Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 (KJV)
Context
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians during his imprisonment in Rome, around AD 60-62, addressing the church in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He wrote to counter false teachings and to encourage believers in their faith. Colossians 3:20 is part of a section of practical instruction for Christian households, where Paul explains how believers should relate to one another within family structures. The verse directly addresses children, commanding them to obey their parents, and it is followed by a parallel instruction to fathers, showing the reciprocal responsibilities within the family.
Meaning
The Greek word translated “obey” implies actively following and submitting to parental authority, not merely hearing or understanding. The scope of this command is comprehensive: “in all things” means children are called to obey in every area of life, not just in certain areas. This general obedience includes areas such as chores, schoolwork, behaviour, and moral values. It teaches children the importance of respect, submission, and learning from their parents’ wisdom. The motivation for this obedience is explicitly stated: “for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” This reveals that such obedience is not only a social or familial obligation but carries spiritual significance. It pleases God when children honour and obey their parents because it aligns with His design for family and authority. This obedience reflects a heart of humility, respect, and trust in God’s ordained structures.
Biblical connections
Obedience to parents is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Ten Commandments include honouring one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12), and the command to children in Colossians parallels Ephesians 6:1, where Paul gives a similar instruction. Obedience to parents serves as a foundation for learning obedience to God’s authority.
Application
For children: Show respect and honour to your parents by obeying their instructions.
For children: Seek to understand the reasons behind their guidance and correction.
For children: Be willing to listen, learn, and grow in wisdom as you submit to their authority.
For children: Pray for strength and grace to obey, even when it is difficult.
For parents: Teach and model godly principles and values to your children.
For parents: Exercise your authority with love, fairness, and consistency.
For parents: Provide clear and reasonable expectations for your children.
For parents: Seek to guide and discipline your children in a manner that points them toward Christ.
Overall, Colossians 3:20 highlights the importance of children obeying their parents, not only in practical matters but also as an act of pleasing God. Obedience to parents sets a foundation for obedience to God and fosters healthy relationships within the family.
Reflection
The command to children is not absolute in the sense of requiring obedience to sinful requests; the command is to obey in all things that are not contrary to the law of God and the Gospel of Christ. Christian obedience is ultimately directed toward the Lord, and children’s obedience to parents is a way of pleasing Him.
