We learn from tradition that both Philip and James were martyred, though not together and in quite different ways. We do not know why Philip and James are celebrated together. In the list of the Apostles, Philip's name is linked with Bartholomew's, on the assumption that Philip's friend Nathaniel (Jn 1:44) was also known as Bartholomew.

It is important at times to remember how little we actually know about the very early Church and so concentrate on the things we know for certain, the doctrine of our salvation in Jesus.

St John record the request that Philip made to Jesus at the Last Supper: "Show us the Father and that will be enough for us" (Jn 14:8) Though Jesus' answer seems to rebuke Philip, for us both Philip's request and Jesus' answer are precious revelations. All of us must learn to desire to see the Father and to realize that then we will be fully satisfied. Jesus' reply reveals to us how we can see and encounter God the Father in his Son - Jesus himself. By believing in the words that Jesus speaks to us we open our hearts so that God the blessed Trinity may accomplish in us the works of on-going creation, redemption and sanctification.