Philip: A wise disciple

Like Peter and Andrew, Philip came from a small town called Bethsaida (John 1:44). Some scholars think that he was also a fisherman.

One of the first disciples

Lord Jesus reached out to Philip directly. Lord Jesus addressed Philip with the words: “Follow Me.” (John 1:43)Philip responded to the call and became one of the Apostles.

Philip brought Nathaniel

Philip brought Nathaniel to Lord Jesus, and Andrew brought Peter. But no one brought Philip to the Lord; instead, the Lord Himself met him. Like Andrew, Philip was also dynamic and spontaneous in sharing about the Messiah.He chose Nathaniel, a devout scholar, and introduced him to Lord Jesus Christ. Philip invited Nathaniel to ‘come and see.’ (John 1:45) Nathaniel became an Apostle.

Wedding at Cana

Philip was also present at the Wedding at Cana and witnessed the first sign performed by Lord Jesus Christ.

Feeding 5000

When the Lord commanded the disciples to feed the large gathering, Philip calculated the amount and presented the budget to the Lord Jesus. Philip was a very practical, down-to-earth person. He said that two hundred denarii worth of bread was enough for the crowd (John 6:7). Though Judas was the treasurer, Philip gave a quick estimate of possible expenses to feed the crowd.

Philip introduces Greeks

Some Greeks wanted to meet Lord Jesus, and they approached Philip. These Greeks were pilgrims who came to Jerusalem attracted by the Jewish faith. Monotheism and Moral teachings, including the Ten Commandments, attracted such people. They also heard about Lord Jesus and probably wanted to invite Lord Jesus to visit Greece and teach there. However, Philip brought them to Andrew, and they discussed and brought them to the Lord. (John 12:20-22) Andrew was respected for his wisdom; hence, Philip brought the Greeks to Andrew.

Last Supper conversation

After the Last Supper, Philip requested that the Lord Jesus show them the Father. Asking the right kind of question is wisdom. That led to one of the important truths of the Scripture. The Lord Jesus said that those who have seen the Lord Jesus have seen the Father. (John 14:8-9) The Son of God is the express image or selfie of the Father.(Hebrews 1:3)

Ascension

Philip is again mentioned as one of the disciples who gathered to witness the Lord's ascension (Acts 1:13). He, along with other disciples, tarried in Jerusalem and participated in Pentecost.

Death of Philip

Tradition says that the disciple Philip preached in Phrygia and died a martyr at Hierapolis. It is said that Philip requested that his dead body be wrapped in papyrus rather than linen, as he did not consider himself worthy of that.

Challenge

Philip was one of the disciples and followed the Lord.He was practical in his approach and instrumental in bringing Nathaniel to the Lord.Later,Greek seekers to the Lord.His life teaches us to humbly follow the Lord he brought the and invite others to follow Him.