Philip, Saint

One of the twelve apostles. Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee. He seems to have belonged to a small group who were under the influence of John the Baptist. In the synoptic gospels there is no mention of Philip except in the list of apostles. In the Gospel According to John he is mentioned several times. Philip said to Nathaniel, “We have found him of Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the sone of Joseph.” When Nathaniel wondered whether anything good could come out of Nazareth, Philip answered, “Come and see.” (Jn 1:45-46). Eusebius and other early church writers contend that Philip preached the gospel in Phrygia and died in Hierapolis. Philip is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on May 1, along with St. James the Less.