The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum What was the reason for Nathanael's question?

Johan,

I agree with your criticism of what the pastor said concerning Nathaniel, i.e., his problem was "doubt". When I read that account I do not see any doubt whatsoever in regard to the coming of the Messiah, but rather he questioned the validity of Philip's report that the Messiah was from Nazareth. The problem was his ignorance of the Scriptures in regard to this matter and nothing more. Notice that in the next verse (47) it shows that Nathaniel followed Philip who was taking him to Jesus. This alone indicates that Nathaniel at least was not fraught with doubt and unbelief. However, more telling is what we read in v. 49 where it is recorded that Nathaniel made an immediate confession of faith. And then in the very next verse (50), Jesus praises him for his faith.