Known as one who had persecuted the church previously, Paul could not be accepted by the disciples in Jerusalem on his own word. Instead, Barnabas had to sponsor him in, speaking for him, declaring his belief in the authenticity of Paul's conversion. Otherwise, for all they knew, Paul may have come to subvert their life together. The church continues in a number of ways to safeguard the integrity of its ministry. When children are baptized, their parents may select sponsors for them, who will also be concerned with the spiritual well-being of the child as he/she grows up.
