St. Philip the Apostle, one of the twelve chosen by Jesus, was born in Bethsaida, Galilee, the same hometown of Peter and Andrew. He had been a follower of John the Baptist but immediately obeyed and followed Christ when he was called. Philip played a key role in Jesus’ early ministry, notably bringing Nathaniel (Bartholomew) to meet the Messiah. He would engage in thoughtful dialogue with Jesus, as seen in the Gospel of John. A particularly memorable moment was when Phillip asked Jesus to show them the Father and Jesus replied, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8) After witnessing the Resurrection and receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Philip devoted his life to spreading the Gospel, traveling through regions such as Greece, Syria, and Phrygia. Tradition holds that he was martyred in Hierapolis, crucified upside down as he felt unworthy to die in the same way as Christ. His legacy includes a deep commitment to evangelization, a desire for spiritual understanding, and a humble witness to Christ’s divinity. He is not to be confused with Philip the Evangelist, who appears in the book of Acts and was one of the original deacons of the Church.
John 1:43–46 Jesus calls Philip, who then brings Nathanael to Jesus.
Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:16–19, Luke 6:13–16 Philip is listed among the Twelve Apostles.
John 6:5–7 At the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus tests Philip by asking where to buy bread.
John 12:20–22 Some Greeks ask Philip to introduce them to Jesus.
John 14:8–9 Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father, and Jesus responds with a profound teaching about His unity with the Father.
Acts 1:13 Philip is present in the upper room with the other apostles after Jesus’ ascension.
Patron of:
Uruguay, Cape Verde, Hatters, Pastry Chefs,
Feast Day:
May 3
Illustration by: Colton Rompala