Philip the Apostle
One of the Twelve Apostles, preacher in Greece and Asia-Minor.
Philip the Apostle (Greek: Φίλιππος, Philippos) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. He is listed in all three synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts, always in fifth place, and figures most prominently in the Gospel of John, where he is described as a disciple from Bethsaida and the one who introduced Nathanael to Jesus. Later Christian traditions describe Philip as preaching in Carthage, Greece, Syria, and Asia-Minor.
- Born
- Bethsaida (according to the Gospel of John)
- Died
- Hierapolis (by crucifixion or beheading, per apocryphal accounts)
- Field
- Apostle, missionary
- Nationality
- Jewish (from Galilee)
- Known for
- One of the Twelve Apostles; introducing Nathanael to Jesus; linking Greek pilgrims to Jesus; being tested by Jesus regarding the feeding of the 5,000
Lore & Background
Philip was called directly by Jesus, according to the Gospel of John, without prior discipleship under John the Baptist. He came from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. Philip first brought Nathanael (sometimes identified with Bartholomew) to Jesus and was among those attending the wedding at Cana. During Jesus' ministry, Philip was tested when asked how to feed 5,000 people, and later served as a link to Greek pilgrims who wished to meet Jesus. At the Last Supper, Philip asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father, prompting Jesus' teaching on the unity of the Father and the Son. Early Christian traditions, cited by Eusebius, report that Philip married, had children, and gave his daughters in marriage. The non-canonical Acts of Philip recounts his preaching and miracles with his sister Mariamne and Bartholomew in Greece, Phrygia, and Syria. According to this apocryphal account, Philip was crucified upside-down in Hierapolis after converting the proconsul's wife, though he is also said to have been martyred by beheading. His relics are currently in the crypt of Basilica Santi Apostoli in Rome and in Cheektowaga, New York.
Reader's Guide
Philip the Apostle holds significance as a bridge figure in the New Testament, connecting Greek-speaking pilgrims to Jesus and prompting key teachings. His prominence in the Gospel of John—where he is directly called, tested, and involved in the feeding miracle—highlights his role in the narrative of Jesus' ministry. Later traditions expanded his mission to multiple regions, and apocryphal writings, including the Acts of Philip and the Letter from Peter to Philip, reflect early Christian efforts to elaborate his life and martyrdom. Philip is the patron saint of hatters. The distinction between Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist is maintained in the source article, noting that the latter was appointed with Stephen to oversee charitable distributions.
Did You Know?
- Philip is always listed fifth among the apostles in the synoptic Gospels and Acts.
- According to the Gospel of John, Jesus called Philip directly, without prior discipleship under John the Baptist.
- The Acts of Philip, a non-canonical book, describes Philip being crucified upside-down in Hierapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Philip the Apostle?
He was one of the Twelve Apostles called by Jesus, identified in John's Gospel as a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. He is named in all three synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts, consistently appearing in the fifth position of the apostolic list.
What is Philip the Apostle's role in the Gospels?
John's Gospel gives him the most narrative space: he is the disciple who tells Nathanael about Jesus, the one who connects a group of Greek pilgrims to the Master, and the one Jesus quizzes about feeding the five thousand. In the synoptics and Acts he is simply listed among the Twelve.
How does Philip the Apostle's story end?
The New Testament itself does not record his death, but later apocryphal accounts place his martyrdom in Hierapolis, describing either crucifixion (sometimes upside-down) or beheading. Those details come from non-canonical tradition rather than Scripture.
Why is Philip the Apostle important to Catholic tradition?
As a member of the original Twelve, he is venerated as a foundational witness to Christ's ministry and a model of drawing others into faith. His post-Resurrection missionary work in regions such as Asia Minor and Greece made him a patron figure for evangelization and outreach.
Where did Philip the Apostle preach after the Ascension?
Early Christian writers and apocryphal texts describe his missionary travels across Carthage, Greece, Syria, and Asia Minor. None of those locations appear in the canonical Gospels; they come from later hagiographic tradition.
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