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John 1:43-51
With thanks to page sponsor 2015:
The Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen, Pastor,
Asbury United Methodist Church, Annapolis, MD

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Primary texts (Pseudepigrapha, Targum, Midrash, Targum) about Messianic Expectation from (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "Jesus and Nathanael," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • V, 12-20; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • III.XI.6, IV.IX.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • VI.14, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XXI, Chapter XXIII, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • I.7, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Origen. (c.228)
  • I.XLVIII, Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246)
  • X.1, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
  • From Augustine's Tractates on John: Tractate VII (1:34-51).
    • "We must inquire whether this fig-tree signifies anything. Listen, my brethren. We find the fig-tree cursed because it had leaves only, and not fruit. [3] In the beginning of the human race, when Adam and Eve had sinned, they made themselves girdles of fig leaves.[4] Fig leaves then signify sins. Nathanael then was under the fig-tree, as it were under the shadow of death."
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "God uses the good endeavours of the unlearned such that he makes them teachers of the learned."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "See the nature of true Christianity, it is following Jesus; devoting ourselves to him, and treading in his steps."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? - How cautiously should we guard against popular prejudices? When these had once possessed so honest a heart as that of Nathanael, they led him to suspect the blessed Jesus himself for an impostor, because he had been brought up at Nazareth."
  • An Israelite Indeed (John 1:47). Sermon by John Wesley.
    • "But let the humble, gentle, patient love of all mankind, be fixed on its right foundation, namely, the love of God springing from faith, from a full conviction that God hath given his only Son to die for my sins; and then the whole will resolve into that grand conclusion, worthy of all men to be received: 'Neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith that worketh by love.'"
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "The key to this great saying [vs 51] is Jacob's vision (Ge 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.'..."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Nathanael, who had never met Jesus before, was surprised to hear himself spoken of as one known."
  • "Found by Jesus, and Finding Jesus," John 1:43-45, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1894.
    • "For a soul to come to Jesus, is the grandest event in its history."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, John 1:43-51, Michael Rogness, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015.
    • "Our task as Christians is not to 'prove' the truth of the Christian faith, although many scholars have written persuasively of the truth of Christianity. Our task is not even to persuade others to become Christian."
  • "Epiphany Expectations," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015.
    • "If we do indeed stake our theology on the incarnation, well then, Jesus, God has something at stake as well. God has chosen to be found, to be known, in the most intimate way possible."
  • "Come and See," David Lose, ...in the meantime... 2015.
    • "I suggest this exercise because I think it’s really important to help folks to identify for themselves what elements of the congregation draw them to come to church in order to help them imagine inviting others to come, see, and share what they appreciate."
  • "Known," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2015. Use of images.
  • "Come and See the One Who Has Already Seen," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2015.
    • "I wonder if Jesus’ generous description of Nathanael is more connected to Nathanael’s own reticence about Jesus and Nazarenes in general..."
  • "The Call," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
  • "Come and See," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
  • "Who's Comin'? Who Is It?" John Marboe, 2015.
  • "The Politics of Vision," Mark Davis, Political Theology Today, 2015.
  • "The One Whose Heart is Searching," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2015.
  • "I Am Afraid of Dying," Andrew Prior, First Impressions, One Man's Web, 2015.
  • "The Irreverent Life," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2015.
    • "The really offensive cartoon in the New Testament is INRI, the sign carved for Jesus cross: Jesu Nazarenus, Rex Iudiorem, or Jesus Christ, King of the Jews."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015.
  • "Come and See,""Nathaniel," sermon discussion from Frederick Buechner, Frederick Buechner Blog.
    • "Adeste fidelis. That is the only answer I know for people who want to find out whether or not this is true. Come all ye faithful, and all ye who would like to be faithful if only you could, all ye who walk in darkness and hunger for light. Have faith enough, hope enough, despair enough, foolishness enough at least to draw near to see for yourselves."
  • Commentary, John 1:43-51, Paul S. Berge, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "Jesus is the place where God dwells."
  • "Come and See," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
    • "Come and see. Such simple, open, and inviting words. Words, I think, that sum up not only the heart of the Gospel of John but the whole Christian life."
  • "Vampire Ministry," Unvirtuous Abbey, The Hardest Question, 2012.
    • "Are we making dissciples or sucking fresh blood?"
  • "Jesus and the Skeptic," Caspar Green, Scarlet Letter Bible, 2012.
  • "Come and See and Remain with Me," Andrew Prior, 2012.
  • "Leaving the Shadows," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
    • "Jesus finds Nathanael right where he is in his comfortable, fig tree shadow, the place of his prejudiced opinions, and then Jesus leads him on to greater adventures."
  • "It Seems Like It Should Be So Simple...So Why Isn't It?" Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
    • "What can we do to alleviate some of those fears that may well keep our neighbors and friends from ‘coming to see Jesus’ for themselves?"
  • "Recognizing Jesus," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2012.
    • "For most human failings, there is a biblical character to provide company for our misery."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, John 1:43-51, David Ewart, 2012.
    • "I believe the keys in understanding this passage are, on the one hand, to NOT treat it as simply a story of how Nathaniel met Jesus; nor, on the other hand, to get all mystical and obscure. John wants us to SEE Jesus, to COME to him, and thereby to receive LIFE in its abundance."
  • Comentario del Evangelio, San Juan 1:43-51, por Doug Avilesbernal, Working Preacher, 2012.
  • Commentary, John 1:43-51, Stephen Hultgren, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
  • John 1:43-51, Proper 2B, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Come and See," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "How do you feel about talking to your brother/sister about Christ?"
  • John 1:43-51 The Beginning of the Good News: the Epiphany Gospels in Mark and John, Paul S. Berge, Texts in Context, Word & World, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1997.
  • Exegetical Notes, 2 Epiphany / St. Bartholomew, by Brian Stoffregen, at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "Nathanael makes a good, orthodox confession: "You are the son of God. You are the King of Israel." However, Jesus questions why he believes. It is not enough just to say the right words or experience something miraculous (Jesus' supernatural knowledge). These things are just the beginning of following Jesus. He (and us?) will see even greater things."  
  • "First Thoughts on Passages from Mark in the Lectionary: Epiphany 2," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Then messianic acclamations will only make sense if they are transposed into a new key where the tune they play is about the Son who came to make the Father known, to offer light and life and truth and build a community a love. That is the melody which keeps repeating itself in John and is the essence of John?s critical theology of spirituality. Acclamations only mean something when they mean this."
  • Join the Feast, John 1:43-51, Jarrett and Meg Peery McLaughlin, Union PSCE, 2009.
    • "Being a disciple is not simply being in the company of Jesus, it is an active recognition of Jesus? identity."
  • "A Word and a Calling," Susan B.W. Johnson, 2005.
    • "Cyril wrote his prebaptismal lesson for his catechumens, whom he called "photizomenoi" (those being enlightened). He vividly describes the assurance with which the word of the Lord works -- even on those who know but do not yet know."
  • Sermon Preparation Thoughts and Questions by Wesley White, 2006.
  • Commentary by Hall Harris at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "Nathanael literally asks, from where (povqen) do you know me? And Jesus answers, 'from under the fig tree.'"
  • Marginally Mark, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
    • "Heaven can open, & angels ascend & descend, in many kinds of ways, even today! Inside church & out. Faith in Jesus isn't an up-there compared with down-here thing."
  • "Philip and Nathanael," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • "Come and See," James T. Dennison Jr., in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed).
    • "The theophany at Bethel (Gen. 28: 10-22) is the background to the ladder imagery of Jn. 1:51."
  • John 1:47-51, Saint Michael and All Angels, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Berge, Paul S., "The Beginning of the Good News: The Epiphany Gospels in Mark and John," Word & World, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gomes, Peter J., "John 1:45-51," Interpretation, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hill, C.E., "The Identity of John's Nathanael," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Johnson, Susan B.W., "A Word and a Calling," The Christian Century, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kim, Stephen S., "The Relationship of John 1:19-51 to the Book of Signs in John 2-12," Bibliotheca Sacra, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Koester, Craig R., "Messianic Exegesis and the Call of Nathanael (John 1:45-51)," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Neill, J.C., "Son of Man, Stone of Blood (John 1:51)," Novum Testamentum, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Painter, John, "Quest Stories in John 1-4," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Walker, William O., "John 1:43-51 and the 'Son of Man' in the Fourth Gospel," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Willson, Patrick J., "Come and See," The Christian Century, 1993.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Where Earth and Heaven Meet," the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, Day 1, 2012.
  • "Nazareth," Jeremy Troxler, Faith and Leadership, 2007.
  • "Come and See," Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "What It Means to Follow Jesus," 15 January 2006, Walter W. Harms, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • Sermon for Epiphany 2, 15 January 2006, Carl E. Roemer, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 2B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Fishermen Who Became Fishers of Men," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Come and See!" Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "You Will See Heaven Open and God's Angels Going Up and Coming Down," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Ready to Serve," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
• Drama:
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • John 1:47-51, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
• Hymns and Music:
  • “Jesus, You Once Called Disciples,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrates Jesus’ calling of the twelve disciples, along with women and children in biblical stories and calling people to follow today.  Tune:  IN BABILONE 8.7.8.7 D (“There's a Wideness in God's Mercy”).
  • “O Jesus, You Were Born to Be,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrates the names and titles of Jesus (John 1:43-51 refers to Jesus as Rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel and Son of Man.)  Tune: TRURO 8.8.8.8 (“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”), O WALY WALY (“Though I May Speak”) and TALLIS' CANON (“All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night”).
  • “O Lord, You Called Disciples,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrates Jesus’ calling
    of disciples to “come and see” and the church’s calling today: “Through gifts of hope and healing, through loving ministry, May we reach out, inviting the world to "Come and see!" Tune:   LANCASHIRE 7.6.7.6 D (“The Day of Resurrection”).
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: John 1:43, 49. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!
    • The First Noel
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Calling the Disciples
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Call
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