Overview
Nathanael (also called Bartholomew) was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Philip brought him to Jesus, and though Nathanael questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth, he was immediately recognized by Jesus as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47, ESV). His brief initial skepticism transformed into wholehearted belief when Jesus revealed supernatural knowledge of him.
Key Scriptures
"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.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'" (John 1:45-46, ESV)
"Jesus answered him, 'Because I said to you, "I saw you under the fig tree," do you believe? You will see greater things than these.' And he said to him, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel'" (John 1:50-49, ESV)
Application
When we encounter Jesus through His Word and the testimony of believers, our initial doubts can transform into confident faith as we experience His supernatural knowledge and lordship.