Again this can apply literally to believing children [ despise not one of these little ones ]
So Jesus is saying it's ok to despise non-believing children? At what age?
Except ye be converted, and become as little children..
Is Jesus saying the little one is converted or that the converted become as little children?
So Jesus is saying it's ok to despise non-believing children? At what age?
No, because despising is not the only alternative to NOT despising. Jesus says that we are not to hate any person. The command is only to not despise. There is no counter command here. But to the point, I was clearly referring to believing children ONLY vs. all Christians in terms of direct applicability HERE. I was not referring to believing children vs. unbelieving children.
Except ye be converted, and become as little children.. [KJV]
Is Jesus saying the little one is converted or that the converted become as little children?
The NIV says:
Matt 18:3 : And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, I do not think that the order here is the point of the verse. Rather, the idea is that our faith must be innocent and child-like. It must be a completely trusting faith for it to be true. Only THAT type of faith is what saves. So, to answer your question, the "little one" is converted in order to have child-like faith and then become saved.