Topical Encyclopedia
The term "respect of persons" refers to the act of showing partiality or favoritism towards individuals based on external factors such as wealth, social status, or appearance, rather than on their intrinsic worth or character. This concept is addressed multiple times in the Bible, where it is consistently portrayed as contrary to God's nature and His expectations for human conduct.
Biblical References1.
Old Testament Context: The principle of impartiality is rooted in the Old Testament law. In
Leviticus 19:15 , it is written, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command underscores the importance of justice and fairness, irrespective of a person's social or economic status.
2.
New Testament Teachings: The New Testament further elaborates on this principle. In
James 2:1-4 , the apostle James admonishes believers, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" James highlights the sinfulness of favoritism within the Christian community, emphasizing that it contradicts the faith in Christ.
3.
God's Impartiality: The Bible consistently affirms that God Himself is impartial. In
Romans 2:11 , Paul states, "For God does not show favoritism." This divine attribute serves as a model for human behavior, calling believers to emulate God's fairness and justice in their interactions with others.
4.
Apostolic Example: The apostle Peter, after receiving a vision from God, declared in
Acts 10:34-35 , "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." This revelation was pivotal in the early church's understanding of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith, demonstrating that God's grace and salvation are available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of "respect of persons" has significant theological implications. It challenges believers to reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors, urging them to align with God's standard of impartiality. The call to avoid favoritism is not merely a social or ethical directive but a spiritual mandate that reflects the character of God and the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, avoiding "respect of persons" means treating all individuals with equal dignity and respect, recognizing their inherent value as image-bearers of God. It involves making decisions based on righteousness and justice, rather than external appearances or societal pressures. This principle is particularly relevant in contexts such as church leadership, community service, and personal relationships, where impartiality can foster unity and reflect the love of Christ.
By adhering to the biblical teaching against "respect of persons," believers are called to create communities that mirror the kingdom of God, where justice, mercy, and humility prevail over prejudice and favoritism.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Respect of PersonsRESPECT OF PERSONS
re-spekt': The phrase nasa' phanim, means literally, "lift up the face," and, among other translations, is rendered indifferently "accept" or "respect the person" in the King James Version (contrastProverbs 18:5 and 24:23). As applied to a (prostrate) suppliant, the phrase means "receive him with favor," and is so used in1 Samuel 25:35Malachi 1:8, 9 (compareGenesis 19:21, etc.). By a shift in force the phrase came to mean "accept the person instead of the cause" or "show partiality" (Job 13:8, 10 the American Standard Revised Version), and is so used commonly. A literal translation into Greek gave lambano prosopon (Sirach 35:13 (32:16);Luke 20:21Galatians 2:6), with the noun prosopolempsia, "face-taking" (Romans 2:11Ephesians 6:9Colossians 3:25James 2:1), rendered uniformly "respect of persons" in English Versions of the Bible. A noun prosopolemptes, "respecter of persons," and a verb prosopolempteo, are foundActs 10:34James 2:9. God's judgment rests solely on the character of the man and will be influenced by no worldly (Ephesians 6:9) or national (Romans 2:11) considerations.
See alsoACCEPT.
Burton Scott Easton
ATS Bible Dictionary
Respect of PersonsThe judges of the Hebrews were directed to give sentence strictly according to truth and justice, without regard to the comparative wealth, influence or other advantage of one party over the other, Le 19:15 De 16:17Proverbs 24:23. Thus God judges, not according to outward appearance or station, but according to the heart,Acts 10:34Romans 2:6-11. Thus ought men to estimate and treat their fellow men; and to court the favor of the rich and influential is sharply censured in Scripture,Proverbs 28:21James 2:1-9Jude 1:16.
Greek
678. aprosopolemptos -- not accepting the person, ie without...... not accepting the person, ie without
respect of
persons. Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: aprosopolemptos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ros-o-pol-ape'-tos
...4380. prosopolempteo -- to haverespect ofpersons
... to haverespect ofpersons. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prosopolempteo
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-o-pol-ape-teh'-o) Short Definition: I show partiality...
4382. prosopolempsia --respect ofpersons
...respect ofpersons. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: prosopolempsia
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-o-pol-ape-see'-ah) Short Definition: partiality...
765. asebes -- ungodly, impious
... of 4576 , "torespect") -- properly, lack of reverence ("without duerespect"),
ie failing... NASB Word Usage godless man (1), ungodly (6), ungodlypersons (1)....
Library
WhetherRespect ofPersons is a Sin?
... Yet God seems torespect persons, since of two men circumstanced alike He sometimes
upraises one by grace, and leaves the other in sin, according to Mat.24:40...
WhetherRespect ofPersons Takes Place in the Dispensation of...
... VICES OPPOSED TO DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE (Q ) Whetherrespect ofpersons takes
place in the dispensation of spiritual goods? Objection...
Whether the Sin ofRespect ofPersons Takes Place in Judicial...
... Now it is not a sin torespect persons in pronouncing penalties, since a heavier
punishment is inflicted on one who injures the person of a prince than on one...
WhetherRespect ofPersons Takes Place in Showing Honor and...
... Whoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of all
honor." Therefore it seems that it is not a sin torespect persons in showing...
But Perhaps You Will Say to Me: "Why do You Fill Your Paper with...
... not think it necessary in such a matter to observe the rule of holy Scripture which
demands that each man should be judged withoutrespect ofpersons; I will...
Colossians iii. 18-25
... For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath
done: and there is norespect ofpersons with God. (Chap....
If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles...
... them." "I have not shunned," he says, "to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Thus did the apostles simply, and withoutrespect ofpersons, deliver to...
Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... The absence ofrespect ofpersons in God is not then in time, but from eternity.
Nor had His beneficence a beginning; nor any more...
On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... Thus servants are directed to obey their masters, children their parents, and wives
their husbands, not from anyrespect ofpersons in God, but because...
God's Purposes in Election and Rejection of the Same Men, Such as...
... Now, although you will have it that He is inconstant [2980] inrespect ofpersons,
sometimes disapproving where approbation is deserved; or else wanting in...
Resources
What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians use the preferred pronouns of transgender individuals when referring to them? | GotQuestions.orgShould we stand when the Bible is read? | GotQuestions.orgRespect: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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