Philip Φίλιππος
Tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis
Who is Philip in the Bible?
Philip was a son of Herod the Great who ruled as tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis during the time of John the Baptist's ministry (Luke 3:1). He was a half-brother to Herod Antipas and Herod Archelaus, each ruling different regions of Palestine after their father's death. Unlike his more prominent siblings, Philip maintained a reputation as a moderate and peaceful ruler according to historical records, though the Bible does not directly document his interactions with Jesus or the early Christian movement. His reign lasted from approximately 4 BC to AD 34, spanning the entire life of Jesus on earth. Philip's significance lies primarily in establishing the historical context of first-century Palestine during which Jesus and John the Baptist conducted their ministries.
Biography
Philip was one of the sons of Herod the Great by his wife Cleopatra of Jerusalem (not the same as Cleopatra of Egypt). He ruled as tetrarch over the regions of Western Galilee - Iturea and Traconitis (Luk.3.1). He was a half-brother to Herod Antipas who ruled East Galilee and Perea and Herod Archelaus who ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. Philip's reign coincided with the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry and the early years of Jesus' life. The specific dates of his rule are not provided in the Bible, but historical records indicate that he reigned from 4 BC to AD 34. Philip is described by the Jewish historian Josephus as a moderate and peaceful ruler who was devoted to his subjects. He is not mentioned in connection with any of the events in Jesus' life or ministry.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentLuke 1 verse
- Luke 3:1
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Φίλιππος | Phílippos | fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites |