by Jilene Scherenske
Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a native of Galilee. He was living in Capernaum at the time he met Jesus. He and Peter, his brother, were not only partners in a fishing business on the Sea of Galilee, they also co-owned a house (John 1:44, Mark 1:29, Matt 4:18). It is likely that Peter and Andrew were lifelong companions with James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They apparently shared a common interest in spiritual things and must have taken time off from fishing to hear John the Baptist preach and became his disciples. Then they returned to fishing until Jesus called them to be full-time disciples.
It is hard to talk about Andrew and not compare him with his brother. Andrew was far different than his brother Peter. Peter roared like a firecracker, exploded into colors, then fizzled out. Andrew sizzled low with the constancy of a sparkler. Peter was impetuous, Andrew cautious. Peter led while Andrew followed. Andrew did not fall emotionally at Jesus’ feet after the miraculous catch of fish, nor did he jump daringly into the stormy sea to walk on water, nor rashly cut off a man’s ear. Rather, he was solid, prudent, conservative, bold, decisive, and deliberate. Though he seemed to take the back seat, there is nothing about him that smacks of weakness or passiveness or feebleness.
Though overshadowed by his brother, Andrew accepted his lowly spot, toiling on in relative obscurity. His name means man, though some translate it manly or brave. Andrew’s name occurs 13 times in the Gospels and Acts. In three separate episodes, he brought people to Jesus – all of which were only recorded in the gospel of John.