What does Colossians 3:20 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 3:20 is a directive from the Apostle Paul to the children within the Christian community at Colossae.

The verse instructs children to obey their parents in all matters, stating that such obedience is "well pleasing unto the Lord." This implies that children’s obedience to their parents is not just a social or family obligation but has a spiritual dimension that is aligned with the character and desires of God.

The term "obey" in this context means to listen attentively, to heed or conform to the commands or authority of someone, in this case, the parents.

Historical Context

Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), in approximately 60-62 AD. At the time, the Roman Empire influenced the social structures and households, and family was the basic unit of society.

It was common for children to be under the authority of their parents, and Paul's instruction was both countercultural, as it raised the motivation to obedience to a spiritual level, and in line with cultural expectations of respect and familial hierarchy.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on several themes:

• Children and obedience: The verse underlines the value of obedience, which in this verse, reflects a proper response to God-given authority structures.
• The Lord pleasing: The notion of being "well pleasing unto the Lord" incorporates the idea that our earthly relationships have heavenly implications.
• Parent-child relationship: This instruction emphasizes the belief in the sanctity of the family unit as ordained by God, where respect and obedience are integral parts.

Different theological viewpoints have varying interpretations. For example, a traditional conservative view might emphasize unquestioning obedience, while a more progressive interpretation could stress the balance between child-like respect and the growth towards individual discernment.

Practical Applications

For modern application, this verse encourages:

• Respect for parents: Children are encouraged to honor and obey their parents as a reflection of their respect for God.
• Parental responsibility: It implies that parents should act in ways that are just and worthy of their children's obedience.
• Balanced obedience: It promotes the idea that obedience should not be enforced to the point of abuse or neglect.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;"
• Exodus 20:12: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "obey" is translated from the word "hypakouete" (υπακούω), which means to listen or to be subject to.

"In all things" translated from "pasin," implies completeness or in every matter. In the phrase "well pleasing," the Greek "euarestos" (εὐάρεστος) is used, which connotes an action that is well received or favorable in someone's sight, in this case, the Lord’s.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including the Greco-Roman world, filial piety, or respect for one's parents, was expected. This concept is also echoed in other religious traditions, such as Confucianism, which places a strong emphasis on honoring one's parents and ancestors.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, there is research in developmental psychology that suggests that appropriate parental guidance and child obedience are crucial for healthy psychological development.

However, the emphasis on "all things" could be considered too broad from a modern perspective, where critical thinking and autonomy are also valued.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various perspectives on Colossians 3:20:

• Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary suggests that obedience to parents is pleasing to the Lord because it is an acknowledgment of the order He himself has established.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the authority of parents as just and natural, deserving of obedience within the limits of morality and religious piety.
• John Calvin in his commentaries emphasizes the nature of obedience that is qualified by being “in the Lord,” meaning that the child obeys in matters that are in harmony with the will of God.