What does the Bible say about adulthood?

Biblical overview

The biblical picture focuses less on adulthood as a developmental or psychological stage or age and more as the attainment of spiritual maturity.

• Galatians 3:23–25, spiritual maturity is found in Christ (righteousness comes not through scrupulous observance of the law but through faith in Christ)
• Deuteronomy 21:18–21, obedience to parents (self-control as a mark of maturity)
• Ephesians 4:11–15, spiritual maturity in a community of faith (Christlikeness, doctrinal discernment, and unity as signs of maturity)
• Hebrews 6:1–2, seek spiritual maturity (grow in righteousness and understanding)
• 1 Peter 2:2–3, righteous living comes through seeking knowledge of Christ (set aside the sinful nature)

These signs of spiritual maturity are accessible to all, regardless of one's actual age (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 John 2:13–14).

Knowing and being known

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to my childhood ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:11–12).

Children

While Scripture suggests that we should move beyond elementary matters to a deeper, more mature faith (Hebrews 6:1–2), we are reminded that Jesus praises the faith of children and invites them to him (Luke 18:17). Jesus tells us that we are to become like children (Matthew 18:2–4). God ordains praise from the lips of children and infants (Psalm 8:2). While we desire to grow in spiritual maturity, we should not lose the childlike wonder of faith.

Changing landscapes

Scripture's indifference to age is an important reminder as today's world wrestles with the concept of "emerging adulthood," often understood as prolonged adolescence. For older folks concerned about the perceived laziness of younger folks, we are reminded to avoid proof-texting our expectations of how certain ages are supposed to act. For younger folks navigating the realities of a changing world, we are reminded that God expects all believers, young and old alike, to grow in spiritual maturity.

Practical realities

The census of God's people in the early chapters of Numbers demonstrates that the people of Israel were to be aware of practical realities and differences between children and adults during their wandering in the desert. They were to take into consideration how many adult men would be available for the wars they would face (Numbers 1:3). Levites were given specific instructions for eligible ages for priestly service (Numbers 8:24–25). Churches would do well to consider these practical realities when considering communal life. Young people may be spiritually mature, but, due to many youths' unfamiliarity with budgets, churches may decide it best to withhold voting rights until a certain age. An individual may be wise beyond their years, but contextual expectations may mean that it is best not to allow such an individual to serve on council. As God expected Israel to take practical considerations into account, so too should our churches.

Covenantal reminders

In the midst of the census data of Numbers, the Levites are counted not from fighting age, but from birth (Numbers 3:15). The Levites, representative of God's people in their service to the tabernacle and temple, were also a reminder of the covenantal promises of God given to the whole household (Acts 2:39). As churches wrestle with the practical distinctions of youth and adulthood, we are reminded that God's covenant is not just with adults, but with children as well.