Philip was born in Bethsaida, Galilee. He may have been a follower of John the Baptist and is listed as an Apostle in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. In the New Testament, he is only referenced in John, aside from the lists. Jesus Himself called him, and he led Nathanael to Christ. The Apostle Philip was contacted by the Hellenistic Jews of Bethsaida to introduce them to Jesus. Philip was there for the miracle of the loaves and fishes when he had a lengthy conversation with the Lord. Just before the Passion, Jesus responded to Philip's request to show them the Father, but Philip is never mentioned again in the New Testament other than as one of the Apostles waiting for the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. He preached in Greece and, according to legend, Emperor Domitian had him crucified upside down at Hierapolis.

The first Catholic Epistle was written by St. James the Less, who was the son of Alphaeus of Cleophas. Because his mother Mary was either the Blessed Virgin's sister or a close cousin, he was occasionally referred to as the Lord's brother according to Jewish tradition. The Apostle was a well-respected member of Jerusalem's early Christian society. He attended the Council of Jerusalem approximately fifty years ago, and according to history, he was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. It was said by the authors Eusebius and Hegesippus that St. James was executed by the Jews in the spring of 62, even though they held him in high regard and had given him the moniker "James the Just."

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Gluvias
Saint Diodorus
Saint Scannal
Saint Juvenal of Narni
Saint Philip of Zell