ABSTRACT

The apostle Philip appears in the Synoptic tradition only in the lists of the apostles (Matt 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14). He always appears fifth, behind Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Along with Peter and James, the son of Alphaeus, Philip is one of three apostles who always appear in the same position in the apostolic lists—first, fifth, and ninth respectively—which may indicate their leadership roles over their respective subgroups.1 In Acts 1:13, Philip again appears fifth, but this time he is paired next to Thomas rather than Bartholomew. Philip is clearly among the middle-level apostles, and given his consistent primary listing among this group, he may have had some degree of prominence and responsibility within the Twelve.