St. Philip, the Apostle
by Peter Paul Rubens1

The Apostle Philip

Feast Day: May 3rd

Patron Saint of Hatters

Created and compiled by Roberta Uhland

In the listing of the 12 Apostles, Philip is always the fifth. He was of Jewish origin, although his name is Greek and shows a cultural inclusivity. Information about Philip is derived from John’s Gospel. He was from a small town, Bethsaida, under the rule of Herod the Great.

John’s Gospel recounts that after being called by Jesus, Philip had an exchange with Nathanial in which he states “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets wrote…” He answers Nathaniel’s skepticism by urging him to “Come and see.” Rather than attempting to advocate his position or openly contradict Nathaniel, he challenges Nathaniel to have a personal experience. This response: Come and See is echoed in other Gospels and used by Jesus to provide a personal experience. This statement is directed toward believers to encourage personal involvement with Jesus. This personal involvement is what it meant to be chosen as a disciple. The Twelve were chosen to ‘be with Him’, that is to have a close involvement, to learn from Jesus and to fully understand who he really was. It was this true knowledge of Jesus that would permit the Twelve to proclaim him. Paul expands on these notions in the Letter to the Ephesians in which he says what is important is “to know Christ” and all aspects of his godliness and humanity. Philip reminds us that we cannot know Christ from a distance; we must engage with him and “Come and See”.

Philip was practical. On the occasion of the multiplication of the loaves, when asked by Jesus where to purchase enough for the multitudes, Philip provided the practical answer that it was not possible and thus, Jesus resolved the problem by multiplying the loaves. In the Gospel, it indicates that Jesus solely relied on Philip to assist in solving the problem. This is an indication that Philip was a member of the close group that surrounded Jesus. Philip’s position is exemplified later in the Gospels when he acts as an intermediary between a group of Greeks seeking a meeting with Jesus. This occasion teaches us to be like Philip: always ready to accept questions and requests and direct them to our Lord. We may act as a conduit to Jesus but always remember that we are directing believers to Him because only He can satisfy their needs.

The occasion of the Last Supper provides another insight into Philip. He asks Jesus “Show us the Father and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus answers with a fundamental teaching: “…he who has seen me has seen the Father…” Philip’s request begets one of the fundamentals of faith: the duality of the nature of Jesus so that as we Come and See we are experiencing not only the words of Jesus but his nature. Therefore to know God we may do so by contemplating the nature of Jesus.

Philip continued to serve Jesus by evangelizing in Greece and Frisia. It is said that he died after being tortured in Heirapolis.

Philips apostolic journey affirms our aim to aspire to encounter Jesus, perceive Him as God himself-the heavenly Father. To Come and See and have a personal relationship with Jesus and inviting others to share in experiencing the true nature of Jesus.1