Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "respecter" is often associated with the phrase "respecter of persons," which is used to describe partiality or favoritism. This concept is significant in understanding the nature of God and His dealings with humanity, as well as the ethical expectations placed upon believers.
Biblical UsageThe phrase "respecter of persons" is derived from the Greek word "prosōpolēmpsia," which means partiality or favoritism. This term is used in several key passages to emphasize God's impartiality and justice.
1.
God's Impartiality: One of the most direct statements regarding God as not being a respecter of persons is found in
Acts 10:34-35, where Peter declares, "Truly I understand that God is not a respecter of persons, but in every nation, the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him" . This passage highlights the universality of God's grace and the inclusivity of the Gospel message, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.
2.
Judgment and Justice:
Romans 2:11 states, "For God does not show favoritism" . This underscores the principle that God's judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not on external factors such as social status, ethnicity, or wealth. God's justice is equitable, and He judges each person according to their deeds.
3.
Christian Conduct: The concept of not being a respecter of persons is also applied to Christian ethics.
James 2:1-4 warns believers against showing favoritism, particularly in the context of wealth and social standing: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism" . This admonition calls Christians to reflect God's impartiality in their relationships and community interactions.
Theological ImplicationsThe biblical teaching that God is not a respecter of persons has profound theological implications. It affirms the equality of all people before God, emphasizing that salvation and divine favor are not contingent upon human distinctions. This principle is foundational to the Christian understanding of justice and equality, as it reflects God's character and His desire for all people to come to repentance and faith.
Practical Applications1.
Equality in the Church: The church is called to be a community where all members are valued equally, regardless of their background or social status. This is a reflection of the kingdom of God, where earthly distinctions are rendered insignificant.
2.
Social Justice: Christians are encouraged to advocate for justice and equality in society, challenging systems and practices that perpetuate discrimination and favoritism. This aligns with the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor and seek the welfare of others.
3.
Personal Relationships: On a personal level, believers are urged to examine their own hearts and actions, ensuring that they do not harbor prejudice or favoritism. This involves treating others with fairness, respect, and love, as God does.
In summary, the concept of God not being a respecter of persons is a central theme in Scripture, highlighting His impartiality and the call for believers to emulate this attribute in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) One who respects.
Greek
4381. prosopolemptes -- an accepter of a face, ie arespecter of...... an accepter of a face, ie a
respecter of persons. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: prosopolemptes Phonetic Spelling: (pros-o-pol-ape'-tace
...Library
'God is noRespecter of Persons'
... 'GOD IS NORESPECTER OF PERSONS'.... Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of
a truth I perceive that God is norespecter of persons: 35....
Whether the Old Law Should have Been Given to the Jews Alone?
... Objection 2: Further, according to Acts 10:34,35, "God is not arespecter of persons:
but in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh justice, is...
How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the...
... IX. For the bishop must not only himself give no offence, but must be norespecter
of persons; in meekness instructing those that offend....
Whether Blindness and Hardness of Heart are Directed to the...
... Therefore God turns blindness to the profit of those who are blinded. Objection
3: Further, "God is not arespecter of persons" (Acts 10:34)....
Acts x. 23, 24
... "And Peter," it says, "opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God
is norespecter of persons." (v.34... Was He "arespecter of persons" beforetime?...
The Woman of Samaria
... none. He is norespecter of persons: but in every nation, he that feareth
God and worketh righteousness is accepted with him. Despise...
Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts
... COPIES OF CHRIST'S MANNER. WHAT GOD HATH CLEANSED. 'GOD IS NORESPECTER OF PERSONS'.
PETER'S APOLOGIA. THE FIRST PREACHING AT ANTIOCH. THE EXHORTATION OF BARNABAS...
On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... Neither is any condition of life more honourable in the sight of God than another;
otherwise He would be arespecter of persons, which He assures us He is not...
When a Man Sows, He Expects to Reap.
... The deeds we do, the words we speak, the thoughts we harbor, are all recorded, and
shall meet their just reward, for God is norespecter of persons....
The Motives to this Oversight
... Believe it, sirs, God is norespecter of persons: he saveth not men for their
coats or callings; a holy calling will not save an unholy man....
Thesaurus
Respecter (2 Occurrences)...Respecter (2 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 13:13 He who makes sport of the word will come
to destruction, but the
respecter of the law will be rewarded. (BBE).
...Persons (156 Occurrences)
... A noun prosopolemptes, "respecter of persons," and a verb prosopolempteo, are found
Acts 10:34 James 2:9. God's judgment rests solely on the character of the...
Respected (28 Occurrences)
Opening (242 Occurrences)
... earth, (BBE). Acts 10:34 And Peter opening his mouth said, Of a truth I perceive
that God is norespecter of persons, (DBY NAS). Acts 12...
Inheritance (263 Occurrences)
... In order that there might not be anyrespecter of persons in the division, the lot
was to determine the specific piece to be owned by each family head (Numbers...
Respect (204 Occurrences)
... A noun prosopolemptes, "respecter of persons," and a verb prosopolempteo, are found
Acts 10:34 James 2:9. God's judgment rests solely on the character of the...
Respecteth (3 Occurrences)
Personality
... connection (Matthew 22:16,"Thou regardest not the person of men"; Galatians 2:6,
"God accepteth not man's person"; Acts 10:34, "God is norespecter of persons...
True (305 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:34 And Peter having opened his mouth, said, 'Of a truth, I perceive
that God is norespecter of persons, (See NIV). Acts...
Debt (48 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 13:13 He who makes sport of the word will come to destruction,
but therespecter of the law will be rewarded. (See NAS)....
Resources
What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible give any one individual spiritual authority over another individual? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about confidence? | GotQuestions.orgRespecter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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