Nathanael: The synoptic gospels do not include Nathanael’s name in the list of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Instead, Bartholomew is listed along with Philip (Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:14-19); Lk 6:13-16). The Johannine tradition, on the other hand, mentions Nathanael whom Philip finds after responding to Jesus’ call (v 43). Nathanael could, therefore, be the Bartholomew of the synoptic tradition.
The pericope is a good story of “vocation recruitment.” Prior to this, Andrew, a follower of John the Baptist, became Jesus’ disciple and brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus (Jn 1:40-41). This time, it is Philip’s turn. When he becomes convinced that Jesus is the One, the Messiah, whose coming Moses foretold, he shares this discovery with his friend Nathanael. To the latter’s initial coldness (Nathanael jokingly quips, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”), Philip simply says, “Come and see.” Nathanael has nothing to lose if this Jesus does not measure up to his expectation. But he has everything to gain when Jesus turns out to be exactly what Philip thinks of him. Nathanael agrees and is so overwhelmed by Jesus’ power to read hearts. He spontaneously proclaims his faith in Jesus as the Messiah (v 49).