Philip and James were both apostles, and both served Christ faithfully during the very early days of the Church. Philip seems to have been an enthusiastic person. He was the one who brought his friend Nathanael to Jesus, insisting to Nathanael that he had found the person about whom Moses had written.
Philip was born in Bethsaida, Galilee. He was present at the miracle of the loaves and fishes and was the Apostle approached by the Hellenistic Jews from Bethsaida to introduce them to Jesus. Jesus answered Philip’s query to show them the Father, but no further mention of Philip is made in the New Testament beyond his listing among the Apostles awaiting the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. According to tradition he preached in Greece and was crucified upside down at Hierapolis under Emperor Domitian.
St James the Less was the son of Alphaeus of Cleophas. His mother Mary was either a sister or a close relative of the Blessed Virgin. He held a distinguished position in the early Christian community of Jerusalem. According to tradition, he was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and was at the Council of Jerusalem about the year 50. Tradition has always recognized him as the author of the Epistle that bears his name. Evidence from the early Fathers and Councils of the Church confirmed its authenticity.
Saints Philip and James share a feast day because their relics were brought to Rome at the same time in early May.