Andrew was the first apostle of Jesus and chief of the apostolic group while Jesus lived. He was 33 years old in A.D. 26, when he was accepted by Jesus. [1] He had a certain tendency to suspicion and over-individualism. [2]
Andrew had three sisters, one of them named Marta; his brother was Peter. [3] He was single and was the fishing partner of Peter, James and John. [4]
First he was a believer in John the Baptist; later he became the first apostle of Jesus. [5] He was a deep thinker; Andrew used to reassure his fiery brother Peter with his more seasoned and philosophical counsel. [6] When Jesus asked the first six apostles to choose another apostle, Andrew selected Matthew. [7]
He was the general director of the apostles; he was an efficient administrator; he was the ablest apostle of all, even Peter, with the exception of his ability to oratory. [8] He chose Peter, James, and John to attend Jesus as personal attendants. [9] He sought out Jesus in anguish after the evening healing that caused such a stir. [10] Bravely defended that rubbing grain on the Sabbath and eating it was equivalent to chewing it and was not a sin. [11] He was part of the committee that accepted applicants from the school of evangelists and from the seventy. [12] Imposed strict rules on the apostles' work with women. [13] He opposed proclaiming Jesus king. [14] Tried unsuccessfully to cure the son of James of Safed. [15] He was bewildered by the events of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. [16] Returned the sword to Simon Zelotes that Simon distributed before the capture of Jesus. [17] He was worried about Judas on some occasions. [18]
He asked Jesus numerous questions, such as should we practice self-sacrifice? Are the stars signs of births? Do you speak in parables when you speak of dying? and others. [19] The farewell words to Andrew were asking him to watch over the group. [20] Asked Andrew to be more trusting. [21] Asked Andrew to strengthen the other apostles. [22]
Was released by Jesus from apostolic responsibility before his death. [23] Implied that Peter had seen things that were not real when he asked to be believed for having seen the risen Jesus. [24] Together with Peter they brought back Simon Zelotes. [25] Was present at the appearances of Jesus. [26] He was never jealous of Peter when after the death of Jesus he became chief of the apostles. [27] Brought thousands of believers into the kingdom; he died crucified in Patras, Achaia. [28]
Andrew partially recorded a life of Jesus, but never multiplied copies of it. Those lost writings have been used in Part IV of The Urantia Book. [29] Luke used a heavily mutilated copy of Andrew's notes to compose his gospel. [30]
See also: UB 139:1; UB 143:3.1,5; UB 144:1.4; UB 145:2.1; UB 167:0.1; UB 191:0.6; UB 192:1.11; UB 192:4.7; UB 194:1.2.