Nathanael

The call of Nathanael, a character presented to readers in the first chapter of the Gospel of John is concise, covering just a few verses. The components of the passage found in John 1:45-51 are these: an invitation from Philip; a brief conversation with Jesus; a profession of faith; a man's life transformed. What is it about Nathanael's short interactions with Philip and with Jesus that cause him to proclaim Jesus "Son of God" and "King of Israel"? How is it that he comes to discipleship in this brief passage, going from "under the fig tree" to a profession of faith? To attempt to answer these questions, this book examines Nathanael in his context as a devout Jewish man of the time of Jesus, paying special attention to how the author believes he was formed through his study of Scripture, through his ritual synagogue worship, and through his presumed reception of the first sacrament of initiation and that of reconciliation. The conclusion points to Nathanael as a model of discipleship for modern-day followers of Christ.