The "First-Called" Disciple

Andrew was the first disciple called by Jesus (John 1:40). Andrew, the Protokletos (Greek for "first called"), was a fisherman from Bethsaida, in Galilee, and the brother of Peter. Both brothers were probably originally disciples of John the Baptist. As one of the disciples closer to Jesus, Andrew witnessed many important events. Andrew was present when Jesus announced that the Temple would be torn down and the Son of Man would appear (Mark 13:3), and he was present when Jesus fed five thousand people (John 6:8). Acts 1:13 lists Andrew among those who had gone to the Mount of Olives after Jesus ascended into heaven.

Andrew later preached in Asia Minor. He became a patron saint of Greece, Romania, Russia, and Scotland. He served as the first bishop of Byzantium. According to the apocryphal Acts of Andrew, written in the second century A.D., Andrew was engaged in a long ministry to Greece, Anatolia, Thrace, and Macedonia, where he was involved in many miraculous cures and healings.

At the age of eighty, Andrew was crucified at Patras in Achea. He was sentenced to death for helping convert Maximilla, wife of a local ruler, to Christianity. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which over the centuries has become known as Saint Andrew's Cross. In icons and other religious imagery, Andrew is often shown with dishevelled hair and a long beard, and he is most often associated with a net, a ship, or a fish. Andrew's most distinctive symbol is the X-shaped cross.

When Andrew learned about Jesus Christ, he did not keep the knowledge to himself, but immediately shared it with his brother, Peter. This gives us some idea of the power of Jesus to convince Andrew of this truth. It also shows the sense of spiritual responsibility Andrew had for his brother, because Andrew's support and encouragement came from goodwill and brotherly love. May we all learn to encourage each other's spiritual development and to share what we discover.

Reflect on the Word

The first thing that Andrew did was to find his brother and tell him. "We have found the Messiah!" ... Andrew brought his brother to Jesus.

John 1:41a, 42a(CEV)