made unto men; that heaven itself should be laid as it were open, and all the mysteries which had been shut up and hidden in it from eternity, relative to the salvation and glorification of man; should be now fully revealed. 2. That by the angels of God ascending and descending, is to be understood, that a perpetual intercourse should now be opened between heaven and earth, through the medium of Christ, who was God manifested in the flesh. Our blessed Lord is represented in his mediatorial capacity as the ambassador of God to men; and the angels ascending and descending upon the Son of man, is a metaphor taken from the custom of despatching couriers or messengers from the prince to his ambassador in a foreign court, and from the ambassador back to the prince. This metaphor will receive considerable light when compared with Co2 5:19, Co2 5:20 : God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself: - We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God. The whole concerns of human salvation shall be carried on, from henceforth, through the Son of man; and an incessant intercourse be established between heaven and earth. Some have illustrated this passage by the account of Jacob's vision, Gen 28:12. But though that vision may intimate that God had established at that time a communication between heaven and earth, through the medium of angels, yet it does not appear that our Lord's saying here has any reference to it; but that it should be understood as stated above. What a glorious view does this give us of the Gospel dispensation! It is heaven opened to earth; and heaven opened on earth. The Church militant and the Church triumphant become one, and the whole heavenly family, in both, see and adore their common Lord. Neither the world nor the Church is left to the caprices of time or chance. The Son of man governs as he upholds all. Wherever we are praying, studying, hearing, meditating, his gracious eye is upon us. He notes our wants, our weakness, and our petitions; and his eye affects his heart. Let us be without guile, deeply, habitually sincere, serious, and upright; and then we may rest assured, that not only the eye, but the hand, of our Lord shall be ever upon us for good. Happy the man whose heart can rejoice in the reflection, Thou God seest me!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hereafter, &c.--The key to this great saying is Jacob's vision (Gen 28:12-22), to which the allusion plainly is. To show the patriarch that though alone and friendless on earth his interests were busying all heaven, he was made to see "heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon a" mystic "ladder reaching from heaven to earth." "By and by," says Jesus here, "ye shall see this communication between heaven and earth thrown wide open, and the Son of man the real Ladder of this intercourse." Next: John Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he saith unto him, verily, verily, I say unto you,.... Not only to Nathanael, but to the rest of the disciples that were then with him; and to show himself to be the "Amen", and faithful witness, as well as more strongly to asseverate what he was about to say, he doubles the expression: hereafter you shall see heaven open; either in a literal sense, as it had been at his baptism; or, in a mystical sense, that there should be a clearer manifestation of heavenly truths made by his ministry; and that the way into the holiest of all should be made more manifest; and a more familiar intercourse he opened between God and his people; and also between angels and saints: and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man; or to the son of man, as the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render it; meaning himself in human nature; the second Adam, and seed of the woman; and is expressive both of the truth, and infirmity of that nature. Reference may here be had to the ladder Jacob dreamed of, in Gen 28:12, which was a representation of Christ, in his person, as God-man; who, as God, was in heaven, whilst he, as man, was on earth; and in his office, as Mediator between God and man, making peace between them both; and in the ministration of angels to him in person, and to his body the church. And it is observable, that some of the Jewish writers (y) understand the ascent, and descent of the angels, in Gen 28:12, to be, not upon the ladder, but upon Jacob; which makes the phrase there still more agreeable to this; and so they render in Gen 28:13, not "above it", but "above him". Or the, sense is, that there would be immediately made such clearer discoveries of his person, and grace by his ministry, and such miracles would be wrought by him in confirmation of it, that it would look as if heaven was open, and the angels of God were continually going to and fro, and bringing fresh messages, and performing miraculous operations; as if the whole host of them were constantly employed in such services: and this the rather seems to be the sense, since the next account we have, is, of the beginning of Christ's miracles to manifest forth his glory in Cana of Galilee, where Nathanael lived; and since the word, rendered "hereafter", signifies, "from henceforward"; or, as the Persic version renders it, "from this hour"; though the word is left out in the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions, (y) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 68. fol. 61. 2. & sect. 69. fol. 61. 3, 4. Next: John Chapter 2
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:51 I tell you the truth (Greek amēn amēn): Jesus often used this expression to emphasize what he was about to say. In John’s Gospel, the Greek word amēn is always doubled. • you will all see heaven open: Jesus made the comparison with Jacob explicit (see study note on 1:47; see Gen 28:10-22). Like Jacob, Nathanael would see God at work. Jesus himself is the new Bethel (“house of God,” Gen 28:19), the place where God lives. • Son of Man: See study note on John 9:35; see also Dan 7:13-14; Mark 8:31. • John the apostle used several names for Jesus (Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah). Knowing Jesus’ true identity is necessary to fully understanding and following him.
John 1:51
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
50Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) Genesis 28:12-15
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K05:25GenesisGEN 28:12MAT 3:17JHN 1:51EPH 2:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven. God appears to Jacob in the dream and reaffirms the promises He made to Abraham and Isaac. God assures Jacob that He will be with him and bring him back to the land. The ladder in the dream is interpreted as a representation of Christ, through whom we have access to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to God through Christ and the need for discipline and courage in our lives as believers.
Heavenly Worship Theology by +Todd Atkinson
By Todd Atkinson2.2K00:00GEN 28:12PSA 139:23JHN 1:51JHN 14:2PHP 3:20COL 3:1HEB 8:5REV 4:1REV 5:13This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, emphasizing the vision of heaven shown to John and the purpose of understanding heavenly worship. It explores the concept of heaven and earth merging through worship, highlighting the thin line between the two realms and the transformative power of joining in heavenly worship. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the ache for heaven as a form of worship and to see themselves as part of the same reality as heaven, ultimately aiming for unity and oneness in worship.
Himmlische Gesinnung (With German Translation)
By Art Katz1.9K56:45GermanGEN 28:12JHN 1:51JHN 3:6JHN 3:31COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our affections on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. He shares a personal anecdote about wishing he had students who sought answers from above rather than giving predictable earthly answers. The speaker encourages the audience to shut off earthly distractions like the radio and TV and seek that which is above. He also discusses the potential impact of seeking heavenly things and warns that speaking the truth may create a crisis, but it is not our responsibility to solve it.
(Genesis) 44 - Jacob's Ladder: Grace Unsought, Unstinted and Unforgettable
By S. Lewis Johnson1.7K51:12GraceGEN 28:1GEN 28:12GEN 28:20MAT 6:33JHN 1:51JHN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and God. Jacob, who was not a prodigal son returning to God, was taken by surprise when God appeared to him. Despite Jacob's past experiences, God showed him grace and made promises to him. God promised Jacob that his influence would extend to the four corners of the earth and that he would be a blessing to all mankind. The preacher emphasizes that believers today can have the same experience of God's presence and promises, as Yahweh is with us until the end of the age.
Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 2 of 5
By Roy Hession1.6K42:47GraceGEN 28:17MAT 6:33JHN 1:51ROM 8:29In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's dream as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that even when we feel unworthy or guilty, God still reaches out to us with love and grace. The preacher highlights the hymn that was sung, which expresses the idea that God doesn't come to find us worthy, but to make us worthy. He also mentions the significance of Jacob's dream, where he sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending. The preacher concludes by reassuring the listeners that God is with them and that they are now conscious of being God's chosen ones.
Geography of the Spirit
By Harold Erickson1.3K49:28GeographyGEN 28:12GEN 32:28EXO 3:2MAT 6:33JHN 1:51JHN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had deceived his brother and had to leave home. One night, as he slept with his head on a stone, he had a dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending. The speaker explains that this ladder is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who serves as God's communication between heaven and earth. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and experiencing His blessings.
In the Beginning Was the Word
By John Piper1.0K53:49JHN 1:1JHN 1:14JHN 1:20JHN 1:29JHN 1:51JHN 10:28In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of John and the identity of Jesus Christ. He highlights four key aspects that John wants to convey about Jesus: the time of his existence, the essence of his identity, his relationship to God, and his relationship to the world. The preacher emphasizes the weightiness of these doctrines and the simplicity of the language used in the Gospel. He encourages the listeners to be in awe and worshipful of Jesus, as John's intention is to stun and amaze with the identity of the crucified man who became flesh.
John's Gospel - When Jesus Speaks to You
By John Vissers27742:09JesusMAT 6:33JHN 1:19JHN 1:35JHN 1:43JHN 1:51In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events of the fourth day in the opening days of Jesus' ministry. Jesus decides to leave for Galilee after spending the first three days at Bethany beyond the Jordan. The preacher emphasizes that this is the fourth day in the unfolding of Jesus' ministry. The sermon also highlights the importance of John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus and introduces two new disciples, Philip and Nathaniel.
Prophecy About Bartle Hall
By Mike Bickle171:11:23ProphecySpiritual DedicationGEN 28:122KI 6:17EZK 3:1MAT 7:7JHN 1:511CO 1:51TH 5:201TI 1:18HEB 6:12REV 10:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the upcoming gatherings at Bartle Hall, viewing them as a fulfillment of a long-standing prophecy regarding a young adult movement. He stresses the importance of responding to prophetic promises with faith and dedication, highlighting that these promises are invitations to partner with God rather than guarantees. Bickle shares insights from a recent heavenly visitation experienced by Julie Meyer, which reinforces the call for increased dedication and preparation for a new season in their spiritual family. He encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and to expect a powerful move of God as they gather, while also acknowledging the challenges that may accompany such breakthroughs.
Convergence: Earthly Jerusalem and Heavenly Jerusalem
By Mike Bickle1650:30Millennial KingdomConvergence of RealmsGEN 28:12ISA 2:2EZK 43:7ZEC 14:16MAT 5:35JHN 1:51HEB 12:22REV 21:2Mike Bickle discusses the profound connection between the earthly Jerusalem and the heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing that during the Millennial Kingdom, the New Jerusalem will descend and serve as the eternal capital for the redeemed. He explains that this convergence allows for a dynamic relationship between the two cities, where the resurrected saints will inhabit the New Jerusalem while engaging in assignments on the Millennial Earth. Bickle highlights the significance of Jesus' throne being present in both Jerusalems, symbolizing the unity of the heavenly and earthly realms. He encourages believers to understand the fullness of God's plan, which includes the healing of nations through the leaves of the Tree of Life from the New Jerusalem. Ultimately, he paints a picture of a glorious future where the two realms will operate together in harmony.
Fire 21 Conference
By Brian Guerin613:01Flow of the Holy SpiritProphetic VisionJDG 7:13PSA 45:7PSA 46:4MAT 7:25JHN 1:51JHN 7:38ACT 10:11PHP 3:8HEB 1:9HEB 1:14Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam that stops water. He encourages attendees to embrace the symbols and visions God provides, referencing biblical examples of prophetic dreams and their meanings. Guerin highlights the importance of intimacy with Christ, urging the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Him as they prepare for a move of the Spirit. He also shares prophetic insights about individuals being called to Australia and Cairo, Egypt, emphasizing the role of angelic assistance in their journeys. The sermon culminates in a call for prayer and worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to flow freely among the attendees.
Rev. 1:13-16. the Glory of the Son of Man
By Horatius Bonar0Christ's AuthorityThe Glory of ChristPSA 89:13ISA 1:18EZK 16:14DAN 7:13HOS 6:5MAT 17:2MAT 28:20JHN 1:51HEB 4:13REV 1:13Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 1:13-16, emphasizing the majestic glory of the Son of Man, who stands in the midst of the seven churches. He describes Christ's royal and priestly attire, symbolizing His authority and service, and highlights His purity, power, and penetrating gaze. Bonar illustrates how Christ's voice resonates with authority and mercy, and His countenance radiates divine glory. The sermon culminates in the recognition of Christ's supremacy over all creation, affirming that all allegiance is due to Him as the Head of the Church and the King of kings.
A Staircase to Heaven
By C.H. Spurgeon0PrayerMediation of ChristPSA 121:1MAT 7:7JHN 1:51ROM 8:34EPH 2:18PHP 4:61TI 2:5HEB 4:16JAS 5:161JN 5:14C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the connection between heaven and earth through Jesus, who serves as the mediator and the staircase to heaven. He explains that believers can see heaven opened and access it through prayer, as Jesus has revealed the kingdom to them. The imagery of Jacob's ladder illustrates the continuous exchange of prayer and divine blessings, encouraging believers to engage in intercession and share God's gifts with others. Spurgeon calls for a life of communion with God, where believers ascend in prayer and descend to serve humanity. He assures that this divine promise is fulfilled daily as they live out their faith.
Genesis 28:16
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual AwarenessGod's PresenceGEN 28:16PSA 139:7MAT 11:28JHN 1:51ROM 1:28Chuck Smith emphasizes the omnipresence of God, illustrating how Jacob, in a moment of desperation and loneliness, encountered God's presence at Bethel. Despite being in a barren place, Jacob's dream revealed a ladder connecting heaven and earth, symbolizing Jesus as the way to God. Smith points out that many people fail to recognize God's presence due to busy lives, sinful lifestyles, and spiritual apathy. He encourages believers to be aware of God's constant presence, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
1 Peter 1:12
By John Gill0The Role of Prophets and AngelsRevelation of SalvationLUK 15:10JHN 1:51EPH 3:10HEB 1:11PE 1:10John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 1:12, emphasizing that the prophets of old searched for the salvation that was revealed to them, which was ultimately meant for future generations, including us. He highlights that while they prophesied about Christ's sufferings and glories, their revelations were not fully realized in their time but serve as a foundation for our faith today. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preached the Gospel, making known the fulfillment of these prophecies. Gill also notes the angels' keen interest in the mystery of salvation, illustrating the profound significance of the Gospel. This sermon encourages believers to appreciate the depth of God's plan and the continuity of His revelation through history.
Genesis: The Foundation of Divine Revelation
By E.W. Bullinger0MAT 19:4MRK 7:4LUK 11:49JHN 1:51ACT 13:39HEB 10:28E.W. Bullinger emphasizes the foundational importance of the book of Genesis in understanding the entire Bible, as it serves as the seed-plot of God's Word and the basis of Divine Revelation. The historical facts in Genesis are confirmed by Divine authority, with numerous references in the New Testament validating its significance and truth. Genesis, along with the Book of the Law, is attributed to Moses, underscoring its foundational role in Scripture and its connection to subsequent inspiration.
Jacob's Ladder
By David Wilkerson0God's FaithfulnessDivine ProtectionGEN 25:29GEN 27:18GEN 28:12GEN 28:14PSA 91:11MAT 18:10JHN 1:51ROM 8:31HEB 1:14David Wilkerson explores the life of Jacob, a flawed yet beloved figure in the Old Testament, who deceived his brother Esau to obtain his birthright and blessing. Despite Jacob's manipulative actions, God revealed His unwavering love and purpose for him through a vision of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, symbolizing divine activity and angelic ministry. This vision reassured Jacob of God's presence and promise, emphasizing that God's guidance and protection are still active in our lives today. Wilkerson highlights that the same angels who served Jacob continue to minister to us, reminding us of God's faithfulness and commitment to His people.
Learning by Revelation
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Person of ChristRevelationEZK 40:2EZK 43:10MAT 11:27JHN 1:1JHN 1:14JHN 1:51T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of divine revelation in understanding God's purpose and the person of Jesus Christ, particularly in times of spiritual decline. He draws parallels between Ezekiel's vision of a new temple and John's Gospel, highlighting that God's response to the Church's loss of purity and power is to present Christ anew, revealing His heavenly and spiritual nature. Sparks argues that true knowledge of God is only found in Christ and that revelation comes through practical situations where believers are in need. He stresses that the Holy Spirit's work is to open our eyes to see Christ, not merely to understand doctrine. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper, experiential knowledge of Jesus as the key to spiritual life and glory.
"neither... nor... but..."
By T. Austin-Sparks0WorshipNew DispensationDEU 12:5MAT 18:20MAT 28:19JHN 1:51JHN 3:6JHN 3:16JHN 4:20JHN 11:25ACT 15:17JAS 2:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative nature of worship in his sermon 'neither... nor... but...', highlighting Jesus' declaration that true worship is not confined to specific locations but is to be done in spirit and truth. He illustrates how the coming of Christ marks a new dispensation, shifting the focus from physical places of worship to a spiritual relationship with God. By examining individual encounters with Jesus, Sparks shows that every person's history can be transformed into a significant part of God's story. He stresses the importance of recognizing this new spiritual order, which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, and calls for believers to embrace their identity as part of the Church, which is defined by the presence of Christ among them. Ultimately, the sermon encourages a deeper understanding of worship that is rooted in the Spirit rather than in traditional forms.
An Open Heaven
By T. Austin-Sparks0Knowing ChristThe Work of the Holy SpiritMAT 11:28JHN 1:51JHN 3:3ROM 6:41CO 1:301CO 2:14GAL 2:20EPH 1:172TH 1:101JN 3:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of knowing Christ personally rather than merely learning about Him, highlighting that true understanding comes from the Holy Spirit revealing Christ in our hearts. He warns against reducing the teachings of the Gospel and Epistles to mere doctrines or systems, urging believers to focus on the living Person of Christ. Sparks illustrates that entering the 'School of Christ' requires a transformation, where the self-life must be broken to experience the open heaven and the fullness of God's communication. He stresses that the open heaven is accessible to all believers, not just a select few, and that the Holy Spirit's work is essential for this revelation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper, experiential knowledge of Christ that transcends intellectual understanding.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Verily, verily - Amen, amen. The doubling of this word probably came from this circumstance: that it was written both in Hebrew אמן and in Greek αμην, signifying, it is true. Heaven open - This seems to be a figurative expression: 1. Christ may be understood by this saying to mean, that a clear and abundant revelation of God's will should be now made unto men; that heaven itself should be laid as it were open, and all the mysteries which had been shut up and hidden in it from eternity, relative to the salvation and glorification of man; should be now fully revealed. 2. That by the angels of God ascending and descending, is to be understood, that a perpetual intercourse should now be opened between heaven and earth, through the medium of Christ, who was God manifested in the flesh. Our blessed Lord is represented in his mediatorial capacity as the ambassador of God to men; and the angels ascending and descending upon the Son of man, is a metaphor taken from the custom of despatching couriers or messengers from the prince to his ambassador in a foreign court, and from the ambassador back to the prince. This metaphor will receive considerable light when compared with Co2 5:19, Co2 5:20 : God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself: - We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God. The whole concerns of human salvation shall be carried on, from henceforth, through the Son of man; and an incessant intercourse be established between heaven and earth. Some have illustrated this passage by the account of Jacob's vision, Gen 28:12. But though that vision may intimate that God had established at that time a communication between heaven and earth, through the medium of angels, yet it does not appear that our Lord's saying here has any reference to it; but that it should be understood as stated above. What a glorious view does this give us of the Gospel dispensation! It is heaven opened to earth; and heaven opened on earth. The Church militant and the Church triumphant become one, and the whole heavenly family, in both, see and adore their common Lord. Neither the world nor the Church is left to the caprices of time or chance. The Son of man governs as he upholds all. Wherever we are praying, studying, hearing, meditating, his gracious eye is upon us. He notes our wants, our weakness, and our petitions; and his eye affects his heart. Let us be without guile, deeply, habitually sincere, serious, and upright; and then we may rest assured, that not only the eye, but the hand, of our Lord shall be ever upon us for good. Happy the man whose heart can rejoice in the reflection, Thou God seest me!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hereafter, &c.--The key to this great saying is Jacob's vision (Gen 28:12-22), to which the allusion plainly is. To show the patriarch that though alone and friendless on earth his interests were busying all heaven, he was made to see "heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon a" mystic "ladder reaching from heaven to earth." "By and by," says Jesus here, "ye shall see this communication between heaven and earth thrown wide open, and the Son of man the real Ladder of this intercourse." Next: John Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he saith unto him, verily, verily, I say unto you,.... Not only to Nathanael, but to the rest of the disciples that were then with him; and to show himself to be the "Amen", and faithful witness, as well as more strongly to asseverate what he was about to say, he doubles the expression: hereafter you shall see heaven open; either in a literal sense, as it had been at his baptism; or, in a mystical sense, that there should be a clearer manifestation of heavenly truths made by his ministry; and that the way into the holiest of all should be made more manifest; and a more familiar intercourse he opened between God and his people; and also between angels and saints: and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man; or to the son of man, as the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render it; meaning himself in human nature; the second Adam, and seed of the woman; and is expressive both of the truth, and infirmity of that nature. Reference may here be had to the ladder Jacob dreamed of, in Gen 28:12, which was a representation of Christ, in his person, as God-man; who, as God, was in heaven, whilst he, as man, was on earth; and in his office, as Mediator between God and man, making peace between them both; and in the ministration of angels to him in person, and to his body the church. And it is observable, that some of the Jewish writers (y) understand the ascent, and descent of the angels, in Gen 28:12, to be, not upon the ladder, but upon Jacob; which makes the phrase there still more agreeable to this; and so they render in Gen 28:13, not "above it", but "above him". Or the, sense is, that there would be immediately made such clearer discoveries of his person, and grace by his ministry, and such miracles would be wrought by him in confirmation of it, that it would look as if heaven was open, and the angels of God were continually going to and fro, and bringing fresh messages, and performing miraculous operations; as if the whole host of them were constantly employed in such services: and this the rather seems to be the sense, since the next account we have, is, of the beginning of Christ's miracles to manifest forth his glory in Cana of Galilee, where Nathanael lived; and since the word, rendered "hereafter", signifies, "from henceforward"; or, as the Persic version renders it, "from this hour"; though the word is left out in the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions, (y) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 68. fol. 61. 2. & sect. 69. fol. 61. 3, 4. Next: John Chapter 2
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:51 I tell you the truth (Greek amēn amēn): Jesus often used this expression to emphasize what he was about to say. In John’s Gospel, the Greek word amēn is always doubled. • you will all see heaven open: Jesus made the comparison with Jacob explicit (see study note on 1:47; see Gen 28:10-22). Like Jacob, Nathanael would see God at work. Jesus himself is the new Bethel (“house of God,” Gen 28:19), the place where God lives. • Son of Man: See study note on John 9:35; see also Dan 7:13-14; Mark 8:31. • John the apostle used several names for Jesus (Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah). Knowing Jesus’ true identity is necessary to fully understanding and following him.