The Disciples: Andrew
Andrew was a brother of Simon Peter. The brothers were from the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. The Greek culture and language were very significant in the area.
His name is Greek, instead of the traditional Hebrew, of the Jews. The name Andrew means manly, brave, manhood and valour.
Peter and Andrew were both fishermen by trade, alongside James and John. Jesus came upon both sets of brothers while fishing.
However, Andrew clearly had already encountered Jesus before this point. He and another unknown disciple {some sources believe this to be James} were followers of John the Baptist.
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” {John 1:35-42}
So, what else do we know about Andrew?
“And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.” {Mark 1:29}
He lived with his brother and his family.
When Greeks approached Philip about seeing Jesus, Philip went to Andrew. “Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.” {John 12:22}
Philip and Andrew must have been close, but he also remained close with his brother and friends.
“And as he sat on the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,” {Mark 13:3}
While Peter, James and John are often mentioned as the inner circle of Jesus, Andrew was part of the group on this day, when they asked Jesus about his kingdom.
As the brother to Peter, he probably had an advantage to many of the other disciples to join the inner circle.
He is last mentioned in scripture as joining the other disciples in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came upon them. {Acts 1:13}
Historical records indicate he preached in Thrace and Byzantine.
He died in 62AD in Rome. Early texts state he was bound {not nailed} to a cross in the shape of an X. This is the reason the Saint Andrew’s cross is in the shape of an X.
He is the patron saint of many countries and cities including Scotland, Russia, the Ukraine, Patras, Prussia, Cyprus, Romania, Burgundy and numerous others.
Various churches around the world including the Basilica of Saint Andrew in Patras, Greece and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland claim to have relics of Andrew’s.
The Scottish flag and Union Jack contain the St. Andrew’s cross on it.
St. Andrews day in November 30th .