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Does Paul contradict Jesus when he exhorts children, “obey your parents in all things”? Colossians 3:20
While Paul told children to obey their parents in everything, Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:37). Surely children should not obey a parent who commands them to curse God, or hate Jesus, or kill their brother.
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Penny Nobles
Supporter
After reviewing Col. 3:20-21, verse 21 cautions, "Fathers, do not antagonize your children so that they will not become discouraged." NASB Honoring/obeying anyone, even a parent, does not mean sinning at their direction.
Donna Williams
Supporter
Dear Anonymous, the Apostle Paul is writing to believers in Christ Jesus, and is instructing children to submit to the authority of their parents, as it pertains to righteous living. He would never encourage them to do anything that goes against the will of God. It the same commandment found in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." There is never any contradictions in the Word of God. I believe the message that Jesus conveyed to His disciples was that to follow Him would be a sacrifice and would cause them to forsake all others. Our relationship with Him is the most important one that we will ever have; because it is an eternal relationship. As the body of Christ we are in a covenant relationship with Him.
Shirley H
Supporter
No, I don't think that Paul is contradicting Jesus. Philippians 3:17,18, 19: Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their minds on earthly things." Paul suffered greatly for his love of Jesus!
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
A text must be understood in its context because a text without a context is a pretext for a proof text. I.e. a text without a context is a pretext for whatever you want it to mean. Colossians 3:20 in the New King James Version (NKJV) says: "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord." By the way, "Colossians 3:20" is an Awana song, and I used to be an Awana boys leader. -- Pals: 3rd and 4th-grade boys which now they call, I guess, Truth & Training (T&T): Grades 3 to 6. This was at Garfield Baptist Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. From there I became a pastor. The “all things” in Colossians 3:20 does not include things that displease the Lord, since the very next phrase says, “for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” Furthermore, in the parallel passage in Ephesians, written at the same time (the AD 60–62 timeframe is the most widely accepted by biblical scholars), Paul explicitly qualifies this command, saying, “children, obey your parents in the Lord” (Eph. 6:1). This makes it clear that a child is not to obey his or her parents if they command the child to do something against the Lord. See When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties -- Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe.
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