Respect of Persons
“Receiving of face; partiality”
Summary
Respect of persons (partiality) is the sinful practice of showing favoritism based on external factors like wealth or status, which Scripture declares God Himself never does.
☩God Shows No Partiality
Scripture repeatedly declares that God shows no respect of persons—no partiality based on external factors. He judges all according to their works without regard to status, nationality, or wealth. Peter learned this lesson at Cornelius's house: 'Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.'
☩Forbidden to Believers
James strongly condemns showing favoritism in the church, especially favoring the rich over the poor. If a wealthy man in fine clothing receives preferential treatment while a poor man is dismissed, the church makes itself 'judges of evil thoughts.' Such partiality violates the royal law of loving one's neighbor as oneself.
☩Justice Requires Impartiality
Judges were strictly commanded not to show partiality in judgment—neither favoring the rich and powerful nor wrongly favoring the poor. 'Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great.' Only impartial justice reflects God's own character and maintains a righteous society.
Related Verses13 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Respect Of Persons," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Respect of Persons," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Respect of Persons," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).