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There are two aspects of partiality that the Bible addresses. Concerning God and concerning the body of Christ.
That which concerns God is from Acts 10:34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,---"
This scripture is often isolated from all context, the full counsel of God, the surrounding text, and even from the rest of the sentence, and given as proof against election and predestination.
But of course that is not what it is saying. The rest of the sentence: but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.
This of course is from the account of the Holy Spirit being given to Cornelius, a Gentile.
The partiality that pertains to the body of Christ is found in 1 Tim 5:21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
This follows Paul's instructions to Timothy on church order and how he as a leader is to treat various members of the flock. So it is leadership instruction.
And as to brethren to brethren: James 2:1 My brothers,show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
This is the sin we must watch out for and recognize, do away with, not deny that it has crept into the decisions we make and the actions we take.
That which concerns God is from Acts 10:34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,---"
This scripture is often isolated from all context, the full counsel of God, the surrounding text, and even from the rest of the sentence, and given as proof against election and predestination.
But of course that is not what it is saying. The rest of the sentence: but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.
This of course is from the account of the Holy Spirit being given to Cornelius, a Gentile.
The partiality that pertains to the body of Christ is found in 1 Tim 5:21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
This follows Paul's instructions to Timothy on church order and how he as a leader is to treat various members of the flock. So it is leadership instruction.
And as to brethren to brethren: James 2:1 My brothers,show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
This is the sin we must watch out for and recognize, do away with, not deny that it has crept into the decisions we make and the actions we take.
