Category:Andrew (subject)

Andrew (1st century CE) is one of the Twelve apostles of Jesus of Nazareth, and the brother of Peter.

Andrew in ancient sources

Andrew is mentioned only in Christian sources, i.e. in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke (and Acts), and John, as one on the closest disciples of Jesus. He was the brother of Simon Peter (Mk 1:16; Mt 4:18; Jn 1:40); the son of Jona (Mt 16:17) or John (Jn 1:42); one of the Twelve.

According to Mark, at the time of his call Andrew was living in Capernaum (Mk 1:21.29); he and Peter were fishing when Jesus called them.

According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was originally from Bethsaida (Jn 1:42) and a former disciple of John the Baptist, before joining the group of the disciples of Jesus. It was him who brought his brother Peter to Jesus, saying: "We have found the Messiah" (Jn 1:35-41).

The later Christian tradition made Andrew a preacher in Asia Minor and in Scythia, and the founder of the See of Byzantium. It also tells of his martyrdom on a X-shaped cross at Patras, Greece.

Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan

Andrew in Scholarship

Although the existence of Andrew is not questioned, the lack of evidence outside the Christian tradition makes it virtually impossible any attempt at a historical reconstruction of the life of Andrew, apart from a critical analysis of his legend (see Andrew, Brother of Simon Peter (1958 Peterson), book)

Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan

Andrew in Fiction

The character of Andrew remains marginal in Christian iconography, where only the scene of his martyrdom enjoyed some popularity. Even in modern fiction Andrew has never gained a life of his own, apart from the traditional association with Jesus or his brother Simon Peter.

Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan

External links

• Wikipedia