Topical Bible: Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles: Call of

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Philip, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role in the early spread of the Gospel. His call to discipleship is a pivotal moment that highlights the personal invitation of Jesus and the immediate response of those who would become His closest followers.

The call of Philip is recorded in the Gospel of John. After Jesus decided to go to Galilee, He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me" (John 1:43). This direct invitation from Jesus underscores the personal nature of His call to each of His disciples. Philip's response is not detailed in terms of words, but his actions speak volumes, as he immediately follows Jesus, demonstrating a readiness and willingness to leave his previous life behind.

Philip hailed from Bethsaida, the same city as Andrew and Peter (John 1:44). This connection suggests that Philip may have already been familiar with Jesus or His teachings through his fellow townsmen. The proximity of these early disciples to one another highlights the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry and the spread of His message through personal relationships and networks.

Upon being called, Philip's first recorded action is to find Nathanael and share the news of Jesus, saying, "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). This declaration reveals Philip's understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, indicating a deep-rooted knowledge of Jewish Scriptures and an eagerness to share this revelation with others.

Philip's interaction with Nathanael also demonstrates his role as a connector and evangelist. Despite Nathanael's initial skepticism, Philip invites him to "Come and see" (John 1:46), echoing the invitation Jesus extended to him. This simple yet profound invitation reflects the essence of evangelism—inviting others to experience Jesus personally.

Throughout the Gospels, Philip is portrayed as a practical and inquisitive disciple. In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus tests Philip by asking where they could buy bread for the crowd (John 6:5-7). Philip's response, focusing on the logistical challenge, highlights his practical nature, yet also sets the stage for Jesus to perform a miraculous sign, teaching Philip and the others about divine provision.

Philip's call and subsequent actions illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' invitation and the immediate impact of accepting His call. As one of the Twelve Apostles, Philip's journey from a follower to a proclaimer of the Gospel serves as an enduring example of faith and discipleship in the Christian tradition.

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John 1:43
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and said to him, Follow me.
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Library

The Course Pursued by the Apostles after the Ascension of Christ.
... and when all the disciples, except the Twelve, were scattered ... Philip also, one of
those who with Stephen had been ... of the divine word from Philip in consequence ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the course pursued by.htm

The Apostles Chosen
... any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip saith unto him ... a disciple of Jesus,
and one of the twelve apostles, and is supposed to be the same one who bears ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the apostles chosen.htm

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... But, as the name was a common one, no inference ... with respectively the same name
(Simon, Philip, and James ... His disciples, and of them He chose twelve, whom also ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

The Choice of the Twelve
... is, Sons of thunder: and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew ... own, and in their early
enthusiasm not one whom He ... Out of these He chose the Twelve, elect of the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 7-19 the choice of.htm

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists.
... first, those offices which were not limited to any one congregation, but ... 1. Apostles.
These were originally twelve in number, answering to the twelve tribes of ...
/.../section 60 apostles prophets evangelists.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... but for a long time His servant: the Twelve Apostles are His ... the Lordship of Jesus
Christ as twofold: one that which ... [1162] Cyril evidently alludes to Philip. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

The Apostolic Witnesses
... The Hellenists Stephen and Philip, the Cypriote Barnabas, and ... was apparently a lowlier,
really a loftier one. ... be read 'the names of the twelve Apostles of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the apostolic witnesses.htm

The Disagreement in Asia.
... Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell ... Polycrates a martyr,
and by Eusebius, in reference to Apollonius' mention of him, "one of the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxiv the disagreement in asia.htm

Something Different from the New Birth.
... for its overflow;" having the Nile is one thing, but ... for them, thus perfecting the
work Philip had been ... Here were twelve men who were disciples, they had been ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter iv something different from.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... ad44, see Acts 12:2), as his brother John was the survivor of all the apostles. ... 2.
James (the son) of Alphaeus, who was likewise one of the Twelve, and is ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm