John 1:45

KJV

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

KJV (with Strong's)

Philip {G5376} findeth {G2147} Nathanael {G3482}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, We have found {G2147} him, of whom {G3739} Moses {G3475} in {G1722} the law {G3551}, and {G2532} the prophets {G4396}, did write {G1125}, Jesus {G2424} of {G575} Nazareth {G3478}, the son {G5207} of Joseph {G2501}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Philip found Natan’el and told him, “We’ve found the one that Moshe wrote about in the Torah, also the Prophets — it’s Yeshua Ben-Yosef from Natzeret!”

Berean Standard Bible

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

American Standard Version

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:45 describes Philip's enthusiastic declaration to Nathanael that they have found the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, the one foretold by Moses in the Law and by the prophets. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the early formation of Jesus's disciples, showcasing the spontaneous nature of personal evangelism and the immediate connection made between Jesus's identity and Old Testament prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus's direct call to Philip in [John 1:43](/john/1-43 "Jesus Calls Philip"). Having just experienced a personal encounter with the Lord, Philip's first action is to seek out his friend Nathanael to share his profound discovery. This mirrors the pattern seen with Andrew, who, after meeting Jesus, immediately found his brother Simon Peter in [John 1:41](/john/1-41 "Andrew Finds Simon Peter"). The narrative flow emphasizes the ripple effect of personal witness and the rapid gathering of Jesus's initial disciples. Philip's statement sets the stage for Nathanael's famous skeptical response in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "Nathanael's Question"), which then leads to Jesus's miraculous demonstration of knowledge about Nathanael in [John 1:47-49](/john/1-47-49 "Jesus's Knowledge of Nathanael").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was steeped in Messianic expectation, fueled by centuries of Old Testament prophecies. The concept of a "Messiah" (Anointed One) was deeply ingrained, though interpretations varied widely, often focusing on a political or military deliverer. Philip's reference to "Moses in the law, and the prophets" encapsulates the entire Hebrew Scriptures, which were revered as the divine revelation pointing to the coming redeemer. The mention of "Nazareth" was culturally significant, as it was a small, obscure town in Galilee, often viewed with disdain (as evidenced by Nathanael's immediate skepticism about anything good coming from there). The phrase "son of Joseph" reflects the common understanding of Jesus's earthly parentage, a detail that would later be contrasted with His divine origin.
* **Key Themes:** John 1:45 is rich with thematic significance. It powerfully illustrates **Personal Evangelism**, as Philip's spontaneous and enthusiastic sharing of his encounter with Jesus becomes a model for discipleship. The verse also underscores the theme of **Messianic Fulfillment**, directly linking Jesus's identity to the long-awaited prophecies found throughout [the Law and the Prophets](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets"), thereby establishing His legitimacy as the Christ. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Jesus's Identity**, presenting Him initially through the lens of human perception ("Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph") before His divine nature is fully revealed, setting up a tension that runs throughout [the Gospel of John](/john/1 "The Gospel of John").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This verb signifies a discovery, often implying a search or a realization. In this context, it conveys a sense of certainty and triumph, as if Philip and perhaps other disciples had been actively seeking the promised one, and now their search has culminated in Jesus. It's more than a casual encounter; it's the culmination of a deep spiritual longing.
* **write (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This term refers to the act of inscribing or recording, specifically in written form. When Philip states that Moses and the prophets "did write," he is asserting that the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures bear witness to Jesus. This highlights the prophetic continuity between the Old Covenant and the New, emphasizing that Jesus's coming was not an arbitrary event but a pre-ordained and documented divine plan.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** A "prophet" is a foreteller or an inspired speaker, one who communicates divine revelation. By coupling "the law" (Moses) with "the prophets," Philip encompasses the entire canon of the Hebrew Scriptures, affirming that the collective witness of God's chosen spokesmen throughout history pointed to Jesus as the fulfillment of their declarations and predictions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him,"**: This opening clause highlights Philip's immediate and intentional action after his own call by Jesus. His finding of Nathanael is not accidental but a deliberate act of sharing his profound discovery. The phrase "saith unto him" indicates a direct, personal, and urgent communication, emphasizing the relational aspect of early discipleship and evangelism.
* **"We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write,"**: This is the core of Philip's declaration, brimming with Messianic conviction. The plural "We have found" suggests that Philip is speaking not just for himself but perhaps for Andrew, Peter, and others who have also recognized Jesus's identity. The reference to "Moses in the law, and the prophets" is a comprehensive designation for the entire Old Testament Scriptures, asserting that Jesus is the fulfillment of centuries of divine revelation and prophetic anticipation, making His identity undeniable to those familiar with the Scriptures.
* **"Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."**: This final part of the declaration identifies the "him" they have found. Philip provides both Jesus's common geographical association ("of Nazareth") and His perceived earthly lineage ("the son of Joseph"). While these details would become points of contention or skepticism for some (like Nathanael), they serve to ground Jesus's identity in a recognizable, human context, making Him approachable even as His divine significance is proclaimed.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:45 effectively employs several literary devices. **Personal Testimony** is paramount, as Philip's declaration is a direct, enthusiastic sharing of his own conviction and experience. This personal witness is highly persuasive and forms the basis of early evangelism in the Gospel. The verse also features significant **Allusion** to the Old Testament, specifically to "Moses in the law, and the prophets," which serves as a powerful appeal to the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures and the long-standing Messianic expectations they fostered. This allusion immediately establishes Jesus's identity within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. Finally, there is subtle **Foreshadowing** of the tension and skepticism that will arise regarding Jesus's origins. By stating "Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph," Philip inadvertently sets up Nathanael's immediate question about Nazareth's reputation in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "Nathanael's Question"), hinting at the challenges Jesus faced due to His humble background.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:45 is a theological cornerstone, asserting Jesus's identity as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan. Philip's declaration that Jesus is the one "of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write" is a profound theological statement. It grounds Jesus's person and work not in human speculation, but in the divine revelation given through centuries of Israel's history. This verse underscores the unity of Scripture, demonstrating that the Old Testament is not merely a collection of ancient texts, but a divinely inspired narrative that systematically points forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ. It also emphasizes that true understanding of Jesus comes from recognizing Him as the climax of God's unfolding story of salvation.

* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Moses Prophesies a Prophet Like Himself")
* [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Jesus Explains Scripture to the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus")
* [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Peter's Sermon: Fulfillment of Moses' Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:45 provides a powerful blueprint for sharing our faith and understanding the depth of Jesus's identity. Philip's immediate impulse to share his discovery with Nathanael exemplifies the natural overflow of a genuine encounter with Christ. He didn't offer a complex theological argument but simply stated what he had "found" – the fulfillment of ancient promises in the person of Jesus. This reminds us that sharing our faith often begins with a personal testimony, rooted in our own experience of Jesus, and then connecting that experience to the larger biblical narrative. Furthermore, the verse challenges us to deepen our understanding of how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament, recognizing that His life, death, and resurrection are not isolated events but the culmination of God's eternal plan, meticulously revealed through Moses and the prophets. Our witness gains power when we can articulate not just what Jesus means to us, but how He stands as the central figure of all Scripture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my "we have found him" moment with Jesus, and how readily do I share that discovery with others?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of "Moses in the law, and the prophets" deepen my appreciation for His identity and the unity of Scripture?**
* **In what ways might I be like Nathanael, allowing preconceived notions or skepticism to hinder my full acceptance of Jesus or His work?**
* **How can I become more intentional about connecting my personal testimony to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Philip refer to Jesus as "the son of Joseph" when Jesus's divine origin is so central to John's Gospel?**

Answer: Philip's reference to Jesus as "the son of Joseph" reflects the common understanding of Jesus's earthly parentage among His contemporaries. While the Gospel of John clearly presents Jesus's divine pre-existence and unique relationship with the Father (e.g., [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), Philip, as a new disciple, was likely articulating what was publicly known and perceived about Jesus's family background. This detail grounds Jesus in human history and a specific community ("of Nazareth"), making Him relatable to those who knew of the carpenter's family. It also sets up a subtle tension that the Gospel explores, as Jesus's true divine identity would later be revealed to transcend His earthly origins, prompting questions and even disbelief from those who could only see His human lineage (e.g., [John 6:42](/john/6-42 "Is Not This Jesus, the Son of Joseph?")). Philip's statement is a genuine, albeit incomplete, expression of his newfound conviction, paving the way for Jesus to reveal His full glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:45 profoundly points to Christ-centered fulfillment by declaring Jesus as the culmination of all Old Testament expectation. Philip's assertion that Jesus is the one "of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write" is a direct testimony to Jesus's role as the promised Messiah. Every sacrifice, every prophecy, every law, and every historical event in the Old Testament ultimately found its meaning and purpose in Him. The Law, given through Moses, foreshadowed Christ's perfect righteousness and His atoning sacrifice, as seen in passages like [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Christ is the End of the Law for Righteousness"). The prophets, from Isaiah to Malachi, spoke of His virgin birth ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Prophecy of Immanuel")), His suffering and substitutionary death ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "The Suffering Servant")), His resurrection ([Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Sheol")), and His glorious reign ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man Comes")). Thus, Jesus is not merely a historical figure, but the living embodiment of God's eternal plan, the One who brings to completion everything foretold in the sacred Scriptures, making Him the central figure of all divine revelation and the ultimate object of faith for all who believe, as He Himself affirmed in [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "All Things Written About Me in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms Must Be Fulfilled").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

Matthew 2:23

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.