Philip (apostle)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek Philippos (“lover of horses”), a common Hellenistic name in the Second Temple period.
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period; ministry of Jesus and the Apostolic Age under Roman Imperial Context.
• Main References: Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:12–16; John 1:43–48; 6:5–7; 12:20–22; 14:8–9; Acts 1:13.
• Key Connections: Jesus; the Twelve apostles; Nathanael (brought to Jesus); Andrew (linked in John’s narrative).

Who was Philip (apostle)?

Philip was one of the Twelve apostles appointed by Jesus (Matt. 10:2–4).
He was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter (John 1:44).
In John’s Gospel he appears as a direct follower who also brings others to Jesus (John 1:43–46).

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Called by Jesus and immediately directed Nathanael to him (John 1:43–46).
• Event 2: Questioned by Jesus about feeding the crowd, highlighting his role in the sign narrative (John 6:5–7).
• Event 3: Served as an intermediary when Greeks sought access to Jesus during Passover week (John 12:20–22).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Philip is remembered as an apostolic witness whose recorded actions center on connecting others to Jesus within the Gospel narratives.

Key Verse

"Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”" — John 1:45, NIV