John 14:8

Philip For the fourth and last time S. Philip appears in this. Gospel (see notes on John 1:44-49; John 6:5-7; John 12:22). Thrice he is mentioned in close connexion with S. Andrew, who may have brought about his being found by Christ; twice he follows in the footsteps of S. Andrew in bringing others to Christ, and on both occasions it is specially to seeHim that they are brought; -Come and see" (John 1:45); -We would seeJesus" (John 12:21). Like S. Thomas he has a fondness for the practical test of personal experience; he would see for himself, and have others also see for themselves. His way of stating the difficulty about the 5000 (John 6:7) is quite in harmony with this practical turn of mind. Like S. Thomas also he seems to have been somewhat slow of apprehension, and at the same time perfectly honest in expressing the cravings which he felt. No fear of exposing himself keeps either Apostle back.

Lord, shew us the Father He is struck by Christ's last words, -Ye have seen the Father," and cannot find that they are true of himself. It is what he has been longing for in vain; it is the one thing wanting. He has heard the voice of the Father from Heaven, and it has awakened a hunger in his heart. Christ has been speaking of the Father's home with its many abodes to which He is going; and Philip longs to, see for himself. And when Christ tells him that he hasseen, he unreservedly opens his mind: -Only make that saying good, and it is enough." He sees nothing impossible in this. There were the theophanies, which had accompanied the giving of the Law by Moses. And a greater than Moses was here "that Prophet whom Moses had foretold. He looked, like all the Jews of his time, to see the wonders of the old dispensation repeated. Hence his question." S. p. 225.