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talking about their love for Christ. So they were called ‘Christians’. Love for Christ is a prime evidence of grace, and if anyone does not give evidence his new affection, we have no right to call such a person a Christian, whatever he or she professes to believe doctrinally. Of this love John writes, ‘We love [him] because he first loved us’ (1 John 4:19). Anyone who does not love Christ has not understood the love of Christ for sinners, and cannot therefore be a believer. 3. THEY LOVED THE WORD OF GOD These new believers were teachable and had a hunger for Scripture. So they submitted themselves willingly to the things taught by Paul and Barnabas. Spiritually newborn babes ‘crave pure spiritual milk’ so that by it they may grow up in their salvation (see 1 Peter 2:2). Why should they have this desire? Because the Scriptures testify to Christ and reveal him both in his glorious person and his saving work. Those who love Christ will also love his Word, the Bible. 4. THEY LOVED ONE ANOTHER The believers met together as a church, not because it was a rule but a desire. All true Christians love fellowship in the gospel with their fellowbelievers (Philippians 1:5) and will always seek it out. It is also clear in Acts 11:29 that they even had love for Christians they had never met. A new convert does not have to be coaxed to go to church: such a person longs to join with other believers in the worship of God and the service of Christ. 5. THEY LOVED THE LOST In Acts 11:24 we read that a great number believed and came to Christ. This was after the initial blessing of verse 21, and came about through the ministry of Barnabas. But it was also, no doubt, the result of the converts’ concern for others. The new Christians were not slow to evangelize. These, then, are some of the evidences of grace we look to look for when someone makes a profession of faith. But remember we are dealing with newborn babes and the evidence will not always be there in a fullyfledged way. When dealing with tender new life, we must guard against being naïve and gullible on one hand, and too critical on the other. It is fruit we want to see, not mere results. Results may bring praise to us but only fruit will bring glory to God.
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