Bible Trivia - 8/4/2008

Question: How does the cross of the apostle Andrew differ from others?

Answer: It is X-shaped.

Comments: The apocryphal book, the Acts of Andrew depicts the apostle being crucified on a cross called Crux decussata (X-shaped cross, commonly known as the "St Andrew's cross") in Patras. His crucifixion was ordered by the Roman Proconsul, Aegeates, who was infuriated that his wife (Maxmilla) and brother (Stratoklis) had been converted to Christinaity through Andrew's efforts.

The book claims that the crucifixion was carried out on an X-shaped cross with the body of the apostle upside down so that he saw neither the earth nor his executioners, but only the sky which he glorified as the heaven in which he would meet his Lord.

It is worth reiterating that these stories concerning Andrew stem from tradition and are not found in the Bible.

In the 8th century, Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland. Legend has it that some of his remains were transported into Scotland. To this day, the X-shaped St. Andrew's Cross (also known as The Saltire) is the national flag of Scotland.