# Philip the Evangelist

> Ancient Roman saint

**Wikidata**: [Q508571](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q508571)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Evangelist)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/philip-the-evangelist

## Summary
Philip the Evangelist was an Ancient Roman saint and deacon in the early Christian Church, best known as a member of the Seven Deacons. He played a key role in ministering to the growing Christian community in Jerusalem during the 1st century.

## Biography
- **Born**: circa 1st century (exact date uncertain)  
- **Nationality**: Ancient Roman  
- **Known for**: Serving as one of the Seven Deacons in the early Christian Church  
- **Employer(s)**: Early Christian community in Jerusalem  
- **Field(s)**: Religious ministry  

## Contributions
Philip the Evangelist is recognized for his selection as one of the Seven Deacons, a group ordained to oversee charitable works and pastoral care for the Greek-speaking members of the early Christian community. This role, documented in early Christian tradition, helped establish the diaconate as a formal ministry in the Church. His service supported the expansion of Christianity in Jerusalem and surrounding regions.

## FAQs
**Q: What was Philip the Evangelist’s role in the early Christian Church?**  
A: He was ordained as one of the Seven Deacons, tasked with managing charitable activities and ministering to the needs of the congregation.  

**Q: Why is Philip the Evangelist venerated as a saint?**  
A: His dedication to serving the early Christian community and his association with the foundational Seven Deacons led to his recognition as a saint in Christian tradition.  

**Q: How does Philip the Evangelist differ from other biblical figures named Philip?**  
A: He is specifically identified as a deacon and member of the Seven Deacons, distinct from Philip the Apostle mentioned in the New Testament.  

## Why They Matter
Philip the Evangelist’s significance lies in his contribution to the organizational structure of the early Christian Church. As a member of the Seven Deacons, he helped institutionalize the ministry of service (diakonia), ensuring the needs of marginalized communities were addressed. This framework influenced the development of ecclesiastical roles and emphasized the importance of compassion in Christian practice. Without his efforts, the Church’s ability to sustain its growing membership and expand its outreach might have been hindered.

## Notable For
- Member of the Seven Deacons, a pivotal group in early Christian ministry.  
- Venerated as a saint in Christian tradition.  
- Depicted in religious art, including the *Menologion of Basil*.  
- Documented in historical records under multiple identifiers (VIAF: 316749888, LoC: n2002091018).  

## Body

### Early Life and Ministry
Philip the Evangelist lived during the 1st century, with birth and death dates traditionally associated with the year 100 AD, though these are likely approximate. As an Ancient Roman citizen, he participated in the formative years of Christianity in Jerusalem. His primary identity was as a deacon, a ministry focused on serving the practical and spiritual needs of the faithful.

### Role in the Seven Deacons
Philip’s most notable achievement was his selection as one of the **Seven Deacons**, a group established to address ethnic and linguistic divisions within the early Christian community. This role, referenced in early Christian writings, involved overseeing charitable distribution and pastoral care for Greek-speaking members. His work exemplified the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.

### Legacy and Veneration
Philip’s ministry contributed to the enduring structure of the diaconate, a role still present in many Christian denominations. He is commemorated as a saint in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, often depicted in religious iconography such as the *Menologion of Basil* (image: *Menologion of Basil 006.jpg*). His legacy is preserved through historical identifiers, including VIAF ID 316749888, Library of Congress authority ID n2002091018, and Wikidata entry Q122001893.

### Historical Records
Philip the Evangelist is cataloged in academic and archival systems under multiple identifiers, reflecting his recognition across scholarly and religious contexts. These include:  
- **VIAF**: 316749888  
- **Library of Congress**: n2002091018  
- **SUDOC**: 124521169  
- **ICCU**: CFIV051319  
- **BNF**: 124521169  

### Distinctive Identification
To distinguish him from other historical figures named Philip, he is consistently referenced by the alias “Saint Philip” and his specific role as a deacon. This differentiation is critical in theological and historical studies to avoid conflation with Philip the Apostle or other contemporaries.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013