Very little is known concerning the apostle Philip. His name is the Greek word, Philippos meaning "lover of horses". Philip is from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee (John 1:44). He is reputed to be of the tribe of Zebulun. There is some speculation that Philip had four daughters who helped minister the gospel. He however cannot be confused with Philip the Evangelist of the Acts, who for certain did have four daughters (Acts 8:9). Although unknown, it is almost certain that Philip was a fisherman like his counterparts. Like Andrew, he was also a follower of John the Baptist before becoming a disciple of Jesus. Jesus invited Philip to become a disciple the very next day after he invited Peter and Andrew as disciples (John 1:43). Shortly thereafter, he went to get Nathanael and brought him to Jesus who eventually became a disciple himself (John 1:45). There is belief that Philip and Andrew were close acquaintances as they are often seen paired together throughout the gospel of John (John 6:5-9; 12:21-22). Some scholars have suggested that Philip was the man that asked Jesus if he could first bury his father before following after Him (Luke 9:59-60). This cannot be proven and is pure speculation. Philip was the one disciple that Jesus did ask about the multitude of people needing to be fed. Philip had his doubts and it was only later that Andrew suggested using the two fish and five barley loaves to feed them (John 6:5-9).

Philip was one of the disciples who withstood the terrifying experiences of Jesus' crucifixion, and was one of the faithful who prayed in the upper room shortly after Christ's resurrection (Acts 1:12-14). Outside of the Biblical references to Philip not much else is known. According to tradition, he preached in Phrygia, and died as a martyr at Hierapolis.