Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:45-46
Philip (c. 52)
Early Follower
Philip, one of the twelve apostles, came from the Galilean city of Bethsaida and was a disciple of Jesus from early on, probably after following John the Baptist. Before Jesus performed one of his most well-known miracles – the feeding of the 5000 – he tested Philip with the question, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” The Gospel writer John tells us that Jesus “already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6:5-6). Philip later asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father; Jesus’ response was, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8-9)
Philip passed on what he had learnt from his close contact with Jesus when he went to Asia to preach the Gospel. At Hierapolis in Phrygia he preached against the common practice of snake worship. This angered the pagan priests who sent him to prison; Philip was then scourged and crucified. This took place around 52.
Almighty God
you gave to your apostles Philip and James
grace and strength to bear witness to the truth.
Grant that we, mindful of their victory of faith,
may glorify in life and death the name of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
For All the Saints (Canada)