What does it mean to be a "first convert" in our communities? A Pioneer Named Stephanas 1 Corinthians 16:15: “You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” Stephanas and his family were the very first to embrace Christ in Achaia. Their response sketches the contours of what it means to be the “first convert” in any town, workplace, campus, or neighborhood today. Firstfruits: A Living Metaphor • “First converts” are also called “firstfruits” (Greek: aparchē). Just as the first sheaf of grain guaranteed the rest of the harvest (Leviticus 23:9-14), the first believer signals that God’s larger work has begun. • James 1:18: “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.” • Christ Himself is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20), a pledge that every follower will rise. • Being first is never about personal prestige; it is about pointing to the complete harvest the Lord intends to gather. What Being a First Convert Looks Like Today • Clear, public allegiance to Jesus even when no one nearby believes yet. • Readiness to open one’s home so a fledgling group of believers can gather. • Steady devotion to other Christians—“they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” • Joyful expectation that more will come to faith because the seed has already sprouted. • Willingness to carry the weight of scrutiny or isolation until the community of faith grows. Privileges and Responsibilities of Spiritual Pioneers • Model faith and obedience 1 Timothy 4:12: “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” • Serve sacrificially John 13:14-15 shows that washing feet precedes holding titles. • Guard doctrinal purity from the outset Galatians 1:8 emphasizes keeping the gospel unchanged. • Intercede for neighbors and authorities, paving the way for others (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Celebrate every new believer as part of the promised harvest, never as a rival. Biblical Snapshots of Other First Converts • Lydia in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15) — opened her heart, then opened her home. • Epenetus in the province of Asia (Romans 16:5). • Dionysius and Damaris in Athens (Acts 17:34). Each became a bridgehead through which the gospel flowed to an entire region. Practical Ways to Live It Out in Our Communities • Speak openly about Christ from day one; silence breeds invisibility. • Invite others to study Scripture with you—kitchen tables turn into meeting halls. • Link up with Bible-honoring churches even if they are miles away; isolation is dangerous. • Disciple the second and third wave of believers quickly, passing on everything you know (2 Timothy 2:2). • Keep life uncluttered so you can say yes to serving saints and strangers alike. • Refuse offense; pioneers face pushback, yet “love bears all things… endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). The Ripple Effect One household in Achaia ignited a movement that transformed a continent. God still delights to begin with one heart fully His. Whoever becomes the first convert in a classroom, office, or town square stands as a living promise: the harvest has started, and His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). |
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