Andrew
The First-Called ApostleFisherman and brother of Peter who was the first disciple called by Jesus and known for bringing others to Christ
Andrew holds the distinction of being the first disciple called by Jesus, initially a follower of John the Baptist. His most characteristic trait was bringing others to Jesus - he brought his brother Peter, the boy with loaves and fish, and the Greeks seeking Jesus. Tradition holds that Andrew preached in Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor before being crucified on an X-shaped cross (now called St. Andrew's Cross) in Patras, Greece. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Greece.
Original Name
Ἀνδρέας (Andreas)
Meaning
Manly, brave, courageous
Etymology
From the Greek 'andreios' meaning manly or brave, derived from 'aner' (man). Andrew had a Greek name despite being a Galilean Jew, reflecting the Hellenistic influence in the region. His Greek name may indicate his family's engagement with the broader Mediterranean world through their fishing trade.
Linguistic Insights
Andrew's Greek name in a Jewish fishing family reflects the cultural diversity of first-century Galilee, where Greek was widely spoken for commerce. The name's meaning - 'manly' or 'brave' - proved prophetic as Andrew faced martyrdom with courage, reportedly preaching from his cross for two days. His role as 'the first-called' (Protokletos in Greek tradition) became his primary title in Eastern Christianity. Andrew serves as a bridge figure - with a Greek name but Jewish heritage, he appropriately becomes the one to bring Greeks to meet Jesus (John 12).
Translation Notes
- •Greek name unusual for Galilean Jewish fisherman
- •Eastern Orthodox call him 'Protokletos' (First-Called)
- •Name appears in all four Gospel lists of the Twelve
- •Always listed among the first four apostles called
Related Terms
Disciple of John the Baptist
John 1:35-40First called by Jesus - 'Come and see'
John 1:35-42Brought his brother Peter to Jesus
John 1:41-42Called from fishing nets with Peter
Matthew 4:18-20Present at feeding of 5,000, found the boy with loaves
John 6:8-9Brought Greeks who wanted to see Jesus
John 12:20-22Asked Jesus about end times on Mount of Olives
Mark 13:3-4Present at Pentecost
Acts 1:13Tradition: Crucified on X-shaped cross in Patras
Church traditionJohn 1:41
"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah.'"
John 6:9
"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
John 12:22
"Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus."
Matthew 4:19
"Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people."