Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In my opinion, Paul in this verse is not necessarily implying that children (even after reaching adulthood) have the same duty of obedience to their parents as they had in childhood, but that one of the marks of an unsaved person (who has not come to Christ) is shown (even in childhood or youth) by a tendency to disobey the rightful authority that God has given (along with responsibility for the proper exercise of that authority) to the person's parents to have over the person until the person reaches adulthood.

This disobedience is just one of the characteristics (along with all the other traits listed by Paul in Romans 1:18-31) that the unsaved can or do exhibit, not just during childhood or youth, but throughout their lives.

February 19 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Daniel Veler Supporter

Your question: Who was the Apostle Paul referring to in Romans 1:30 when he said "disobedient to parents"? Was he referring to just children, or does this verse apply to both adults and children?

Yes, it does. Whether you’re an adult or a child, it’s God’s will that you obey and honor your parents. However, when you think as men, you tend to rely on human reasoning, which can lead you astray. 

To be disobedient to your parents is to disobey them, hence disobedience. But how is this applied to both adults and children alike? Should you do everything your parents ask of you? Only if it is profitable in Christ. 

If your parent asks you to steal a car, should you obey them? Absolutely not! 
The Apostle wrote about the significance of obeying your parents and the appropriate ways to do so. The apostle wrote the following scripture:

Ephesians 6:1: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 

The key words here are “obey your parents in the Lord.” Many children have strayed from the path of righteousness, regardless of whether they are adult children or young ones. Now, what is the reward for children who obey their parents in the Lord? The Apostle continued to elaborate on this matter:

“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

What is written in Romans shows us the child will be disobedient to their parents, now you know how. 

How many godly parents have tried for years to teach their children the ways of the Lord, only to see them reject their pleas?

How many mothers have cried, pleading with God to save their children? Obey your parents in the Lord.

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report