Colossians 3:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 3:20
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Chapter Context
Colossians 3 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, grace, wisdom. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Syncretistic philosophy threatened to compromise the sufficiency of Christ.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Colossians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Colossians 3:20
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Analysis
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Paul addresses children directly (revolutionary in ancient culture that barely acknowledged children's personhood). "Obey your parents" (ta tekna, hypakouete tois goneusin, τὰ τέκνα, ὑπακούετε τοῖς γονεῦσιν) commands submission to both parents' authority. "In all things" (kata panta, κατὰ πάντα) is comprehensive but has limits: obedience stands "in the Lord" (implied from v. 18, 22), not requiring sin against God.
"For this is well pleasing unto the Lord" (touto gar euareston estin en Kyriō, τοῦτο γὰρ εὐάρεστόν ἐστιν ἐν Κυρίῳ) provides motivation: children's obedience pleases God. This transcends mere duty; obedience becomes worship when offered to honor God. Ephesians 6:1 adds "for this is right," appealing to natural law and Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12). Parental authority derives from and represents God's authority.
Historical Context
Ancient Roman patria potestas (paternal power) gave fathers absolute authority over children, including power of life and death. Children were property until father died. Paul maintains parental authority but qualifies it: children obey as to the Lord; fathers mustn't provoke (v. 21). Christianity humanized parent-child relationships while maintaining ordered family structure, protecting children from arbitrary abuse while teaching proper respect for authority.
Reflection
- How do you teach children to obey cheerfully as worship to God versus grudging compliance?
- What are limits to children's obedience—where do parental commands conflict with God's commands?
- How does recognizing that obedience is 'well pleasing to the Lord' affect parenting and child-rearing philosophy?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:3
- Sin: Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 13:21
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 27:16, Proverbs 6:20, 20:20, 30:11, 30:17, Matthew 19:19