Andrew was born in Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire. He was known as the youngest brother of Saint Peter, the First Pope. His Greek name means "Strong Man." He was the first Apostle to be called by Jesus.
He was the disciple of Saint John the Baptist, who pointed Jesus to him saying: "Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." When he asked Jesus where he was staying, Jesus replied: "Come, and you will see." The following day, he went to his brother, Saint Peter and said: "We have found the Messiah." Then he brought him to Jesus. (Mark: 1:29, 39, 41). Afterwards, Andrew and Saint Peter returned to Capernaum for their daily work. As they were fishing, Jesus approached them and said: "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately, they abandoned their nets and followed Jesus (Mark 1:17-18).
Before the miracle of the multiplication of bread, Andrew said to Jesus: "There is a boy who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what good are these for so many people?" (John 6:9). Then Jesus prayed and multiplied the bread and fish for 5000 men.
One day, Jesus prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem, Andrew inquired: Lord, tell us, when will this happen, and what is the sign?" And Jesus replied: "No human knows that day, not even me. See that no one deceives you. The one who perseveres to the end will be saved (Mark 13:4, 5, 13).
After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the disciples began to preach the gospel to the believers and to build a church in Jerusalem.
In the year 44 AD, the church in Jerusalem fell under attack by King Herod Agrippa. After he executed Saint James the Great, King Herod Agrippa arrested his older brother, Saint Peter, and locked him up in Antonia Fortress. Of course, Andrew, his friends, and the believers fervently prayed for his older brother's release. God heard their prayers, so he sent an angel of the Lord to rescued Saint Peter.
After preaching the Gospel in many lands, he went Patras, in Greece, to preach the Gospel there. However, three days later, Governor Aegeas had Andrew arrested and crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Achaia, Roman Empire.
Like Saint Peter, Andrew was venerated by all Christian denominations. His feast day is November 30.
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Book of Ancient Saints: Volume 1
Non-FictionSaints are people, who are accepted as being holy, religious, and virtuous. In Christianity, more than thousands of saints gave up their life for God or died for Jesus Christ. This volume are true-to-life stories of saints who were born between BC...
