An Introduction to Andrew
Andrew
was an apostle of the Christ and brother to Peter. Sometimes he is referred to
as a “Secondary Apostle” or “The Fourth Most Important Apostle.” The reason for
this is because there are times when Andrew is mentioned alongside Peter,
James, and John (Mark 1:29). This is
an unfair assessment of the apostle and hopefully we will come to understand
why at the end of this study. Andrew by trade was a fisherman (Matt. 4:18-20). It is thought that
after the events revealed in the New Testament that Andrew did much of his
preaching in the area of Ethiopia. While he was in Ethiopia he spoke out
against the idolatry in the area. He was told by the rulers of that area that
if he did not cease the preaching of the cross, he would be quickly fastened to
a cross. He did not stop preaching and was crucified. It is said of Andrew, as
he was led to the cross:
“Andrew,
going toward the place, and seeing afar off the cross prepared, did not change
his countenance, nor colour, neither did his blood shrink, neither did he fail
in his speech, his body fainted not, neither was his mind molested, not did his
understanding fail him, as it is the manner of men to do…he said, ‘O cross,
most welcome and long looked for! With a willing mind, joyfully, and
desirously, I come to thee, being the scholar of Him which did hang on thee:
because I have always been thy lover, and have coveted to embrace thee.’”
(Foxe. P. 9)
It
is important to note that the accounts of martyrdom of the apostles are mainly
traditional. That is, those who wrote concerning the deaths of the apostles were
not inspired of God.
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