Lexical Summary Philippos: Philip Original Word: Φίλιππος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Philip. From philos and hippos; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites -- Philip. see GREEK philos see GREEK hippos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and hippos Definition "horse-loving," Philip, two sons of Herod the Great, also two Christian NASB Translation Philip (35), Philippi (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5376: ΦίλιπποςΦίλιππος, Φιλίππου, ὁ, Philip; 1. a son of Herod the Great by his fifth wife, Cleopatra of Jerusalem (Josephus, Antiquities 17, 1, 3), and by far the best of his sons. He was tetrarch of Gaulanitis, Trachonitis, Auranitis, Batanaea. and (according to the disputed statement of Luke 3:1) of Ituraea also (cf. Schürer as below; but see B. D. American edition, under the word Ituraea); and the founder of the cities of Caesarea Philippi (in the Decapolis) and Julias. After having lived long in celibacy, he married Salome, the daughter of Herod (Philip, the disinherited; see below) his halfbrother (Josephus, Antiquities 18, 5, 4). He ruled mildly, justly and wisely thirty-seven years, and in 2. Philip of Bethsaida (in Galilee), one of the apostles: Matthew 10:8; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; John 1:43-48( 3. Philip, one of the seven deacons of the church at Jerusalem, and also an 'evangelist' (εὐαγγελιστής. which see): Acts 6:5; Acts 8:5-40; Acts 21:8. The Greek name Φίλιππος appears thirty-seven times in the New Testament and is applied to three principal figures as well as to one city and its surrounding territory. In narrative passages its bearers are consistently distinguished by context: (1) Philip the Apostle, always found within Gospel and early Acts lists or dialogues with Jesus; (2) Philip the Evangelist, prominent in Acts 6, 8 and 21; and (3) two Herodian princes called Philip, whose names surface in the Synoptic Gospels and Luke’s chronological preface. Philip the Apostle, One of the Twelve Chosen directly by Jesus, Philip heads the second quartet in every apostolic list (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). John records his call: “Finding Philip, He told him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 1:43). Hailing from Bethsaida like Andrew and Peter (John 1:44), the Apostle quickly introduces Nathanael to the Messiah (John 1:45-46), demonstrating a pattern of relational evangelism. Key Moments in the Gospel of John 1. Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:5-7). Jesus tests Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip’s logistical reply underscores the inadequacy of human resources apart from divine provision. Missional Concern and Character Philip’s repeated role as intermediary (introducing Nathanael; guiding Greeks; presenting practical objections) portrays him as approachable, reflective, and oriented toward others’ access to Christ. His questions invite some of the Gospel’s clearest Christological statements, revealing how honest inquiry can deepen understanding. Later Ministry and Tradition The biblical record closes with Acts 1:13; extrabiblical tradition places Philip in Asia Minor, where he is said to have ministered and suffered martyrdom. While such reports are not canonical, they reinforce the apostle’s enduring reputation for evangelistic zeal. Philip the Evangelist, One of the Seven Distinct from the Apostle, this Philip is appointed alongside Stephen to ensure equitable distribution to Jerusalem’s Hellenistic widows (Acts 6:5). Luke later calls him “the evangelist” (Acts 21:8), highlighting his Spirit-empowered proclamation beyond administrative service. Evangelism in Samaria Following the persecution that scattered the church, “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them” (Acts 8:5). Multitudes heed his message, demons are expelled, and paralytics healed (Acts 8:6-7). His ministry anticipates Peter and John’s visit, through which Samaritan believers receive the Holy Spirit, signaling the gospel’s geographic and ethnic expansion. Encounter with the Ethiopian Official At the Spirit’s prompting Philip approaches the Ethiopian treasurer reading Isaiah 53 in his chariot. Beginning with that Scripture, “Philip told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35). The official’s immediate baptism (Acts 8:38) and joyful return to Africa exemplify how Scripture, Spirit and obedient witness converge to advance the mission. Spirit-Led Relocation “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away” (Acts 8:39). He appears at Azotus and preaches along the coast to Caesarea (Acts 8:40), illustrating divine sovereignty in directing evangelistic labor. Household in Caesarea Decades later Paul’s team lodges with “Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven” (Acts 21:8). His four virgin daughters who prophesy (Acts 21:9) testify to a household shaped by ministry and spiritual gifting, and to the place of women’s voices within the early church. Philip’s Contribution to the Diaconate Philip’s selection in Acts 6 establishes the pattern of spiritually qualified servants addressing practical needs so that apostolic preaching and prayer remain undistracted. His later public proclamation shows that practical service and evangelism are complementary, not exclusive, callings. Political Figures Named Philip 1. Herod Philip I (also called Herod II): Mentioned in Matthew 14:3 and Mark 6:17 as the first husband of Herodias. John the Baptist’s condemnation of Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias hinges on Philip’s legitimate marital claim, underscoring prophetic courage to confront political immorality. Caesarea Philippi and Territorial References The genitive Φιλίππου appears in geographic designations—“the region of Caesarea Philippi” (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27)—linking the tetrarch’s name to a key revelation site. The contrast between a ruler’s honorific city and Peter’s confession highlights the superior kingdom Christ inaugurates. Theological Reflections Philip the Apostle’s interactions illuminate Christology; Philip the Evangelist’s exploits model Spirit-directed witness; the Herodian Philips serve as backdrop to moral and messianic declarations. Collectively the occurrences of Φίλιππος demonstrate divine orchestration of personalities, places and politics to advance the gospel, reminding believers that faithful service—whether administrative, evangelistic, or apostolic—finds its significance in Jesus Christ’s continuing mission. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 10:3 N-NMSGRK: Φίλιππος καὶ Βαρθολομαῖος NAS: Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas KJV: Philip, and Bartholomew; INT: Philip and Bartholomew Matthew 14:3 N-GMS Matthew 16:13 N-GMS Mark 3:18 N-AMS Mark 6:17 N-GMS Mark 8:27 N-GMS Luke 3:1 N-GMS Luke 6:14 N-AMS John 1:43 N-AMS John 1:44 N-NMS John 1:45 N-NMS John 1:46 N-NMS John 1:48 N-AMS John 6:5 N-AMS John 6:7 N-NMS John 12:21 N-DMS John 12:22 N-NMS John 12:22 N-NMS John 14:8 N-NMS John 14:9 N-VMS Acts 1:13 N-NMS Acts 6:5 N-AMS Acts 8:5 N-NMS Acts 8:6 N-GMS Acts 8:12 N-DMS Strong's Greek 5376 |