John 1:45

Nathanael = -Gift of God." The name occurs Numbers 1:8; 1 Chronicles 2:14; Esther 1:9; Esther 9:22. Nathanael is commonly identified with Bartholomew; (1) Bartholomew is only a patronymic and the bearer would be likely to have another name (comp. Barjona of Simon, Barnabas of Joses); (2) S. John never mentions Bartholomew, the Synoptists never mention Nathanael; (3) the Synoptists in their lists place Bartholomew next to Philip, as James next his probable caller John, and Peter (in Matt. and Luke) next his caller Andrew; (4) all the other disciples mentioned in this chapter become Apostles, and none are so highly commended as Nathanael; (5) All Nathanael's companions named in John 21:2 were Apostles (see note there). But all these reasons do not make the identification more than probable. The framers of our Liturgy do not countenance the identification: this passage appears neither as the Gospel nor as a Lesson for S. Bartholomew's Day.

We have found him, of whom, &c. "A most correct representation of the current phraseology, both in regard to the divisions of the O.T., and the application of the Messianic idea." S. p. 35.

Moses viz. in Deuteronomy 18:15 and in all the Messianic types, promises to Adam, Abraham, &c.

Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph The words are Philip's, and express the common belief about Jesus. It was natural to say He was -of" or -from Nazareth," as His home had been there; still more natural to call him -the son of Joseph." The conclusion that the Evangelist is ignorant of the birth at Bethlehem, or of the miraculous nature of that birth, cannot be drawn from this passage. Rather, we may conclude that he is a scrupulously honest historian, who records exactly what was said, without making additions of his own.