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== Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament <ref name="term_56902" /> ==
== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_55516" /> ==
<p> <b> PHILIP </b> <b> ( </b> φίλιππος, ‘lover of horses’). </p> <p> <b> 1. [[Philip]] the Apostle. </b> —For the little that we know regarding him, beyond the mere mention of his name in the lists of the Twelve (&nbsp;Matthew 10:3, &nbsp;Mark 3:18, &nbsp;Luke 6:14), we are wholly dependent upon a few scattered notices in the Fourth Gospel. </p> <p> (1) The first of these tells the story of his call, which took place on the day after the call of Andrew and John with their respective brothers (&nbsp;John 1:43 ff.). And the fact that it is expressly mentioned that Philip, like these men, belonged to Bethsaida, would seem to point to a certain amount of friendship as having already existed between them, while his Greek name (a peculiarity which among the [[Apostles]] he shared with Andrew) makes it at least possible that he himself was originally of Greek descent. This accords entirely with what we know of the mixed [[Gentile]] population of Bethsaida. Whether, however, this was so or not, Philip would seem to have belonged to the growing class of devout souls throughout the land who were ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel,’ even if he had not, along with the previously named disciples, been an open follower of John the Baptist. For when Jesus ‘finds’ him—evidently not by accident but as the result of a deliberate search—and addresses to him the first direct call which, so far as we know, He addressed to any man, ‘Follow me,’ Philip immediately responds, and once and for all throws in his lot with his new Master. So complete indeed is his surrender, that though as yet his knowledge of Jesus is very imperfect (cf. &nbsp;John 1:45 ‘the son of Joseph’), he shows himself endued with the genuine missionary spirit in proceeding in his turn to ‘find’ Nathanael, that together they may rejoice in the discovery of the promised Messiah. The very precision and minuteness of the terms, moreover, in which Philip announces that discovery, bring before us another aspect of his character, for they show him to have been a man of an anxious and careful turn of mind, asking for no conviction on the part of others until he has been first convinced himself, and ever ready to submit all doubts and prejudices to the test of actual experience (&nbsp;John 1:46 ‘Come and see’). </p> <p> (2) Of this latter trait of the Apostle’s character we have further confirmation, from a somewhat different point of view, in the next incident in which he is specially mentioned. For at the feeding of the Five Thousand in the wilderness it was to Philip that Jesus addressed the question, ‘Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?’ (&nbsp;John 6:5). Some have thought that the reason of this was that Philip had charge of the commissariat of the [[Apostolic]] band, just as [[Judas]] acted as their treasurer; but of this there is no proof, and St. John expressly adds that Jesus said this to ‘prove’ him. The [[Master]] knew His disciple’s cautious and deliberate disposition, and how little he had yet shown himself able to make any of the bolder efforts of faith. And He evidently hoped that on this occasion Philip would rise from the manifest inadequacy of the existing material resources to the thougnt of the unseen powers which He (the Christ) had at His command. But the hope was to be disappointed. Philip was so occupied with his own careful calculations as to what the actual feeding of the multitude meant, that he could think of nothing else. And even the matter-of-fact Andrew showed more imagination when, after the mention of the lad’s little store, he at least hazarded the suggestion, ‘But what are they amongst so many?’ </p> <p> (3) The case is similar when we turn to another occasion when we find the two Apostles together. It is in entire accord not only with Philip’s (possible) Greek origin, but with his sympathetic, inquiring disposition, that the Greek visitors to the [[Temple]] should select him as their ambassador to Jesus (&nbsp;John 12:20 ff.). But it is equally characteristic that, as he realized the greatness and significance of the request, coming as it did from pure Gentiles, he should hesitate to act upon it on his own responsibility. He would do nothing until he had consulted Andrew. And even when Andrew had approved, it was only in conjunction with him, and leaving him to occupy the foremost place (‘Andrew and Philip’), that Philip went to tell Jesus. </p> <p> (4) This ‘faith without confidence’ is even more marked in the last glimpse which St. John gives us of his brother Apostle. When, in His farewell discourse to the Twelve, Jesus announced that He was going to the ‘Father,and that no one could come to the ‘Father’ except by Him, it was left to Philip to say, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us’ (&nbsp;John 14:8). With him ‘seeing’ was ‘believing.’ He could not believe that any real knowledge of the Father was possible except such as resulted from an actual theophany; and so proved how blinded he had been to that higher manifestation of which he had for so long been witness in the words and the acts of the Son. </p> <p> (5) With the pathetic personal appeal to him which this dulness of spiritual vision called forth (&nbsp;John 14:9), Philip disappears from the [[Gospel]] story. And we hear nothing more of him in the NT except for the mention of his name amongst the Apostles who assembled in the upper room at [[Jerusalem]] after their Lord’s [[Ascension]] (&nbsp;Acts 1:13). Various traditions have, however, gathered round his memory. </p> <p> The most interesting of these is the account preserved by [[Clement]] of [[Alexandria]] ( <i> Strom </i> , iii. 4, § 25), which identifies him with the unknown disciple who, when the Lord’s call came to him, asked that he might first go and bury his father—an identification at least in keeping with what we have seen of Philip’s character. The apocryphal <i> [[Journeyings]] of Philip the [[Apostle]] </i> (3rd cent.) represent him as travelling through [[Lydia]] and Asia, and finally settling in Hierapolis. And it was there, according to [[Polycrates]] (bishop of [[Ephesus]] <i> c </i> . 190 a.d.), that he was ‘buried’ ‘along with his two aged virgin daughters’ (Eus. <i> Historia Ecclesiastica </i> iii. 31; cf. Lightfoot, <i> Colossians 2 </i> [Note: designates the particular edition of the work referred] , p. 45 ff.). The same authority adds that another daughter who ‘lived in fellowship with the [[Holy]] Spirit’ was huried at Ephesus—a circumstance that may perhaps point to Philip’s own residence there for a time, and consequently to a renewed intercourse with his old friend the Apostle John. If so, we have an additional reason why St. John should have introduced Philip’s name so freely in the ‘memoirs’ on which at the time he was engaged. Of the later connexion with [[Hierapolis]] already alluded to we have now interesting confirmation in the discovery of an inscription showing that the church there was dedicated to the memory ‘of the holy and glorious Apostle and theologian Philip’ (τοῦ ἀγίου κὲ ἑνδεξου ἀποστόλου κἑ θεολόγου Φιλίππου: see Ramsay, <i> Cities and Bishoprics of [[Phrygia]] </i> , i. p. 552 f.). </p> <p> In the West, St. Philip’s Day is observed along with that of St. James the Lesson May 1st. In the East, St. Philip’s Day is Nov. 14th, St. James’, Oct, 23rd. </p> <p> Literature.—In addition to what has been noted above, see Westcott, <i> The Gospel of St. John </i> , p. lxxiii f.; A. B. Bruce, <i> The Training of the Twelve </i> (see ‘Philip’ in the Index); H. P. Liddon, <i> University Sermons </i> , 2nd ser., i. ‘Prejudice and Experience’ (&nbsp;John 1:46); J. B. Lightfoot, <i> [[Cambridge]] Sermons </i> , p. 129 ff. ‘Show us the Father’ (&nbsp;John 14:8-9); R. C. Trench, <i> Studies in the [[Gospels]] </i> , p. 68; A. Maclaren, <i> A Year’s [[Ministry]] </i> , ii. 155; J. D. Jones, <i> The [[Glorious]] [[Company]] of the Apostles </i> , p. 109; R. H. Lovell, <i> First [[Types]] of the Chr. Life </i> , p. 514; and the present writer’s <i> The Twelve Apostles </i> (Dent), p. 49 ff. </p> <p> <b> 2. Herod Philip. </b> —See vol. i. p. 722b. </p> <p> [[George]] Milligan. </p>
<p> (M. [[Julius Philippus]] ) emperor of Rome, a native of Bostra, in Trachonitis, according to some authorities, after serving with distinction in the Roman armies, was promoted by the later Gordian to the command of the imperial guards after the death of Misitheus, A.D. 243. In the following year he accompanied Gordian in his expedition into Persia, where he contrived to excite a mutiny among the soldiers by complaining that the emperor was too young to lead an army in such a difficult undertaking. The mutineers obliged Gordian to acknowledge [[Philip]] as his colleague; and in a short time Philip, wishing to reign alone, caused Gordian to be murdered. In a letter to the senate he ascribed the death of Gordian to illness, and the senate acknowledged him as emperor. Having made peace with the Persians, he led the army back into Syria, and arrived at [[Antioch]] for the [[Easter]] solemnities. Eusebius, who with other [[Christian]] writers maintains that Philip was a Christian, states as a report that he went with his wife to attend the Christian worship at Antioch, but that Babila, bishop of that city, refused to permit him to enter the church, as being guilty of murder, upon which Philip acknowledged his guilt, and placed himself in the ranks of the penitents. This circumstance is also stated by John Chrysostom. From Antioch Philip came to Rome, and the following year, 245, assumed the consulship with T.F. Titianus, and marched against the Carpi, who had invaded Moesia, and defeated them. In 247 Philip was again con. sul, with his son of the same name as himself, and their consulship was continued to the following year, when Philip celebrated with great splendor the thousandth anniversary of the building of Rome. An immense number of wild beasts were brought forth and slaughtered in the amphitheatre and circus. In the next year, under the consulship of Emilianus and Aquilinus, a revolt broke out among the legions on the Danube, who proclaimed emperor a centurion named Carvilius Marinus, whom, however, the soldiers killed shortly after. Philip, alarmed at the state of these provinces, sent thither [[Decius]] as commander, but Decius had no sooner arrived at his post than the soldiers proclaimed him emperor. Philip marched against Decius, leaving his son at Rome. The two armies met near Verona, where Philip was defeated and killed, as some say by his own troops. On the news reaching Rome, the praetorians killed his son also, and Decius was acknowledged emperor in 249. [[Eutropius]] states that both Philips, father and son, were numbered among the gods. It is doubtful whether Philip was really a Christian, but it seems certain, as stated by [[Eusebius]] and [[Dionysius]] of Alexandria, that under his reign the [[Christians]] enjoyed full toleration, and were allowed to preach publicly. [[Gregory]] of'Nyssa states that during that period all the inhabitants of Neo-Caesarea,in Pontus, embraced Christianity, overthrew the idols, and raised temples to the God of the Christians. It appears that Philip during his five years' reign governed with mildness and justice, and was generally popular. </p>
          
          
== Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_53267" /> ==
== International Standard Bible Encyclopedia <ref name="term_7022" /> ==
<p> <strong> PHILIP </strong> (Apocr. [Note: Apocrypha, Apocryphal.] ). <strong> 1 </strong> . Father of [[Alexander]] the Great ( 1M&nbsp; Malachi 1:1; 1Ma 6:2 ). <strong> 2. </strong> A friend or foster-brother ( 2Ma 9:29 ) of [[Antiochus]] Epiphanes, who received the charge (previously given to Lysias) of bringing up the young Antiochus [[Eupator]] ( 1Ma 6:14 ). On the death of Antiochus Epiphanes, [[Lysias]] took upon himself to proclaim young Eupator king (b.c. 164). The jealousy over this matter led to open hostilitles between Lysias and Philip. Philip was overcome by Lysias at [[Antioch]] and put to death. He is by many regarded as identical with <strong> 3. </strong> A Phrygian who (in b.c. 168). when left in charge of Jerusalem by Antiochus Epiphanes, was remarkable for the cruelty of his government ( 2Ma 5:22; 2Ma 6:11 ). Little more is known of him unless the details of his life he filled up by assuming his identity with the former &nbsp; Philippians 4 &nbsp;Philippians 4 <strong> . </strong> A king of [[Macedonia]] (b.c. 220 179) overthrown by the Romans ( 1Ma 8:5 ). </p> <p> T. A. Moxon. </p> <p> <strong> PHILIP </strong> (NT) </p> <p> <strong> 1. The Apostle </strong> (&nbsp; Matthew 10:3 = &nbsp; Mark 3:18 = &nbsp; Luke 6:14 ); one of the disciples whom Jesus won at [[Bethany]] beyond [[Jordan]] in the morning of His ministry (&nbsp; John 1:28-51 ). He was a fellow-townsman of Andrew and Peter (&nbsp; John 1:44 ), and seems to have had a special friendship with the former (&nbsp; John 6:8; &nbsp; John 12:21-22 ). He was of a timid and retiring disposition. He did not, like Andrew and John, approach Jesus, but waited till Jesus accosted him and invited him to join His company. Andrew and John found Jesus (&nbsp; John 12:41 ); Jesus found Philip (&nbsp; John 12:43 ). This characteristic gives some countenance to the tradition that the disciple who would fain have declined the Lord’s call that he might ‘go and bury his father’ (&nbsp; Luke 9:59-60 = &nbsp; Matthew 8:21-22 ), was none other than Philip. Though somewhat slow of heart and dull in spiritual understanding (cf. &nbsp; John 14:8-9 ), he had his aptitudes. He had a turn for practical affairs, and, just as Judas was treasurer to the Apostolic company, so Philip was purveyor, attending to the commissariat (Bengel on &nbsp; John 6:5 ). If Andrew was the first missionary of the [[Kingdom]] of heaven, bringing his brother Simon to Jesus (&nbsp; John 1:40-42 ). Philip was the second, bringing his friend [[Nathanael]] (&nbsp; John 1:45-46 ). It is said that after the departure of Jesus he laboured in Asia Minor and was buried at Hierapolis. </p> <p> <strong> 2. The Evangelist. </strong> It was soon found necessary in the Apostolic Church that there should be a division of labour; and that the Twelve might give themselves without distraction to prayer and the ministry of the word, seven of the brethren were set apart for the management of the business matters of the Church (&nbsp; Acts 6:1-6 ). Philip was one of these. He seems to have been a Hellenist, <em> i.e </em> . a Greek-speaking Jew; at all events he was a man of liberal sympathies, and he greatly helped in the extension of the gospel to the Gentiles. He was in fact the forerunner of St. Paul. During the persecution which followed the martyrdom of Stephen, he preached in [[Samaria]] (&nbsp; Acts 8:4-8 ). He was instrumental in the conversion of the chamberlain of Candace, queen of Ethiopia, thus introducing [[Christianity]] into that historic heathen country (&nbsp; Acts 8:26-39 ). On parting from the chamberlain he went to [[Azotus]] (Ashdod), and travelled along the sea-board, preaching from city to city, till he reached Cæsarea (&nbsp; Acts 8:40 ). There he settled, and there he was still residing with his four unmarried daughters, who were prophetesses, when Paul visited Cæsarea on his last journey to Jerusalem. The two men were like-minded, and it is no wonder that Paul abode with him during his stay at Cæsarea (&nbsp; Acts 21:8-9 ). </p> <p> <strong> 3. Herod Philip. </strong> See Herod. </p> <p> David Smith. </p>
<p> ( Φίλιππος , <i> ''''' Phı́lippos ''''' </i> ): </p> 1. New [[Testament]] References: <p> One of the Twelve Apostles. Philip belonged to [[Bethsaida]] of [[Galilee]] (&nbsp;John 1:44; &nbsp;John 12:21 ). Along with Andrew and other fellow-townsmen, he had journeyed to [[Bethany]] to hear the teaching of John the Baptist, and there he received his first call from Christ, "Follow me" (&nbsp;John 1:43 ). Like Andrew, Philip immediately won a fresh follower, Nathanael, for Jesus (&nbsp;John 1:45 ). It is probable that he was present at most of the events recorded of Jesus' return journey from Bethany to Galilee, and that the information relating to these was supplied to John by him and Andrew (compare [[Andrew]] ). His final ordination to the Twelve is recorded in &nbsp;Matthew 10:3; &nbsp;Mark 3:18; &nbsp;Luke 6:14; &nbsp;Acts 1:13 . At the feeding of the 5,000, Philip was asked the question by Jesus, "Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" (&nbsp;John 6:5-7 ). He was appealed to by the [[Greeks]] when they desired to interview Jesus at the [[Passover]] (&nbsp;John 12:20-33 ). During the address of Jesus to His disciples after the Last Supper, Philip made the request, "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us" (&nbsp;John 14:8 ). </p> 2. Apocryphal References: <p> According to the "Genealogies of the Twelve Apostles," Philip was of the house of [[Zebulun]] (compare Budge, <i> Contendings of the [[Apostles]] </i> , II, 50). [[Clement]] of [[Alexandria]] ( <i> Strom </i> ., iii. 4,25, and iv. 9,73) gives the tradition identifying him with the unknown disciple who asked permission to go and bury his father ere he followed Jesus (compare &nbsp; Matthew 8:21; &nbsp;Luke 9:59 ), and says that he died a natural death. Owing to confusion with Philip the evangelist, there is much obscurity in the accounts of [[Apocrypha]] literature concerning the earlier missionary activities of Philip the apostle. The "Acts of Philip" tell of a religious controversy between the apostle and a [[Judean]] high priest before the philosophers of Athens. Later Latin documents mention [[Gaul]] (Galatia) as his field. As to his sending [[Joseph]] of [[Arimathea]] thence to Britain, see [[Joseph Of Arimathaea]] . The evidence seems conclusive that the latter part of his life was spent in Phrygia. This is supported by [[Polycrates]] (bishop of [[Ephesus]] in the 2nd century), who states that he died at Hierapolis, by Theodoret, and by the parts of the <i> Contendings of the Apostles </i> dealing with Philip. Thus, according to "The [[Preaching]] of Philip and Peter" (compare Budge, <i> Contendings of the Apostles </i> , II, 146), [[Phrygia]] was assigned to Philip as a mission field by the risen Christ when He appeared to the disciples on the Mount of Olives, and "The [[Martyrdom]] of Philip in Phrygia" (Budge, II, 156) tells of his preaching, miracles and crucifixion there. </p> <p> Philip was regarded in early times as the author of "The [[Gospel]] of Philip," a [[Gnostic]] work of the 2nd century, part of which was preserved by [[Epiphanius]] (compare Hennecke, <i> Neutestamentliche Apokryphen </i> , 40,41). See [[Apocryphal Gospels]] . </p> 3. Character: <p> As with Andrew, Philip's Greek name implies he had Greek connections, and this is strengthened by the fact that he acted as the spokesman of the Greeks at the Passover. Of a weaker mold than Andrew, he was yet the one to whom the Greeks would first appeal; he himself possessed an inquirer's spirit and could therefore sympathize with their doubts and difficulties. The practical, strong-minded Andrew was naturally the man to win the impetuous, swift-thinking Peter; but the slower Philip, versed in the [[Scriptures]] (compare &nbsp;John 1:45 ), appealed more to the critical [[Nathanael]] and the cultured Greeks. Cautious and deliberate himself, and desirous of submitting all truth to the test of sensuous experience (compare &nbsp;John 14:8 ), he concluded the same criterion would be acceptable to Nathanael also (compare &nbsp;John 1:46 ). It was the presence of this materialistic trend of mind in Philip that induced Jesus, in order to awaken in His disciple a larger and more spiritual faith, to put the question in &nbsp;John 6:6 , seeking "to prove him." This innate diffidence which affected Philip's religious beliefs found expression in his outer life and conduct also. It was not merely modesty, but also a certain lack of self-reliance, that made him turn to Andrew for advice when the Greeks wished to see Jesus. The story of his later life is, however, sufficient to show that he overcame those initial defects in his character, and fulfilled nobly the charge that his risen Lord laid upon him (compare &nbsp;Matthew 28:16-20 ). </p>
       
== Morrish Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_68213" /> ==
<p> 1. One of the twelve apostles: he was a native of Bethsaida. It was in [[Galilee]] that the Lord met him; and said to him, 'Follow me.' Philip at once announced to Nathanael that he had found the One of whom Moses and the prophets had written. He was the apostle who asked the Lord to show them the Father, when the Lord said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father . . . . [[Believe]] me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me." &nbsp;Matthew 10:3; &nbsp;Mark 3:18; &nbsp;Luke 6:14; &nbsp;John 1:43-48; &nbsp;John 6:5-7; &nbsp;John 12:21,22; &nbsp;John 14:8,9; &nbsp;Acts 1:13 . </p> <p> 2. One of the seven chosen to look after the poor saints at Jerusalem. He is also called 'Philip the evangelist.' When the church was scattered from Jerusalem by persecution, Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ and wrought miracles, and men and women believed and were baptised. The apostles at Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent thither Peter and John. Then Philip was directed by an angel of the Lord to meet the eunuch of [[Ethiopia]] in the desert towards Gaza. Philip obeyed and preached unto him Jesus. On the eunuch asking what hindered him from being baptised, he was at once baptised by Philip. On coming out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and he was found at Azotus, and he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. Much later Philip was residing at [[Caesarea]] and received Paul and those with him into his house. He had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied. Philip is a beautiful instance of one being under the immediate guidance of God in his service for Him. &nbsp; Acts 6:5; &nbsp;Acts 8:5-40; &nbsp;Acts 21:8 . </p> <p> 3. Son of Herod the Great: he married Herodias, who deserted him to live with his brother, Herod Antipas. &nbsp; Matthew 14:3; &nbsp;Mark 6:17; &nbsp;Luke 3:19 . </p> <p> 4. Another son of Herod the Great: he was tetrarch of [[Ituraea]] and Trachonitis. &nbsp; Luke 3:1 . He was the founder of Caesarea Philippi. &nbsp;Matthew 16:13; &nbsp;Mark 8:27 . </p>
       
== People's Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_70653" /> ==
<p> [[Philip]] ( ''Fĭl'Ip'' ), ''Lover Of A Horse.'' 1. One of the apostles, a native of Bethsaida; he had been a disciple of John the Baptist. &nbsp;John 1:43-48; &nbsp;John 6:5-7; &nbsp;John 12:21-22; &nbsp;John 14:8-9; &nbsp;Matthew 10:3; &nbsp;Mark 3:18; &nbsp;Luke 6:14. He was with the rest of the apostles and disciples who had assembled for prayer in the upper room in Jerusalem, after the ascension of our Lord. &nbsp;Acts 1:13; &nbsp;Acts 14:2. One of the seven deacons of the church at Jerusalem; also called "the Evangelist." &nbsp;Acts 6:5; &nbsp;Acts 21:8. He preached the gospel in Samaria with great success. &nbsp;Acts 8:6-13. He was directed of the Spirit to proceed toward Gaza, where he preached Christ to the treasurer of Candace, queen of Ethiopia. After a short stay at Azotus, Philip preached the gospel from town to town till he came to Cæsarea, where he probably settled. &nbsp;Acts 8:26-40. He had four daughters who were endued with the gifts of prophecy. &nbsp;Acts 21:8; &nbsp;Acts 9:3. A tetrarch of Trachonitis, and Ituræa. &nbsp;Luke 3:1. He was the son of Herod the Great, by his wife Cleopatra: and at his death his tetrarchy was annexed to Syria. &nbsp;Matthew 16:13; &nbsp;Mark 8:27. 4. A son of Herod the Great by [[Mariamne]] the daughter of Simon the high priest. He was the first husband of Herodias, who was taken from him by his brother Herod Antipas. &nbsp;Matthew 14:3; &nbsp;Mark 6:17; &nbsp;Luke 3:19. </p>
       
== American Tract Society Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_16971" /> ==
<p> 1. The Tetrarch, a son of Herod the Great, by his wife Cleopatra. In the division of Herod's kingdom, he was made tetrarch of Batanea, Trachonitis, and Auranitis, &nbsp;Luke 3:1 . See [[Herod]] 1. From him the city of Caesarea [[Philippi]] took its name. </p> <p> 2. Herod Philip, another son of Herod the Great by Mariamne the daughter of Simon, not his favorite Mariamne. [[Josephus]] calls him Herod. He lived a private life, having been disinherited by his father; and was the former husband of Herodias, &nbsp;Matthew 14:3 . See [[Herodias]] </p> <p> 3. The Apostle, a native of Bethsaida, a disciple at first of John the Baptist, and one of the twelve who were earliest called to follow Christ, &nbsp;Matthew 10:3 &nbsp; John 1:43-48 &nbsp; Acts 1:13 . He is several times mentioned in the gospel in Phrygia, and died at Hierapolis in Syria. </p> <p> 4. The [[Deacon]] and Evangelist, &nbsp;Acts 6:5 &nbsp; 21:8 &nbsp; Ephesians 4:11; a resident of Caesarea, at least during one portion of his life, having four daughters who were endowed with the gift of prophecy, &nbsp;Acts 2:17 &nbsp; 21:8-9 . After the death of [[Stephen]] when the [[Christians]] were driven from Jerusalem, except the apostles, he preached the gospel in Samaria with great success, and wrought many miracles. From the midst of these happy scenes he was called away to labor in a distant spot, with a single soul; but the gospel light was carried by the [[Ethiopian]] eunuch into the darkness of Africa, and is supposed to have there enlightened multitudes. In the narrative of Luke, Philip is incidentally distinguished from the apostles, &nbsp;Acts 8:1,14,16 . He preached the gospel in the cities on the coast, from [[Ashdod]] to Caesarea, where at a later period Paul and his companions were his guests for "many days," &nbsp;Acts 21:8-16 . His subsequent history is unknown. </p>
       
== Bridgeway Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_18937" /> ==
<p> There were two men named Philip among the early disciples of Jesus. These are commonly referred to as Philip the apostle and Philip the evangelist. (Concerning two other men named Philip, who were members of Herod’s family, see [[Herod]] .) </p> <p> Philip the apostle came from the fishing town of [[Bethsaida]] on the shore of Lake Galilee. When Jesus first went to Galilee at the beginning of his ministry, Philip was among the first to respond to his call. Immediately, he brought Nathanael to Jesus (&nbsp;John 1:43-46). Later, Jesus appointed Philip one of his twelve apostles (&nbsp;Matthew 10:3). Philip features in the story of Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand (&nbsp;John 6:5-7), but he was slow to understand how Jesus’ miraculous works demonstrated the unique relationship between Jesus and his Father (&nbsp;John 14:8-11). Just before the last Passover, Philip helped a group of visiting Greek worshippers to meet Jesus (&nbsp;John 12:20-22). A few weeks later he witnessed Jesus’ return to his Father (&nbsp;Acts 1:9-13). </p> <p> Philip the evangelist was one of the seven men whom the Jerusalem church chose to administer its welfare program (&nbsp;Acts 6:1-6). After the killing of Stephen and the expulsion of Christians from Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria, where many responded to his preaching (&nbsp;Acts 8:4-13). He then travelled south towards [[Gaza]] and led a God-fearing Ethiopian official to faith in Jesus Christ (&nbsp;Acts 8:26-39). From there he moved north along the [[Mediterranean]] coast, preaching in all the towns as far as Caesarea (&nbsp;Acts 8:40). The next mention of Philip is about twenty-five years later, when Paul’s party stayed with him in Caesarea for a few days. He had four daughters who had the gift of prophecy (&nbsp;Acts 21:8-9). </p>
       
== Smith's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_74457" /> ==
<p> '''Phil'ip.''' ''(Lover Of Horses).'' Philip, the apostle, was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter, &nbsp;John 1:44, and, apparently, was among the [[Galilean]] peasants of that district, who flocked to hear the preaching of John the Baptist. The manner in which St. John speaks of him indicates a previous friendship, with the sons of [[Jona]] and Zebedee, and a consequent participation in their messianic hopes. </p> <p> The close union of the two in John 6 and John 12 suggests that he may have owed to Andrew, the first tidings that the hope had been fulfilled. The statement that [[Jesus]] found him, &nbsp;John 1:43, implies a previous seeking. In the lists of the twelve apostles, in the Synoptic Gospel, his name is as uniformly at the head of the second group of four , as the name of Peter is at that of the first, &nbsp;Matthew 10:3; &nbsp;Mark 5:18; &nbsp;Luke 6:14, and the facts recorded by St. John, give the reason of this priority. Philip apparently was among the first company of disciples who were with the Lord, at the commencement of his ministry, at the marriage at Cana, on his first appearance as a prophet in Jerusalem, John 2. </p> <p> The first three Gospels tell us nothing more of him individually. St.John, with his characteristic fullness of personal reminiscences, records a few significant utterances. &nbsp;John 6:5-9; &nbsp;John 12:20-22; &nbsp;John 14:8. No other fact connected with the name of Philip is recorded in the Gospels. He is among the company of disciples at Jerusalem, after the ascension, &nbsp;Acts 1:13, and on the '''Day of Pentecost''' . After this, all is uncertain and apocryphal. According to tradition, he preached in Phrygia, and died at Hierapolis. </p>
       
== Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary <ref name="term_81293" /> ==
<p> the Apostle, was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. Jesus Christ having seen him, said to him, "Follow me," &nbsp;John 1:43-44 . Philip followed him; he was present at the marriage of [[Cana]] in Galilee. Philip was called at the beginning of our Saviour's mission. He is mentioned, &nbsp;Luke 6:13; &nbsp;Matthew 10:3; &nbsp;John 6:5-7 . Some [[Gentiles]] having a curiosity to see Jesus, a little before his passion, addressed themselves to Philip, &nbsp;John 12:21-22 , who mentioned it to Andrew, and these two to Christ. At the last supper Philip desired the [[Saviour]] to show them the Father, &nbsp;John 14:8-10 . This is all that we find concerning Philip in the Gospel. </p> <p> <strong> 2. </strong> PHILIP, the second of the seven deacons, &nbsp; Acts 6:5 , was, some say, of Caesarea in Palestine. It is certain his daughters lived in that city, &nbsp;Acts 21:8-9 . After the death of Stephen all the Christians, except the Apostles, having left Jerusalem, and being dispersed in several places, Philip went to preach at Sebaste or Samaria, where he performed several miracles, and converted many persons, &nbsp;Acts 8:1-3 , &c. He baptized them; but informed the Apostles at Jerusalem that Samaria had received the word of God, that they might come and communicate the Holy Ghost to them. Peter and John came thither for that purpose. Philip was, probably, at Samaria, when an angel commanded him to go on the road that leads from Jerusalem to old Gaza. Philip obeyed, and there met with an Ethiopian eunuch, belonging to Candace, queen of Ethiopia, whom he converted and baptized, &nbsp;Acts 8:26 . Being come out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more. </p>
       
== Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_43087" /> ==
&nbsp;Acts 6:5&nbsp;Acts 8:5-13&nbsp;Acts 8:26-38&nbsp;Acts 8:39-40&nbsp;Acts 21:8&nbsp;Acts 21:9[[Acts]]Deacon[[Evangelism]] <p> 2. One of twelve apostles (&nbsp;Matthew 10:3 ). From Bethsaida, he led his brother Nathanael to Jesus (&nbsp;John 1:43-51 ). Jesus tested Philip concerning how to feed the multitude (&nbsp;John 6:5-7 ). He and Andrew took inquiring Gentiles to Jesus (&nbsp;John 12:21-22 ). Philip asked Jesus to show them the father (&nbsp;John 14:8-9 ), opening the way for Jesus' teaching that to see Him is to see the Father. See [[Disciples]] , Apostles . </p> <p> 3. [[Tetrarch]] of Itaraea and [[Trachonitis]] (&nbsp;Luke 3:1 ). See Herod . </p> <p> Paul Powell </p>
       
== Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_33109" /> ==
<li> The "tetrarch of Ituraea" (&nbsp;Luke 3:1 ); a son of Herod the Great, and brother of Herod Antipas. The city of [[Caesarea-Philippi]] was named partly after him (&nbsp;Matthew 16:13; &nbsp;Mark 8:27 ). (See [[Herod Philip Ii]] ) <div> <p> '''Copyright Statement''' These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton [[M.A., DD]]  Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> '''Bibliography Information''' Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Philip'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/p/philip.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>
       
== Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary <ref name="term_48451" /> ==
<p> The apostle. (See &nbsp;John 1:43-44) There was also a Philip who was ore of the seven deacons. (&nbsp;Acts 6:5) </p>
       
== Webster's Dictionary <ref name="term_156439" /> ==
<p> '''(1):''' ''' (''' n.) The European hedge sparrow. </p> <p> '''(2):''' ''' (''' n.) The house sparrow. Called also phip. </p>
       
== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_55479" /> ==
<p> ( '''''Φίλιππος''''' , ''Lover Of Horses),'' the name of several men mentioned in the Apocrvpha and Josephus. Those named in the N.T. will be noticed separately below. </p> <p> '''1.''' The father of Alexander the Great (&nbsp;1 [[Maccabees]] 1:1; &nbsp;1 Maccabees 6:2), king of Macedonia, B.C. 359-336. (See Alexandeit) ''(The Great).'' </p> <p> '''2.''' A Phrygian, left by Antiochus [[Epiphanes]] as governor at Jerusalem (B.C. cir. 170), where he behaved with great cruelty (&nbsp;2 Maccabees 5:22), burning the fugitive [[Jews]] in caves (6:11), and taking the earliest measures to check the growing power of Judas Maccabaeus (8:8). He is commonly (but it would seem incorrectly) identified with, </p> <p> '''3.''' The foster-brother ''('' '''''Σύντροφος''''' , 9:29) of Antiochus Epiphanes, whom the king upon his death-bed appointed regent of Syria and guardian of his son Antidchus V, to the exclusion of Lysias (B.C. 164; &nbsp;1 Maccabees 6:14-15; &nbsp;1 Maccabees 6:55). He returned with the royal forces from [[Persia]] (vi, 56) to assume the government, and occupied Antioch. But Lysias, who was at the time besieging "the Sanctuary" at Jerusalem, hastily made terms with Judas, and marched against him. Lysias stormed Antioch, and, according to Josephus (Ant. 12:9, 7), put Philip to death. In 2 Macc. Philip is said to have fled to Ptol. [[Philometor]] on the death of Antiochus (&nbsp;2 Maccabees 9:29), though the book contains traces of the other account (13:23). (See Antriochus) ''(Epiphanes).'' </p> <p> '''4.''' Philip V, king of Macedonia, B.C. 220-179. His wide and successful endeavors to strengthen and enlarge the [[Macedonian]] dominion brought him into conflict with the Romans when they were engaged in the critical war with Carthage. Desultory warfare followed by hollow peace lasted till the victory of [[Zama]] left the Romans free for more vigorous measures. Meanwhile Philip had consolidated his power, though he had degenerated into an unscrupulous tyrant. The first campaigns of the Romans on the declaration of war (B.C. 200) were not attended by any decisive result, but the arrival of Flamininus (B.C. 198) changed the aspect of affairs. Philip was driven from his commanding position, and made unsuccessful overtures for peace. In the next year he lost the fatal battle of Cynoscephalae, and was obliged to accede to the terms dictated by his conquerors. The remainder of his life was spent in vain endeavors to regain something of his former power, and was imbittered by cruelty and remorse. In &nbsp;1 Maccabees 8:5 the defeat of Philip is coupled with that of Perseius as one of the noblest triumphs of the Romans. </p>
       
== Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature <ref name="term_16495" /> ==
<p> Philip, 1 </p> <p> Phil´ip, one of the twelve apostles. He was of Bethsaida, 'the city of Andrew and Peter' . He became one of the disciples of John the Baptist, and was in the neighborhood where John was baptizing, at the time of our Lord's baptism. Andrew and John, who were also disciples of the Baptist, heard the testimony concerning Jesus which the latter gave, and thenceforth attached themselves to him as the promised Messiah. Through Andrew his brother, Simon (Peter) was brought to Christ; and as on the next day Philip unhesitatingly accompanied Jesus when called to follow him, it is probable that his townsmen had previously spoken to him of Jesus as the long-expected [[Savior]] . Philip was thus the fourth of the apostles who attached themselves to the person of Jesus—of those 'who left all and followed him.' The first act of Philip was to bring to the Lord Nathaniel, who is supposed to have also become an apostle under the name of [[Bartholomew]] . Little more is recorded of Philip in the Scriptures; but it is remarkable that when Christ beheld the five thousand people whom he afterwards fed with five loaves and two fishes, he singled out Philip for the question, 'Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?' It is added, 'This he said to prove him, for he himself knew what he would do.' Bengel and others suppose that this was because the charge of providing food had been committed to Philip, while Chrysostom and [[Theodore]] of Mopsuestia rather suppose it was because this apostle was weak in faith. The answer of Philip agrees well enough with either supposition, 'Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little' . But it is well to compare this with , where the inappropriate remark of Philip, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,' evinces that he experienced in a degree beyond his brother apostles the difficulty which they generally felt in raising themselves above the things of sense. </p> <p> Intermediately, we find recorded the application to Philip of certain 'Greeks' (proselytes of the gate) at Jerusalem, who wished to be introduced to Jesus, of whom they had heard so much. [[Knowing]] that his Master was not forward to gratify mere curiosity, Philip was uncertain whether to comply with their wish or not, but first consulted Andrew, who went with him to mention the circumstance to Jesus . This incident, although slight, is indicative of character, as we feel sure that some of the other apostles, Peter for instance, would at once have complied with or declined this application on their own responsibility. The sacred history only adds to these facts, that Philip was present with the other apostles at the religious assembly following the Lord's resurrection . </p> <p> The later traditions concerning this apostle are vague and uncertain; but there is nothing improbable in the statement that he preached the Gospel in Phrygia, and that he met his death at Hierapolis in Syria. </p> <p> Philip, 2 </p> <p> Philip, one of the seven first deacons also called an 'Evangelist' , which denotes one of those ministers of the primitive church, who, without being attached to any particular congregation, preached the Gospel from place to place . Being compelled to leave Jerusalem by the persecution which ensued on Stephen's death, Philip was induced to take refuge in Samaria. He there came to a city where Simon Magus was held in high reverence through the wonders which he wrought. But the substantial and beneficent miracles which were performed by Philip in the name of Jesus, drew away their attention from the impostor, and prepared their minds for the reception of the Gospel. Simon himself seems to have regarded him as in league with some superhuman being, and looking upon baptism as the initiatory rite of a compact through which he might obtain the same powers, he solicited and obtained baptism from the [[Evangelist]] [[[Simon Magus]]]  After Peter and John had come to Samaria to complete and carry on the work which Philip had been the means of commencing, the Evangelist himself was directed by a divine impulse to proceed towards Gaza, where he met the treasurer of Candace, queen of Ethiopia [[[Candace; Ethiopia]]]  by whose conversion and baptism he became the instrument of planting the first seeds of the Gospel in Ethiopia . Philip then retraced his steps, and after pausing at Azotus, preached the Gospel from town to town till he came to [[Cæsarea]] . At this place he seems to have settled; for when Paul was on his last journey to Jerusalem, he and his party were entertained in the house of Philip on which occasion it is mentioned that he had 'four daughters, virgins, who did prophesy' , or who were endued with the faculty of speaking under divine inspiration and of predicting future events, together with other supernatural gifts vouchsafed to the primitive Christians in accordance with the prophecy in . With this fact the Scriptural history of Philip closes, and the traditions which refer to his subsequent proceedings are uncertain and conflicting. </p> <p> Philip, 3 </p> <p> Philip, son of Herod the Great, and tetrarch of Batanæa, Trachonitis, and Auranitis [[[Herodian Family]]]  </p> <p> Philip, 4 </p> <p> Philip, called by Josephus, Herod, son of Herod the Great, and first husband of Herodias [[[Herodian Family]]]  </p>
       
== The Nuttall Encyclopedia <ref name="term_78273" /> ==
<p> An Indian chief whose father had been a staunch friend of the [[Pilgrim]] settlers, was himself friendly to the colonists, till in 1671 their encroachments provoked him to retaliation; after six years' fighting, in which many colonists perished and great massacres of Indians took place, he was defeated and slain, 1676. </p>
          
          
==References ==
==References ==
<references>
<references>


<ref name="term_56902"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hastings-dictionary-of-the-new-testament/philip Philip from Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament]</ref>
<ref name="term_55516"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/cyclopedia-of-biblical-theological-and-ecclesiastical-literature/philip+(2) Philip from Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_53267"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hastings-dictionary-of-the-bible/philip Philip from Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_68213"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/morrish-bible-dictionary/philip Philip from Morrish Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_70653"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/people-s-dictionary-of-the-bible/philip Philip from People's Dictionary of the Bible]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_16971"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/american-tract-society-bible-dictionary/philip Philip from American Tract Society Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_18937"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/bridgeway-bible-dictionary/philip Philip from Bridgeway Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_74457"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/smith-s-bible-dictionary/philip Philip from Smith's Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_81293"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/watson-s-biblical-theological-dictionary/philip Philip from Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_43087"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/holman-bible-dictionary/philip Philip from Holman Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_33109"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/easton-s-bible-dictionary/philip Philip from Easton's Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_48451"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hawker-s-poor-man-s-concordance-and-dictionary/philip Philip from Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_156439"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/webster-s-dictionary/philip Philip from Webster's Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_55479"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/cyclopedia-of-biblical-theological-and-ecclesiastical-literature/philip Philip from Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_16495"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/kitto-s-popular-cyclopedia-of-biblial-literature/philip Philip from Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature]</ref>
          
          
<ref name="term_78273"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/the-nuttall-encyclopedia/philip Philip from The Nuttall Encyclopedia]</ref>
<ref name="term_7022"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/international-standard-bible-encyclopedia/philip+(2) Philip from International Standard Bible Encyclopedia]</ref>
          
          
</references>
</references>

Latest revision as of 15:36, 15 October 2021

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]

(M. Julius Philippus ) emperor of Rome, a native of Bostra, in Trachonitis, according to some authorities, after serving with distinction in the Roman armies, was promoted by the later Gordian to the command of the imperial guards after the death of Misitheus, A.D. 243. In the following year he accompanied Gordian in his expedition into Persia, where he contrived to excite a mutiny among the soldiers by complaining that the emperor was too young to lead an army in such a difficult undertaking. The mutineers obliged Gordian to acknowledge Philip as his colleague; and in a short time Philip, wishing to reign alone, caused Gordian to be murdered. In a letter to the senate he ascribed the death of Gordian to illness, and the senate acknowledged him as emperor. Having made peace with the Persians, he led the army back into Syria, and arrived at Antioch for the Easter solemnities. Eusebius, who with other Christian writers maintains that Philip was a Christian, states as a report that he went with his wife to attend the Christian worship at Antioch, but that Babila, bishop of that city, refused to permit him to enter the church, as being guilty of murder, upon which Philip acknowledged his guilt, and placed himself in the ranks of the penitents. This circumstance is also stated by John Chrysostom. From Antioch Philip came to Rome, and the following year, 245, assumed the consulship with T.F. Titianus, and marched against the Carpi, who had invaded Moesia, and defeated them. In 247 Philip was again con. sul, with his son of the same name as himself, and their consulship was continued to the following year, when Philip celebrated with great splendor the thousandth anniversary of the building of Rome. An immense number of wild beasts were brought forth and slaughtered in the amphitheatre and circus. In the next year, under the consulship of Emilianus and Aquilinus, a revolt broke out among the legions on the Danube, who proclaimed emperor a centurion named Carvilius Marinus, whom, however, the soldiers killed shortly after. Philip, alarmed at the state of these provinces, sent thither Decius as commander, but Decius had no sooner arrived at his post than the soldiers proclaimed him emperor. Philip marched against Decius, leaving his son at Rome. The two armies met near Verona, where Philip was defeated and killed, as some say by his own troops. On the news reaching Rome, the praetorians killed his son also, and Decius was acknowledged emperor in 249. Eutropius states that both Philips, father and son, were numbered among the gods. It is doubtful whether Philip was really a Christian, but it seems certain, as stated by Eusebius and Dionysius of Alexandria, that under his reign the Christians enjoyed full toleration, and were allowed to preach publicly. Gregory of'Nyssa states that during that period all the inhabitants of Neo-Caesarea,in Pontus, embraced Christianity, overthrew the idols, and raised temples to the God of the Christians. It appears that Philip during his five years' reign governed with mildness and justice, and was generally popular.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [2]

( Φίλιππος , Phı́lippos ):

1. New Testament References:

One of the Twelve Apostles. Philip belonged to Bethsaida of Galilee ( John 1:44;  John 12:21 ). Along with Andrew and other fellow-townsmen, he had journeyed to Bethany to hear the teaching of John the Baptist, and there he received his first call from Christ, "Follow me" ( John 1:43 ). Like Andrew, Philip immediately won a fresh follower, Nathanael, for Jesus ( John 1:45 ). It is probable that he was present at most of the events recorded of Jesus' return journey from Bethany to Galilee, and that the information relating to these was supplied to John by him and Andrew (compare Andrew ). His final ordination to the Twelve is recorded in  Matthew 10:3;  Mark 3:18;  Luke 6:14;  Acts 1:13 . At the feeding of the 5,000, Philip was asked the question by Jesus, "Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" ( John 6:5-7 ). He was appealed to by the Greeks when they desired to interview Jesus at the Passover ( John 12:20-33 ). During the address of Jesus to His disciples after the Last Supper, Philip made the request, "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us" ( John 14:8 ).

2. Apocryphal References:

According to the "Genealogies of the Twelve Apostles," Philip was of the house of Zebulun (compare Budge, Contendings of the Apostles , II, 50). Clement of Alexandria ( Strom ., iii. 4,25, and iv. 9,73) gives the tradition identifying him with the unknown disciple who asked permission to go and bury his father ere he followed Jesus (compare   Matthew 8:21;  Luke 9:59 ), and says that he died a natural death. Owing to confusion with Philip the evangelist, there is much obscurity in the accounts of Apocrypha literature concerning the earlier missionary activities of Philip the apostle. The "Acts of Philip" tell of a religious controversy between the apostle and a Judean high priest before the philosophers of Athens. Later Latin documents mention Gaul (Galatia) as his field. As to his sending Joseph of Arimathea thence to Britain, see Joseph Of Arimathaea . The evidence seems conclusive that the latter part of his life was spent in Phrygia. This is supported by Polycrates (bishop of Ephesus in the 2nd century), who states that he died at Hierapolis, by Theodoret, and by the parts of the Contendings of the Apostles dealing with Philip. Thus, according to "The Preaching of Philip and Peter" (compare Budge, Contendings of the Apostles , II, 146), Phrygia was assigned to Philip as a mission field by the risen Christ when He appeared to the disciples on the Mount of Olives, and "The Martyrdom of Philip in Phrygia" (Budge, II, 156) tells of his preaching, miracles and crucifixion there.

Philip was regarded in early times as the author of "The Gospel of Philip," a Gnostic work of the 2nd century, part of which was preserved by Epiphanius (compare Hennecke, Neutestamentliche Apokryphen , 40,41). See Apocryphal Gospels .

3. Character:

As with Andrew, Philip's Greek name implies he had Greek connections, and this is strengthened by the fact that he acted as the spokesman of the Greeks at the Passover. Of a weaker mold than Andrew, he was yet the one to whom the Greeks would first appeal; he himself possessed an inquirer's spirit and could therefore sympathize with their doubts and difficulties. The practical, strong-minded Andrew was naturally the man to win the impetuous, swift-thinking Peter; but the slower Philip, versed in the Scriptures (compare  John 1:45 ), appealed more to the critical Nathanael and the cultured Greeks. Cautious and deliberate himself, and desirous of submitting all truth to the test of sensuous experience (compare  John 14:8 ), he concluded the same criterion would be acceptable to Nathanael also (compare  John 1:46 ). It was the presence of this materialistic trend of mind in Philip that induced Jesus, in order to awaken in His disciple a larger and more spiritual faith, to put the question in  John 6:6 , seeking "to prove him." This innate diffidence which affected Philip's religious beliefs found expression in his outer life and conduct also. It was not merely modesty, but also a certain lack of self-reliance, that made him turn to Andrew for advice when the Greeks wished to see Jesus. The story of his later life is, however, sufficient to show that he overcame those initial defects in his character, and fulfilled nobly the charge that his risen Lord laid upon him (compare  Matthew 28:16-20 ).

References