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 References 1. 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 Implications The 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 Application In 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 (contrast Proverbs 18:5 and 24:23). As applied to a (prostrate) suppliant, the phrase means "receive him with favor," and is so used in 1 Samuel 25:35 Malachi 1:8, 9 (compare Genesis 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 20:21 Galatians 2:6), with the noun prosopolempsia, "face-taking" (Romans 2:11 Ephesians 6:9 Colossians 3:25 James 2:1), rendered uniformly "respect of persons" in English Versions of the Bible. 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 man and will be influenced by no worldly (Ephesians 6:9) or national (Romans 2:11) considerations. 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 16:17 Proverbs 24:23. Thus God judges, not according to outward appearance or station, but according to the heart, Acts 10:34 Romans 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 28:21 James 2:1-9 Jude 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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/678.htm - 7k 4380. prosopolempteo -- to have respect of persons 4382. prosopolempsia -- respect of persons 765. asebes -- ungodly, impious Library Whether Respect of Persons is a Sin? Whether Respect of Persons Takes Place in the Dispensation of ... Whether the Sin of Respect of Persons Takes Place in Judicial ... Whether Respect of Persons Takes Place in Showing Honor and ... But Perhaps You Will Say to Me: "Why do You Fill Your Paper with ... Colossians iii. 18-25 If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ... Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God. On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744) God's Purposes in Election and Rejection of the Same Men, Such as ... Resources What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians use the preferred pronouns of transgender individuals when referring to them? | GotQuestions.org Should we stand when the Bible is read? | GotQuestions.org Respect: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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