Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that is often shaped as much by resistance as by resolve. The Book of Acts offers more than a historical account of the early church; it reveals the conditions in which faith matures. Throughout Acts, we encounter moments where barriers threaten to stifle growth, yet through the Spirit’s power, these challenges become catalysts for transformation. This article explores five major barriers to spiritual growth in Acts and what they reveal about our own discipleship today.
Barrier #1: When Faith Gets Dangerous
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29, NIV)
The earliest days of the Church were filled with external opposition. In Acts 4–9, Peter and John are arrested, Stephen is martyred, and Saul begins his persecution campaign. Yet amid threats and violence, the Church doesn’t shrink; it grows. Instead of praying for safety, the believers ask for boldness.
Persecution remains one of the clearest barriers to spiritual growth. It forces believers to choose between comfort and conviction. The temptation is often to blend in, remain silent, or prioritize acceptance. However, Acts shows that the Church grows not despite persecution, but through it. Faith deepens in adversity when believers yield to the Spirit, not fear.
Barrier #2: Breaking the Bubble
“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15, NIV)
In Acts 10–11, Peter is confronted with his own religious and cultural boundaries when God calls him to Cornelius’s home, a Gentile. Through visions and divine appointments, Peter comes to realize that the gospel is for all people, not just the Jewish community.
This moment dismantles a powerful barrier: cultural and ethnic exclusivity. Often, believers are unaware of how tightly their spiritual worldview is tied to personal comfort, tradition, or homogeneity. Acts challenges us to let the Spirit redraw our boundaries. Real growth requires crossing lines we thought were fixed—lines free of race, background, tradition, or social status— to see the Kingdom more fully.
“Real growth requires crossing lines we thought were fixed—lines free of race, background, tradition, or social status— to see the Kingdom more fully.”
Barrier #3: When Leaders Disagree
“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” (Acts 15:39, NIV)
Even spiritual giants disagree. Paul and Barnabas, who had once endured persecution side by side, find themselves in conflict over John Mark. Their disagreement is so sharp that they split paths entirely (Acts 15:36–41).
Leadership conflict is a real and often painful barrier to spiritual growth, both for leaders and those they lead. But Acts presents disagreement not as disqualifying, but refining. Both Paul and Barnabas continue their mission separately, but effectively. Their story reminds us that while unity is the goal, division doesn’t always mean failure. The Spirit can still work through disagreement when it’s handled with humility.
Barrier #4: Close, But Not Quite
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Acts 19:2, NIV)
Apollos was gifted, intelligent, and passionate. But his understanding of the gospel was incomplete (Acts 18:24-26). Similarly, Paul meets a group of disciples in Ephesus who have believed but haven’t even heard of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1–7).
This barrier, limited understanding, can subtly hinder growth. Many believers operate from a foundation that’s only partially formed. They may know doctrine but lack depth, or love Scripture but resist correction. Acts shows that spiritual maturity requires not only zeal but also accuracy and openness to correction. Growth demands a willingness to keep learning, even when we think we already know enough.
“Growth demands a willingness to keep learning, even when we think we already know enough.”
Barrier #5: Spirit vs. Society
“Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28, NIV)
Paul’s message in Ephesus doesn’t just convert individuals; it disrupts an economy. As people abandon idol worship and magical practices, local craftsmen riot, fearing for their livelihoods (Acts 19:17–41).
The gospel is not merely spiritual; it’s revolutionary. When Jesus becomes Lord, idols lose their hold, whether they are religious, political, financial, or cultural. One of the most insidious barriers to growth is the pull of societal norms and idolatries. Acts reminds us that following Jesus may require disrupting the systems we’ve profited from or become accustomed to. Spiritual growth often costs something tangible.
Conclusion
Barriers to spiritual growth are not always obvious. They can be external, like persecution or conflict. However, they are often internal or culturally hidden in assumptions, loyalties, and blind spots. The Book of Acts presents growth not as linear progress, but as a Spirit-led journey through confrontation, discomfort, and change.
“The Book of Acts presents growth not as linear progress, but as a Spirit-led journey through confrontation, discomfort, and change.”
As you consider these five barriers, reflect on your own journey:
- Which of these have you encountered?
- Where might God be inviting you to grow through discomfort?
- What resistance might actually be an invitation to greater maturity?
True growth often starts at the edge of resistance. The Spirit still speaks, sometimes through opposition, correction, or disruption, to lead us into deeper transformation and mission.
*This reflection was inspired by my doctoral research on spiritual formation and the early church. For more, see my thesis on “Barriers to Spiritual Growth,” submitted to Bethel University.
