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Scripture does not give us an abundance of information about the Apostle Philip; in fact, other than being listed as one of the Twelve in the books of the New Testament, any direct reference to him occurs just three times, and only in the Gospel of John. However, the three episodes we hear about Philip’s life reveal some rather fascinating details about this holy Apostle—and perhaps teach us a thing or two that we can apply to our own lives.
First, we must note that in listing Philip as one of the Apostles, his name comes up fifth, after Peter, John, James, and Andrew (Acts 1:13, Mt. 10:2, Mk. 3:16-18, Lk. 6:14). He is mentioned in order before Matthew, the author of the Gospel that bears his name, and he is mentioned before Thomas, the Apostle whose name even a nominal Christian would recognize (and associate with his doubt). But Philip? Not many people would remember anything particularly remarkable about this Apostle—some even confusing him with the deacon Philip who was instrumental in the conversion of the eunuch.
The fact that Philip is listed right after the three men in Jesus’ “inner circle,” as well as after the brother responsible for bringing in the man who become leader of the worldwide Church, tells us that there is something almost as important about Philip as the four who are listed in order before him.
Let’s try to understand what that might be.
Philip’s Immediate “Yes”
The next day he decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” (Jn. 1:43)
The first time John introduces us to the character of Philip, Jesus has “found” him. Philip has taken no initiative to go in search of Jesus; rather, Jesus has gone to Galilee, specifically in search of him. Why do we suppose that is? Perhaps, at this time in his life, Philip was simply not focused—or interested—in the things of God. So what did Jesus see in Philip that warranted His making the journey from Bethany to Galilee in order to find him?
The only words we hear from Jesus to Philip upon finding him are: “Follow me.” At Jesus’ word, Philip’s heart is pierced with the decisive conviction that Jesus is the One. No other explanation is necessary for him; he does not need to hear a step-by-step outline beginning with Abraham, as Stephen would later present to the members of the Sanhedrin, and as Paul would later offer to the Church in Antioch. All it takes is a “Follow me,” and, in an instant, Philip believes.
It would have been an incredible manifestation of supernatural grace, one which could not be contained in Philip’s own heart. From that moment on, Philip would have been bursting to share the gift he had received. And the first person he shares it with is Nathanael.
Sharing the Good News
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (Jn. 1:43-46)
Like Jesus, Philip goes in search of one who has not himself searched for the Lord. Like Philip, Nathanael too may not have been focused on what is above. And so, when Philip goes to him with the most joyful news he ever had to share in his whole life, his news is met with doubt—almost indifference.
Nathanael is simply not predisposed with the same openness of heart as was Philip. It would take more than just a “Follow me” for Nathanael to understand and believe. Philip’s purpose, then, at least in part, is to pave the way and prepare Nathanael for the incredible grace that is about to enter his life. Without Philip, Nathanael may well not have had eyes to see.
A Test of Faith
When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him. (Jn. 6:5-6)
The next time we hear about Philip, it is after a long day of Jesus’ preaching, in which the large crowd is left hungry, with nothing to eat. Jesus chooses Philip specifically, and not any of the other disciples, to see what answer he will give in response to Jesus’ seemingly impossible question.
Scripture tells us that Jesus asks it of him to “test” him, but whenever Jesus puts His disciples to the “test,” it is not meant to entrap them, but to strengthen their faith. Philip is convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, but he still does not yet understand that He is the Son of God. By asking Philip how they can feed the crowd, Jesus is urging Philip to ponder deeply the answer to this question in the silent temple of his heart.
Philip at the Last Supper
Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? (Jn. 14:9)
We meet with Philip directly for the third and last time at the feast of the Last Supper. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, the disciples have walked with the Lord for three years, listened to His preaching, served with Him. Jesus has washed their feet, pointed out the one who would betray Him, and taught them a new and most important commandment: “Love one another” (Jn. 13:34). Peter had already proclaimed Jesus as the “Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt. 16:16)…and Philip still does not know Him.
He believes with all his heart that Jesus is the one foretold by the prophets; he is even willing to give up his livelihood to follow Him and to bring others on board with all the conviction in his heart, but he does not even know who it is that he serves. His heart believes in something that his mind does not yet comprehend.
The Apostle Philip…And Us
Philip, perhaps, was not the greatest of the Apostles, nor the wisest of the bunch. But on the other hand, he was entrusted with so much! He was entrusted with softening the heart and paving the way for one who could not see, and he was entrusted with an apostleship for which he had little natural-born understanding. Which tells us something rather amazing about Philip—and about ourselves.
In our earthly lives, people get chosen for jobs based on their academic performance, particular skill set, experience, or know-how. But this is not how Jesus chooses His people for the jobs He has for us to do. Jesus picks people who are willing to try. He picks people with enough humility of heart to know that they are not qualified. He picks the ones whom He can form into disciples, ones with enough openness of heart that will allow Him to work in them and through them.
So if we are well aware of how unworthy or unqualified we are for that which Jesus calls us to do…then praise the Lord! St. Philip the Apostle teaches us that there is no one more perfect for the job.
Author’s Note: Adapted from: 26 Steps with the Apostles: A Journey into Christian Mission (coming summer 2026).
Image from Wikimedia Commons
