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The Apostle Andrew, brother of Peter, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Before that, Andrew followed John the Baptist, but he began to follow Jesus when he learned that he was the Lamb of God. Andrew also brought his brother Peter to meet Jesus. According to Christian tradition, St. Andrew died by crucifixion, on an X-shaped cross, in Greece.
He was a dedicated missionary and helped spread the gospel. He left an example of faith, humility, and service to God.
The Bible mentions the Apostle Andrew in several parts of the New Testament. He appears mainly in the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter, the son of John (or Jonah), and worked as a fisherman.
The Gospel of John says that Andrew was one of the first two disciples to follow Jesus, after hearing John the Baptist say that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Curious and eager, Andrew went after Jesus and spent the day with him. Afterwards, he went to tell his brother Peter about the Messiah and brought him to Jesus.
In the Gospels, Andrew appears at some important moments. In John 6:8–9, he is the one who brings to Jesus a boy with five loaves and two fish, before the miracle of the multiplication. In John 12:20–22, he also helped bring some Greeks to Jesus. These episodes show his role as someone who connected people with Christ.
Jesus called Andrew in a direct and simple way. Andrew was with Peter, casting their nets into the sea, when Jesus said: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Andrew’s legacy as an apostle is tied to his readiness to follow Jesus promptly, his role in introducing people to Christ, and his faithfulness to the mission. After the resurrection of Jesus, it is believed that Andrew preached the gospel in several regions outside of Israel. Christian tradition says that the apostle was killed because of his faith in Christ. His example inspires through his humility, courage, and commitment to the kingdom of God.
Bible Study on the Apostle Andrew
Who was Andrew before meeting Jesus
Before meeting Jesus, Andrew was a fisherman. He lived in the region of Galilee and worked with his brother Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16).
Andrew was a simple man, dedicated to his work and family. He also showed spiritual interest, as he was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35–40), the prophet who prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah. This shows that he was seeking the truth and desired to know God’s will.
It was in this context that Andrew heard John the Baptist declare that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Immediately, he left John and followed Jesus, spending the day with him. Then, with enthusiasm, he told his brother Peter: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41) and brought him to Jesus.
Thus, even before following Jesus, Andrew already displayed spiritual sensitivity, a desire to serve God, and a willingness to seek the truth. His simple life as a fisherman contrasts with the great mission he would later receive: to be one of the twelve apostles and carry the message of the gospel to other nations. His humble beginnings highlight that God calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary works in His kingdom.
How did Jesus call Andrew?
Jesus called Andrew directly. Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. After hearing John declare that Jesus was the Lamb of God, Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus. They spent the day with him, and convinced that he had found the Messiah, Andrew soon told his brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus.
Additionally, the Gospels of Matthew 4:18–20 and Mark 1:16–18 recount that Jesus saw Andrew and Peter casting nets into the sea, as they were fishermen. Jesus said to them: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed him.
This calling demonstrates Jesus’ authority, as well as Andrew’s promptness in obedience. He left his profession and way of life to follow Christ, showing faith, dedication, and willingness to serve God.
What was the mission of the Apostle Andrew?
The mission of the Apostle Andrew was to follow Jesus, proclaim the gospel, and bring others to the knowledge of Christ. He was one of the first disciples and played an important role in introducing his brother Peter to Jesus.
As an apostle, his mission included preaching the good news, healing the sick, and casting out demons (Matthew 10:1–8). After Jesus’ resurrection, Andrew remained with the disciples, waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13).
Although the Bible does not provide details of his ministry after Pentecost, Christian tradition affirms that he took the gospel to other nations. His mission reflected faithfulness, humility, and commitment to the kingdom of God, serving as an example of a true disciple.
How did Andrew die?
The Bible does not directly record the death of the Apostle Andrew. According to Christian tradition, Andrew died because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Historical accounts state that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, now known as the “Saint Andrew’s Cross,” in the city of Patras, Greece.
According to these records, he requested not to be crucified like Jesus, feeling unworthy. Although these details are not found in Scripture, they are widely accepted by Church tradition as part of the testimony of faithfulness and courage that Andrew displayed until his death.
What we can learn from Andrew’s story
The story of the Apostle Andrew teaches lessons about humility and willingness to serve God. Andrew was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and did not hesitate to follow him.
Andrew was attentive to spiritual truths, as shown by his initial relationship with John the Baptist, and he had the discernment to recognize Jesus as the promised Savior.
Although he was one of the first disciples, Andrew did not seek personal recognition. Instead, he used his influence to bring others to Christ, as he did with his brother Peter. His attitude shows that a true disciple does not keep faith to oneself but shares it with others.
Another important lesson is his initiative. In the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, Andrew was not afraid to give Jesus the little they had. This reveals his faith that even with limited resources, God can perform great miracles.
Andrew also demonstrated openness for the gospel to reach all people. When some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, he was the one who helped them approach him (John 12:20–22), showing that the gospel is for everyone, without distinction.
Key lessons from the Apostle Andrew:
- Be attentive to God’s voice and ready to follow him
- Have humility and a servant’s heart
- Bring others to Jesus with joy
- Trust that God can use even the little we have
- Believe in the mission of evangelizing all people
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