Philip
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Philip in the Bible?
Philip was one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus. He hailed from Bethsaida, a fishing village shared with the apostles Andrew and Peter.
SIGNIFICANCE
His inclusion among the twelve demonstrates the early recruitment of disciples from the Galilee region, while his name, derived from the Greek 'Philippos' meaning 'lover of horses,' reflects the Hellenistic cultural influences present in first-century Judea.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Philip reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Philip in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Philip clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Philip." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/philip/