Philip is a key figure in the New Testament. Two men named Philip are mentioned: Philip the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples, and Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven chosen deacons. Both served faithfully in the early church. Their stories are full of faith, obedience, and boldness in spreading the Gospel.
1. There Are Two Different Philips in the New Testament
It’s important not to confuse Philip the Apostle with Philip the Evangelist.
- Philip the Apostle was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4).
- Philip the Evangelist was one of the seven deacons appointed in Acts 6:5.
Matthew 10:3 (ESV) – “Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.”
2. Philip the Apostle Was from Bethsaida
Philip the Apostle came from the same town as Peter and Andrew.
John 1:44 (NIV) – “Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.”
3. Philip Introduced Nathanael to Jesus
Philip played a direct role in bringing others to Jesus. After meeting Jesus, he found his friend Nathanael.
John 1:45 (NIV) – “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law... Jesus of Nazareth.’”
4. Philip Questioned Jesus About Feeding the 5,000
During the miracle of feeding the 5,000, Jesus tested Philip.
John 6:5-6 (ESV) – “Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.”
5. Philip Asked Jesus to Show Them the Father
Philip had a deep desire to understand God more.
John 14:8-9 (NIV) – “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus answered: ‘Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.’”
6. Philip the Evangelist Was One of the First Deacons
The early church chose seven men to help serve and manage needs. Philip was one of them.
Acts 6:5 (NIV) – “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip…”
7. Philip Preached in Samaria with Great Power
Philip the Evangelist shared the Gospel in Samaria and saw many come to faith.
Acts 8:6-7 (NIV) – “When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.”
8. Philip Baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch
Philip obeyed the Spirit’s call to meet an Ethiopian official on the road.
Acts 8:35-38 (NIV) – “Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus… and baptized him.”
9. Philip Was Supernaturally Transported
After baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away.
Acts 8:39-40 (NIV) – “The Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away… Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel.”
10. Philip Had Four Daughters Who Prophesied
Philip later settled in Caesarea and raised four daughters with spiritual gifts.
Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) – “Philip the evangelist… had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.”
Summary Table
| Fact | Scripture | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Two Philips | Matthew 10:3, Acts 6:5 | Apostle vs. Evangelist |
| From Bethsaida | John 1:44 | Same town as Peter and Andrew |
| Introduced Nathanael | John 1:45 | Invited his friend to Jesus |
| Tested by Jesus | John 6:5-6 | During the feeding of 5,000 |
| Asked About the Father | John 14:8-9 | Sought to understand God better |
| Chosen as Deacon | Acts 6:5 | One of the first seven |
| Preached in Samaria | Acts 8:6-7 | Signs and conversions followed |
| Baptized Eunuch | Acts 8:35-38 | Helped spread Gospel to Ethiopia |
| Spirit Transported Him | Acts 8:39-40 | Moved by the Holy Spirit |
| Had Prophetic Daughters | Acts 21:8-9 | Four daughters with gifts |
