In the account in the Gospel according to St John, Andrew was one of two disciples who heard John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God and then left John to follow Jesus. The other disciple is not named and so Andrew, according to this tradition is the first disciple whose name we know. For this reason, the Greek Church gives him the special title of Protokl?tos (First-called). Though perhaps technically not correct, since the two disciples together were both invited to come and see, this title has the advantage of emphasizing that no one can be a disciple without being called.

Moreover Jesus chose his Apostles, the Twelve, from among his disciples. Further reflection thus reveals a certain progression in our relationship with Jesus: vocation, discipleship, apostleship. Each step implies the others so that we are all called to be apostles.

We learn from the stories of the Apostles to develop our Christian vocation into an intimate discipleship with Jesus so that, as his disciples we may assume the responsibility of apostleship and continue Jesus' ministry of bringing the Gospel to the world.