Φίλιππος

The Greek proper noun Philippos (Philip) has a root meaning "fond of horses." Several individuals bearing this name appear in the New Testament, two of whom are particularly prominent. One is Philip, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. He is mentioned in the Gospels primarily in lists of the disciples and in a few narrative episodes, such as when Jesus miraculously feeds the five thousand. During the Last Supper, Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father, prompting one of Jesus’ profound responses about His unity with the Father. The apostle Philip played a foundational role in the early Christian community, having been a witness to Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

The other significant Philip is an evangelist and one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church to serve the community’s needs. This Philip is particularly noted for his missionary work outside Jerusalem. His ministry included preaching in Samaria, where he performed miracles and many believed and were baptized. His encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is a pivotal moment, as he explains the prophecy of Isaiah and baptizes the eunuch, marking an important step in the spread of the gospel to Gentiles. This Philip demonstrates the expanding reach of early Christian evangelism beyond Jewish communities.

Beyond these two prominent figures, the name Philip also appears in reference to Herod Philip I and Herod Philip II, sons of Herod the Great. Herod Philip I was the first husband of Herodias, whose illicit marriage to his brother Herod Antipas led to John the Baptist’s imprisonment and death. Herod Philip II was the tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis. His territory included the area of Caesarea Philippi, a significant location in the Gospels. The presence of these different individuals named Philip highlights the commonality of the name in the ancient world, encompassing both followers of Jesus and prominent secular rulers involved in the biblical narrative.