Nathaniel (Apostle)

Nathaniel of Cana, the only support of his infirm parents, joined Jesus and his disciples on their journey to Galilee at the age of 25 in A.D. 26. 137:2.3 139:6.2

Nathaniel, chosen as apostle, joined Jesus after being convinced by Philip. 137:2

Nathaniel, the apostolic philosopher and dreamer, was the odd genius among the twelve, offering profound philosophy alongside rare humor and becoming the group's controlling influence throughout the tragic day. 139:6.4 147:4.10 191:0.7

Judas Iscariot, selected by Nathaniel, was the only Judean among Jesus' apostles and had a troubled past with his Sadducee parents disowning him. 138:2.9 139:12.2

Nathaniel watched over apostles' families diligently, ensuring their needs were met and providing funds as required. 138:10.5 139:6.7

Nathaniel, well-educated and the youngest of seven, was the only support for his aged parents in Cana and had aspirations of becoming a merchant. 139:6.2

Nathaniel, chosen as the last apostle by Jesus, was introduced by his business partner Philip to the Master while on their way to see John the Baptist. 139:6.1

Nathaniel was a personal worker, conducting classes for special groups of inquirers alongside Philip, Thomas, and Simon. 141:3.2

During a week of illness, Nathaniel and James Zebedee suffered from a painful digestive disturbance, prompting Jesus to minister to his afflicted apostles instead of using instant healing. 154:2.4

Nathaniel, who attended session of Sanhedrin, met Jesus after he spoke about the Father and faced accusations of blasphemy from the Pharisees. 164:5.3

Nathaniel asked Jesus about the place of justice and mercy in the teachings of the kingdom, seeking clarification on the laws of Moses and the rigorous requirements of apostleship. 140:6.9 146:2.1 147:4.1 148:5.1 156:5.3 159:4.1 164:3.2 167:7.1 176:0.2 181:2.23

Nathaniel delivered a powerful speech on “Supreme Desire” to a small group, highlighting the importance of wholehearted love for the Master. 177:3.2

Nathaniel taught the art of teaching in a daily company training session led by Jesus and other apostles. 163:0.2

Nathaniel taught that ability and faithfulness are key factors in determining life's opportunities and rewards, as illustrated in the parables of talents and pounds. 171:8.9-13

Nathaniel, by calling attention to Jesus’ teachings regarding nonresistance, influenced the apostles to refrain from using their swords in defense of Jesus. 182:2.3 183:4.2

Throughout the tragic day of resurrection Sunday, Nathaniel's philosophic counsel proved to be the controlling influence among the apostles. (191:0.5,7)

During discussions with Rodan, Nathaniel and Thomas delved into harmonizing Greek philosophy with Jesus' teachings. 160:0.1 161:0.1-2

Nathaniel understood the strategic purpose behind Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, showing poise and confidence in the Master's wisdom and foresight. 172:5.7

Jesus’ admonitions to Nathaniel: “Judge not by appearances; remain firm in your faith when all appears to vanish; be true to your commission as an ambassador of the kingdom.” 174:0.2 181:2.21-24 192:2.10

Jesus’ talk with Nathaniel about Scriptures enlightened and shocked him to the core. 159:4

In the Urantia Book

Attitude

• “Can any good come out of Nazareth?” - Nathaniel initially questioned, but upon meeting Jesus, he quickly changed his mind. 137:2.6 139:6.3
• Nathaniel, though cursed with suspicion, over-individualism, pride, and prejudice, ultimately learned to serve with undivided affection and tireless affection for his fellow men, proving that love, faith, and trust can conquer even the most destructive personal tendencies. 139:6.3 192:2.10 193:4.3
• Jesus called Nathaniel a genuine Israelite without deceit, recognizing his honesty and sincerity. 137:2.7 139:6.3
• Nathaniel was hurt by the supposition that Jesus misunderstood him, yet his thought-provoking question astonished and challenged the other apostles. 147:4.10
• Nathaniel opposed the change in gospel to resurrection of Jesus, but eventually withdrew and preached the gospel as he understood it beyond Mesopotamia. 192:4.7 193:6.4
• Nathaniel opposed proclaiming Jesus king, despite the rising enthusiasm of the people and the support of some of the apostles. 152:2.5
• Nathaniel, the apostolic odd genius, balanced serious philosophy with rare, droll humor, never taking himself seriously. (139:6.4,6)

After Jesus

• Nathaniel witnessed Jesus' appearances in Galilee after his resurrection, experiencing his teachings and commands firsthand. 191:2 192:1-4 (193:0.3,5)
• Nathaniel's father, Bartholomew, died shortly after Pentecost, leading him to travel to Mesopotamia and India to spread the teachings of his Master before his own death in India. 139:6.9
• Nathaniel spent one year in Philadelphia with Abner after disagreeing with Peter over preaching about Jesus. 193:6.4
• Nathaniel preached the gospel beyond Mesopotamia and India, ultimately dying in India after spreading his Master's teachings. 139:6.9 193:6.4 195:3.10

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• Lived in Cana 139:6.2 — Jn 21:2.
• Nathaniel (brought by Philip) 139:6.1 — Jn 1:45-49.
• Threaten to stone Jesus 164:5.3 — Jn 10:36-39.
• Makes self equal to God 164:5.3 — Jn 10:32-33.
• Eye for eye, tooth for tooth 140:6.9 — Ex 21:24; Lv 24:20; Dt 19:21; Mt 5:38.
• Return good for evil 140:6.9 — Mt 5:38-42. *Greater demand on the apostles*: Lk 14:25-72; Jn 6:60-69.
• Golden rule 147:4.1 — Mt 7:12; Lk 6:31. *Golden rule (negative)*: Tb 4:15.
• Lead us not into temptation 156:5.3 — Mt 6:13a; Lk 11:4b.
• Blind man, who sinned? 164:3.2 — Jn 9:2.
• Jesus and apostles talk 176:0.2 — Mt 24:3a; Mk 13:3-4; Lk 21:7.
• Be not dismayed by future events 174:0.2 — Is 41:10; Jer 46:27.
• Trust not the arm of flesh 174:0.2 — 2 Ch 32:8.
• Foundations of rock 174:0.2 — Mt 16:18.
• Appearances deceiving 174:0.2 — Jn 7:24.
• Remain firm in your faith 174:0.2 — Heb 3:6.
• Know reality of your beliefs 174:0.2 — Jn 1:12.
• Be gentle 174:0.2 — 2 Ti 2:24.
• Love your enemies 174:0.2 — Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27,35.
• I trusted you with many things 174:0.2 — Mt 25:21,23.
• Ignore outward appearances 174:0.2 — 2 Co 10:7; 1 Sam 16:7.
• Be you steadfast 174:0.2 — 1 Co 15:58; 1 P 5:8-9.
• Commission as ambassadors 174:0.2 — 2 Co 5:20.
• Be unmoved, unshaken, by events 174:0.2 — Heb 3:14.
• Keep eternal reward 174:0.2 — Col 2:18; Col 3:24.
• Walk by faith, not sight 174:0.2 — 2 Co 5:7.
• I am able to finish work 174:0.2 — Jn 4:34; Jn 9:4; Jn 17:4; Jn 19:30.
• My spirit will teach you 174:0.2 — Jn 14:26.
• Seek true realities of spirit 174:0.2 — Mt 6:33; Lk 12:31.
• Be not weary in well doing 174:0.2 — Ga 6:9; 2 Th 3:13.
• Philip and Nathaniel 137:2.6 — Jn 1:45-46.

See also

• apostles of Jesus