The Twelve: St. Philip

St. Philip

Meaning of the name: Philip is a Greek name. It comes from two words: phileo – “to love” or “to be fond of” or “to be friend of” (Philadelphia – Brotherly Love), and hippos – “horse.” Therefore, a person, who is fond of horses. The name got historical significance after Philip II – ruler of Macedon (northern part of modern Greece), father of Alexander the Great. I am not sure that the horse plays any role in the life of Philip, but the fact that he has Greek name (along with Andrew) will be an important fact duting the Triumphant Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.

Life story: In all of the lists of apostles Philip always has 5^th place (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). First, the list has the triumvirate of Peter, James, and John. Then Andrew (we talked about him first, for he was called first). Then – always – Philip. Jesus picked the Twelve out of many disciples. Some have more stories – some have less, but each of them has a special place in the ranks of His followers.

Therefore, let us begin with the call. John writes how Jesus spends a few days at the place where John the Baptizer was performing his rite of repentance. On the fourth day He calls Philip (1:43-46). He immediately responses as a mature one – believed himself and invited Nathaniel. Also, unlike Andrew who was a disciple of John the Baptizer, Philip has no prior discipleship experience. And, yet – he shows no hesitation saying to Nathaniel that the promised Messiah, fulfillment of the prophesies, is found – no more waiting and searching. To know the requirements, he should've read the Scriptures a lot, being very persistent in identifying the messianic prophesies.

Feeding of 5000 is so important to the ministry of Jesus – all four Gospel writers have their version of the story. Yet, it is only John (6:5-7) who points out the dialog between Jesus and Philip (while others say it was a question to the disciples in general). John states that Jesus asked Philip: “where are we to buy bread?” Why Philip? May be because he showed himself as the one who cares for the needs of the people? Was it a test of faith? Possible, but I see it more as a learning moment for the Teacher and the disciple. Philip responds immediately – he sees the challenge and his currant world view does not allow him to figure out a way to have this problem resolved. Even though, he Knew that Jesus IS the Messiah, he still has many things to learn about the limit of (or, actually, the limitless) opportunities of Christ's ministry. 200 denarii are the wages for 200 days of labor – about 2/3 of a year. He is a good administrator, knowing how to count and count fast. Then another disciple with the Greek name intervenes – Andrew brings a boy who had a lunch box. This is the first time and Philip and Andrew form some kind of a pair. The next time it happened during the Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem.

Triumphant Entry. When Jesus mission was almost complete, He came to the Capital. His procession drew attention of many people. They placed their cloaks on the ground – so He symbolically rode on their shoulders. They cut the palm fronts to visualize the Creator descending from heaven, using the tops of the trees. It also attracted the attention of the foreigners. There were some Greeks, who came to the feast and wanted to see Jesus (John 12:20-26). They first came to Philip, he goes to Andrew then together they go to Jesus. Jesus in response comes up with the great statement of grain of wheat about to die to bears much fruit. It is all beautiful and important, but we should be focused on Philip. Therefore, the question at hand is WHY? Why did the Greek come to him? Not to Johanan (John)? Not to Judah? Not to Jacob (James) or Simon? I think that his name – Alexander the Great father's name – gave them a clue that he is the one who will welcome them with open arms. As he did.

The last story where his name is mentioned is the Last Supper. After the sacred meal and the institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus had the last opportunity for their instruction – “let's not your hearts be troubled...” (John 14:1). In this context of farewell speech of Christ Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father (John 14:8-11). For all of these times he presented himself as a spiritually aware person. So, this request should not be surprising. Yet, Jesus sounds surprised: “Have I been with you so long, and you still don't know me, Philip?” Jesus addresses him personally, by name – this doesn't happen often. Jesus wants the one who was able to recognize Him as the Christ in the very beginning become fully mature in his theology. So, He leaves behind a notable statement on Trinitarian theology. The relationship of the Father and the Son. Their eternal co-existence. The words that come from the mouth of Jesus as the words of the Holy Spirit. It is so profoundly deep, all because we had a curious disciple who wanted others to come to Jesus.

Tradition: Commemoration Day – May 1.

Prayer: Almighty God, Your Son revealed Himself to Philip and James and gave them the knowledge of everlasting life. Grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life, and steadfastly to walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.