Visitors to Apostolic Pentecostal churches often notice something distinctive about the congregation: many members, particularly women, wear no jewelry. No wedding rings, no necklaces, no earrings. For those unfamiliar with this practice, it can seem peculiar or even legalistic. However, this standard flows from a sincere desire to follow biblical teaching about modesty, holiness, and proper adornment. Understanding the scriptural foundation and spiritual reasoning behind this practice reveals it as an expression of devotion rather than mere rule-keeping.
The Biblical Foundation
The practice of avoiding ornamental jewelry rests on several clear biblical passages. The apostle Peter wrote, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Peter’s instruction specifically addresses the wearing of gold as outward adornment. He contrasts external decoration with internal spiritual beauty, directing believers toward cultivating godly character rather than enhancing physical appearance through jewelry and elaborate hairstyles. The emphasis falls unmistakably on where Christians should focus their attention and resources.
The apostle Paul provides similar instruction in 1 Timothy 2:9-10: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” Again, Scripture contrasts worldly adornment—including gold jewelry and pearls—with the good works that should characterize godly women.
These passages aren’t obscure or isolated texts. They represent direct apostolic instruction to the New Testament church about appropriate Christian appearance and priorities. Apostolic Pentecostals take these scriptures at face value, believing they represent God’s standard for His people across all generations, not merely cultural suggestions for first-century believers.
The Heart Behind the Practice
Critics sometimes dismiss standards against jewelry as legalism—earning salvation through rule-keeping rather than grace. However, this misunderstands both the practice and the doctrine of grace. Apostolic Pentecostals firmly believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. External standards don’t save anyone.
Rather, avoiding jewelry represents a response to salvation, not a requirement for it. When the Holy Spirit transforms a heart, believers naturally desire to please God in every area of life, including appearance. Just as someone who quits smoking after conversion doesn’t do so to earn salvation but to honor God with their body, believers who lay aside jewelry do so out of love and obedience.
The practice also reflects a desire to distinguish oneself from worldly values and fashion. First John 2:15-16 warns, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Jewelry often appeals to the lust of the eyes and the pride of life—wearing it to attract attention, display wealth, or conform to fashion trends. Choosing simplicity demonstrates that one’s identity and worth rest in Christ rather than external adornment.
Modesty and Holiness
The jewelry standard connects deeply to the biblical call for modesty and holiness. Modesty isn’t merely about covering the body adequately; it encompasses a humble, unassuming presentation that doesn’t draw undue attention to oneself. Jewelry, by its very design, attracts the eye and highlights the wearer. A woman wearing a large diamond ring or dangling earrings inevitably draws attention to those adornments.
Holiness means separation—being set apart for God’s purposes. Throughout Scripture, God called His people to be distinct from surrounding cultures. While ancient Israel had ceremonial laws that don’t apply to Christians, the principle of holy separation remains.
Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When the world values external beauty, expensive adornment, and attention-getting fashion, Christians demonstrate transformation by embracing opposite values.
This doesn’t mean believers should appear unkempt or sloppy. Scripture calls for modest apparel—clothing that is appropriate, neat, and decent. The issue isn’t avoiding beauty but rather where that beauty originates. A woman with a gentle, joyful spirit, dressed neatly but simply, radiates a beauty that outshines any jewelry she might wear.
Addressing Common Questions
Many people ask about wedding rings specifically. Since rings symbolize marital commitment rather than mere decoration, shouldn’t they be exempt from the jewelry prohibition? While the reasoning seems logical, Scripture makes no such distinction. Peter and Paul’s instructions about gold apply regardless of symbolic meaning. Additionally, a wedding ring remains jewelry—an ornamental object worn for appearance. Marriage can be honored and publicly acknowledged without wearing a ring.
Others question whether ancient cultural context makes these passages irrelevant today. They argue that jewelry held different significance in the Roman world than in modern society. However, this argument proves too much. If we dismiss clear apostolic teaching as culturally bound, we open the door to dismissing any biblical instruction that seems culturally distant. The principles underlying these passages—modesty, proper priorities, internal rather than external focus—remain timeless.
Some point out that the Bible mentions jewelry in neutral or even positive contexts. The prodigal son received a ring, the bride in Song of Solomon wore jewels, and Revelation describes heavenly splendor with precious stones. However, these descriptive passages differ from prescriptive apostolic instruction. The New Testament epistles provide direct commands for Christian conduct, and these take precedence when establishing standards for believers.
The Greater Picture
The standard against jewelry fits within a broader Apostolic Pentecostal emphasis on holiness and separation from worldliness. These churches typically teach standards regarding dress length, hair length, entertainment choices, and other lifestyle areas. While specific applications may vary between congregations, the underlying principle remains consistent: believers should live distinctly from the world in ways that honor God.
Critics often focus on external standards, questioning why Apostolic Pentecostals emphasize appearance. However, these believers understand that external and internal transformation go together. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Likewise, external choices reflect internal values. A truly transformed heart produces transformed behavior and appearance.
This doesn’t mean everyone who wears jewelry lacks genuine faith or that avoiding jewelry guarantees spirituality. Pharisees proved that external conformity can mask internal corruption. However, the answer to hypocrisy isn’t abandoning biblical standards but rather ensuring that external obedience flows from internal transformation.
Living the Conviction
For Apostolic Pentecostals, avoiding jewelry represents a joyful sacrifice rather than a burdensome restriction. When believers understand that God’s commands aim at their blessing and His glory, obedience becomes privilege rather than obligation. A woman who once valued expensive jewelry discovers that her worth doesn’t depend on external adornment but on her identity as a daughter of the King.
This standard also builds Christian character. In a culture obsessed with image, appearance, and self-promotion, choosing simplicity requires countercultural courage. It declares that one’s treasure lies in heaven rather than earth, that one seeks God’s approval rather than human admiration. Ultimately, the practice flows from taking Scripture seriously and literally.
When God’s Word provides clear instruction, Apostolic Pentecostals believe the appropriate response is obedience, not rationalization. The question isn’t whether avoiding jewelry seems reasonable by worldly standards but whether Scripture teaches it. For those who find these passages compelling, the choice becomes obvious: lay aside the jewelry and embrace the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that pleases God.
