Lexical Summary Andreas: Andrew Original Word: Ἀνδρέας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Andrew. From aner; manly; Andreas, an Israelite -- Andrew. see GREEK aner NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anér Definition "manly," Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ NASB Translation Andrew (13). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 406: ἈνδρέαςἈνδρέας, Ἀνδρέου, ὁ, Andrew (a Greek name (meaning manly; for its occurrence, see Pape, Eigennamen, under the word; B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Identity and Early Life Andrew, son of Jonah and brother of Simon Peter, was a Galilean fisherman from Bethsaida (John 1:44). His name, of Greek derivation, reflects the Hellenistic culture woven through first-century Galilee. Scripture presents him as spiritually earnest, already a disciple of John the Baptist before meeting Jesus (John 1:35-40). This background explains his readiness to recognize “the Lamb of God” and to transfer his allegiance to Messiah. First Encounters with Jesus Andrew is the first recorded follower to introduce another person to Christ. “He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ ” (John 1:41). This impulse to bring others to Jesus becomes Andrew’s signature characteristic throughout the New Testament. Andrew in the Synoptic Gospels The Synoptics consistently group Andrew with Peter, James, and John, highlighting his inclusion among the core fishermen called by the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16; Luke 5:1-11). At Peter’s house in Capernaum he witnessed Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). On the Mount of Olives he was one of the four who privately questioned Jesus about the end of the age (Mark 13:3-4), indicating a trusted, inquisitive position within the Twelve. Andrew in the Gospel of John John emphasizes Andrew’s mediating role: Each scene portrays Andrew noticing individuals on the periphery and connecting them to Christ, revealing an evangelistic instinct attentive to both Jews and Gentiles. Andrew in the Book of Acts Acts 1:13 lists Andrew among those steadfastly continuing “with one accord in prayer.” Although Acts records no speeches or miracles by him, his presence in the upper room affirms his perseverance after the resurrection and his participation in Pentecost’s outpouring. Role Among the Twelve Andrew is named in all four apostolic lists (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). The order varies, yet he invariably appears within the first group of four, suggesting leadership while submitting to his more public brother. Scripture reveals no rivalry, only complementary service. Missional and Evangelistic Focus Andrew’s three Johannine appearances form a pattern: he recognizes value where others overlook it (an unlettered fisherman, a child’s lunch, foreign inquirers) and confidently brings them to Jesus. His example models personal evangelism: notice individuals, believe Christ can use small resources, and act as a bridge rather than a barrier. Typological and Theological Connections Andrew’s mediation between Greeks and Jesus foreshadows the Gospel’s global reach (John 12:22; compare Isaiah 49:6). His early discipleship under the Baptist underscores continuity between prophetic preparation and apostolic witness. By pointing to Christ rather than self, Andrew epitomizes humble service—an apostolic trait later commended by Paul (2 Corinthians 4:5). Historical and Post-Biblical Tradition Extrabiblical sources locate Andrew’s later ministry north of the Aegean, with martyrdom in Patras on an X-shaped cross. While not canonical, such testimonies illustrate the early church’s esteem for his missionary zeal and steadfastness unto death. Lessons for Contemporary Discipleship 1. Prompt obedience: Andrew “immediately left the nets” (Matthew 4:20). Related Old Testament Themes Andrew’s role mirrors Old Testament figures who introduce leaders to key callings—such as Eli guiding young Samuel (1 Samuel 3) or Jonathan encouraging David (1 Samuel 18). These parallels reinforce the biblical motif of lesser-known servants pivotal to redemptive history. Use in the Early Church Though silent in later narratives, Andrew’s consistent listing among the Twelve legitimized apostolic succession and the universal scope of the Gospel. Churches bearing his name from the early centuries onward testify to his enduring influence on Christian identity and outreach. Thus the thirteen New Testament mentions of Ἀνδρέας/Ἀνδρέαν/Ἀνδρέου collectively portray a disciple whose quiet faithfulness, relational sensitivity, and missionary vision continue to inspire the church’s witness today. Forms and Transliterations Ανδρεα Ἀνδρέᾳ Ανδρεαν Ἀνδρέαν Ανδρεας Ἀνδρέας ανδρεία ανδρείαν ανδρείοι ανδρείος ανδρείου ανδρείων Ανδρεου Ἀνδρέου ανδρία ανδρίαν Andrea Andréāi Andrean Andréan Andreas Andréas Andreou AndréouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 4:18 N-AMSGRK: Πέτρον καὶ Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν NAS: Peter, and Andrew his brother, KJV: Peter, and Andrew his brother, INT: Peter and Andrew the brother Matthew 10:2 N-NMS Mark 1:16 N-AMS Mark 1:29 N-GMS Mark 3:18 N-AMS Mark 13:3 N-NMS Luke 6:14 N-AMS John 1:40 N-NMS John 1:44 N-GMS John 6:8 N-NMS John 12:22 N-DMS John 12:22 N-NMS Acts 1:13 N-NMS Strong's Greek 406 |
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