Andrew Brother of Peter

Q: Why is Andrew called the first-called?

John's Gospel indicates that Andrew (with another disciple, likely John) followed Jesus first after hearing John the Baptist's testimony. This makes Andrew one of Jesus' very first disciples. Eastern Orthodox churches especially honor him with this title: Protokletos, 'the first-called.'

Q: Why is Andrew the patron saint of Scotland?

Tradition says relics of Andrew were brought to Scotland in the fourth century. His connection to the nation grew, and the X-shaped cross of his martyrdom became Scotland's national symbol (the Saltire). He is also patron of Russia, Greece, and other nations.

Q: Why isn't Andrew in the inner three?

Jesus chose Peter, James, and John for certain intimate moments like the Transfiguration. Scripture does not explain why. Andrew's exclusion from these events did not diminish his apostleship or his crucial role in bringing people to Jesus. Different roles do not mean different value.

New Testament

About Andrew

Andrew was a fisherman from Bethsaida and brother of Simon Peter. Originally a disciple of John the Baptist, he was one of the first to follow Jesus and brought his brother Peter to Him.

Andrew's Character Traits

Bridge BuilderBehind the ScenesPerceptiveAccessible

Andrew's Life Timeline

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Fisherman in Galileec. 1-26 AD

Andrew grows up in Bethsaida with his brother Simon Peter. They work as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Later they relocate to Capernaum, where they share a house and continue fishing together.

JHN 1:44, MRK 1:29

Disciple of John the Baptistc. 27 AD

Andrew becomes a disciple of John the Baptist at the Jordan River. He is present when John points to Jesus and declares: 'Look, the Lamb of God!' Andrew follows Jesus and spends the day with Him.

JHN 1:35-39

Bringing Peter to Jesusc. 27 AD

Andrew's first act after meeting Jesus is finding his brother Simon. He declares: 'We have found the Messiah!' and brings Peter to Jesus. This introduction begins Peter's path to becoming a lead apostle.

JHN 1:40-42

Called from Fishingc. 27 AD

Jesus calls Andrew and Peter as they cast nets into the sea. He promises to make them fishers of men. They immediately leave their nets and follow Him, forsaking their livelihood to become disciples.

MAT 4:18-20

Chosen as Apostlec. 28 AD

Andrew is chosen as one of the Twelve Apostles. Though not part of the inner three with Peter, James, and John, he plays a consistent role in bringing people to Jesus and solving practical problems.

MRK 3:14-19

The Boy's Lunchc. 29 AD

When Jesus asks how to feed five thousand, Andrew finds a boy with five loaves and two fish. Though he doubts their adequacy, he brings what he finds to Jesus. This small offering becomes the basis for Jesus' great miracle.

JHN 6:5-13

Bringing the Greeksc. 30 AD

During Passover, some Greeks wish to see Jesus. They approach Philip, who tells Andrew, and together they bring the request to Jesus. This triggers Jesus' discourse about His coming glorification through death.

JHN 12:20-26

On the Mount of Olivesc. 30 AD

Andrew is one of four disciples (with Peter, James, and John) who privately ask Jesus about the temple's destruction and the end times. Jesus responds with the Olivet Discourse about future events.

MRK 13:3-4

Early Church Ministryc. 30-60 AD

Andrew is present at Pentecost and continues in apostolic ministry. According to tradition, he evangelizes regions around the Black Sea, including Scythia, Greece, and areas that would become Russia and Ukraine.

ACT 1:13

Martyrdomc. 60-70 AD

Church tradition holds that Andrew was crucified in Patras, Greece. He reportedly requested an X-shaped cross, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. This cross became known as St. Andrew's Cross.

Andrew's Key Relationships

PeterFamily

Brother - Andrew brought Peter to Jesus in their first act as disciples. Though Peter became more prominent, Andrew's introduction shaped history. The brothers fished together and followed Jesus together.

Jesus ChristMentor

Lord and Master - Andrew was among Jesus' first disciples, following Him after hearing John the Baptist's testimony. He consistently brought others to Jesus throughout his ministry.

PhilipAlly

Fellow Apostle - Philip and Andrew both came from Bethsaida and worked together. When Greeks sought Jesus, Philip went to Andrew, and together they brought them to Jesus. They exemplify cooperative ministry.

Andrew's Key Locations

Sea of Galilee

Andrew fished these waters before Jesus called him. His nets, boat, and livelihood were connected to this lake. He left it all to become a fisher of men, never returning to commercial fishing.

Jordan River

At the Jordan, Andrew first heard John the Baptist identify Jesus as the Lamb of God. Following Jesus from the Jordan was the decisive moment that changed his life direction.

Capernaum

Andrew and Peter shared a home in Capernaum where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law. This house became a base for Jesus' Galilean ministry and a gathering place for disciples.

Spiritual Lessons from Andrew

Bring People to Jesus

Andrew's consistent ministry was bringing people to Jesus: Peter, a boy, Greeks. His greatest contribution was not his own prominence but introducing others to Christ. Every believer can do what Andrew did.

Small Offerings Matter

Andrew brought five loaves and two fish, acknowledging their inadequacy. Yet Jesus multiplied them to feed thousands. God uses what we bring, however small it seems. Availability matters more than ability.

Faithful in the Background

Andrew never made the inner three yet served faithfully. The person he introduced, Peter, became more famous. Faithfulness does not require prominence. God honors those who serve without needing spotlight.

Key Verses about Andrew

John 1:40-42 John 6:8-9 John 12:20-22

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Andrew called the first-called?+

Why is Andrew the patron saint of Scotland?+

Why isn't Andrew in the inner three?+