St. Philip
Philip the Apostle was called directly by Jesus. He brought Nathanael to Christ with the simple invitation "Come and see." After Pentecost, he baptized the Ethiopian official on the road to Gaza.
- Feast day
- May 3
- Known as
- Apostle
- Era
- 1st-century Judea
Who they were
St. Philip, one of the twelve apostles, holds a significant place in the New Testament as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. His early life remains largely unrecorded, but it is said that he was born in Bethsaida, a fishing town on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Philip was among the first disciples called by Jesus, and he immediately recognized the importance of his encounter with the Messiah.
The Gospel of John recounts Philip's calling, noting that Jesus simply said to him, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Philip left everything to become a disciple. His enthusiasm is evident when he seeks out Nathanael, declaring, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Philip's invitation to Nathanael to "come and see" illustrates his eagerness to share the good news of Jesus.
Philip’s role as an apostle was not only to learn from Jesus but also to spread His teachings. After the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, Philip, empowered by the Holy Spirit during Pentecost, embarked on a mission to preach and baptize. He is notably recognized for his encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. This significant moment is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, where Philip explains the Scriptures to the eunuch and ultimately baptizes him, emphasizing the universal call to faith in Christ.
Little is known about Philip's life after this event, but tradition holds that he preached in various regions, including Phrygia and Greece. His missionary work was characterized by great zeal and dedication, leading many to the faith. Philip is often associated with the miraculous, as he is credited with performing signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.
Philip was also known for his profound faith and understanding of Jesus' teachings. His inquiry during the Last Supper, when he asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father, reveals a deep curiosity and desire to know God more intimately. Jesus’ response, reminding Philip that seeing Him is akin to seeing the Father, showcases the apostolic mission of revealing the divine nature through Christ.
Ultimately, tradition holds that Philip met his martyrdom in Hierapolis. It is said that he was crucified upside down, a testament to his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His legacy is honored in Christian communities worldwide, particularly on his feast day, May 3.
St. Philip’s life exemplifies the virtues of obedience, evangelization, and deep faith. He is remembered for his commitment to spreading the Gospel and for encouraging others to come to know Jesus. Through his intercession, the faithful are reminded of the importance of direct witness and the joy of sharing the faith with others, much like he did with Nathanael. His life serves as a model for all believers, illustrating the joy of encountering Christ and sharing that experience with the world around us.
Remembered for
St. Philip is remembered for his direct call to discipleship by Jesus, exemplifying obedience and faith. He was instrumental in bringing others to Christ, most notably Nathanael, with the invitation, "Come and see." After Pentecost, his baptizing of the Ethiopian eunuch highlights his role in spreading the Gospel to distant lands, showing his commitment to the mission of the Church.
His legacy includes being a pillar of early Christian evangelism, often associated with the virtues of humility and accessibility. Philip’s actions demonstrated the importance of inviting others to experience Christ, encouraging followers to share their faith simply and enthusiastically.
May 3
How to recognize them
- CrossRepresents the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ that Philip preached about.
- Baptismal fontSymbolizes his act of baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, spreading the faith.
- Scallop shellTraditional symbol of pilgrimage, relating to Philip's journeys in evangelism.
- BookReflects the teachings of Jesus and the scripture that Philip shared with others.
"Come and see."
St. Philip, as recorded in the Gospel of John (1:46)Pray with this saint
Holy Philip, inspire us with your faith and zeal for spreading the Good News. Help us to invite others to encounter Christ with the same simplicity and joy that you exhibited. Amen.
For your household
Integrating St. Philip into family life can be both enriching and fulfilling. Families might choose to celebrate his feast day on May 3 by sharing stories about his life and contributions to the early Church. This could be a great time for family discussions about the importance of inviting friends to know Christ, just as St. Philip did. You might create a simple family prayer ritual, inviting each member to express their intentions for sharing faith in their daily lives.
For traditions, families can observe name-day celebrations for those named Philip, perhaps with special prayers or a small gathering. Engaging children with stories of St. Philip can help them understand the importance of evangelization and friendship in faith. Encourage children to think of ways they can invite peers to church or share their beliefs in approachable ways, fostering a spirit of outreach in everyday life.
Additionally, children may find comfort in turning to St. Philip for intercession when facing challenges related to friendships or when trying to share their faith more openly. His example serves as a guide for living a life of faith through compassionate outreach and joyful witness.
Pray as a household
Carry your family in prayer
Solua gives your family a simple, faithful rhythm of prayer — one unhurried moment at a time, for the people you carry by name.
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