Andrew was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and played a quiet but essential role in the ministry, primarily known for introducing key individuals to the Master. His life and witness are documented primarily in the Gospels and the Book of Acts.
🎣 The First Calling
Andrew was a fisherman from the town of Bethsaida in Galilee, a trade he shared with his more famous brother, Simon Peter. Andrew was initially a devoted disciple of John the Baptist.
Andrew’s introduction to Jesus is recorded vividly in John’s Gospel. After John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus. Andrew was so convinced that he rushed to tell his brother:
“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:40-42, KJV)
This act of bringing his brother to Christ became the defining pattern of Andrew’s ministry. He was later officially called to leave his nets and follow Jesus, becoming one of the twelve apostles.
🤝 The Introducer of Christ
Andrew consistently appears in the Scriptures as the one who facilitates the connection between others and Jesus. Two notable instances showcase this unique ministry:
- The Boy with the Loaves: Before the miracle of feeding the five thousand, it was Andrew who noticed the small supply of food available:“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9, KJV) Andrew’s pragmatic notice of the boy’s food, though seemingly insignificant, provided the starting point for Jesus’s miraculous provision.
- The Inquiring Greeks: Towards the end of Jesus’s ministry, certain Greeks came to Jerusalem wishing to see Jesus. They did not approach Jesus directly but first went to Philip, and Philip, in turn, sought out Andrew:“The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.” (John 12:21-22, KJV) Andrew’s presence in this exchange confirms his role as a trusted intermediary for those seeking access to the Lord.
✝️ Legacy and Tradition
Andrew is listed among the apostles who gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus’s ascension to pray in the upper room (Acts 1:13, KJV). After the events of the New Testament, tradition holds that Andrew traveled extensively, preaching the Gospel in Greece, Scythia (modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia), and Asia Minor.