### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Φίλιππος (Phílippos, `{{G5376}}`) is a compound word derived from two Greek roots: φίλος (philos, `{{G5384}}`), meaning "beloved" or "friend," and ἵππος (hippos, `{{G2462}}`), meaning "horse." Thus, the literal and etymological meaning of Phílippos is "fond of horses" or "lover of horses." While this etymological root provides insight into the name's origin, its primary semantic function in the biblical text is as a personal identifier. Unlike some Hebrew names whose etymologies often carry direct theological weight for the bearer's life or calling, the Greek name Phílippos primarily serves to distinguish individuals, with its deeper significance arising from the actions and roles of those who bore it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Φίλιππος (Phílippos, `{{G5376}}`) appears numerous times in the New Testament, referring to at least four distinct individuals, three of whom are significant figures in the narrative:
1. **Philip the Apostle:** One of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He is first mentioned as being from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter ([[John 1:44]]). Jesus directly calls him, and Philip, in turn, invites Nathanael to "come and see" Jesus ([[John 1:43-46]]). He is notable for his practical questions, such as his query about feeding the multitude ([[John 6:5-7]]), and his request to Jesus to "show us the Father" ([[John 14:8-9]]). He also serves as a bridge, bringing Greeks who wish to see Jesus to Andrew ([[John 12:20-22]]). He is listed among the apostles present after Jesus' ascension ([[Acts 1:13]]).
2. **Philip the Evangelist:** One of the seven men chosen by the early church to serve tables, allowing the apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word ([[Acts 6:5]]). He quickly distinguishes himself as a powerful evangelist, preaching the Gospel in Samaria with accompanying signs and wonders ([[Acts 8:5-8]]). His encounter with Simon the sorcerer highlights the power of the Holy Spirit over occult practices ([[Acts 8:9-24]]). Most famously, he is led by the Spirit to the Gaza road where he encounters and evangelizes the Ethiopian eunuch, a pivotal moment in the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish circles ([[Acts 8:26-40]]). Later, he is found residing in Caesarea with his four prophesying daughters ([[Acts 21:8-9]]).
3. **Herod Philip I:** Son of Herod the Great and Mariamne II. He was the husband of Herodias, before she left him for his half-brother, Herod Antipas. His marriage to Herodias is the subject of John the Baptist's rebuke of Antipas ([[Matthew 14:3]]; [[Mark 6:17]]).
4. **Herod Philip II:** Another son of Herod the Great, by his wife Cleopatra of Jerusalem. He was tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, mentioned in the context of John the Baptist's ministry ([[Luke 3:1]]). He founded the city of Caesarea Philippi, named partly after himself.
The presence of multiple individuals named Philip underscores the commonality of the name in the Hellenistic world of the New Testament. The significance of the name is thus largely tied to the specific contributions of these individuals to the biblical narrative, particularly the two Philips who served Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Φίλιππος (Phílippos, `{{G5376}}`) is inherently linked to its etymological components:
* **φίλος (philos, `{{G5384}}`):** "Friend," "beloved." While the name itself doesn't directly convey this meaning in its biblical usage, the concept of friendship and love is central to Christian discipleship and evangelism, particularly as exemplified by the two Philips who followed Christ.
* **ἵππος (hippos, `{{G2462}}`):** "Horse." This element provides the literal root but holds no direct theological significance within the biblical context of the name.
Beyond its etymology, Φίλιππος is related to broader New Testament concepts through the ministries of its bearers:
* **Discipleship:** Philip the Apostle exemplifies the call to follow Jesus and bring others to Him.
* **Evangelism and Missions:** Philip the Evangelist is a paradigm of early Christian missionary work, demonstrating the Spirit-led expansion of the Gospel to new ethnic and geographical frontiers (Samaritans, Ethiopian eunuch).
* **The Early Church:** Both the Apostle and the Evangelist are integral to the formation and growth of the nascent Christian community, highlighting the diverse roles within the body of Christ.
* **Herodian Dynasty:** The two Herodian Philips provide historical and political context for the New Testament narratives, illustrating the broader societal landscape in which Jesus' ministry and the early church operated.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Φίλιππος (Phílippos, `{{G5376}}`) is primarily derived from the lives and ministries of Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist. These individuals serve as powerful examples of:
1. **Divine Calling and Obedience:** Both Philips demonstrate responsiveness to God's call. The Apostle immediately follows Jesus' command, and the Evangelist readily obeys the Spirit's often unconventional directions, such as going to the desert road to meet the Ethiopian eunuch. Their lives underscore the importance of personal surrender and active participation in God's redemptive plan.
2. **Witness and Proclamation:** Both men are active in proclaiming the Gospel. Philip the Apostle introduces Nathanael to Jesus, and later, helps facilitate the meeting between Jesus and the Greeks. Philip the Evangelist is a dynamic preacher, bringing the message of Christ to Samaria and explaining the Scriptures to the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to his conversion and baptism. Their ministries exemplify the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations.
3. **The Universal Scope of the Gospel:** Philip the Evangelist's ministry to the Samaritans (a historically marginalized group for Jews) and especially to the Ethiopian eunuch (a Gentile, likely a proselyte to Judaism, but from a distant land) powerfully illustrates the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers by the Gospel. This demonstrates that salvation in Christ is for all peoples, fulfilling prophetic declarations of God's universal reign.
4. **The Holy Spirit's Guidance in Ministry:** Philip the Evangelist's journey is punctuated by direct divine intervention and guidance by the Holy Spirit (e.g., being "snatched away" after the eunuch's baptism, [[Acts 8:39]]). This highlights the indispensable role of the Spirit in empowering and directing Christian ministry.
While the name's etymology ("fond of horses") holds no direct theological meaning, the individuals bearing the name, particularly the two Philips who served Christ, become vessels through whom profound theological truths about salvation, discipleship, and the global mission of the church are revealed.
### Summary
Φίλιππος (Phílippos, `{{G5376}}`) is a Greek proper noun meaning "fond of horses," derived from φίλος (philos, `{{G5384}}`, "friend") and ἵππος (hippos, `{{G2462}}`, "horse"). In the New Testament, the name identifies at least four distinct individuals: Philip the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples who brought Nathanael to Jesus and questioned Him about the Father; Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons who powerfully preached in Samaria and famously evangelized the Ethiopian eunuch; and two Herodian rulers, Herod Philip I and Herod Philip II, who provide political context for the era. The theological significance of Φίλιππος is primarily found in the lives and ministries of Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist, who exemplify divine calling, obedience, and the Spirit-empowered proclamation of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, underscoring the universal reach of God's redemptive plan. The name itself, while common, gains its biblical weight from the faithful service and significant contributions of its bearers to the early Christian movement.
TRV