(fihl' ihp) Personal name meaning, “fond of horses.” 1. A respected member of the church at Jerusalem who was chosen as one of the seven—first deacons (Acts 6:5). Following Stephen's martyrdom, Philip took the gospel to Samaria, where his ministry was blessed (Acts 8:5-13). Subsequently, he was led south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road where he introduced the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ and baptized him (Acts 8:26-38). He was then transported by the Spirit to Azotus (Ashdod) and from there conducted an itinerent ministry until he took up residence in Caesarea (Acts 8:39-40). Then, for nearly twenty years, we lose sight of him. He is last seen in Scripture when Paul lodged in his home on his last journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:8). He had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses (Acts 21:9). See Acts; Deacon; Evangelism.

2. One of twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3). From Bethsaida, he led his brother Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:43-51). Jesus tested Philip concerning how to feed the multitude (John 6:5-7). He and Andrew took inquiring Gentiles to Jesus (John 12:21-22). Philip asked Jesus to show them the father (John 14:8-9), opening the way for Jesus' teaching that to see Him is to see the Father. See Disciples, Apostles.

3. Tetrarch of Itaraea and Trachonitis (Luke 3:1). See Herod.

Paul Powell