The Connector, Bringing People To Jesus

Andrew, brother of Peter, was a fisherman by trade. He was born in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Before becoming a disciple of Jesus, Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist, where he first encountered Jesus. After John’s testimony about Jesus as the Lamb of God, Andrew became one of the first disciples to follow Christ (John 1:35-40). His immediate response was to bring his brother Peter to Jesus, reflecting Andrew’s mission-minded character.

After being called by Jesus, Andrew traveled with Him and participated in many significant events during Jesus’ ministry. He is noted for his role in feeding the 5,000, where he identified
the boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6:8-9). Following Jesus’ resurrection, Andrew became a prominent leader in the early church, particularly among Jewish communities.

Tradition holds that Andrew preached in various regions, including Judea, Samaria, and the areas around the Black Sea, as well as in modern-day Greece and Turkey. According to some accounts, he traveled as far as Scythia (Ukraine/Russia) spreading the Gospel to Gentiles and establishing Christian communities.

Andrew’s martyrdom is believed to have occurred around 60-70 AD in Patras, Greece. The governor’s wife was healed and converted, enraging her husband, who condemned Andrew to die on a cross. At his request, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross because he felt unworthy to die in the same way as Jesus. As he hung on the cross, he preached to the people for two days.

Andrew’s legacy as an evangelist and his commitment to spreading the message of Jesus are significant. His life exemplifies the spirit of discipleship and the importance of outreach, influencing many in the early church to follow Christ. ■