Nathanael​—A Man Without Deceit

IT WOULD indeed be a great honor for a man to be called a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit. Even greater would that honor be if the commendatory statement originated with one whose judgment was recognized as far superior to that of all other men. Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, was so highly honored. None other than the Son of God said regarding him: “See, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit.”​—John 1:47.

Jesus Christ spoke these words before Nathanael became one of the 12 apostles.

Whereas all descendants of Jacob are Israelites, not all are Israelites in the true sense of the word. The name “Israel” means “contender [perseverer] with God” and was given to Jacob after he had wrestled with an angel in order to get a blessing for himself. Unlike his brother Esau, Jacob appreciated sacred things and was willing to exert himself vigorously to gain God’s favor. (Gen. 32:22-28; Heb. 12:16) As a true Israelite, then, Nathanael had faith in and appreciation for the divine promises. He was an Israelite not merely by birth but in deed and truth, manifesting the kind of adherence to God’s will that was exhibited by his forefather Jacob. There was nothing deceitful, hypocritical or devious about Nathanael. In the estimation of Jesus Christ, he was an upright man.