Remembering Our Newborns

In Acts 13-14 Paul and Barnabas going on the first missionary journey. That journey was eventful, to say the least. In Pisidian Antioch Paul spoke to the Jews about the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. The message was relatively well received until the next Sabbath day when “the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:44). In the very next verse a pattern begins which runs all the way to the latter parts of chapter 14. Paul and Barnabas are speaking the word to all who gathered, and verse 45 says (emphasis added, so throughout):

⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.

And again when the Word of God was finding great success:

⁵⁰ But the Jews... instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas… (Acts 13:50)

And again when the Word was being accepted in Iconium:

² But the Jews... stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. (Acts 14:2)

And again when Paul and Barnabas were restraining the people from worshipping them:

¹⁹ But Jews came… stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. (Acts 14:19)

The Jews were a constant irritation as the church expanded to include Gentiles who knew nothing of God. The Jews, who should have been the very model of godliness, were unwilling to accept that God was willing to save both Jews and Gentiles alike, so they followed close behind Paul and Barnabas eager to stir up trouble and make their work more difficult.

There are some Christians who have been members of the church for many years and have eliminated many sinful practices from their habits. Those who fit that category must be particularly patient regarding new Christians. Remember, baptism is spiritual birth, and no one is born directly into adulthood. As children grow to maturity so Christians grow in respect to the will of God (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). While no sin is to be excused, the stumbling of a new Christian ought to be likened to the small child who is just learning to walk. No one spanks a child for stumbling as they take their first steps, but instead lifts them up and encourages them to continue walking.

It is damaging to the work of the gospel when those who ought to be examples of godliness display mean spirits and impatience toward penitent babes in Christ. Mature Christians, let go of unrealistic expectations concerning new Christians and instead help them to get back up, time after time, and continue walking with God.

And new Christians, never be discouraged when you fall down. Even those you look up to as role models in the church STILL stumble in their walk with God, even if you don’t see it. Keep taking steps, keep walking with God, and He will continue to wash you clean (1 John 1:7).