ACC ~ John 1 v47

NATHANAEL WELL VERSED IN PROPHECY

CHRYSOSTOM: He praises and approves the man because he had said, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” And yet, shouldn’t have Jesus rather found fault in him? Surely not; for the words are not those of an unbeliever or one deserving blame, but praise. How can you say that? Because Nathanael had considered the writings of the prophets more than Philip. For he had heard from the Scriptures that Christ must come from Bethlehem, and from the village in which David was. This belief at least prevailed among the Jews, and the prophet had proclaimed it of old. [1] … And so when he heard that Jesus was “from Nazareth,” he was confounded and doubted, not finding the announcement of Philip to agree with the prediction of the prophet. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 20.1. [2]

[1] He quotes Mt 2:6; Mic 5:2.

[2] NPNF 1 14:70**.

NATHANAEL DOES NOT MAKE SCRIPTURE FIT HIS INTERPRETATION

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: Because the prophet had said that a ruler and governor would arise from Bethlehem, [1] but Nathanael heard that he [our Lord] was from Nazareth, he thus asked, “Can a good leader come forth who is from Nazareth?” For this was not what was written. Thus, when our Lord saw him [Nathanael], he gave excellent testimony about him, that he was not like the scribes who were being deceitful about the readings [from Scripture], striving to establish their interpretations according to their own will. He said, “This is a scribe of Israel in whom no deceit is seen,” because before he knew [our Lord], he asked if Nazareth could bring forth a leader as Bethlehem [was able]. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 4.19. [2]

[1] Mic 5:2.

[2] CB709 add:34-36.

WAS NATHANAEL ONE OF THE TWELVE?

AUGUSTINE: “Behold, truly an Israelite in whom there is no guile” is something said neither to Andrew, nor Peter nor to Philip. It was said to Nathanael…. What do we make of it then, brothers? Ought he to have been first among the apostles? Not only is he not found to be first among the apostles, but Nathanael is neither in the middle nor last among the Twelve, Nathanael, to whom the Son of God bore such great witness, saying, “Behold, truly an Israelite in whom there is no guile.”

Is the reason asked? As far as the Lord makes known, we find a probable answer. For we ought to understand that Nathanael himself was educated and skilled in the law. Therefore the Lord did not wish to place him among the disciples because he chose unlearned men whereby he might confound the world. [1] TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.16.2-17.2. [2]

[1] Augustine does notnumber Nathanael among the twelve since his name is not found in the lists in Mt 10:3, Mk 3:18 or Lk 6:14, although many have assumed that he is Bartholomew, who by the nature of his name being a patronymic, would also have had another name. Augustine must also take into account Jn 21:2, where Nathanael is listed in the company of the Twelve.

[2] FC 78:169-70*.