Philip, the apostolic steward, was known for his methodical reliability and lack of imagination, but his unwavering faith and effective personal work ultimately led to his martyrdom. [1]
Philip, business partner of Nathaniel, was the fifth apostle chosen by Jesus, realizing His greatness when asked to “Follow me” on the way to Cana of Galilee from John's rendezvous at the Jordan valley, influenced by the acceptance of Jesus by Andrew, Peter, James, and John. [2] Philip, chosen as apostle, decided to follow Jesus after asking him for guidance on whether to join John the Baptist or his friends. [3] “Come and see,” Philip urged Nathaniel, inviting him to discover the truth for himself about Jesus of Nazareth. [4]
Philip's questions were usually foolish, highlighting his lack of imagination, but Jesus patiently listened and encouraged him to always seek understanding. [5] Philip remained noncommittal on the plan to make Jesus king, despite the rising enthusiasm of the people and the divided opinions of the apostles. [6] Philip was asked to feed the 5000, but doubted it was possible due to lack of resources. [7] Philip was chased out of a Samaritan town with stones for trying to secure lodging for Jesus and his associates. [8] Philip, surprised to meet inquiring Greeks, sought out Jesus with Andrew's help after being approached by the delegation near Gethsemane. [9]
Worried Jesus might ask him to feed multitude in Jerusalem, Philip was unsettled by the suddenness and spontaneity of the outburst, but found relief when Jesus turned away from the crowds. [10] Jesus gave solemn admonitions to Philip, urging him to remain steadfast, loyal, and obedient to his calling as a faithful ambassador of the kingdom. [11] Jesus told Philip no more to busy himself with money and goods; go forth and proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to the gentiles. [12] Philip was obedient in going into the lands of the Gentiles to proclaim the gospel, showing his love for Jesus through his actions. [13] Philip, among the 120 at Pentecost, spoke in multiple languages during the impassioned appeal that won over thousands of souls. [14]
Philip, asked to preach to gentiles, obeyed the Master's command to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to those in darkness. [15] Philip's wife fearlessly encouraged him at the cross, and their daughter Leah became a renowned prophetess in Hierapolis. [16] Philip’s wife, a fearless member of the women’s corps, was stoned to death at his cross for her unwavering faith in Jesus. [17] Descendants of Philip, Peter, Matthew, and others, persecuted by Christians, have suffered unjustly for their ancestors' belief in the gospel. [18]
Anaxand, converted by Philip in Caesarea, became a prominent member of the church and ministered to those in darkness until his untimely death during Paul's imprisonment. [19] Philip, though he failed as steward only a few times, was commended by Jesus for his honesty and faith. [20] Philip labored for the Samaritans, preparing the way for the work of Paul among the gentiles. [21] Philip recruited Nathaniel to follow Jesus of Nazareth, the Deliverer found and proclaimed by Philip after encountering Him under the mulberry tree. [22] Thomas Didymus, a fisherman of Tarichea and onetime carpenter and stone mason of Gadara, was selected by Philip. [23] Philip, a very tenacious and successful personal worker, had the rare gift of saying “Come” and effectively inviting others to follow. [24]
Philip always wanted to be shown, and Jesus promised him great things to come. [25] Philip, a fisherman from Bethsaida, had known Jesus aforetime and was the fifth apostle chosen on the road to Galilee. [26] Despite being honest, Philip's lack of spiritual insight made it difficult for him to grasp the deeper meanings of Jesus' teachings. [27]
Philip, the fifth apostle chosen, was a curious and practical man who lived at Bethsaida, married but childless at 27 when he joined Jesus and the other apostles. [28] Philip, a methodical but unimaginative average man, was valued for his reliable stewardship and mathematical precision among the apostles. [29]
See also: UB 141:3.2; UB 143:3.5; UB 144:1.7; UB 178:2.6-8; UB 191:0.9; UB 192:4.7.