Biblical Character Study: Disciples of Lord Jesus Christනියැදිය

Andrew – Nuts and Bolts Ministry

Key Verse

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).”
— John 1:41 (ESV)

Introduction

Andrew is one of the twelve disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. His prominent brother was Simon Peter. Though there are only a few references to him in the Gospels, each one provides valuable lessons for our Christian life.

Birth

Andrew was born between AD 5 and AD 10. His father was John (or Jonah) of Bethsaida. Although Andrew was from the village of Bethsaida, he also lived in Capernaum — probably because of his work as a fisherman. Both Andrew and Peter fished in the Sea of Galilee.

Disciple of John the Baptist

At that time, Israel was under the Roman Empire, and there was great spiritual anticipation for the coming of the Messiah. Spiritually inclined, Andrew was drawn to the bold preaching of John the Baptist and became one of his disciples (John 1:35-42).

The First Disciple of the Lord

When John the Baptist identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36), Andrew immediately recognized that John’s ministry was a preparation for the Messiah’s coming. He and another unnamed disciple followed Jesus and stayed with Him. Their conversation with Jesus convinced Andrew that He was indeed the Messiah.

Though Andrew was the first to follow Jesus, he never sought a higher position among the disciples. In contrast, James and John once requested to sit at Jesus’ right and left in His glory (Mark 10:35-40).

Zealous for Sharing

Andrew was spontaneous and diligent in introducing others to the Lord Jesus. His life’s purpose was to bring people to the Master.
The first person he brought was his own brother, Peter:

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter).”
— John 1:41–42

Scholars believe that when Jesus later called Peter to leave his fishing profession, Andrew was also present (Luke 5:1-11).

Introduced the Boy Donor to the Lord

When Jesus wanted to feed the great multitude, Philip remarked that it would cost about 200 denarii to buy enough bread (John 6:5-7). Some disciples suggested sending the crowd away (Matthew 14:15). But Andrew pointed out a small offering:

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
— John 6:9

Although Andrew’s faith was limited, his action of bringing the boy and his offering to Jesus became the starting point for a great miracle. Among the four Gospel writers, only John records Andrew’s significant contribution in this event.

Introduced the Greek Visitors to the Lord

John also records another important encounter. During a festival in Jerusalem, some Greeks came to worship and desired to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22). They first approached Philip, who then consulted Andrew. Together, they brought the visitors to Jesus.

Andrew’s wise response demonstrated discernment and respect. Greeks were known for their pursuit of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22). To them, Jesus gave a profound teaching on death and resurrection:

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
— John 12:24

This message revealed the heart of the gospel — sacrifice leading to eternal fruitfulness.

Conversation on the Mount of Olives

Mark records that Andrew was part of a private conversation with Jesus on the Mount of Olives along with Peter, James, and John:

“As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?’”
— Mark 13:3-4

In this conversation, the Lord taught about the signs of His second coming. Some scholars believe Andrew was present on several other occasions when Jesus shared special teachings.

Missionary to Various Countries

Tradition holds that Andrew ministered in regions such as Russia, Scotland, and Greece — all of which later regarded him as their patron saint.

Early Christian historian Eusebius records that Andrew journeyed through Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor, even reaching the area of modern-day Ukraine to preach the gospel.

Death

According to tradition, Andrew was martyred in the town of Patras, Greece. After Governor Aegeas’ wife and brother converted to Christianity, the enraged governor ordered Andrew’s execution by crucifixion.

Feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord, Andrew requested to be crucified on a cross shaped differently — an X-shaped cross, now known as Saint Andrew’s Cross. He was martyred around AD 60–70.

Nuts and Bolts Ministry

Nuts and bolts are small yet essential components in every structure and machine. Buildings, bridges, and engines rely on them for strength, stability, and connection.

Similarly, Andrew’s ministry — though seemingly small — was vital in the Lord’s great work. The boy who offered his five loaves and two fish remains unnamed, and three of the Gospel writers did not mention Andrew in that miracle. Yet, like the nuts and bolts that hold great structures together, Andrew’s unseen contribution was indispensable.

He faithfully connected people to Jesus, enabling God’s mighty works to unfold.

Challenge

Andrew did not seek status or recognition, even though he was the first disciple. His humility is an enduring example for every believer. He was spontaneous and sincere in sharing his discovery of the Messiah.

A man who valued relationships, Andrew could relate to both a small boy and visiting Greek scholars. His companions trusted his counsel, and he was often invited into intimate conversations with the Lord.

Andrew’s life teaches us that quiet faithfulness and humble service are as vital to God’s kingdom as visible leadership.

May we, like Andrew, become the “nuts and bolts” that hold together the work of Christ.