“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
49. Thou art the Son of God. That he acknowledges him to be the Son of God from his divine power is not wonderful; but on what ground does he call him King of Israel? for the two things do not appear to be necessarily connected. But Nathanael takes a loftier view.
We have here the call of Philip and Nathanael. I. Philip was called immediately by Christ himself, not as Andrew, who was directed to Christ by John, or Peter, who was invited by his brother. God has various methods of bringing his chosen ones home to himself. But, whatever means he uses, he is not tied to any. 1. Philip was called in a preventing was: Jesus findeth Philip.
Commenting on John 1:43-51
Nathanael answered and saith unto him,.... Being fully convinced of his omniscience by these instances: Rabbi; that is, master, as it is interpreted in Joh 1:38, and is not here, because it is there: thou art the Son of God; not by creation, for this would be to say no more of him, than may be said of every man; nor by adoption, for in...