What
is known about Philip portrays him as a naive, somewhat shy, sober-minded
man. In faith and simple obedience he "followed," and in turn
led Nathaniel to Jesus. Philip was present when John the Baptist first
pointed Him out as the Lamb of God. Scripture records his role in several
episodes of great significance about the Savior.
1. When some heathens in Jerusalem came to Philip and expressed their
desire to see Jesus, Philip reported the fact to Andrew, and then both
brought the news to the Savior (xii, 21-23).
2. Before the miraculous feeding of the multitude, Christ turned towards
Philip with the question: "Where shall we buy bread, that these
may eat?" to which the Apostle answers: "Two hundred pennyworth
of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little"
(vi, 5-7).
3. When Philip, after Christ had spoken to His Apostles of knowing and
seeing the Father, said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father and it
is enough for us," he received the answer.: "He that sees
me, sees the Father also" (xiv, 8-9).
Philip's present union with God had its essential earthly beginning
when he accepted with faith the call to "Follow Me." His faith,
however, did not afford him a freedom from uncertainties. His docility
in trust was rewarded with enlightenment, and Philip subsequently was
given a role close to Jesus in observing Christ's signs that the Lamb
is for all, sees all, and is all.
