Peter’s Confession

I’ve been wondering why we always say Peter was the first one to recognize Jesus as the son of God while, in John 1:49, clearly shows Nathanael pointed the truth out before Peter did.

Q. I’ve been wondering why we always say Peter was the first one to recognize Jesus as the son of God while, in John 1:49, clearly shows Nathanael pointed the truth out before Peter did.

A. There were several prior statements by the disciples and others identifying Jesus as the Son of God and Israel’s Messiah. Jesus chose to emphasize Peter’s because it was revealed to him by God and not just the conclusion of a man. Some believe that this makes Peter’s confession first in importance, although as you point out, it was not first in time.