1st century AD · a disciple of Jesus c. AD 28-30
Andrew in the Bible
The one who brings others to Jesus. Name meaning: From the Greek Andreas, “manly,” “courageous”: a Greek name borne by a Jewish fisherman from Galilee
A fisherman from Bethsaida and the brother of Simon Peter, Andrew starts out as a disciple of John the Baptist. He is one of the first two to follow Jesus, and his first act is to go and find his brother: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). A quiet apostle, he turns up every time someone needs to be brought to Jesus: Simon, the boy with the five loaves, and then some Greeks who had come to the feast.
Key moments
- He follows Jesus on John the Baptist’s word John 1:40
- He brings his brother Simon to Jesus John 1:41–42
- Called to become a fisher of men Matthew 4:19
- Chosen among the twelve apostles Matthew 10:2
- He points out the boy with the five loaves John 6:8–9
- He brings the Greeks’ request to Jesus John 12:22
- At prayer in the upper room Acts 1:13
Strengths
- Initiative
- Humility
- People skills
- Availability
Weaknesses
Facing the hungry crowd, Andrew sees the resource but immediately doubts: “what are they among so many?” (John 6:9). Like the other disciples, he abandons Jesus and flees when he is arrested (Matt 26:56).
Lessons for today
- Witnessing often starts with family: Andrew first goes to find his own brother (John 1:41).
- You can serve powerfully without being in the spotlight: Andrew, rarely mentioned, brought to Jesus Simon Peter, the future preacher of Pentecost (Acts 2:14).
- Bringing Jesus the little we have, even in doubt, lets him act beyond our calculations (John 6:9-13).
- Being a go-between to Jesus is a real ministry: Andrew introduces Simon, the boy, and then the Greeks (John 12:22).
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 saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
People around Andrew
- Simon Peter — Brother, whom he brings to Jesus
- John the Baptist — His first master
- Jesus — The Messiah he found and followed
- Philip — Apostle from the same town, Bethsaida
- James, son of Zebedee — A fisherman like him, a companion on the Mount of Olives
- Jonah — Father of Simon and Andrew (a namesake of the prophet)
Stories with Andrew
Quiz: how well do you know Andrew?
Who is the first man Andrew brings to Jesus?
“He first findeth his own brother Simon… And he brought him to Jesus.” Philip and Nathanael are called the next day. John 1:41–42
What was the trade of Andrew and his brother Simon when Jesus called them?
Jesus saw Simon and Andrew “casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.” Matthew 4:18
Whose disciple was Andrew before he followed Jesus?
Andrew was one of the two disciples who heard John say, “Behold the Lamb of God!” and followed Jesus. John 1:35–40
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