Andrew
Pronounced AN-droo
- Meaning
- "Manly; Courageous"
- Origin
- Greek (Andreas)
Andrew means "manly" or "courageous" in Greek. He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter. Andrew is known as the "first-called" and is celebrated for his habit of bringing others to Jesus. Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. When John pointed to Jesus and said, "Behold the Lamb of God," Andrew followed Jesus and then immediately went to find his brother Simon, telling him, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41). This pattern of personal evangelism defines Andrew's legacy. Andrew also brought the boy with five loaves and two fishes to Jesus before the feeding of the five thousand. Though less prominent than Peter, James, or John, Andrew's quiet faithfulness in connecting people with Christ makes him an enduring model of personal ministry.
Spiritual meaning
Andrew's legacy is the ministry of introduction — bringing others to Jesus. His quiet courage reminds us that some of the most important work in God's kingdom happens one conversation at a time.
Related verses (KJV)
"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."
John 1:41 (KJV)
"One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes."
John 6:8-9 (KJV)