Does “Obey Your Parents” Have an Expiration Date?

Abstract: The New Testament commands in Ephesians 6:1–3 and Colossians 3:20—“Children, obey your parents”—are widely assumed to expire at adult- hood, yet this view lacks textual support. Paul grounds obedience in what is “right” and “pleasing to the Lord,” without age limits, appealing to the lifelong fifth commandment. Exegetical analysis reveals no expiration clause. “Children” (tekna) denotes offspring broadly. Also, ancient Greco-Roman households spanned generations, and Paul’s vice lists treat parental disobedience as universal sin. This challenges modern individualism, affirming obedience as enduring Christian discipleship, qualified only “in the Lord.” 

Daniel K. Eng, Ph.D., is an associate professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Western Seminary. He lives in the Portland area.

Adrian Barailee is from Kathmandu, Nepal, and completing his Master of Divinity at Western Seminary. He lives in the Portland area.