Our next apostle is Nathanael, or should I say Bartholomew. He has both names attributed to him. Nathanael means "gift of God". Bartholomew means "son of Tolmai". Some of the references I looked at said Bartholomew is like a last name. We see in John 21:1-11 Bartholomew is referred to as Nathanael. So, for this post I will just refer to him as Nathanael.
Our time with Nathanael begins in John 1:45-51 when his day is interrupted by his friend Philip. What we can easily over look is that Philip comes from Bethsaida and Nathanael is from Cana. This does indicate that one or both of them traveled the land. Do you find your self traveling about? Meeting new people? Having friends who live in different locations? Maybe you're like Nathanael.
Going back to Philip's arrival... Of all things, Nathanael was asked to follow Philip to see a man from a town that he felt nothing good could come from, Nazareth. The other side of the tracks, so to speak. Have you ever had preconceived thoughts about someone or some place before giving them a chance? Uh huh, I think we all have.
Nathanael has his eyes opened to his wrong way of thinking when he meets this man, Jesus, son of Joseph. He hears something he didn't expect to hear from a stranger. Jesus announces that Nathanael is a true son of Israel, an honest man with no hidden agenda. To be called a true Israelite meant he was a good example of Israel, honest and not cunning, truly living up to the religion of Israel.
Whoa!
Have you ever been given a compliment that you didn't think you deserved? Now you understand what Nathanael was mulling over in his mind.
By his response we know that he didn't feel like he deserved such praise, especially from someone who was not an acquaintance. Asking how Jesus knows this because they had never met... how could Jesus know anything about him? Jesus's answer implies that while others may not have seen Nathanael under a fig tree, He saw him. What was he doing under the tree? No one really knows, but I have read in commentaries that it could refer to praying and being in communion with God. Which makes total sense, especially after the first compliment Jesus gives to Nathanael. In any case, once he realizes that Jesus saw him in a private moment he in turn is able to publicly confess that Jesus truly is the Son of God and King of Israel. (John 1:47-51)
Let me linger here for another moment. Ever wonder if God Almighty sees you? Maybe Nathanael was wondering the same thing... or maybe not. In any case, Jesus tells Nathanael that He saw him. If Jesus saw Nathanael in a place that may have partially hidden him, then He sees us as well... in our hidden places, in our places of searching for Him, in our lonely places... He sees us too!
None of the gospels mention Nathanael asking questions that were left better unsaid. He probably knew when to keep his mouth shut, or maybe he waited to hear all the details before saying anything. As far as post-resurrection goes, some sources do report that he went to Armenia to preach the gospel and was flayed to death for his teachings.
According to the historian Jerome, Nathanael even wrote a gospel. I'm
sure it reached those for whom it was intended even though it didn't
make it into the King James Bible.
How I would love to say I have some of what this man possessed ... no deceit in any part of him, an upright-thinking man who knew when to speak up and when to keep his mouth shut. A man who allowed others to take a closer role with Jesus even though he was the first to confess to Jesus who Jesus truly was. A humble man who watched and absorbed all that took place.
There are aspects of Nathanael that I can relate to even though I don't have all his good qualities. I love that his story affirms how Jesus sees me, no matter where I go or what I suffer, Jesus is watching. That is a wonderful reminder of the hope we have in the Almighty God.
The following verses mention Nathanael: Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; John 1:45-51, 21:1-11; Acts 1:1-14.
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