Andrew: Tells Jesus of the Greeks Who Sought to See Him
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role in bringing others to Jesus. He was the brother of Simon Peter and originally a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus (John 1:40). Andrew's actions often reflect his character as a seeker of truth and a facilitator for others to encounter Christ.

One notable event involving Andrew is recorded in the Gospel of John, where he plays a crucial role in introducing certain Greeks to Jesus. This incident is found in John 12:20-22:

"Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, 'Sir, we want to see Jesus.' Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus" (John 12:20-22).

This passage highlights several key aspects of Andrew's character and ministry:

1. Bridge Between Cultures: Andrew's involvement in this event underscores his role as a bridge between different cultures and peoples. The Greeks, likely God-fearing Gentiles, were in Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Their desire to see Jesus indicates the growing interest in Jesus' message beyond the Jewish community. Andrew, along with Philip, facilitates this cross-cultural encounter, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

2. Partnership in Ministry: Andrew's collaboration with Philip in bringing the Greeks to Jesus illustrates the importance of partnership in ministry. Both apostles were from Bethsaida, which may have contributed to their teamwork. This partnership reflects the communal aspect of the early Christian mission, where the apostles worked together to spread the message of Christ.

3. Initiative and Faithfulness: Andrew's initiative in bringing people to Jesus is a recurring theme in the Gospels. Earlier, he had brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42). His actions show a consistent pattern of faithfulness and eagerness to connect others with the Savior. Andrew's willingness to introduce the Greeks to Jesus indicates his understanding of Jesus' mission as one that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries.

4. Role in Jesus' Ministry: By bringing the Greeks to Jesus, Andrew plays a part in a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. This event occurs shortly before Jesus' crucifixion and is significant in the narrative of the Gospel of John. Jesus' response to the Greeks' request marks the beginning of His discourse on His impending death and the glorification that would follow (John 12:23-33).

Andrew's actions in this episode reflect his dedication to Jesus and his role as an apostle who facilitates encounters with the Lord. His openness to the Greeks' request and his collaboration with Philip exemplify the early Church's mission to reach all nations with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
John 12:20-22
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A New Kind of King
... First, he tells us what we should not have gathered ... Philip's consultation of his
fellow-townsman, Andrew, who is ... They did not know what Jesus might say to it. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/a new kind of king.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... John, who, as before explained, [5142] tells it as one ... Together the two came to Jesus,
Andrew apparently foremost. The answer of Jesus implies what, at any rate ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

The Miracles
... appears by the cross of Saint Andrew, the Deluge ... miracles which have already obtained
belief, tells us that ... since those refused to believe Jesus Christ innocent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xiii the miracles.htm

Luke.
... His real or supposed remains, together with those of Andrew the apostle, were
transferred from Patrae in ... He alone tells us that the child Jesus "grew and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... which the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, both ... in bringing about unity,(106)
you see, brother Parmenianus ... Do you say that the military was sought by us ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

[Endnotes]
... who must all have been younger than Jesus, seem to ... the Apostle Thomas laboured in
Parthia, and Andrew in Scythia. ... himself a debtor, both to the Greeks and to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... for the explanation of the Holy Scripture tells us that ... the blessed and divine
brilliancy of Jesus, gaze religiously ... what is attainable by us to see, and are ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Resources
Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be “fishers of men”? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from Jesus' feeding of the 5,000? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Andrew: Reports the Number of Loaves at the Feeding of the Five Thousand
Top of Page
Top of Page