The story of their life
Philip helped curious people approach Jesus and often voiced practical concerns, including how the crowd might be fed.
Saint1st century · Feast May 3
St Philip the Apostle
Also known as Philip, Philip the Apostle, Saint Philip
Apostle
Missionary
Martyr
An apostle who invited Nathanael to meet Jesus and repeatedly brought practical questions directly to Christ.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Philip the Apostle should not be confused with Philip the Evangelist in Acts.
Defining moments
- Responding to Jesus’s call
- Inviting Nathanael
- Calculating the cost of feeding the crowd
- Helping Greek visitors approach Jesus
Faith and spirituality
Practical discipleship, honest questions and inviting faith.
Why this saint matters today
Well suited to organisers and people helping curious outsiders approach faith without pressure.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St Philip the Apostle in matters of:
Missionaries
People seeking guidance
Practical organisers
A prayer
Lord Jesus, through St Philip’s intercession make our practical gifts a doorway through which others can come and see. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/05/03.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype