Andrew

BIBLE CHARACTER RESEARCH GUIDE

Andrew in the Bible

Apostle of Jesus · Brother of Peter

Andrew is one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the brother of Peter. The Gospels associate him with fishing in Galilee and with several moments in which people or needs are brought to Jesus.

AT A GLANCE

Andrew at a Glance

TestamentNew Testament
Nationality / PeopleJewish / First-century biblical world
First AppearanceMatthew 4:18
Last AppearanceActs 1:13
Known ForBeing among Jesus’ first followers, bringing Peter to Jesus in John, participating in the feeding of the five thousand, and serving among the Twelve.
PRIMARY PASSAGES

Key Bible Passages About Andrew

KEY PASSAGE

John 1:35–42

Andrew follows Jesus and brings Simon to him.

KEY PASSAGE

John 6:5–13

Andrew points out the boy with loaves and fish.

KEY PASSAGE

John 12:20–22

Andrew and Philip bring the Greeks’ request to Jesus.

Mark 13:3–4

Andrew joins Peter, James, and John in a private question.

Acts 1:13

Andrew is named among the apostles after the ascension.

BIOGRAPHY

The Story of Andrew

Andrew is a Galilean fisherman and Peter’s brother. Matthew and Mark describe Jesus calling the brothers while they are casting a net. John gives another perspective, presenting Andrew as a disciple of John the Baptist who follows Jesus and then tells Simon that they have found the Messiah.

Andrew appears by name at several additional moments. In John 6 he points out the boy with loaves and fish before the feeding of the five thousand. In John 12, Philip and Andrew together bring a request from Greeks who want to see Jesus. Mark 13 includes Andrew among the disciples who privately ask Jesus about coming events.

Acts 1 names Andrew among the apostles gathered after Jesus’ ascension.

WHERE TO READ

Where Does Andrew Appear in the Bible?

Matthew 4; 10MAJOR APPEARANCE

Andrew is called and named among the Twelve.

Mark 1; 3; 13MAJOR APPEARANCE

Andrew is called, listed, and included in a private discussion.

John 1; 6; 12MAJOR APPEARANCE

John gives Andrew several distinctive scenes.

Acts 1

Andrew is named among the apostles.

BACKGROUND

Historical & Cultural Context

Andrew comes from the fishing economy around the Sea of Galilee. John 1 associates Andrew and Peter with Bethsaida, while the Synoptic Gospels place their calling within Galilean ministry.

READING THE TEXT

Literary Role

Andrew is a supporting apostolic figure. His profile should not be expanded with later traditions unless clearly labeled as tradition rather than New Testament evidence.

WHY ANDREW MATTERS

Character & Significance

Andrew receives less narrative attention than Peter, but the Gospels consistently place him among the Twelve and John repeatedly associates him with bringing information or people toward Jesus.

RELATIONSHIPS

Important People in Andrew’s Life

Peter

Brother

Andrew is Peter’s brother and fellow fisherman.

Jesus

Teacher and Lord

Andrew follows Jesus as one of the Twelve.

Philip

Fellow disciple

Andrew and Philip appear together when Greeks ask to see Jesus.

TIMELINE

The Life and Story of Andrew

Follows Jesus

Andrew follows Jesus after hearing John the Baptist’s testimony.

Called From Fishing

Jesus calls Andrew and Peter.

Feeding of Five Thousand

Andrew identifies the available food.

Greeks Seek Jesus

Andrew and Philip bring the request to Jesus.

After the Ascension

Andrew remains with the apostolic group.

FOR STUDENTS

Research Questions About Andrew

How do John and the Synoptic Gospels present Andrew’s first encounter with Jesus?

Read the accounts as complementary literary presentations rather than forcing them into a single compressed scene.

What distinctive role does Andrew play in John?

Trace how Andrew brings Simon, identifies the boy’s food, and joins Philip with the Greeks’ request.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew

Who was Andrew in the Bible?

Andrew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the brother of Peter.

What did Andrew do before following Jesus?

Matthew and Mark identify Andrew as a fisherman.

Did Andrew introduce Peter to Jesus?

John 1 says Andrew found Simon and brought him to Jesus.

CITE THIS PAGE

Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide

Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.

MLA-style starting point
“Andrew: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/people/andrew/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
Chicago-style starting point
BibleVerses.com. “Andrew: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/people/andrew/.

When citing Scripture itself, cite the Bible translation and passage separately according to your required style.