Ref: Mt 10:3, Mk 3:18, Lk 6:14, Jn 1:43-51, 6:5-7, 12:21-22, 14:8-9, Acts 1:13
Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee which was the same city as Andrew and Peter. He was personally called by Jesus to follow him and he was in fact the fourth recorded disciple to follow Jesus. Now when Jesus returned from the wilderness John the Baptist pointed him out and Andrew and John came to Jesus. Andrew then brought his brother Peter. The next day whilst on the way to Galilee Jesus found Philip and said “Follow Me”. Philip responded to his encounter with Jesus with great faith believing that he was the one who the Old Testament foretold was to come. Not only did Philip follow Jesus but he was instrumental in bringing others to him (John 1:43-51). Philip in turn found Nathanel and brought him to Jesus. It is clear that Philip and Nathanael were friends and the two of them are always listed together in the gospels. When we look at the lists of the twelve, Philip is always placed in fifth position after the main four: Simon, James, John and Andrew. Moreover Philip plays a more prominent role in John’s gospel and is recorded as interacting with Jesus at key events. Such as the feeding of the 5,000, the triumphal entry and the last supper.
At the feeding of the 5,000 it is to Philip that Jesus turns asking where they would buy enough bread. Philip’s response was that 200 denarii worth of bread wouldn’t even be enough. Jesus was in fact testing Philip and Philip’s response was a practical assessment of the situation if not a faith filled one (John 6:5-7). Then at the triumphal entry the Greeks come to Philip out of all the disciples seeking an audience with Jesus. These were Greek converts to Judaism who had travelled to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. Philip uncertain what to do turned to Andrew with the both of them going to Jesus together. Jesus answers in usual fashion speaking of discipleship but the implication is by him going to the cross the way is open for all to follow him (John 12:20-26). Finally at the last supper Philip responds to Jesus’ words asking him to reveal the Father to them. Philip’s response shows that he doesn’t understand what Jesus was telling them, but at the same time it reveals his sincere desire to understand. Jesus replies by asking how it is that he’s been with them so long and yet he does not recognise him. Jesus goes on to explain that to see him is to see the Father, for the Father dwells in the Son and all that the son does is the work of the Father through him (John 14:8-9).
What we get to see in John’s gospel is the personal dynamic that is developing between Jesus and Philip. Many of the twelve have no dialogue yet he we see Jesus specifically investing in Philip. Like all the disciples Philip learns as he goes and grows in the knowledge of who Jesus is and what he came to do. When Jesus is betrayed by Judas, Philip like the majority of the disciples fled as Jesus was arrested. However following the resurrection he was amongst the disciples when Jesus appeared to them and he both believed and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The disciples had received their commission but they were to wait until the day that they would receive power from on high. It was 10 days after Jesus ascended into heaven on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God was poured out in power upon the disciples and they went forth as witnesses of the resurrection preaching the good news.
Though we hear no more concerning Philip he would have played an important role in the early church in Jerusalem and in ministry beyond. Though there are many legendary accounts of Philips’ ministry and martyrdom, his life following the early years of the church is unknown. What makes things confusing is that early Christian writers often mistake him for another Philip, who along with Stephen was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles. What we don know however gives us an interesting insight in what it means to be a disciple. Like all followers of Jesus he was chosen by Jesus himself. He responded with faith but still had many questions. He wasn’t always sure what Jesus was asking from him and struggled at times to grasp what he was being told. Yet despite the bumps in the road he continued to trust Jesus and to follow him. Moreover he brought others on the journey with him. As a result God was able to work mightily through him and use him to bring many people into a relationship with the Father.