Andrew’s name means “manly” or “brave.” That makes sense as we dig deeper into the life of (according to some accounts) Jesus’ first disciple. He was a man’s man – a fisherman in the region of Galilee. Fishermen worked day and night in all weather. Sunburned, rough, and weathered, these men were used to working hard. Teamwork was essential to their survival. Over-taxed by the Romans, they struggled.
This life was natural for Andrew. He had grown up in Bethsaida (the house of fish), learning the care and handling of his boat, mending nets, hauling in a catch, and navigating during storms. The seafaring way was in his blood.
Andrew was drawn to the spiritual. Any free time he had during John the Baptist’s short ministry was spent learning from him about the soon-coming Messiah. At Jesus’ baptism, John heralded the arrival of THE ONE. Dirty and smelling of fish, Andrew met Jesus on the Galilee shore and immediately accepted Him with simple faith. Imagine being plucked out of your way of life and told to follow a stranger. He became (in Jesus’ words) a fisher of men.
It takes a pioneering spirit to be among the first. He was immediately put on the potter’s wheel of discipleship, shaped as a catalyst for the Kingdom. We can learn from Andrew, often referred to only as Peter’s brother. He was briefly mentioned but exemplified faithfulness and obedience as he worked. He was unheralded. He brought his brother, Peter, to faith. He had Jesus’ ear and told Him about the boy and his lunch. When considering the Greeks’ belief in Jesus, Philip got Andrew’s wisdom first. After Jesus’ ascension, Andrew became a preacher and established churches. Martyred for his faith, he lived authentically for Jesus. He fulfilled his name.
~ Nan Robertson
Christ Fellowship