Now when Gordian had completed six entire years in the government of the Romans, Philip, together with his son Philip, succeeded to the rule. An account holds that, being a Christian, he wished on the day of the last paschal vigil to share with the multitude in the prayers in the church, but was not permitted to enter by him who then presided until he had made confession and enrolled himself among those who were examined as being in faults and who held a place of repentance; for otherwise he would never have been received by him, had he not done this, on account of the many charges against him. And he is said to have obeyed readily, displaying by deeds the genuineness and reverence of his disposition toward the fear of God.