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Gospels · New Testament

Philip

Apostle Who Invited Others to Come and See

Name meaning
Lover of horses
Name origin
Greek: Φίλιππος (Philippos), “lover of horses”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Apostle
Birthplace
Bethsaida
Modern-day location
Bethsaida was on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee; its exact site (often identified as et-Tell or el-Araj) is debated.
Family
  • One of the Twelve
  • Friend of Nathanael
First mention
John 1:43-44
Last mention
Acts 1:13
Key artifacts
  • Scroll
  • Loaves for the crowd
  • Road to Bethsaida

Key verses

  • “Come and see.”

    John 1:46

  • “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them.”

    John 6:7

  • “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”

    John 14:9

Biography

Early Life

Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. Jesus called him to follow.

Defining Biblical Moments

Philip invited Nathanael to “come and see,” helped bring Greek visitors to Jesus, and asked Jesus to show the Father. At the feeding, he calculated the cost of bread for the crowd.

Strengths

Philip is practical, welcoming, and eager to connect seekers with Jesus.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His questions show that proximity to Jesus does not remove the need for continued understanding.

Life Lessons for Today

His questions show that proximity to Jesus does not remove the need for continued understanding.

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Philip appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #33 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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