Andrew – Peter’s Brother in The Bible
Andrew was one of the first Disciples of Christ and he was the brother of Peter. He was very faithful and loved Christ that is why he stayed close to Jesus.
Andrew’s Early Life
Andrew was born in Bethsaida and belonged to a Jewish family. Andrew and Peter were fishermen and that was their business. Their work as fishermen suggests that they were very industrious.
Verse
“Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.” (John 1:44)
Andrew’s Connection With John The Baptist
Andrew was a disciple of John and received knowledge from him. By learning from John, his faith grew stronger and this perfect faith led him to Christ. After that, he entered into the service of Christ with other people.
Verse
“I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
John’s disciples follow Jesus
“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.” (John 1:34-40)
Andrew’s First Encounter With Jesus
After learning from John, Andrew went to Jesus Christ and accepted his teachings. After following the teachings of Jesus Christ, he also invited his brother and made him work with him. Among the disciples of Jesus Christ, the first disciples were Andrew and Peter and they became part of Jesus’ mission and always accompanied Jesus.
Verse
“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. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).” (John 1:41-42)
Andrew’s Role Among The Disciples
Both Andrew and Peter were brothers and together they supported Jesus Christ and supported him every step of the way. Since Peter has more importance in history, Andrew also performed a lot of services and was the shield of Christ at every stage. Peter and Andrew brought the teachings of Christ to the people and this taught the people and their service was an example to the rest of the disciples.
Verse
“These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;” (Matthew 10:2)
The Miracle of Feeding Five Thousand People
Andrew lived with Christ and he saw many miracles with his own eyes and he was also a witness to them. Once there was an incident of feeding five thousand people. When the food was very little but there were five thousand people, they sent a child who had only five loaves of bread and two fish. So Jesus performed a miracle and fed five thousand people from this modest number.
Verse
“Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:8-9)
Andrew’s Missionary Journey
Jesus and Peter were faithful companions of Jesus Christ. He spread the teachings of Jesus in many areas. It is found in many historical traditions that he preached in the regions of Scotia, Greece and Asia and many people accepted the Christian religion from his preaching. After Christ’s death, Andrew also built many churches, and his services in Jerusalem were extraordinary.
Verse
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Verse
“When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:13-14)
Andrew’s Sacrifice
Andrew brought the teachings of Jesus Christ to the people until his death and his death was also like a sacrifice. When he was preaching Jesus, the ruler of the Roman Empire put him on the cross. He was crucified on an X-shaped slab known as the “St. Andrew’s Cross”. Andrew’s life as well as death was a great example.
Verse
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
Andrew’s Legacy
People still remember Andrew’s sacrifice. His honor and respect is known all over the world. Andrew’s memory is also celebrated on a day called St. Andrew’s Day. In addition, the symbol of the slab on which he was crucified is also used on many flags. A great example of Christianity!
Verse
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Andrew’s Involvement in Jesus Miracles
Andrew had seen many miracles of Christ with his own eyes. Once there was a wedding in Cana during which Jesus changed the water into wine. Andrew was the witness of this miracle. Many people and disciples came closer to God because of this miracle.
Verse
Jesus Changes Water Into Wine
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:1-11)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Andrew has a very important place in the Bible. He has played a very important role in conveying the message of Christ to the people. In addition, he was the first disciple of Christ. He conveyed the message of Christ with such sincerity that for this work, He had to make many sacrifices. One sacrifice was his death. He was a very simple and loyal person and people still celebrate a day in his memory. He died when he was full of faith. Rather than stop preaching the message of Christ, he preferred death and died on the cross. This is proof that he was a sincere disciple and a true follower. After his sacrifice, he is still alive in our hearts.