Many scholars believe that the disciple mentioned in John 1:40 may be the author of this Gospel, namely the apostle John. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that John never explicitly names himself in his own Gospel; rather, he refers to himself using the expression “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He thus adopts a discreet stance throughout his account.
John 13.23: At the Last Supper, John is described as being close to Jesus.
John 19.26-27: At the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusts his mother to this disciple.
John 20.2: Mary Magdalene runs to tell “the disciple whom Jesus loved” and Peter about the empty tomb.
John 21.7: This disciple recognizes Jesus on the shore after the resurrection.
John 21.20-24: A conversation between Jesus and Peter mentions this disciple.
The expression “the disciple whom Jesus loved” does not mean that the other disciples were loved less. All were loved in the same way, and each could have described himself like this. Peter mentions this bond because of his sensitivity.
The anonymity in John 1.40 can be interpreted in a similar way to these examples.
Some scholars propose that this anonymous disciple is Philip. This hypothesis is based on Philip's call in John 1.43, indicating a possible earlier meeting. This context can be compared with the call of Levi (Matthew 9.9-13), where it has also been suggested that a prior meeting took place, though without concrete evidence.
It is therefore difficult to choose between John and Philip. However, our preference leans toward John because of his status as an important disciple within the group of the twelve. His testimony seems to us as relevant as that of Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael. If this disciple were Philip, we would lack information about the apostle John, who holds a preeminent position within the group of the apostles.