Philip was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, and though the New Testament provides limited details about him, we can piece together some aspects of his history and role from biblical texts and early Christian traditions.
1. Philip in the New Testament
Origin and Calling:
Philip is introduced in the Gospel of John (John 1:43-44) as being from Bethsaida, a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the same hometown as Andrew and Peter. Jesus called Philip personally, saying, "Follow me," indicating his direct selection as a disciple.
His name is Greek (Philippos, meaning "lover of horses"), suggesting he may have come from a Hellenized Jewish family, which could explain his openness to Greek-speaking individuals later in his ministry.
2. Role in the Gospels:
Philip appears several times in the Gospel of John, often portrayed as practical and inquisitive:John 6:5-7: During the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus tests Philip by asking where they could buy bread for the crowd. Philip responds pragmatically, noting that even two hundred denarii wouldn’t be enough to feed so many, showing his focus on logistical realities.
John 12:20-22: When some Greeks wished to see Jesus during the Passover festival, they approached Philip, possibly due to his Greek name or familiarity with outsiders. Philip then consulted Andrew before bringing them to Jesus, indicating his role as a cautious intermediary.
John 14:8-9: At the Last Supper, Philip asks Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." Jesus responds, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?" This exchange highlights Philip’s desire for understanding, though he sometimes struggled to grasp Jesus’ teachings fully.
3. Philip's Ministry After Pentecost
In Acts 1:13, Philip is among the disciples gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension, suggesting he remained part of the core group as the early church began to form.
Philip in Early Christian Tradition
Philip’s Missionary Work and Martyrdom
According to early church tradition:
Philip preached the Gospel in Phrygia (modern Turkey) and possibly in Scythia (Ukraine and southern Russia).He was martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Pamukkale, Turkey).
Some sources say he was crucified upside down, while others claim he was hung by his ankles and stoned.
Tradition says he converted the wife of a Roman proconsul, which led to his execution.
He was buried in Hierapolis, where an ancient church was later built in his honor.
Philip vs. Philip the Evangelist
It’s important not to confuse Philip the Apostle with Philip the Evangelist (Acts 6, 8), one of the seven deacons who preached to the Ethiopian eunuch.
Legacy and InfluencePhilip’s willingness to follow Jesus, his evangelism to
Nathanael, also called Bartholomew, and his interactions with Greeks show his missionary heart. His relics were later transferred to Rome, and he is honored as a martyr in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions.