Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Philip

◄ Faith: Faith in Christ: Philip ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of faith in Christ. His journey of faith is documented in several passages, illustrating both his initial hesitations and his eventual deep commitment to Jesus as the Messiah.

Philip first appears in the Gospel of John, where he is called by Jesus to follow Him. "The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, 'Follow Me'" (John 1:43). This immediate response to Jesus' call demonstrates an initial act of faith, as Philip leaves his previous life to become a disciple.

Philip's faith is further highlighted in his interaction with Nathanael. After encountering Jesus, Philip seeks out Nathanael and declares, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). Here, Philip's faith is evident in his recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and his eagerness to share this revelation with others.

However, Philip's faith is not without its challenges. In John 6, during the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus tests Philip by asking where they could buy bread for the crowd. Philip responds, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece" (John 6:7). This response indicates a moment of doubt, as Philip focuses on the logistical impossibility rather than the power of Jesus to provide.

Philip's journey of faith continues to develop, as seen in John 14. During the Last Supper, Philip asks Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us" (John 14:8). Jesus gently rebukes him, saying, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). This exchange reveals Philip's struggle to fully grasp the divine nature of Christ, yet it also underscores his desire for a deeper understanding and relationship with God.

Philip's faith is ultimately affirmed in the Book of Acts, where he plays a significant role in the early Church. In Acts 8, Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to encounter an Ethiopian eunuch. Through this divine appointment, Philip shares the Gospel, leading the eunuch to faith in Christ and baptism. "Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus" (Acts 8:35). This event marks a pivotal moment in Philip's ministry, showcasing his faith in action and his commitment to spreading the message of Christ.

Philip's journey reflects the dynamic nature of faith in Christ, characterized by moments of doubt, growth, and ultimately, a steadfast commitment to the Gospel. His life serves as an example of how faith can evolve and strengthen through personal encounters with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Nave's Topical Index

John 1:45,46
Philip finds Nathanael, and said to him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Patriarchs and Prophets by Pointing Out the Advent of Christ ...
... and prophets, who even prefigured our faith, and disseminated ... to be the herald in
Ethiopia of Christ's advent ... Therefore Philip had no great labour to go through ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii the patriarchs and prophets.htm

The Necessity of Faith for Justification
... The eunuch replied: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God," whereupon Philip
baptized him.(787 ... eloquently insists on the necessity of faith, not a ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 1 the necessity of 2.htm

That Faith in Christ Justifies.
... Part 4 That Faith in Christ Justifies. ... Therefore, those who deny that faith justifies,
teach nothing but the Law, both Christ and the Gospel being set aside. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 4 that faith in.htm

Exposition of the Orthodox Faith
... Schaff, Philip (Editor) Table of Contents. Title Page. ... Chapter VI.--Concerning the
question, when Christ was called. ... Chapter IX.--Concerning Faith and Baptism. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/john/exposition of the orthodox faith/

Saving Faith.
... Christ, and tell him to believe." That man would have sacrificed, or done, or lost
anything, for salvation, and, as soon as Philip expounded the way of faith, ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm

Since Then we are Made Partakers of Christ and all his Benefits by ...
... Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by ... From the Holy
Ghost, [201] who works faith in our hearts by the ... 6:23; John 3:5; Philip. ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 65 since then we.htm

That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ.
... Gal.2, 15: We have believed in Christ Jesus that we might be justified
by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 5 that we obtain.htm

What is Justifying Faith?
... But that faith which justifies is not merely a knowledge of history, [not merely
this, that I know the stories of Christ's birth, suffering, etc. ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 3 what is justifying.htm

What is True Faith?
... True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that ... given
by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits ... 16:17; Philip. ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 21 what is true.htm

Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection.
... Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection ... and passing phenomena which left no mark on
history; while the faith in the resurrection of Christ has revolutionized ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/dr philip schaff on the.htm