Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples, is known for bringing others to Christ. Today, we’ll learn about his role in the Bible and what his example teaches us about sharing our faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Ananias
What Does The Bible Say About Andrew
John 1:40-41
“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).”
This verse highlights Andrew’s immediate response and enthusiasm when he encountered Jesus. He wasted no time in sharing the good news with his brother, Simon Peter. It teaches us the importance of sharing our faith and inviting others to experience a personal relationship with Jesus.
Matthew 4:18-20
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”
This verse depicts Andrew’s immediate response to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Despite their occupation as fishermen, Andrew and his brother Peter willingly left everything behind to follow Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience and surrender to Christ’s calling on our lives.
John 6:8-9
“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?’”
This verse showcases Andrew’s practicality and resourcefulness. While faced with the challenge of feeding a large crowd, Andrew brings forth a young boy’s meager offering, recognizing that Jesus can still do something miraculous with it. It teaches us to bring whatever we have to Jesus, no matter how insignificant it may seem, trusting in His ability to multiply and provide beyond our expectations.
John 12:20-22
“Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.”
In this passage, Andrew acts as an intermediary between the Greeks who desire to see Jesus and Jesus Himself. He bridges the gap and facilitates their encounter with the Savior. It reminds us of the importance of being connectors, leading others to Jesus and enabling them to experience His transformative presence.
Mark 13:3-4
“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?’”
This verse reveals Andrew’s inquisitive nature and eagerness to understand the future events described by Jesus. Alongside Peter, James, and John, Andrew seeks clarification and guidance from Jesus. It teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom from the Lord and seeking His insight into prophetic matters.
Acts 1:12-14
“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
In this passage, Andrew is mentioned as being among the disciples who gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ ascension, joining together in prayer and supplication. It emphasizes the importance of united prayer and fellowship among believers as they await the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Matthew 10:2-4
“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; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
In this verse, Andrew is listed as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. It highlights his significant role and position among the early followers of Christ. As an apostle, Andrew was entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the good news and advancing the kingdom of God.
John 1:40-42
“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.”
This verse reiterates Andrew’s initiative in bringing his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. It underscores the importance of personal evangelism and the impact it can have on those closest to us. Andrew’s actions remind us of our responsibility to share the good news with others and bring them into a life-transforming encounter with Christ.
John 1:43-44
“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.”
This verse establishes a connection between Andrew, Peter, and Philip, as they all came from the same hometown of Bethsaida. It highlights the influential role Andrew played in introducing Philip to Jesus, paving the way for a new disciple to join the ranks of Jesus’ followers. It demonstrates the ripple effect of one person’s faith and obedience in leading others to Jesus.
John 6:8-11
“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?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.”
In this well-known miracle of feeding the multitude, Andrew plays a crucial role in bringing the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus. Despite his initial doubt about the abundance of the young boy’s offering, Andrew trusts Jesus and witnesses the extraordinary multiplication of food. It serves as a reminder of the immense power and provision of our Savior when we offer what we have in faith, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
John 12:20-26
“Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.’”
In this passage, Andrew is involved in bringing the Greeks to Jesus, emphasizing his role as a bridge builder. Jesus responds to their arrival by speaking about his impending death and the principle of self-sacrifice and surrender. It teaches us that to truly serve and follow Jesus, we must be willing to lay down our own desires and ambitions, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness.
John 13:1-9
“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ ‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’”
In this passage, Andrew is not specifically mentioned, but as one of the disciples, he would have been present during Jesus’ act of humble servanthood when He washed the disciples’ feet. The interaction between Jesus and Peter highlights Peter’s initial resistance and his eventual willingness to completely yield to Jesus’ act of cleansing. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, submission, and allowing Jesus to wash away our impurities, becoming fully surrendered to Him.
John 6:66-69
“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’”
In this pivotal moment, when many of Jesus’ disciples were turning away due to the challenging nature of His teachings, Peter responds to Jesus’ question with unwavering loyalty and faith. Andrew, as one of the Twelve, would have been included in this exchange. It highlights the importance of perseverance and trust in Jesus, recognizing that He alone holds the message and provision of eternal life.
Matthew 17:1-5
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Although Andrew is not mentioned explicitly in this passage, as the brother of Peter, he would have been excluded from the inner circle of disciples who witnessed the transfiguration. The event showcases the divine glory of Jesus, as well as His fulfillment of the law (represented by Moses) and the prophets (represented by Elijah). It underscores the importance of acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and listening to His teachings.
John 14:1-6
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
In this passage, Jesus assures His disciples and offers them words of comfort. He emphasizes the exclusivity of His role as the way, the truth, and the life, proclaiming that no one can access the Father’s presence except through Him. Andrew, as one of the disciples, would have heard this declaration. It reiterates the centrality of Jesus in our faith and salvation, emphasizing the necessity of believing in Him and placing our trust in His redemptive work.
John 21:1-3
“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ‘I’m going out to fish,’ Simon Peter told them, and they said, ‘We’ll go with you.’ So, they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”
In this passage, Andrew is part of the group of disciples who decided to go fishing with Peter after Jesus’ resurrection. It shows both their camaraderie and their temporary state of uncertainty, as they return to their former occupation. However, the subsequent events in this chapter reveal Jesus’ reinstatement and commissioning of Peter and the others, reminding us of Jesus’ faithfulness and His ability to call us back to our intended purpose.
John 21:4-7
“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, ‘It is the Lord,’ he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.”
In this post-resurrection encounter, Andrew is again not mentioned by name. However, as one of the disciples, he was present when Jesus performed another miraculous catch of fish. The recognition of Jesus by the disciple whom Jesus loved (often traditionally identified as John) and Peter’s exuberant response showcases their deep love and devotion to the Lord. It serves as a reminder of the joy and excitement we experience when we encounter Jesus in our lives.
John 21:15-17
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again, Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
Although Andrew is not mentioned in this narrative, it presents a conversation between Jesus and Peter after their meal. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him and proceeds to commission Peter to take care of His lambs and sheep. Andrew, as Peter’s brother, would have been a witness to this significant interaction. It reinforces the importance of love for Jesus and the responsibility of shepherding and caring for His followers.
Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Although Andrew is not specifically mentioned as one of the participants in the events of Pentecost, he would have been present with the other disciples in the upper room. This remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the birth of the early church. It demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of sending the Comforter and empowering His followers to preach the gospel and carry out God’s mission. It serves as a reminder of the indwelling presence and transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Matthew 28:16-20
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.’”
Although this passage does not mention Andrew by name, he was one of the eleven remaining disciples present at the mountain in Galilee where Jesus appeared. This Great Commission given by Jesus encompasses the mandate for all believers to go into the world, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. It underscores the universal scope of the gospel and the ongoing presence and guidance of Jesus as we fulfill our mission.
Acts 1:13-14
“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.”
Although Andrew is not mentioned specifically in this verse, he was one of the disciples who gathered together in the upper room after Jesus’ ascension. They engaged in fervent prayer, seeking the promised Holy Spirit’s coming. This unity and dedication to prayer, alongside the women and Jesus’ family, highlights the importance of corporate prayer and the expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promises.