St. Philip was one of the twelve Apostles. According to John (1:43-51), Philip came from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter, and belonged to the group of disciples who surrounded John the Baptist. Philip was apparently present when John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Christ called him to be a disciple only one day after choosing Peter and Andrew. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke give reference to Philip in their lists, usually placing him fifth, behind Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Luke 6:13-16; Mark 3:14-19; Matthew 10:2-4). The Gospel of John offers much more insightful information about the disciple, mentioning Philip in the episode of the feeding of the multitudes (6:5-7); the desire of several Greeks to meet Jesus (12:21-23); and the memorable exchange with the Lord when Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us,” to which Jesus replied, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (14:9).

Philip thus appears as a realist, a pleasant personality, and a disciple hesitant to force his views upon others. Few details are known of his Activities after the Ascension.

Some confusion in accounts has occurred between Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist mentioned in chapter 8 of the Acts of the Apostles. Eusebius and other writers preserved assorted traditions about Philip’s later life. He supposedly preached in Phrygia, in Asia Minor; Clement of Alexandria reported that Philip died a martyr during the reign of Domitian by being crucified upside down; perhaps he died at Hierapolis, in Asia Minor.

His two daughters were mentioned by Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus. Both Philips had daughters who were much revered in the early church.