Tomb of the Apostle Philip

In the first century, during those early days of the Apostolic Church, Asia Minor, today's modern Turkey, was among the first mission territories targeted by the apostles. Indeed, all seven of the local churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation were located in Asia Minor. Tradition and in particular the writings of the Early Church Fathers also tell us that John the Apostle spent the final years of his life in Ephesus. It should come as no surprise, then, that more than one apostle ministered and died in Asia Minor.

Polycrates, a second-century bishop of Ephesus, in a letter to Pope St. Victor (c. 190), refers specifically to "Philip, one of the Twelve Apostles, who is buried in Hieropolis with his two daughters, who grew old as virgins." Polycrates also mentions a third daughter, who "led a life in the Holy Spirit and rests in Ephesus." According to the early Church historian Eusebius, another early document, the Dialogue of Caius, also states that Philip's grave is located in Hieropolis. Tradition holds that Philip was martyred in Hieropolis around 80 A.D..

Despite ancient Church tradition and these early and rather authoritative comments, some of today's experts think Philip the Apostle might have been confused with Philip the deacon whom we encounter in Acts. Personally, I believe the Early Church Fathers could tell the difference between the two men. Anyway, both men could well have died in Asia Minor since it was certainly prime mission territory.

As if to confirm these early traditions, a team of archaeologists has apparently uncovered the grave of Philip the Apostle right where is was supposed to be, in Hieropolis. Hieropolis is located in the southwest corner of modern Turkey in the province of Denizli. Archaeologist have been working in the area for decades and among their objectives has been the location of Philip's tomb. The team responsible for the find is led by Italian archaeologist Francesco D'Andria.

Professor D'Andria at St. Philip's tomb

Speaking to the Turkish news agancy, Professor D'Andria stated, "We have been looking for Saint Philip's tomb for years. We finally found it in the ruins of a church which we excavated a month ago." According to D'Andria, both the structure of the tomb and the ancient writing found on it clearly indicate it is the apostle's tomb. Archaeological work moves slowly to ensure nothing is damaged and all artifacts are well documented, so the tomb has not yet been opened. That will happen soon enough.

The find has generated a lot of excitement and in Professor D'Andria's words, "The discovery of the tomb of St Philip, who is a very important figure for Christianity, will make a tremendous impression in the world." I expect it will also become a major pilgrimage site.

Read more here: St. Philip's Tomb Found in Turkey