Saint Andrew, Apostle

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 4:18-22

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The First-Called of the Twelve

Though Andrew is often overshadowed by his brother Peter, Eastern Christian tradition honors him as the First-Called. Indeed, Peter finds his vocation by following his brother Andrew to Jesus. Andrew’s first “catch” as a fisher of men is Peter!

Three More Fishermen

A disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew hears his master proclaim as Jesus walks by, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:35-42). Andrew and another disciple of John the Baptist (traditionally, John, son of Zebedee) follow Jesus, who offers them hospitality for a day. Andrew is so impressed that he brings his brother Simon to Jesus with the declaration: “We have found the Messiah.” Jesus, in turn, finds his chief apostle and declares, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is Aramaic for “Rock” (translated Peter from Greek Petros). 

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, also drop their nets to follow Jesus and become “fishers of men” with their friends Simon and Andrew.

Jesus’ Hospitality Returned

Jesus’ pivotal invitation to the disciples of John the Baptist to stay with him is later returned. While a guest at the home of Simon and Andrew, Jesus cures Simon’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). James and John bear witness to this family miracle.

“Come and See”

From the First-Called to the last, the circle of God’s family grows with every disciple’s invitation to “Come and see” (John 1:46), for “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).

O taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him!

Psalm 34:8(9)

Traditional Chinese Translation

《使徒安得烈》
 西門、安得烈和西庇太的兒子們
 在加利利海跟隨耶穌。