John 1:44

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Now {G1161} Philip {G5376} was {G2258} of {G575} Bethsaida {G966}, the city {G4172} of {G1537} Andrew {G406} and {G2532} Peter {G4074}.

Philip was from Beit-Tzaidah, the town where Andrew and Kefa lived.

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter.

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.

Commentary

John 1:44 introduces Philip, one of Jesus' first disciples, by specifying his hometown: Bethsaida. This verse also connects him geographically to two other prominent apostles, Andrew and Peter, indicating they shared a common origin.

Context and Setting

This verse follows directly from Jesus' call to Philip. By identifying Philip's city as Bethsaida, the Gospel writer provides an immediate geographical and social anchor for this new disciple. Bethsaida was a fishing village located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, a region known for its vibrant Jewish life under Roman influence.

The mention of Andrew and Peter as also being "of Bethsaida" highlights the close-knit nature of some of Jesus' early followers. While Matthew and Mark suggest Andrew and Peter were living in Capernaum when called (e.g., Mark 1:21), John's account likely refers to their place of birth or ancestral home, establishing a shared background among these key individuals.

Key Themes

  • Humble Origins: The verse emphasizes that Jesus' chosen disciples came from ordinary towns and professions, not from the religious elite or major centers of power. This underscores God's pattern of using the humble and overlooked for His purposes.
  • Interconnectedness of Disciples: The fact that Philip, Andrew, and Peter hailed from the same city suggests existing relationships and communities played a role in the early formation of Jesus' core group. This network facilitated the spread of the message, as Andrew had already introduced Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42).
  • Divine Call to Ordinary People: God's choice of individuals from places like Bethsaida reinforces the biblical theme that His call is not limited by social status or geographical prominence.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The name Bethsaida (Greek: Ξ’Ξ·ΞΈΟƒΞ±ΟŠΞ΄Ξ¬) is derived from Aramaic, meaning "House of Fish" or "Fishing House." This perfectly describes its primary industry and the livelihood of many of its inhabitants, including likely Andrew and Peter, who were fishermen. The presence of Greek names like Philip and Andrew among the disciples from this region also points to the Hellenistic cultural influences prevalent in Galilee during this period.

Interestingly, Bethsaida was also a place where Jesus performed significant miracles (Mark 8:22-26) and near where he fed the five thousand (Mark 6:45). Yet, despite these mighty works, Jesus later pronounced a woe upon Bethsaida for its lack of repentance (Matthew 11:21).

Practical Application

John 1:44 reminds us that God often chooses to work through ordinary individuals from seemingly insignificant places. Our background or hometown does not disqualify us from being called to serve Him. Just as Philip, Andrew, and Peter were connected by their city, believers today are called into a community, the body of Christ, where relationships can foster spiritual growth and shared ministry. This verse encourages us to recognize that God can use anyone, from anywhere, for His divine purposes, inviting us to be open to His call wherever we are.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 12:21

    The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

  • Matthew 11:21

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

  • Luke 10:13

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

  • Mark 3:18

    And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

  • Luke 9:10

    ΒΆ And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

  • Mark 8:22

    ΒΆ And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

  • Matthew 10:3

    Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
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