THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
The apostle Philip is noted as having originated from the city associated with Andrew and Peter. It is commendable that Philip shared citizenship with these brothers, who were among the first to astonish others with their accounts in the Gospel. Andrew, having been informed by the Baptist about the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, grasped the profound truth and followed the footsteps of the One who revealed Himself to him. He then sought out his brother and proclaimed that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived as prophesied. With a heart filled with faith, Simon listened to Andrew and fully committed himself to this Lamb, receiving a divine transformation from the Lord, wherein he was named Peter instead of Simon.
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After many years and Epiphanies, the Lord also blessed Abraham and Sarah by establishing Abraham as a father and Sarah as a ruler. In a similar vein, following a night of struggle, Jacob was honored with the name Israel and endowed with power. Unlike Peter, who gradually grew into grace, his transformation was immediate upon hearing from his brother, believing in the Lamb, and being anchored to the rock, ultimately becoming Peter. This Philip, a worthy companion of such esteemed Apostles, became an earnest seeker of the Lord. As recorded in the Gospel, Jesus called Philip, who responded to the invitation to "Come, follow me" (John 1:43). Approaching the true light, Philip, like a lamp, drew from that light and illuminated Nathanael, revealing the mystery of faith by declaring, "We have found Jesus, who is from Nazareth of Galilee" (John 1:45). Nathanael received this message thoughtfully, for he knew from prophecy that the first Incarnation would occur in Bethlehem, while the Lord would be identified with the Nazarenes due to their dwelling place. He conducted careful reasoning, recognizing that the birthplace in Bethlehem indicated the mystery of swaddling clothes and the manger. He inferred that Galilee, being the residence of Gentiles, would acquire its name due to the Word’s presence among them. Thus, he acknowledged the source of light and posed the question, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). In response, Philip became a beacon of grace, inviting Nathanael with the words, "Come and see." Consequently, Nathanael left behind the law's shadow, which obscured him from the light, and encountered the One who addressed the barrenness embodied in the fig tree. The Word attests to his sincerity, revealing that he was not a deceitful Israelite, but rather displayed the true traits of a patriarch. As the Lord affirmed, "This is truly an Israelite, in him there is no deceit" (John 1:47). The direction of this narrative becomes clear through the reading from the Song of Songs, which enriches the understanding of attentive listeners. Just as Andrew, through the voice of John, found the Lamb, and Nathanael, enlightened by Philip, emerged from the law's shadow into true light, so too do the virtuous maidens utilize a soul of perfect beauty to guide them toward the good, asking, "How can your brother, who excels in goodness, depart from you?" This question seeks to draw forth the essence of a brotherly bond. They inquire about His whereabouts, recognizing His splendid attributes as depicted through the metaphor of 'white and black'—evidence of the Desirable One's qualities. Therefore, they earnestly ask, "How can your brother depart, or how can he go away?" With the intent of discovering His location, they seek to humble themselves at the spot where He stood and to know where He has gone, so that they might witness His glory, for as the Prophet proclaims, “Enlighten Thy face, and we shall be saved” (Psalm 79:4).