Clerestory Windows Series: Philip

The basket symbolizes his helping to feed the multitudes. The Tau cross, simply a piece of wood nailed across another to form the letter T, is to symbolize the manner of his death.

Legend records that Philip was crucified head downwards. The dying Philip asked that his body be wrapped in papyrus, not in linen, because his dead body was not worthy to receive the same treatment as the body of Jesus.

In the first three Gospels, Philip is just a name tucked away in the apostolic lists. It is not until the fourth Gospel, the Gospel of John, that we find out anything more about Philip.

The Gospel of John tells us that Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. This would suggest that he was a fisherman by trade, and possibly a close friend of these other two disciples. He was a man who made his living by casting out nets; he was certainly not a professional man.

In the verses before Jesus meets Philip, Andrew hears Jesus speak and runs to tell his brother Simon about him. While they came to Jesus, Philip was the first man to whom Jesus used the words, “Follow me!” Jesus came to Philip and called him to discipleship.

The important thing to remember about Philip is that his main contribution to the Christian faith was something that was done for him, not something he did himself. He was called by Jesus. In spite of the fact he wasn’t perfect, he was the first one to be chosen to spend his life following Christ. The same is true of so many of us.

Philip was in one way a very lucky man. Jesus himself came to him and called him to a life of discipleship. He knew for sure how he was to serve God. His calling was clear and certain. He was to follow Jesus until the end and beyond, teaching the people about the Messiah.

Unfortunately, unlike Philip, for so many of us our calling is not so clear. We have to try to discern the will of God. It can be hard to hear, but always remember to listen for the call of God in your life. While some will hear a call to ministry, others will hear a call to medicine, or to education, or to the many other ways we can fulfill our God-given potential. Too many people think that pulpit ministry is the only way to serve God. This is just not true. All professions can be a form of ministry if you let the light of your calling and of your baptism shine through in all that you do.

Honor the work and life of the apostle Philip by listening for God’s call in your own life. Like Philip, celebrate every day the fact that despite your failings you have been chosen to be a servant of God. Do all that you have been called to do to the best of your abilities, rejoicing in your opportunity to minister to others through your work.

Brandon Gilliam

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