Laudatio Philippi
Standard abbreviation: Encom. Phil.
Other titles: none
Clavis numbers: ECCA 413
Category: Apocryphal Acts
Related literature: Acts of Philip
Compiled by Tony Burke, York University
Citing this resource (using Chicago Manual of Style): Burke, Tony. “Encomium on Philip.” e-Clavis: Christian Apocrypha. Accessed DAY MONTH YEAR. https://www.nasscal.com/e-clavis-christian-apocrypha/encomium-on-philip/.
Created December 2022. Current as of January 2024.
1. SUMMARY
This anonymous encomium on Philip is found in copies of a menology for November. The author weaves in portions of the Acts of Philip, particularly the martyrdom, but also shows awareness of other sections of the text—such as Philip’s title as the “son of thunder,” his austere diet, and his giving voices to animals. The author even mentions that Philip’s preaching and miracles are found in the “book of his acts.”
The text opens with praises of Philip. Mention is made of his birth in Bethsaida and his companions Mariamne and Bartholomew. After the death of Jesus, Philip departs from Galilee and goes first to Gaza, and later to Hierapolis (later also called Opheorymos). The city is filled with vipers and the people carry these vipers on their shoulders and on sticks. Philip slays the vipers by the power of the cross and takes over an infirmary where he dispenses healing. There he is visited by Stachys and the wife of Tyrannognophos, the ruler of the city. Out of jealousy, Tyrannognophos delivers Philip to the cross; like Peter, he is hung upside down. Suddenly the ground opens and swallows the onlookers. Philip prays for their release and Christ brings everyone out of the abyss except for Tyrannognophos and his priests who remain in Hades. No mention is made in the text about Philip’s death and burial. The encomium concludes with a list of Philip’s virtues and ten praises exalting him among the apostles.
Named Historical Figures and Characters: Andrew (apostle), Bartholomew (apostle), David (king), Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Mariamne (sister of Philip), Nathanael, Peter (apostle), Philip (apostle), Stachys, Tyrannognophos.
Geographical Locations: Bethsaida, Galilee, Gaza, Hades, Hierapolis, Opheorymos.
2. RESOURCES
3. BIBLIOGRAPHY
3.1 Manuscripts and Editions
3.1.1 Greek (BHG 1530b)
A Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Coislin 121, fols. 28v–31r (1342/1343)
B Mount Athos, Monē Megistes Lavras, Η 206, fols. 166v–169v (16th cent.) ~ Pinakes
C Mutiline, Monē Hagiou Iōannou tou Theologou Hypsēlou (Antissa), 57, fols. 97r–100r (1604) ~ Pinakes
D Izmir, Euagellikē Scholē, A-04, folio numbers not provided (16th cent.) ~ Pinakes; destroyed
Frey, Albert. “L’‘Éloge de Philippe, saint apôtre et évangéliste du Christ’ (BHG 1530b).” Apocrypha 3 (1992): 165–209 (text and parallel French translation, pp. 181–209).
3.2 Modern Translations
3.2.1 French
Frey, Albert. “L’‘Éloge de Philippe, saint apôtre et évangéliste du Christ’ (BHG3 1530b).” Mémoire de licence, manuscrit, Faculté de Théologie, Université de Genève, 1983.
Frey, Albert. “L’‘Éloge de Philippe, saint apôtre et évangéliste du Christ’ (BHG 1530b).” Apocrypha 3 (1992): 165–209 (text and parallel French translation, pp. 181–209).
3.3 General Works
Bovon, François. “Les Actes de Philippe.” ANRW II.25.6 (1988): 4431–527 (description p. 4447).
Lipsius, Richard A. Die Apokryphen Apostelgeschichten und Apostellegenden. Ein Beitrag zur altchristlichen Literaturgeschichte. 2 vols. Braunschweig: Schwetschke, 1883–1887 (see vol. 1, p. 92; Erganzungsband 60).