Andrew

Andrew is one of the twelve disciples of Lord Jesus Christ. His prominent brother was Simon Peter. There are few records about him in the gospels, yet they are very instructive for our Christian life.

Birth

Andrew was born between AD 5 and AD 10. John or Jonah of Bethsaida was the father of Andrew and Peter. Andrew and Peter fished in the Sea of Galilee and lived in Capernaum.

The first disciple of the Lord

Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1: 35-42). John the Baptist identified the Lord Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew understood the truth and, along with another unnamed disciple, walked following Lord Jesus, reckoning Him as the Messiah. As invited by the Lord, he went and stayed with him. His conversation with the Lord convinced him that He was the Messiah. He and another disciple became disciples of the Lord.

Zealous for sharing

Andrew shared his discovery of the Messiah with his brother Peter first. “He first found his own brother Simon and said to him...(John 1:41,42)"

Introduced the boy donor to the Lord

Lord saw the multitude of people who desired the people to be fed. While the disciples were confused, Andrew found a boy with five barley loaves and two fish and brought him to the Lord (John 6:8,9).

Introduced visitors from Greece

Some people came from Greece to worship in the feast at the Temple in Jerusalem, where they wanted to meet the Lord. As Andrew was regarded for his wisdom, Philip brought him to Andrew, and together they brought the delegates to the Lord (John 12:20-22). Andrew was respected for his wisdom; hence, Philip brought the Greeks to Andrew.

Mount of Olives

Andrew joined the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, in a ‘private’ conversation on the Mount of Olives. (Mark 13:3,4) The Lord taught about various signs of His Second Coming.

Mission and death

Traditions state he served in Russia, Scotland, Greece, Ukraine, Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross between 60-70 AD. The X-shaped cross is known as Andrew’s cross.

Challenge

Andrew did not claim privileged status as the first disciple. He was humble, diligent, and spontaneous in his sharing of spiritual discovery. He valued relationships, even with children. His desire to learn earned him the privilege of listening to the Lord's private conversations.