Be Impartial: The Biblical Command and Theological Basis for Rejecting Prejudice

Edward D. Andrews
Jun 19, 2025
5 min read

Jehovah’s Standard of Impartiality

The foundation for impartiality among Christians is laid firmly in the very nature of God Himself. Acts 10:34–35 states: “God is not partial, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” This declaration, made by the apostle Peter, came at a pivotal moment in the early church’s history—the reception of Gentiles into the Christian congregation. Until that point, many Jewish believers assumed that the message of salvation through Christ was restricted to Jews or converts to Judaism. The conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, served as an unmistakable divine demonstration that God's favor was extended without national, ethnic, or cultural barriers.

Jehovah’s impartiality is not a theoretical ideal but a revealed attribute seen consistently throughout the Bible. Deuteronomy 10:17 affirms this: “For Jehovah your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” His judgments are based on righteousness and truth, not external characteristics or societal divisions.

THE CROSS: Crucified with Christ, and Christ Alive in Me

Buy Now

Theological Significance of Impartiality

Impartiality is not merely about equal treatment but reflects a deeper theological truth: all people are equally accountable before God and equally in need of salvation. Romans 2:11 plainly says, “For God shows no partiality.” Whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, slave or free—all stand condemned apart from the righteousness found in Christ (Romans 3:23–24). Thus, impartiality is not just a social ethic but a gospel truth. It preserves the integrity of the Gospel message: that salvation is offered freely and without discrimination.

In the Old Testament, while Israel was chosen as God’s covenant nation, they were not selected due to any racial superiority (Deuteronomy 7:7–8). They were a vehicle for the unfolding redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah. Once the Messiah came, the wall of division was broken down (Ephesians 2:14), and the mystery “that the Gentiles are fellow heirs” was fully revealed (Ephesians 3:6).

HOLINESS Annotated Edition: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots

Buy Now

Jehovah Sees the Heart

1 Samuel 16:7 provides a key interpretive lens: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart.” This was spoken when Samuel was sent to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king. Samuel was drawn to Eliab’s impressive appearance, but God rejected him. David, the youngest and least impressive outwardly, was chosen. The principle is enduring: God’s concern is not with external forms—ethnic background, status, education, physical appearance—but with the heart’s disposition toward Him.

This focus on the heart directly counters all forms of partiality: racism, ethnic pride, classism, and cultural elitism. Such attitudes are incompatible with the heart of God and the life of a Christian.

ADVICE FOR SEEKERS: Annotated Edition

Buy Now

Impartiality in Christian Conduct

The early church had to contend with lingering prejudice. James, the half-brother of Jesus, addresses this directly in James 2:1–9. He condemns favoritism based on economic status, asking why a congregation would honor a wealthy man but disgrace a poor one. “Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:4). The Christian community must reflect God's impartial nature by treating every person with equal dignity and value.

Paul likewise writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This does not erase natural distinctions in society, but it nullifies them as bases for spiritual superiority or inferiority. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Moreover, Paul instructs Christian masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly, “knowing that you also have a Master in heaven, and that there is no partiality with Him” (Colossians 4:1; Ephesians 6:9). This shows that God’s impartiality must permeate all relationships, especially those involving power or authority.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH: Annotated Edition

Buy Now

Application: Be Impartial in Practice

To imitate Jehovah’s impartiality, Christians must examine their own hearts and conduct. Prejudices, if present, must be acknowledged and eradicated. The Bible does not allow for partiality in any form. Discrimination on the basis of race, culture, social status, or nationality contradicts both the character of God and the message of the Gospel.

Impartiality must govern how believers evangelize, how they serve in the church, and how they relate to one another. Those who fear God and do what is right—regardless of their background—must be welcomed fully into the fellowship of believers. There is no room for cultural superiority or tribal exclusivism in the church.

Leaders in the congregation must especially avoid partiality. Paul’s charge to Timothy is explicit: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus... I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21). Church discipline, appointments, and decisions must be carried out without bias, reflecting God’s standard.

The modern Christian is constantly exposed to societal divisions fueled by race, politics, class, and ethnicity. The believer must stand apart from this worldliness, embodying the impartiality of the God he serves. This includes being slow to judge others, quick to listen, and eager to embrace all who come to Christ in faith and obedience.

ABSOLUTE SURRENDER: Annotated Edition

Buy Now

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).