John 1:45 – Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

John 1:45 records Philip’s excitement after meeting Jesus. The first thing he does is go find his friend Nathanael and tell him that they have found the Messiah—the one whom Moses and the prophets wrote about.

Philip’s statement is powerful because it shows his immediate faith in Jesus. He recognizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, which predicted the coming of a Savior. However, Philip also refers to Jesus as “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” At this point, Philip knows that Jesus is special, but he may not yet fully understand that Jesus is the Son of God, not just the son of Joseph.

This verse teaches us that when someone truly encounters Jesus, they can’t help but share Him with others. Philip didn’t keep the news to himself—he went and told Nathanael right away.

Historical Context

Philip’s words reflect the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. The Jewish people had long been waiting for the One prophesied in the Law (the first five books of the Bible) and the Prophets (books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel).

Some of the major prophecies about the Messiah include:

• Genesis 49:10 – The Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah.
• Deuteronomy 18:15 – Moses prophesied that God would raise up a prophet like him.
• Isaiah 7:14 – The Messiah would be born of a virgin.
• Isaiah 9:6-7 – He would be called “Mighty God” and “Prince of Peace.”
• Micah 5:2 – He would be born in Bethlehem.

Philip correctly identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of these prophecies. However, there was a problem—Philip said Jesus was from Nazareth, even though the Messiah was prophesied to come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This would become a stumbling block for some, including Nathanael (John 1:46).

Theological Implications

1. Faith Leads to Action – Philip’s immediate reaction to meeting Jesus was to share Him with someone else. This shows that true faith naturally leads to evangelism.
2. Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Old Testament – Philip recognizes that Jesus is the promised Savior. This verse affirms that Christianity is not separate from the Old Testament—it fulfills it.
3. Understanding of Jesus Grows Over Time – At this point, Philip sees Jesus as the son of Joseph, but later he will understand that Jesus is the Son of God. This reminds us that faith is a journey, and understanding deepens over time.
4. God Uses Ordinary People to Spread His Message – Philip was not a religious leader; he was an ordinary man. Yet, God used him to bring others to Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a pattern of testimony and invitation that runs throughout John 1:

• John the Baptist testifies about Jesus (John 1:29).
• Andrew hears and brings Peter (John 1:41).
• Now Philip hears and brings Nathanael (John 1:45).

This pattern emphasizes that faith spreads through personal relationships—one person brings another to Jesus.

• “Philip found Nathanael” – Philip takes initiative, just as Andrew did with Peter. Faith is not passive—it moves!
• “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote” – Philip sees Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, showing his knowledge of Scripture.
• “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” – This shows Philip’s partial understanding—he recognizes Jesus as special, but he doesn’t yet grasp His full identity as the Son of God.

Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 18:15 – Moses prophesied about a coming prophet like him.
• Isaiah 9:6-7 – Prophecy about the Messiah being God in human form.
• Micah 5:2 – The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth.
• John 1:41 – Andrew tells Peter, “We have found the Messiah.”
• John 1:46 – Nathanael questions, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
• Luke 24:27 – Jesus explains how all the Scriptures point to Him.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

John 1:45 is a reminder that if we truly know Jesus, we should be eager to share Him. Philip had just met Jesus, and the first thing he did was tell someone else. He didn’t wait until he had perfect knowledge—he shared what he knew.

This verse also challenges believers to know the Scriptures. Philip recognized Jesus because he understood the Old Testament prophecies. Today, Christians should also be familiar with the Bible so they can confidently share Jesus with others.

Finally, this verse reminds us that evangelism is personal. Philip didn’t preach to a crowd—he spoke to his friend Nathanael. The most effective way to share the gospel is often through personal relationships.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He reveals Himself to those who seek Him. Philip had been searching for the Messiah, and God made sure he found Him. This shows that when people seek the truth, God leads them to Jesus.

God’s love is also displayed in how He uses ordinary people to share the message of salvation. Philip was not a religious scholar, but God chose him to help bring others to Jesus. This reminds us that God invites everyone—no matter how simple or ordinary—to be part of His mission.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

John 1:45 directly identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Philip connects Jesus to:

• The Law (Moses) – Jesus is the greater prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18:15.
• The Prophets – Jesus fulfills prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2, etc.).

Philip’s recognition of Jesus as the One foretold in Scripture points to Christ’s central role in God’s plan of salvation. Jesus is not just a wise teacher—He is the long-awaited Savior who came to fulfill every prophecy and promise.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Like Philip, are you eager to share Jesus with others? If not, what holds you back?
2. How does knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament strengthen your faith?
3. Philip didn’t fully understand everything about Jesus when he shared about Him. How does that encourage you in your own evangelism?
4. Who in your life is like Nathanael—someone who needs to hear about Jesus? How can you reach out to them?
5. Are you taking time to know God’s Word so that you can confidently tell others about Jesus, as Philip did?