Andrew the Apostle

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Andrew

ANDREW, an’drōō (Ἀνδρέας, Andréas, i.e. “manly.” The name has also been interpreted as “the mighty one, or conqueror”): Andrew was the first called of the Twelve Apostles. - ISBE

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 1. Early History and First Call

There are three stages in the call of Andrew to the apostleship. The first is described in

The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia Andrew

Andrew was a native of Bethsaida on the northern shore of Galilee (

The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia Andrew

Acts 1:13

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Andrew, The Apostle

Andrew first appears in the NT as a disciple of John the Baptist (

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition Andrew

It is probable that he was crucified in Achaia. The Synoptic Gospels say little about him, but in John he is shown as the first home missionary (1:42) and the first foreign missionary (12:21–22). Of the former, William Temple wrote, ‘Perhaps it is as great a service to the Church as ever any man did’ (Readings in St John’s Gospel, p. 29).

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Andrew

It is noteworthy that Andrew thrice brings others to Christ, (1) Peter; (2) the lad with the loaves; and (3) certain Greeks. These incidents may be regarded as a key to his character.

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary Andrew

According to tradition, Andrew was martyred at Patrae in Achaia by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross. According to Eusebius, Andrew’s field of labor was Scythia, the region north of the Black Sea. For this reason he became the patron saint of Russia. He is also considered the patron saint of Scotland.

Andrew, whose Greek name Ἀνδρέας (Andreas) derives from ἀνήρ (anēr), meaning “man” or “manly,” is one of the most quietly influential of the Twelve. - Michael Taylor

Andrew’s role in the Gospel narratives reveals a man of initiative, spiritual insight, and missionary instinct. - Michael Taylor

The Gospel of John names him as the “first-called” disciple (John 1: 40–42), and throughout the New Testament, he consistently appears as a connector—bringing others to Jesus, facilitating introductions, and standing near the heart of redemptive moments. - Michael Taylor

Andrew was the first of all the disciples to be called (John 1: 35-40). - MacArthur

Peter and Andrew shared a house in Capernaum (Mark 1: 29) and operated a fishing business together from there. - MacArthur

Capernaum afforded an especially advantageous location, situated as it was on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee (where fishing was good)—and located at the junction of key trade routes. - MacArthur

apart from the places where all twelve disciples are listed, Andrew's name appears in the New Testament only nine times, and most of those references simply mention him in passing.) - MacArthur

Andrew may be a better model for most church leaders than Peter, because most who enter the ministry will labor in relative obscurity, like Andrew, as opposed to being renowned and prominent, like Peter. - MacArthur

Andrew' s name means "manly, " and it seems a fitting description. - MacArthur

Of the four in the inner circle, however, Andrew was the least conspicuous. MacArthur

apart from the places where all twelve disciples are listed, Andrew's name appears in the New Testament only nine times, and most of those references simply mention him in passing.) MacArthur

Almost everything Scripture tells us about Andrew shows that he had the right heart for effective ministry in the background.” MacArthur

Matthew 10:2–4 “The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

Mark 3:16–19 “He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

Luke 6:13–16 “And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

Acts 1:13 “And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.”

I. He Was a Disciple of John the Baptist. John 1:35–36

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”” ESV

“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” KJV

‭‭35 Τῇ ἐπαύριον πάλιν ἱστήκει ὁ Ἰωάννης καὶ ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ δύο. 36 καὶ ἐμβλέψας τῷ Ἰησοῦ περιπατοῦντι λέγει· ἴδε ὁ ἀμνὸς τοῦ θεοῦ. 37 καὶ ἤκουσαν οἱ δύο μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος καὶ ἠκολούθησαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ.

John 1:40

“One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.” ESV

“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.” KJV

40 ἦν Ἀνδρέαςὁ ἀδελφὸς Σίμωνος Πέτρου εἷς ἐκ τῶν δύο τῶν ἀκουσάντων παρὰ Ἰωάννου καὶ ἀκολουθησάντων αὐτῷ.

How far would Andrew have travelled from Capernaeum to be a disciple of John the Baptist

The search results don’t directly address Andrew’s specific journey from Capernaum to John the Baptist. However, they provide geographic information that allows for an informed estimate.

Capernaum is located just over 3 kilometers (2 miles) west of where the Jordan River enters the Sea of Galilee.1 John the Baptist’s ministry, meanwhile, was distributed across multiple locations in the Jordan Valley region. The most likely location for Bethany beyond the Jordan—where significant moments of John’s ministry occurred—is near the Hajlah ford and the mouth of Wadi el-Kharrar.2 This site lies on the eastern side of the Jordan River, just north of the Dead Sea, near the mouth of Wadi el-Kharrar, representing the southernmost fording point along the Jordan.3

The distance from Capernaum to this baptism site would be substantial—roughly 80–100 kilometers (50–60 miles) traveling southward along the Jordan Valley. This represents a significant journey requiring multiple days of travel. The route would have been accessible from Jerusalem and the Judean hill country, with roads connecting through Jericho to Livias, the capital of Perea, forming part of established trade networks.3

It’s worth noting that Jesus was probably familiar with John’s ministry before his baptism, perhaps as one of John’s disciples,3 suggesting that disciples like Andrew may have similarly spent time in John’s movement before following Jesus. The distance involved underscores the commitment required of early followers to travel from Galilee to encounter John’s ministry in the wilderness regions of the Jordan Valley.

1Paul Williams and Clive Anderson, Travel Through Israel: Land of Promise, Faith and Beauty, ed. Brian H. Edwards, Day One Travel Guide (Leominster: Day One, 2008), 10.

2Aubrey L. Taylor, “Ministry in the Wilderness,” in Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels, ed. Barry J. Beitzel and Kristopher A. Lyle, Lexham Geographic Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), 44.

3Aubrey L. Taylor, “Wilderness Events: The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus,” in Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels, ed. Barry J. Beitzel and Kristopher A. Lyle, Lexham Geographic Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), 54–55.

How many of the apostles would have been disciples of John the Baptist

Based on the search results, the evidence points to at least two apostles—Andrew and John—as former disciples of John the Baptist.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist who was directed to Jesus by the Baptist and then introduced his brother Simon Peter to him.1 John the Apostle was also initially a disciple of John the Baptist, and he and Andrew were the first to become Jesus’ apostles.2

The biblical account illustrates this transition vividly. When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as “the Lamb of God,” two of his disciples heard this and followed Jesus, one of whom was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. (John 1:35–40) This moment captures how some transferred their loyalty after John had identified Jesus as the Coming One.3

Beyond Andrew and John, the search results don’t explicitly identify other apostles as having been John’s disciples. While it is likely that other disciples of John came over to the followers of Jesus after his death,3 the documents don’t specify which additional apostles, if any, made this transition. The remaining apostles—Peter, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Less, Judas Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot—aren’t documented as having been part of John’s movement before following Jesus.

The evidence suggests that John’s disciples formed a small group of those who had been baptized by John and were awaiting the coming Messiah,3 and only a portion of them transferred to Jesus’ movement when John identified him as the anticipated figure.

1W. Graham Scroggie, A Guide to the Gospels: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Four Gospels (WORDsearch, 2014), 62.

2Allen C. Myers, “JOHN,” in The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1987), 588.

3Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “John the Baptist,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 2:1203–1204.

Remember that when Jesus met him for the first time, Andrew was already a devout man who had joined the ranks of John the Baptist's disciples. - MacArthur

Andrew's personal encounter with Jesus took place a few months after Jesus'baptism (1 John 29-34). - MacArthur

Andrew and John were standing next to the Baptist when Jesus walked by and John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" (vv. 35—36). They immediately left Johns side and began to follow Jesus (v. 37). - MacArthur

Andrew and John would therefore have been caught up in the thrill of messianic expectation, waiting only for the right Person to be identified. That is why as soon as they heard John the Baptist identify Christ as the Lamb of God, the two disciples instantly, eagerly left John to follow Christ. They did the right thing. The Baptist himself surely would have approved of their choice. - MacArthur

Andrew, like Peter, was a native of Bethsaida, a fishing village on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 1: 44). The name of the village, בֵּית צַיְדָה (Beit-Tsaida), means “house of fishing” or “house of hunting” in Hebrew, a fitting origin for men who would later be told by Jesus, “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4: 19). - Michael Taylor

John the Baptist -

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 1. The Scene

The scene of the Baptist’s ministry was partly in the wilderness of Southern Judaea and partly in the Jordan valley. Two locations are mentioned, Bethany or Bethabara (

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 2. His First Appearance

The unusual array of dates with which Luke marks the beginning of John’s ministry (

Note: John the Baptist:

A Man Sent From God. John 1:6

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

‭‭6 Ἐγένετο ἄνθρωπος ἀπεσταλμένος παρὰ θεοῦ, ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἰωάννης.

ἀποστέλλω, I send away, commission; I put forth, Mk. 4:29.1

ἀποστέλλω, I send away, commission; I put forth, - Souter

John: Verse by Verse John the Baptist Arrives as a Witness (1:6–8)

He was heralded by John the Baptist, who is introduced in verse 6: “There was a man sent from God whose name was John.”

“There was” might better be translated “there came,” using the verb (egeneto) that in verse 3 described creation (“was made”). This may carry a small bit of that force and describe John as created for this very purpose. He was part of the new creation. In the same way that God was the source of the light, he was the source for the witness. The Baptist was “sent from God” as his official envoy to prepare for the arrival of the Word, whom we now know is Jesus the Christ. He is the first of the “sent ones,” a semi-technical description of a shaliach or (sent) ambassador to represent God and his ultimate Sent One, Jesus.

A Man With a Message from God. Matthew 3:1–3

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ”” KJV

‭‭Ἐν δὲ ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις παραγίνεται Ἰωάννης ὁ βαπτιστὴς κηρύσσων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τῆς Ἰουδαίας 2 καὶ λέγων· μετανοεῖτε· ἤγγικεν γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν. 3 οὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ῥηθεὶς διὰ Ἡσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 4. His Message

The fundamental note in the message of John was the announcement of the near approach of the Messianic age. But while he announced himself as the herald voice preparing the way of the Lord, and because of this the expectant multitudes crowded to hear his word, his view of the nature of the kingdom was probably quite at variance with that of his hearers. Instead of the expected day of deliverance from the foreign oppressor, it was to be a day of judgment for Israel. It meant good for the penitent, but destruction for the ungodly. “He will gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with … fire” (

preaching - κηρύσσων - “The other word, kerusso, is a very interesting term, meaning really a proclamation from a throne. The word is spoken as being delivered by a messenger on behalf of a ruler. Consequently, in the use of the word we have two ideas again to note: the authorizing Throne, and therefore the consequent claim that the messenger is called upon to make.” G. Campbell Morgan

Delivered Faithfully.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 1. John’s Relation to Jesus

The Baptist’s work was twofold. In his preaching he warned the nation of the true character of the new kingdom as a reign of righteousness, and by his call to repentance and baptism he prepared at least a few hearts for a sympathetic response to the call and teaching of Jesus. He also formally announced and bore frequent personal testimony to Jesus as the Messiah

Delivered Fearlessly. Matthew 3:7–10

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ESV

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” KJV

‭‭7 Ἰδὼν δὲ πολλοὺς τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων ἐρχομένους ἐπὶ τὸ βάπτισμα αὐτοῦ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν, τίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς; 8 ποιήσατε οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας. 9 καὶ μὴ δόξητε λέγειν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς· πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἁβραάμ· λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι δύναται ὁ θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἁβραάμ.10 Ἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται. πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται.

* A Man Who Turned Hearts to God. Luke 1:16–17

“And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”” ESV

‭‭“And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”” KJV

16 καὶ πολλοὺς τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ ἐπιστρέψει ἐπὶ κύριον τὸν θεὸν αὐτῶν, 17 καὶ αὐτὸς προελεύσεται ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ἐν πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει Ἠλεία ἐπιστρέψαι καρδίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα καὶ ἀπειθεῖς ἐν φρονήσει δικαίων, ἑτοιμάσαι κυρίῳ λαὸν κατεσκευασμένον.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (2) Anticipation of Messianic Lustrations Foretold by Prophets

John understood that his baptism was a preparation for the Messianic baptism anticipated by the prophets, who saw that for a true cleansing the nation must wait until God should open in Israel a fountain for cleansing (

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (3) Proselyte Baptism

We may say, then, that as a “baptism of repentance” it meant a renunciation of the past life; as a cleansing it symbolized the forgiveness of sins (

A Man Who Pointed Men to Christ. John 1:29

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” ESV

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

‭‭9 Τῇ ἐπαύριον βλέπει τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει· ἴδε ὁ ἀμνὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, ὁ αἴρων τὴν ἁμαρτίαν τοῦ κόσμου.

A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments, Vol. V: Matthew–John Chapter 1

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! Every word here is emphatic, and precious beyond all expression. “THE LAMB” here, beyond all doubt, points to the death of Christ, and the sacrificial character of that death. The offering of a lamb every morning and evening, and of two on the morning and evening of every Sabbath day, throughout all the ages of the Jewish economy, had furnished such a language on this subject as to those who heard these words of the Baptist could need no explanation, however the truth thus expressed might startle them. But in calling Jesus “the Lamb,” and “the Lamb of God,” he held Him up as the one ‘God-ordained, God-gifted, God-accepted’ sacrificial offering. If, however, there could remain a doubt whether this was what the words were designed to convey, the explanation which follows would set it at rest—“Which taketh away the sin of the world.” The word [αἴρων] here used, and the corresponding Hebrew word [נא] signify both ‘taking up’ and ‘taking away.’ Applied to sin, they mean to ‘be chargeable with the guilt of it’ (

“He is the perpetual Savior because He ‘taketh’ away — present tense. Anyone can come to Him at any time.” McGee

A Man Who Lived a Disciplined Lifestyle. Matthew 3:4

“Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” ESV

“And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.”

4 Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφῦν αὐτοῦ· ἡ δὲ τροφὴ ἦν αὐτοῦ ἀκρίδες καὶ μέλι ἄγριον.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 3. His Dress and Manner

It was fitting that the one who called men to repentance and the beginning of a self-denying life should show renunciation and self-denial in his own life. But there is no evidence in his teaching that he required such asceticism of those who accepted his baptism.

4. His Message

‭‭* A Man Who Was on Fire for God. John 5:35

“He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”

“He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.”

‭‭35 ἐκεῖνος ἦν ὁ λύχνος ὁ καιόμενος καὶφαίνων, ὑμεῖς δὲ ἠθελήσατε ἀγαλλιαθῆναι πρὸς ὥρανἐν τῷ φωτὶ αὐτοῦ.

A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments, Vol. V: Matthew–John Chapter 5

35. He was a burning and a shining light [ὁ λύχνος ὁ καιόμενος καὶ φαίνων]—literally, ‘the burning and shining lamp,’ or ‘torch:’—q. d., ‘the great light of his day.’ Christ is never called by the humble word here applied to John—a light-bearer—studiously used to distinguish him from his Master, but ever The Light [τὸ φῶς] in the most absolute sense.

A Man Who Desired to Exalt Christ. John 3:30

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”” ESV

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” KJV

‭30 ἐκεῖνον δεῖ αὐξάνειν, ἐμὲ δὲ ἐλαττοῦσθαι.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 3. Their Fidelity

That John’s work was extensive and his influence lasting is shown by the fact that 20 years afterward Paul found in far-off Ephesus certain disciples, including Apollos, the learned Alexandrian Jew, who knew no other baptism than that of John (

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 2. Jesus’ Estimate of John

Jesus was no less frank in His appreciation of John. If praise may be measured by the worth of the one by whose lips it is spoken, then no man ever received such praise as he who was called by Jesus a shining light (

Note: As a disciple of John he would have emulated his teacher.

II. He Was Anticipating the Coming of the Messiah.

A. Spiritually Minded. John 1:41

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).” ESV

“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.” KJV

‭‭B. Spiritually Grounded.

1. The training of boys.

The training of Jewish boys - By the first century BC, Jewish boys were required to attend elementary school, with attendance made compulsory for males up to ages 16 or 171. According to later rabbinic sources, Jewish boys could begin instruction in Scripture at age 5, with education training students in reading, the Scriptures, and interpretive tradition2. This suggests that any Jewish male of the apostles’ generation would have received formal scriptural education during childhood.

Additionally, Jews in the Graeco-Roman world were more highly educated than typical members of the lower classes of that society, partly because of the importance of reading Scripture in the synagogue2. The fact that synagogue services could be performed by any 10 men in the congregation presupposes that more than 10 men in any synagogue were literate enough to fulfill that duty1.

Given that the apostles were Jewish men living in first-century Palestine, it’s highly probable they received scriptural education as boys. However, the search results don’t specify the apostles’ particular educational backgrounds or whether they completed advanced rabbinic training. Outstanding young Jews would have been tutored by rabbis, often dedicating their entire lives to their relationship with their teacher2—but whether any of the apostles received such intensive training before following Jesus remains unclear from these sources.

1Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Education,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1:661–662.

2Joshua T. Hébert, “Education,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016). [See here, here, here.]

2. The training of girls.

Note: Ex. of Mary; Eunice; Lois; Mary of Bethany; woman following Jesus.

Instruction of girls? - The fact that Mary was well steeped in scripture would seem to indicate that even girls would have been well taught concerning the scriptures?

Your observation points to a genuine tension in first-century Jewish practice. The evidence suggests that while formal institutional education was restricted by gender, household instruction created important exceptions.

Girls were allowed little or no formal education, and while boys attended school, girls remained at home with their mother.1 Yet mothers taught their daughters to read and perhaps to write, much as fathers had taught boys in earlier times.2 This domestic instruction was foundational—parents served as the primary educators of Jewish children in reading, writing, and understanding the Torah.3

The case of Mary fits this pattern. If she possessed deep scriptural knowledge, it almost certainly came through maternal teaching rather than synagogue schooling. Paul notes that Timothy received instruction in “the sacred writings” from his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, and suggests that Jesus similarly would have received scriptural education during childhood.3 This indicates that mothers—at least in some households—were expected to transmit biblical knowledge to their children.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean all girls received such training. The deeper study of the Torah and higher secular learning were discouraged for girls.2 Mary’s scriptural fluency may reflect either an unusually devoted mother, a family of particular piety, or both. Her knowledge would have been exceptional rather than typical, even among girls who received basic literacy instruction at home. The institutional barriers against female education remained firmly in place; what varied was the commitment of individual families to educate daughters within the household sphere.

1Kris Vallotton, Fashioned to Reign: Empowering Women to Fulfill Their Divine Destiny (Minneapolis, MN: Chosen, 2013), 103.

2Archibald R. S. Kennedy, “EDUCATION,” in A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology, ed. James Hastings et al. (New York; Edinburgh: Charles Scribner’s Sons; T. & T. Clark, 1911–1912), 1:651.

3Edward Andrews, The New Testament Documents: Can They Be Trusted? (Cambridge, OH: Christian Publishing House, 2020). [See here, here, here.]

III. He Was a Fisher of Individual Men. Cp. Mark 1:16–17

“Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”” ESV

“Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” KJV

‭‭16 Καὶ παράγων παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν τῆς Γαλιλαίας εἶδεν Σίμωνα καὶ Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν Σίμωνος ἀμφιβάλλοντας ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ· ἦσαν γὰρ ἁλεεῖς. 17 καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου, καὶ ποιήσω ὑμᾶς γενέσθαι ἁλεεῖς ἀνθρώπων.

Note: The first home missionary/the first foreign missionary.

He was known for bringing individuals, not crowds, to Jesus. - MacArthur

Almost every time we see him in the Gospel accounts, he is bringing someone to Jesus. - MacArthur

A. He Brought Simon Peter to Jesus. John 1:40–41

“One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).” ESV

“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”

40 ἦν Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς Σίμωνος Πέτρου εἷς ἐκ τῶν δύο τῶν ἀκουσάντων παρὰ Ἰωάννου καὶ ἀκολουθησάντων αὐτῷ. 41 Εὑρίσκει οὗτος πρῶτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τὸν ἴδιον Σίμωνα καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· εὑρήκαμεν τὸν μεσσίαν, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον χριστός.

John: Verse by Verse The Aftermath: Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus (1:40–42A)

This is “evangelism explosion” at its best—each one seeks one. One of the two disciples who comes to Jesus is now named: Andrew the brother of Simon, who also becomes one of the Twelve (

Notice the first thing Andrew did: "He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus" (vv. 41—42). - MacArthur

The Greek verb used for “found,” εὑρίσκει (heuriskei), implies active searching. Andrew is the first person in the Gospels to explicitly identify Jesus as the Messiah, and his first instinct is evangelistic: to bring someone else—his brother—into the presence of Christ. - Michael Taylor

B. He Brought Certain Greeks to Jesus. John 12:20–22

“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.” ESV

“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.” KJV

‭‭20 Ἦσαν δὲ Ἕλληνές τινες ἐκ τῶν ἀναβαινόντων ἵνα προσκυνήσωσιν ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ. 21 οὗτοι οὖν προσῆλθον Φιλίππῳ τῷ ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἠρώτων αὐτὸν λέγοντες· κύριε, θέλομεν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἰδεῖν. 22 ἔρχεται ὁ Φίλιππος καὶ λέγει τῷ Ἀνδρέᾳ, ἔρχεται Ἀνδρέας καὶ Φίλιππος καὶ λέγουσιν τῷ Ἰησοῦ.

A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments, Vol. V: Matthew–John Chapter 12

20. And—or, ‘Now’ [δὲ] there were certain Greeks [Ἕλληνες]—not Grecian Jews [Ἑλληνισταὶ] but Greek or Gentile proselytes to the Jewish faith, who were wont to attend the annual festivals, and particularly this primary one—the Passover. 21. The same came therefore to Philip, which was of—or ‘from’ [ἀπὸ] Bethsaida. Possibly they came from the same quarter. and desired—‘requested’ or ‘prayed’ him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus—certainly with far higher objects than Zaccheus (

John: Verse by Verse Introduction (12:20–22)

The scene begins with “some Greeks” wanting to see Jesus. Some have thought these to be Greek-speaking Jews from the diaspora (those who lived in lands outside Palestine), but the term (Ellēnes) refers to non-Jews. This means these were Gentiles, proselytes to Judaism, or God-fearers—Gentiles who are attracted to Judaism and have begun to worship Yahweh. - Osborne

“Apparently Jesus had gone into the temple. Since there is a court for the women and a court for the Gentiles, these Greeks can not go in where Jesus is. Philip has a Greek name and may have spoken Greek, which is probably the reason they came to him. Philip is a modest and retiring fellow and he goes to Andrew for help.” McGee

It is significant that these men approached Philip, but Philip took the men to Andrew and let Andrew introduce them to the Master. - MacArthur

In John 1 he brought Peter to Christ, which made him the first home missionary. Now he brings some Greeks to Christ, making him the first foreign missionary. - MacArthur

Later, in John 12: 20–22, some Greeks come to Philip and say, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip, uncertain, tells Andrew, and the two go together to inform Jesus. This brief passage is rich in symbolic meaning. The Greeks, representing the nations beyond Israel, are drawn to Jesus as the hour of His glorification approaches. Andrew serves as a bridge between cultures, a facilitator of access. He is not only the first to recognize the Messiah; he is also among the first to mediate between Jew and Gentile in the unfolding plan of salvation. - Michael Taylor

Note: He also brought a small boy to Christ. John 6:8–9

“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”” ESV

“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” KJV

8 Λέγει αὐτῷ εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς Σίμωνος Πέτρου· 9 ἔστιν παιδάριον ὧδε ὃς ἔχει πέντε ἄρτους κριθίνους καὶ δύο ὀψάρια· ἀλλὰ ταῦτα τί ἐστιν εἰς τοσούτους;

John: Verse by Verse The Solution: A Miraculous Feeding (6:8–11)

Andrew speaks up in verse 8, pointing out a young boy in the crowd with “five small barley loaves and two small fish.” Barley loaves were coarse, the food of the poor, and the fish were either dried or pickled fish or perhaps a fish paste to give the bread some flavor. Apparently, few others had brought much food, for he added, “How far will they go among so many?” The detail of the barley loaves may well echo the Elisha miracle, with its multiplication of twenty barley loaves. If so, Jesus is being depicted as the greater Elisha. - Osborne

“Remember, these five barley loaves were not big commercial loaves of bread or family loaves. They were more like a hamburger bun. They were just big enough to put with the fish.” McGee

A denarius was a day's pay for a common laborer, so two hundred denarii would be approximately eight months' wages. - MacArthur

Jesus had commanded the disciples to feed the people, and Andrew knew He would not issue such a command without making it possible for them to obey. - MacArthur

What an amazing lesson! That so little could be used to accomplish so much was a testimony to the power of Christ. No gift is really insignificant in His hands. - MacArthur

It is not the greatness of the gift that counts, but rather the greatness of the God to whom it is given. Andrew set the stage for the miracle. - MacArthur

the way He fed the five thousand illustrates the way God always works. He takes the sacrificial and often insignificant gifts of people who give faithfully, and He multiplies them to accomplish monumental things. - MacArthur

Andrew was not confused when someone wanted to see Jesus. He simply brought them to Him. He understood that Jesus would want to meet anyone who wanted to meet Him (cf. John 6: 37). - MacArthur

Note: D. L. Moody’s conversion - Few have ever heard of Edward Kimball. His name is a footnote in the annals of church history. But he was the Sunday school teacher who led D. L. Moody to Christ. He went one afternoon to the Boston shoe store where the nineteen-year-old Moody was working, cornered him in the stockroom, and introduced him to Christ. Kimball was the antithesis of the bold evangelist. He was a timid, soft-spoken man. He went to that shoe shop frightened, trembling, and unsure of whether he had enough courage to confront this young man with the gospel. At the time, Moody was crude and obviously illiterate, but the thought of speaking to him about Christ had Kimball trembling in his boots. Kimball recalled the incident years later. Moody had begun to attend his Sunday school class. It was obvious that Moody was totally untaught and ignorant about the Bible. Kimball said, I decided to speak to Moody about Christ and about his soul. I started down town to Holton's shoe store. When I was nearly there I began to wonder whether I ought to go just then during business hours. And I thought maybe my mission might embarrass the boy, that when I went away the other clerks might ask who I was, and when they learned might taunt Moody and ask if I was trying to make a good boy out of him. While I was pondering over it all I passed the store without noticing it. Then, when I found I had gone by the door I determined to make a dash for it and have it over at once. 1 Kimball found Moody working in the stockroom, wrapping and shelving shoes. Kimball said he spoke with "limping words." He later said, "I never could remember just what I did say: something about Christ and His love; that was all." He admitted it was "a weak appeal." 2 But Moody then and there gave his heart to Christ.

Note: the conversion of C.H. Spurgeon - Spurgeon’s conversion took place on a January morning in 18501, marking a decisive moment that would shape both his spiritual identity and his future ministry. Determined to find the way of salvation, he resolved to visit every place of worship in Colchester, willing to do anything if God would forgive him. On a snowy day when he couldn’t reach his intended destination, he discovered a small Primitive Methodist chapel on an obscure street2.

A thin man entered the pulpit and read Isaiah 45:22—“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth”—then fixed his gaze on Spurgeon and declared, “Young man, you are in trouble,” before urgently repeating, “Look, Look, Look! It is only look”2. In that moment, Spurgeon grasped the way of salvation and leaped with joy2. His mother immediately noticed the transformation—his face had changed, displaying a smile and a cheerful, happy, and contented look, as her previously melancholy son had risen from despondency2.

Significantly, Spurgeon later reflected that “the written word convicted me, but the preached word converted me,”2 highlighting the crucial role of hearing Scripture proclaimed aloud. This conversion experience became more than a pivotal religious moment; Spurgeon established it as an idealized pattern he attempted to recreate and make normative throughout his ministry1. The encounter solidified his commitment to connecting biblical engagement with a message of transformation rooted in the Christian gospel1—a conviction that would define his preaching for decades to come.

1Thomas Breimaier, Tethered to the Cross: The Life and Preaching of C. H. Spurgeon (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2020), 32.

2Clive Anderson, Travel with CH Spurgeon: In the Footsteps of the “Prince of Preachers,” ed. Brian H. Edwards, Day One Travel Guide (Leominster: Day One, 2012), 22.

Spurgeon is often called the "Prince of Preachers." He served as pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for many years and became one of the most influential Baptist preachers in history. His sermons were transcribed and published weekly, eventually numbering in the thousands, and he wrote numerous books, including The Treasury of David, a classic commentary on the Psalms. ChatGTP

IV. He Was Willing to Serve in the Background.

A. Often Called Peter’s Brother.

B. Only One of the First Group Not Mentioned at Some Events.

1. Raising of Jairus’ daughter.

2. The Mount of Transfiguration.

3. The Garden of Gethsemene.

He was one of those rare people who is willing to take second place and to be in the place of support. He did not mind being hidden as long as the work was being done. This is a lesson many Christians today would do well to learn. - MacArthur

Jesus taught the disciples, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all" (Mark 9: 35). It takes a special kind of person to be a leader with a servant's heart. - MacArthur

Mark 9:35

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.””

V. He Was Interested in Biblical Prophecy. Mark 13:1–4

“And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”” ESV

“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” KJV

Καὶ ἐκπορευομένου αὐτοῦ ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ λέγει αὐτῷ εἷς τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ· διδάσκαλε, ἴδε ποταποὶ λίθοι καὶ ποταπαὶ οἰκοδομαί.

2 Καὶ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· βλέπεις ταύτας τὰς μεγάλας οἰκοδομάς; οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον ὃς οὐ μὴ καταλυθῇ.

3 Καὶ καθημένου αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ ὄρος τῶν ἐλαιῶν κατέναντι τοῦ ἱεροῦ ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν κατ᾽ ἰδίαν Πέτρος καὶ Ἰάκωβος καὶ Ἰωάννης καὶ Ἀνδρέας· 4 εἰπὸν ἡμῖν· πότε ταῦτα ἔσται καὶ τί τὸ σημεῖον ὅταν μέλλῃ ταῦτα συντελεῖσθαι πάντα;

A. Interested in the Fulfillment of Prophecy.

Mk. 13:2 Jesus said. In response to the disciple’s admiration, Jesus again predicted that the temple would be destroyed. About 40 years later, in a.d. 70, the Romans ransacked Jerusalem, killed a million Jews, and demolished the temple. not . . . one stone. The only stones left undisturbed were huge foundation stones that were not actually a part of the temple edifice but formed footings for the retaining wall under the entire temple mount. These can be viewed today in the “Rabbi’s Tunnel,” which runs north-south along the western wall. It is a portion of the western side of the retaining wall that today is called the Wailing Wall. More of that retaining wall, including the steps used to ascend and descend from the temple mount, has also been uncovered on the southern side. MacArthur

B. Interested in the Establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Andrew's legacy is the example he left to show us that in effective ministry it's often the little things that count—the individual people, the insignificant gifts, and the inconspicuous service. - MacArthur

He was the first to follow and the first to evangelize. In Andrew, we find a model of humility, courage, and patient obedience. - Michael Taylor

VI. Traditions of Andrew.

Tradition says he took the gospel north. Eusebius, the ancient church historian, says Andrew went as far as Scythia. (That's why Andrew is the patron saint of Russia. He is also the patron saint of Scotland.) He was ultimately crucified in Achaia, which is in southern Greece, near Athens. - MacArthur

One account says he led the wife of a provincial Roman governor to Christ, and that infuriated her husband. He demanded that his wife recant her devotion to Jesus Christ and she refused. So the governor had Andrew crucified.By the governor's orders, those who crucified him lashed him to his cross instead of nailing him, in order to prolong his sufferings. (Tradition says it was a saltire, or an X-shaped cross.) By most accounts, he hung on the cross for two days, exhorting passersby to turn to Christ for salvation.

According to Eusebius and other patristic sources, Andrew preached the gospel in regions north of the Black Sea, including Scythia, and later in Greece. ⁹ - Michael Taylor

The most persistent tradition places Andrew in Patras, a city in Achaea (modern-day Greece), where he was martyred under Roman authority. According to these accounts, Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross—now known as a St. Andrew’s Cross—deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. His execution was slow and agonizing, lasting for days, during which time he is said to have continued preaching to onlookers.

He became the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland, Russia, and Greece. - Michael Taylor

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