ACC ~ John 1 v46

THE BAD REPUTATION OF NAZARETH

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: This is not exactly the way this sentence appears, but rather it should be understood in a different and more doubtful sense, as in “How is it possible that anything good comes out of Nazareth?” In fact, among the Jews the name of that village was much despised, because a great number of its inhabitants were pagans, and it seemed impossible that anything good might come out from there. Therefore also the Pharisees said to Nicodemus, “Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.” [1] And so it is only right that Philip says to Nathanael, “Come and see.” Since there is now a contrast to that old opinion, [he seems to be saying], I promise to show you the real facts. This was superfluous, otherwise, for someone who had once believed in the truth. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 1.1.46. [2]

[1] Jn 7:52.

[2] CSCO 4 3:51-52.

A QUESTION OF DOUBT OR CONFIRMATION

AUGUSTINE: [They refer to him as] “Jesus, the son of Joseph.” He was called the son of the man to whom his mother had been espoused. For all Christians know well from the Gospel that he was conceived and born while she was still a virgin. But this is what Philip said to Nathanael, and he added the place, “from Nazareth.” And Nathanael said to him, “From Nazareth something good can come.” What is the meaning here, brothers? Not as some read, for it could be read, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” For the words of Philip follow, who says, “Come and see.” But the words of Philip can suitably follow both readings, whether you read it as a confirmation, that is, “from Nazareth something good can come,” to which Philip replies, “come and see”; or whether you read it as doubting, making the whole thing into a question, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Come and see.” TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.15. [1]

[1] HE WORD IN THE BEGINNING | JOHN 1:1

GREAT THINGS COME OUT OF NAZARETH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Nathanael readily agrees that he expects great things to appear out of Nazareth. It is, I suppose, perfectly clear that not only did he take Nazareth as a pledge of what he sought but, bringing together knowledge from Moses and the prophets as one fond of learning, he gained a pretty quick understanding. “Come and see,” [Philip] says. Sight will suffice for faith. All you need to do is talk with him, and you will be all the more ready to confess and say without hesitation that he is indeed the expected One. But we must also believe that there was a divine and ineffable grace flowing from the words of our Savior that proved alluring for the souls of his hearers. [1] … For since his word is mighty in power, it is also efficacious to persuade. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1. [2]

[1] Lk 4:22.

[2] LF 43:152-53**. Cyril believes that there was a false idea prevalent among the Jews at the time that the Messiah would come from Nazareth. This explains his positive assessment of Nathanael’s remarks.