Who was Andrew in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Andrew was first a follower of John the Baptist and was with him when John declared Jesus as "the Lamb of God" (John 1:36). Convinced that he had found the Messiah, Andrew immediately went to tell his brother Simon, who would later be called Peter. This makes Andrew the first disciple to actively bring someone to Jesus. He was also part of Jesus' twelve main disciples, though not in the innermost circle like Peter, James, and John. Andrew is mentioned during significant events, such as the feeding of the five thousand, where he found the boy with five loaves and two fish, showing his initiative and faith (John 6:8–9). He was also present when Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple, showing his close relationship with Jesus (Mark 13:3–4).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Andrew lived during the 1st century AD and is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible describes Andrew as a fisherman from the town of Bethsaida, located near the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 4:18–19, it says, "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" Additionally, John 1:44 notes that Andrew, along with Peter, was from Bethsaida: "Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter."
• Immediately after meeting Jesus, Andrew found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus (John 1:40–42).
• Andrew took initiative when he pointed out the boy with the loaves and fish before Jesus fed the five thousand (John 6:8–9).
• In John 12:22, Andrew went with Philip to tell Jesus about the Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus.
• Andrew’s questioning about the end times (alongside Peter, James, and John) shows his deep interest in Jesus' teachings and prophecies (Mark 13:3–4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Andrew's willingness to immediately follow Jesus upon recognizing Him as the Messiah is a powerful example of faith and obedience. This reminds us that recognizing Jesus' authority and divinity requires a personal response, just as Andrew responded by following Jesus and inviting others to come to Him.

Andrew's role in bringing his brother (Simon Peter) to Jesus shows us the importance of personal evangelism. Our efforts to introduce others to Christ can have far-reaching effects, even if we are not in the most prominent positions. Andrew was not as prominently featured as Peter or John, yet his initial act of bringing Peter to Jesus had a profound impact on the early Christian movement.

Andrew's interaction during the feeding of the five thousand teaches us about recognizing opportunities to serve and having faith in Jesus to do the miraculous with our limited resources. When faced with a great need, Andrew brought what little he had—five loaves and two fish. God can use our small contributions in big ways.

Andrew's story shows us how every follower of Christ has a role in God's kingdom, no matter how big or small it may seem. Each role is critical in the spread of the gospel and the building up of the church. Andrew's life encourages us to find our role in God's plan, to act on it in faith, and to bring others to Christ, knowing that every act of faithfulness contributes to God's greater purposes.

UNDERSTAND

• Andrew was one of Jesus’ first disciples.
• Andrew brought his brother to Jesus.
• Andrew reveals that no matter who we are, our faith and trust in Him reflected in our actions is part of building God’s kingdom and reflecting Him to the world.

REFLECT

• Andrew was not one of Jesus’ closest disciples, but that did not mean that he was not valued or that he did not have purpose.
• Andrew’s faith and excitement in sharing Jesus with Peter changed Peter’s life, which also impacted the church.
• Andrew’s faith is seen in his love for Jesus and his engagement while Jesus taught on earth.

ENGAGE

• So often we look to people with prominent roles as examples of faith, but earthly position is not important to God. Regardless of status, God seeks those who are humble and faithful. Why is it often more difficult to be humble and faithful when in a prominent position?
• There is nothing wrong with being “ordinary.” God works extraordinarily in ordinary ways for those who trust in Him. How is Andrew’s life a testament of God’s faithfulness?
• God calls us to share the gospel because that is how others will come to know the salvation He offers. When we recognize Jesus as God and the way to salvation, how should we respond?