First Disciple

St. Andrew has traditionally been given the honor of first disciple of Jesus.  He never tired of bringing new disciples to Christ.

Feast Day:  November 30
Born ??
Death ??
Patron of fisherman
Bethsaida in Galilee

As follower of John the Baptist, it was easy to find Andrew choosing to shift his discipleship to Jesus when shown the path.  John gave Andrew this path when he gave the message to the crowds, "Behold the Lamb of God!"  However, only a few of this crowd actually took the step that Andrew did to leave all behind and become an apostle of Christ.  (John 1:35-37)

When Andrew followed Jesus, he was quickly asked, "What do you seek?" When Andrew answered that he would like to know where Jesus lived, Our Lord replied, "Come and see." Andrew had been only a little time with Jesus when he realized that this was truly the Messiah. (John 1:38-40)

Andrew did not take this position as Jesus' first disciple for granted.  He immediately went to his brother Peter and told him the news of the Messiah. (John 1: 41)

At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs, but later, the Lord called them to stay with Him all the time. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time, they left their nets for good. (Matthew 4:  18-20)

After the Resurrection, Andrew made his way to Greece and Turkey to spread the message of the Gospel. Little is known about his travels but legend tells that he was put to death on an X-shaped cross after being tied and left for two days in that state of suffering.  He never gave up his calling as an apostle, as he continued to preach to the people gathered around him until his death.