Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, serves as a compelling example of how all Christians are called to be missionaries. His life and actions, as recorded in the New Testament, illustrate the essential role of evangelism and the spreading of the Gospel. Andrew's example encourages believers to actively participate in the Great Commission, sharing the message of Christ with others.

Background and Calling

Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. He was among the first to follow Jesus, as described in the Gospel of John. "Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus" (John 1:40). Upon recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, Andrew's immediate response was to find his brother Simon Peter and bring him to Jesus, demonstrating his missionary spirit from the outset.

Evangelistic Zeal

Andrew's actions highlight the importance of personal evangelism. His first recorded act as a disciple was to share the good news with his brother, saying, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41). This simple yet profound declaration underscores the urgency and joy of sharing the Gospel with those closest to us.

Role in the Feeding of the Five Thousand

Andrew's missionary heart is further exemplified in the account of the feeding of the five thousand. It was Andrew who brought the boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus, saying, "Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, but what difference will these make among so many?" (John 6:9). His willingness to bring even the smallest offering to Jesus demonstrates faith in Christ's ability to multiply and use what is given for His purposes.

Bringing Others to Jesus

Andrew's role in bringing others to Jesus is also evident in the account of the Greeks who sought to see Jesus. "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). Andrew's involvement in this event shows his openness to bringing diverse groups to Christ, reflecting the universal scope of the Gospel.

Legacy and Influence

Tradition holds that Andrew continued his missionary work after the ascension of Christ, spreading the Gospel in regions such as Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor. His life and ministry exemplify the call for all Christians to be missionaries, regardless of their background or status. Andrew's example encourages believers to actively engage in sharing the Gospel, trusting in God's power to work through their efforts.

Conclusion

Andrew's life serves as a powerful reminder of the missionary calling inherent in the Christian faith. His actions demonstrate the importance of personal evangelism, faith in Christ's provision, and the inclusivity of the Gospel message. As followers of Christ, believers are encouraged to emulate Andrew's zeal and commitment to spreading the good news, fulfilling the Great Commission in their own lives.John 1:41,42
He first finds his own brother Simon, and said to him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... After all, as has been already observed, I greatly ... No wonder if the imprudence of
sailors should prompt them to ... on account of the vices of nominal Christians. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... that little book to excite in all Christians a passion ... Buchanan, for depreciating
the Serampore missionaries, adding, "I do ... one in our day, I should not wonder ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... and opportunity to send one or two missionaries to the ... permitted that the various
sects of Christians should act upon ... the best and wisest of all sects liable ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... yet be come in which we should send our ... will demand all the laborers and all the
means ... American Christians are certainly under peculiar obligations to impart ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... large and respectable party of antislavery Christians at the ... Nebraska Bill" was proposed,
which should open for ... of that sermon and scattered them all over the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

Humility.
... a man in the pulpit say that he should take offence ... social life, in the more special
fellowship with Christians, in the ... No, they would all be looking for him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

Consecration
... saying to God, "Give, give, give," we should say, "Yes ... Give up all, put everything
in His hands, and He ... We Christians of the nineteenth century, have we learned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the deeper christian life/consecration.htm

Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
... "God forbid that I should sin against ... The fewness of holy, consecrated, spiritual
Christians, devoted to the ... by the scarcity of money and men; and all owing to ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter vi restraining prayer is.htm

Carey's Last Days
... The first act of justice to native Christians was thus ... had, by a letter signed by
us all, assured him ... mission burial-ground, Carey had said, "Why should we be ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... in contact with any of the missionaries belonging to ... be expected that the Church
should wholly escape ... love which ought to characterize all Christians, and more ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

What does it mean to be missional? Should Christians be missional? | GotQuestions.org

What are the pros and cons of short-term missions? | GotQuestions.org

What is Christian missions? | GotQuestions.org

Mission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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