Thoughts on the disciples
Philip, Thomas and Andrew.

Matthew 3:2-4. Mark 3:18;

"2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him."

Philip’s in the Scriptures.

The name is Greek in origin and means "Lover of Horses."
There are three different people who have the name Philip as recorded in the New Testament:-

(1.)HEROD PHILIP I. Mentioned only in connection with the imprisonment of John the Baptist, He was the son of Herod the Great, and the first husband of Herodias, and the father of Salome.
Matthew 14:3,4;

3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.
4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Mark 6:14-17;

14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.
15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.

Luke 3:19

19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

 

(2.)HEROD PHILIP II. The "tetrarch of Iturea" a son of Herod the Great, and brother of Herod Antipas. The city of Caesarea-Philippi was named partly after him.
Luke 3:1;

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene.

 

(3.)Philip the Disciple. One of the twelve apostles; a native of Bethsaida.

Philip the Disciple.

John 1:43-46.

"43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see."

It was not normal for the Jewish teacher to search out and call their followers, usually the follower disciple chose which teacher to follow. Jesus would normally seek and chose His followers personally, so Jesus went and personally finds Philip and calls him to follow Him.
Philip happily responded to the call of Jesus, and then goes and finds Nathanael and brings him to Jesus.

Calling of Disciples

Matthew 4:18-22.

"18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. "

In Luke 19:1-10, we see another personal call to Zacchaeus.

Some Bible students feel that Philip could be the man mentioned in Matthew 8:21,22.

" 21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."

There is no evidence that this is the case. It was common practice at the time, the remark made by the man was not that his father had just died and wanted to bury his father but the man wanted to wait until his father did die so that he would get his inheritance and then follow Jesus.

Philip and the feeding of the 5000.

John 6:5-7;

"5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. "

In this story Jesus has directly put the problem of feeding the many people to Philip, Jesus asked "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"

Jesus knew what He was going to do and would happen, so when He asked Philip concerning the need He was trying to teach Philip something. Jesus could only use His divine powers as a man-God through God the Father, so Jesus was trying to teach Philip who He really was.
Philip responded with an answer from a human point of view. The money needed to feed so many was Philip’s answer, a fisherman, "Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient." That would be about six months wages for a normal worker in those times. Does Philip really know Jesus? Did he appreciate the first miracle, the "water into wine," John 2:1-11, did Philip really know and understand what happened then?
Jesus was about to show Philip and the other disciples that with the power of God nothing is impossible.

A small amount of food is found.

"8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? "

Nothing is impossible with God.

"10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten."

"The feeding of the 5000 shows that God can provide more than needed. Has Philip now understood who Jesus was?

The Group of Greeks seeking Jesus.

John 12:20-23;

"20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. "

The ministry of Jesus was rapidly approaching the final stages, they had entered Jerusalem and were in the temple. The Greek visitors were in "the Court of the Gentiles," another part of the temple. Why they approached Philip we are not told, possibly, as the name Philip is of Greek origin they felt he could help them.
V21, Philip shows his cautious attitude and refers the request to Andrew before they approach Jesus.

The religious leaders were looking for any excuse to attack Jesus, any suspicious action in the temple would have been of help for them, this may have been the reason why Philip was so careful, or they did not want to interrupt the teaching of Jesus, we are not told.

The response by Jesus was unexpected, John 12:23-26.

"23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name."

The ministry and purpose of Jesus was to die on the cross and offer salvation to the world, for believers to become sons and daughters of God, so giving ultimate glory to the Father.
The plan and aim was the world, not just the those in the "Court of the Gentiles."

The Upper Room. Philip and Thomas searching.

"4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake."

Jesus ministry was to save the world through His death on the cross and reveal the Father to the world.
Philip asked for Jesus to show us the Father. Jesus said to him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet you have not known me, Philip?
Has Philip still not learnt who Jesus was?

After Jesus returns to Heaven.

"12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. "

Philip obviously now knew who Jesus was, he "came and saw" and was now living for Christ.

Philip was one of the many who were "scattered abroad" following the death of Stephen.
Philip went first to Samaria, where he worked as an evangelist with much success, Acts 8:5-13.
While Philip was there he received a divine command to meet a man from Ethiopia who was reading Isaiah 53:6,7. Philip was able to point him to Jesus as the Saviour and the Ethiopian was baptized.
The Holy Spirit instantly removed Philip.
Philip was then found at Azotus, and was preaching until he came to Caesarea. Scripture does not mentioned Philip again for about twenty years, when Paul and his companions were on the way to Jerusalem. He was still in Caesarea preaching, Acts 21:8.

"8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him."

Philip then finally disappears from scripture.
Church history seems to indicate that Philip preached in Phrygia, and to have suffered a martyrdom death at Hierapolis.

Thomas

Thomas was a twin, he was also called Didymus, which is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Thomas. We have no information on who was the other part of the twin. The information we have concerning Thomas is recorded in John’s Gospel. Thomas would have been just one of the disciples yet John has preserved three events which shows Thomas and helps us in our relationships with the Lord.
The lists of the disciples always lists Thomas with Matthew, who was the son of Alphaeus, Mark 3:18), always followed by James, who was also the son of Alphaeus, it therefore possible that Matthew, Thomas, and James, were related in some way.
Matthew 10:2-4.

"2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. "

In this story about the death of Lazarus we can see that Thomas was a brave person, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." He was willing to die for his Lord whatever came up.

John 11:14-16;

"14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Thomas was prepared to ask questions, and Jesus was happy to show him the answer to his doubts.

" 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. "

Thomas was not in the group when Jesus first appeared in the upper room following His resurrection . Why Thomas was not with the other disciples in the room that night we are not told, had he lost hope? This would mean a terrible situation for him, he would have been searching his beliefs. Even worse, his doubts were not answered because he was not in the room, he missed the risen Lord, and the all the proof needed that He was alive. The trial and crucifixion of the Lord were too much for Thomas and his faith, yet, it allows us to have doubts and questions about various spiritual things and teachings and not then expect the Lord to reprimand our unbelief. Thomas did not ask for any special proof, just to see the Lord just as the other disciples did. Once He saw the Lord He believed and did not need to "put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side," This event was arranged by the Lord for us and our faith, for Jesus was able to say," blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

John 20:24-29.

"24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Andrew

The name is Greek in origin and means "Manliness." He was one of the disciples and came from Bethsaida in Galilee. John 1:44.

Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist until on one day John pointing to Jesus, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:40); and Andrew, on hearing John the Baptist’s statement went to seek Jesus.
Andrew was a fisherman with his brother Peter
The two brothers seem to have remained as fishermen for a while after meeting Jesus, they did not become the full and active followers of Jesus until John was imprisoned. Matthew 4:17-19.

"17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. "

Andrew is often referred to as the "Missionary Disciple " as the various records associated with Andrew show him bring someone to Jesus. Andrew believed so much in Jesus that he wanted to bring others to Him.

Andrew is related to Simon Peter, who is his brother, it is interesting to note that though Peter became famous, Andrew did not have any problems with that fact, he was gracious and had no resentment of Peters position.
Matthew 10:2;

"2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;"

Luke 6:13,14;

"13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, "

John 6:8.

"8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, "

Andrew, Simon, James and John called by Jesus.

"As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.
Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. "

Feeding of the 5000.

Andrew was involved with finding the small offering of food which then allowed the Lord, through the power of God, to used to feed all the people.

"8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? "

We have only a small more information on Andrew, he was involved with the Greeks seeking Jesus, but of his history little is known.
John 12:20-22.

"20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. "