Section 1:43–51

Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to follow him

This section tells how Philip and Nathaniel became disciples of Jesus. Jesus showed them his power to know all things. He told Nathaniel that he had seen him under a fig tree. That showed Nathaniel that Jesus was the Son of God and King of Israel.

Here are other possible section headings:

Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to be his disciples/followers
-or-
Jesus invited two more men to follow him
-or-
Philip and Nathanael became disciples

1:43a

The next day: The time phrase The next day introduces a new part of the story. See the notes on 1:29a and 1:35, where the same phrase appears.

Jesus decided to set out for Galilee: The Greek text has a singular masculine subject for the verb decided. The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the subject Jesus. Jesus did not leave alone; his disciples were with him. So you may need to say this:

The next day Jesus decided that ⌊they⌋ would go to Galilee.

to set out: The verb set out here means to begin a journey. The travelers certainly walked.

for Galilee: Galilee is the name of a district north of Judea. In some languages it is more natural to say this:

⌊the district called⌋ Galilee
-or-

⌊the region/area called⌋ Galilee

1:43b

Finding Philip, He told him: This is the first time Philip has been mentioned. Introduce him in a way that is natural in your language. It is not clear whether Jesus found Philip before he went to Galilee or after he went.

Finding Philip: Jesus found Philip and went to him. Philip was not lost. In some languages you may need to say this:

Saw a man called Philip and went to him

Follow Me: The Greek phrase Follow Me is an invitation for Philip to come with Jesus and learn from him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Come with me! (Good News Translation)
-or-
Become my disciple

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