Philip the Apostle (John 1:43–51; Matthew 10:1–5; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:13–16; John 6:1–14; John 12:20–26; John 14:8–11; Acts 1:12–14)

Of Bethsaida, One of the Twelve

One of the twelve, from Bethsaida, whom Jesus found and bade follow him; he brought Nathanael with the words “Come and see” (John 1:46), was asked by Jesus where bread could be bought for the multitude, told Andrew when Greeks wished to see Jesus, and asked, “Lord, show us the Father” (John 14:8).

Philip is named among the twelve (Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:13–16; Acts 1:13). He is a different man from Philip the evangelist, one of the seven chosen in Acts 6:5, who proclaimed the Christ in Samaria (Acts 8:5) and is called “Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven” (Acts 21:8).

In the Gospel of John, “he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter” (John 1:43–44). Philip “findeth Nathanael” (John 1:45) and tells him they have found the one of whom Moses and the prophets wrote; when Nathanael doubts, Philip answers, “Come and see” (John 1:45–46).

Before the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus said to him, “Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” (John 6:5), and “this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do” (John 6:6). Philip answered that “Two hundred shillings’ worth of bread is not sufficient for them” (John 6:7). Later, at the feast, certain Greeks came to him, “saying, Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21), and at the supper (John 13:2) he said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us” (John 14:8).

Strengths

• Quick to bring others
• Plain asking

Weaknesses

• Slow to see who Jesus is

Themes

• Come and see
• Bringing others to Jesus
• Belief and sight
• Seeing the Father in Jesus

Jesus finds Philip (John 1:43–44)

Jesus finds Philip, who is from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter, and says, Follow me.

Philip brings Nathanael (John 1:45–51)

Philip tells Nathanael they have found the one of whom Moses and the prophets wrote; to Nathanael's doubt he answers, Come and see.

Philip brings Nathanael

“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45).

“And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:46). “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him” (John 1:47), and spoke with him (John 1:47–51).

Among the twelve (Mark 3:13–19; Matthew 10:1–5; Luke 6:13–16)

Jesus appoints twelve and Philip is named in each list; they are sent forth.

Whence are we to buy bread? (John 6:1–14)

Seeing a great multitude, Jesus asks Philip where to buy bread; Philip answers that two hundred shillings' worth is not sufficient.

Whence are we to buy bread?

“Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” (John 6:5).

“And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do” (John 6:6). “Philip answered him, Two hundred shillings’ worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little” (John 6:7). Andrew then spoke of a lad with five barley loaves and two fishes (John 6:8–9), and Jesus fed the multitude (John 6:10–13).

The Greeks who would see Jesus (John 12:20–22)

Certain Greeks at the feast come to Philip, asking to see Jesus; Philip tells Andrew, and they tell Jesus.

Show us the Father (John 14:8–11)

Philip asks Jesus to show the disciples the Father; Jesus asks how long he has been with them.

Show us the Father

“Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us” (John 14:8).

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9).

In the upper chamber (Acts 1:12–14)

Philip is named among the apostles who went up into the upper chamber at Jerusalem and continued in prayer.

Jesus (John 1:43; John 6:5–7; John 14:8–9)

Found Philip and said, Follow me; asked him where to buy bread; answered his request to see the Father.

Nathanael (John 1:45–46)

Philip found him and told him of Jesus, saying Come and see.

Andrew (John 1:44; John 12:22)

From the same city, Bethsaida; Philip told Andrew of the Greeks, and together they told Jesus.

Major sections

• John 1:43–51
• John 6:1–14
• John 12:20–22
• John 14:8–11

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