The Twelve: St. Andrew

St. Andrew

Meaning of the name: Let me begin with a quote from Origen of Alexandria – Church father of III century AD: a name is a designation that sums up and describes the particular character of the one named (ACCS NT, II:41).

Andrew means manly, brave. He had to be brave to switch allegiance from John the Baptizer to the One John was pointing to. He had to be brave to invite his brother. Also, his name is Greek, unlike Simon. This is an indicator that Jesus' mission has a worldwide direction from the very beginning.

Life Story: He was born in Bethsaida, Galilee (John 1:44). When Jesus called him, he lived in the same house with Simon' (Peter) family [note that Simon mentioned first] (Mark 1:29). According to the Gospel of John, he actually was called the first. Then he invited Simon, and then the rest of the disciples joined the band (John 1:37-42).

He was selected as one of the twelve (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:14-19). Yet, by that time he is not listed with his brother (and James and John, as the main three), but along with the other disciples. What is interesting here – we never hear any complaints from St. Andrew that his status as “the-first-called” was not maintained.

There are a few stories that are recorded by the Gospel writers where he plays a role. First, He was the one who told Jesus about a boy with “five barley loaves and two fish” (John 6:8). Out of these gifts Jesus made a feast for 500 people. He looks like a guys who can come up with some kinda solution – problem-solver.

It is interesting to note that Andrew maintained to respect among other disciples, especially the ones who came from his hometown. I don't thin it would be possible if he would have a bad reputation prior to “conversion.” This respect becomes very obvious when Philip is addressed by some Greeks to see Jesus (John 12:20-22). Philip does not go to Jesus immediately, but first comes to … Andrew, then two of them come to Jesus.

St. Mark records a story when Andrew joins Peter, James and John asking Jesus during the Holy Week about the times when the signs of the end of the world will come (Mark 13:3). Worthy to note that the four again are joined together. Last time it was around the bed of sick Simon's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). Now they are discussing the “death of this sick world.” Very symbolic.

The last time St. Andrew is mentioned in the Bible is Acts 1:13, when the disciple came back from the mount called Olivet after Jesus' ascension. This means that he was a dedicated disciple, devoted to the prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1-4). The lack of additional information leads us to conclude that he wasn't a trouble maker – a great sign of a humble servant of the LORD.

Traditions:

There is a tradition (outside of Scriptures) that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross. Though the tradition is somewhat late, yet it gave the rise to commemoration of the first fisherman disciple on the flags of Scotland, Kingdom of Ireland, and Russian Navy:

Scotland	Ireland	Russian Navy

Commemoration: St. Andrew is remembered on November 30^th – at the very beginning of church year. The forefathers of our church put together the fact that he was called prior to all the apostles and the start of church's annual calendar.

Prayer: Almighty God, by Your grace the apostle Andrew obeyed the call of Your Son to be a disciple. Grant us also to follow the same Lord Jesus Christ in heart and life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.