Why Tarriest Thou?

by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
This was the question the gospel preacher Ananias asked Saul of Tarsus. “Why tarriest
thou?” (Acts 22:16). To “tarry” is to wait, to delay, to put off. Saul had not yet been baptized for
the remission of his sins, as required by our Lord, (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38), but it was time. He
was delaying his obedience to the gospel, and this penetrating question caused him to ask himself
why. Let’s apply that question to ourselves and consider honestly a few reasons why some people
today put off obedience to the gospel. Maybe one of these is your reason for delaying, and you
need to take a good hard look at why.

1. Some people delay baptism because they are not convinced it is necessary. This is
   difficult to understand because the Bible is so very clear on this subject. In the passage before us,
   the essentiality and urgency of baptism are clearly seen: “And now, why tarriest thou? arise, and
   be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name,” (Acts 22:16). To “call on” someone’s
   name is to invoke his authority, to do what he said. Jesus said to be baptized, (Matthew 28:18-20).
   Have you obeyed him? Jesus was baptized. He was immersed in water by John, the baptizer, not
   because he needed forgiveness, but to “fulfill all righteousness,” (Matthew 3:15). Being baptized
   is the right thing to do. Have you imitated Jesus in baptism? If these straightforward passages are
   not enough to convince you that baptism for the remission of sins is necessary, what would it take
   to do so?
2. Some put off baptism because they are afraid of others. They may be afraid that their
   spouse, who has not been baptized either, will not understand. They may be afraid of their parents,
   or other members of the denominational church where they grew up. Young people may fear their
   peers and friends, who might mock or ridicule them for their decision to be baptized. Saul had
   every reason to be afraid of others, because he had been persecuting the church on their behalf.
   But he rose above those fears, because he trusted in the Lord. This is the same Lord who assures
   all of us to “fear not,” (Revelation 2:10). Those who are tarrying in this type of fear need to
   remember the following passage: “So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will
   not fear: What shall man do unto me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
3. Some are tarrying in their obedience to the gospel because they are afraid they
   cannot live “good enough.” They seem to think that Christians are perfect. They know that they
   are not perfect, and they do not want to be hypocritical. That’s a noble desire, but it overlooks the
   fact that the church is not a museum of perfect people, it is a hospital for those who understand
   they are sick. It is a place for forgiveness, not perfection. Once baptized, the cleansing blood of
   Christ continues for Christians, (1 John 1:7). It’s because we aren’t perfect that we need to be
   baptized. We need to have our sins washed away, just like Saul of Tarsus did.
4. Some postpone baptism because they are uncomfortable coming forward before a
   group of people. This type of fear is natural, but should never stand in the way of our obedience
   to the gospel. May I tell you that once you take the first step, the others will come more easily?
   Once you step out into the aisle and make eye contact with the preacher, there will be no turning
   back. When he takes your hand, he will direct you, take your confession, and the baptism will be
   smooth and seamless. This has been demonstrated many times. Talk to others who have been
   baptized. Fear and self-consciousness tend to disappear when we take the focus off ourselves, and
   put it on Jesus Christ. And think of the encouragement your actions will be to those in attendance!
   Every time Christians witness another baptism, they are reminded of their own commitment to
   follow Christ.
   These are some of the more common reasons why people wait, rather than obeying the
   gospel immediately. But when you think about them, none amounts to very much in view of
   eternity. None of these reasons for delay will hold up at the judgment seat of Christ! Why are you
   tarrying? Is it not time for you to do what Ananias commanded Saul of Tarsus: “Arise, and be
   baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling the name of the Lord!” Please let us know if we may
   assist you in your obedience to the Lord today.