Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(lover of horses). (1) The apostle of Bethsaida, of whom little is known (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; John 6:5-9; Acts 1:13). (2) The evangelist and deacon, resident at Caesarea, and preacher throughout Samaria (Acts 6:5; 8:5-13; 21:8-10). (3) The tetrarch. [HEROD.] (4) Husband of Herodias (Matt. 14:3). [HEROD.]
Concise Bible Dictionary:
1. One of the twelve apostles: he was a native of Bethsaida. It was in Galilee that the Lord met him; and said to him, “Follow me.” Philip at once announced to Nathanael that he had found the One of whom Moses and the prophets had written. He was the apostle who asked the Lord to show them the Father, when the Lord said, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father....Believe Me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me” (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; John 1:43-48; John 6:5-7; John 12:21-22; John 14:8-9; Acts 1:13).
2. One of the seven chosen to look after the poor saints at Jerusalem. He is also called “Philip the evangelist.” When the church was scattered from Jerusalem by persecution, Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ and wrought miracles, and men and women believed and were baptized. The apostles at Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent thither Peter and John. Then Philip was directed by an angel of the Lord to meet the eunuch of Ethiopia in the desert towards Gaza. Philip obeyed and preached unto him Jesus. On the eunuch asking what hindered him from being baptized, he was at once baptized by Philip. On coming out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and he was found at Azotus, and he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. Much later Philip was residing at Caesarea and received Paul and those with him into his house. He had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied. Philip is a beautiful instance of one being under the immediate guidance of God in his service for Him (Acts 6:5; Acts 8:5-40; Acts 21:8).
3. Son of Herod the Great: he married Herodias, who deserted him to live with his brother, Herod Antipas (Matt. 14:3; Mark 6:17; Luke 3:19).
4. Another son of Herod the Great: he was tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis (Luke 3:1). He was the founder of Caesarea Philippi (Matt. 16:13; Mark 8:27).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
Philippos
Meaning:
from 5384 and 2462; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
lover of horses (i.e., the race)
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
Lover of horses; warlike:―name of four Israelites, John 1:43. {Amator equorum}