Philip Bar Jabesh (of Bethsaida)

Pronunciation: FIHL-ihp

Occurrences: 8

First Reference: Yeshua 3:22

And there were of John’s disciples who followed after Yeshua, Andrew Bar Jonas, the brother of Simon; John Bar Zebedee, the brother of James; Philip of Bethsaida, the son of Jabesh the fisherman; and James Ben Alpheus, the brother of Levi.

See: Bethsaida, Jabesh

Summary: Philip, the son of Jabesh, was one of seven disciples of John the Baptizer who followed after Yeshua following his baptism (Y:3:21-22). Philip, along with James and John Bar Zebedee, were from the fishing village of Bethsaida (Y:7:57). He was appointed by Yeshua as one of the twelve apostles (Y:18:1-2; Y:36:47) and was present throughout Yeshua’s ministry.

During Yeshua’s third year of ministry (likely late summer in 36 CE), Philip was approached by “certain Greeks” who were wanting to speak with Yeshua. Philip found Cephas and together went to inform Yeshua regarding the travelers. Details of the private, day-long conversation are not given, however, it is said the Greeks left saying among themselves: “Surely in this man is there room found for every man, for in him has the kingdom of Heaven descended unto the earth” (Y:36:47-51).

Philip was also privy to Yeshua’s post-resurrectional teachings. In one of the last of Yeshua’s conversations recorded in scripture, it was Philip who asked Yeshua concerning the whereabouts of the Father.

11. Then spoke Philip unto the Lord, saying: “Lord, show us the Father that we may know whereof you speak.”

12. When the Lord heard this, he spoke tenderly, saying: “Have I been with you so long and yet you still do not know me Philip?

13. Whosoever has seen me, the same has seen the Father also. How then will you say: Lord, show us the Father?

14. Will you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?

Yeshua 52:11-14

This same exchange is referred to in the book of Wisdom by the Teacher during a discussion with contemporary church leaders (W:12:34-37).

Notes/References:

Pharisees

Phillippi