Andrew, whose Greek name means "manly," was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The brother of Simon Peter and son of Jona (or John), Andrew's name appears on all of the lists of apostles and his being called by Jesus appears in all three synoptic gospels as well as Acts. Andrew's name comes up multiple times in the gospels -- the synoptics show him at the Mount of Olives and John describes him as a one-time disciple of John the Baptist.
Andrew appears to have been part of an inner circle among the disciples -- only he and three others (Peter, James, and John) were on the Mount of Olives with Jesus when he foretold the destruction of the Temple and then received a lengthy discourse on the End Times and coming apocalypse. Andrew's name is also among the first on apostolic lists, possibly an indication of his importance in early traditions.
The Acts of St. Andrew, an apocryphal work from the 3rd century, says Andrew was arrested and executed in 60 CE while preaching on the northwest coast of Achaia. A 14th century tradition says he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, lasting for two days before dying. Today there is an X on Great Britain's flag representing Andrew, patron saint of Scotland.
Read More: Saint Andrew the Apostle
