Colossians 3:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

NIV: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

NASB: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

CSB: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

NLT: Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.

KJV: Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

NKJV: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

This passage is a set of specific instructions to those living in Christian homes. Paul's recent words have addressed wives (Colossians 3:18) and husbands (Colossians 3:19). Here, he instructs children with a relatively broad concept. Children are given one overarching command: obedience. This follows the teaching of honoring one's parents found in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–3). It also represents the universal Christian teaching of living with love and respect toward one another.

Paul reminds children that obedience to their parents is pleasing to God. He has already noted that all things are to be done for God's glory (Colossians 3:17). This includes how a child obeys his or her parents. Jesus set an example by being submissive to His human parents (Luke 2:51) as well as to the will of His heavenly Father (Matthew 6:10). Disobedience to parents was considered sinful (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2). Obedience to one's parents is the biblical expectation for children in Christian homes (Ephesians 6:1).

Colossians 3:18—4:1 gives specific instructions from Paul for those living in Christian homes. This passage includes directions for husbands, wives, children, and servants. Paul makes a point of reminding believers not to merely ''get by'' with the bare minimum of what we are obligated to do. Rather, we should serve knowing that Christ is our ultimate judge. Paul also places ''masters'' under the same obligation to kindness and fairness as slaves and servants: both are equal in the eyes of Christ.

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Prior chapters in Colossians emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and the inferiority of worldly teachings. Paul's explanation of Christ as the ultimate authority, and the only source of truth, is key to understanding the difference between godly wisdom and worldly deceptions. In this chapter, Paul will apply those earlier ideas using practical instructions. This application runs through the beginning of chapter 4, which will end with various news about fellow Christian ministers.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 5/7/2024 9:41:59 PM