The question of facial hair might seem trivial compared to weightier theological matters, yet it has generated considerable discussion within Pentecostal circles. Some Apostolic Pentecostal churches maintain standards discouraging beards and mustaches for men, while others have no such restrictions. Understanding the biblical perspective on facial hair requires examining both specific passages and broader principles about appearance, holiness, and cultural expression. This topic also reveals how believers apply Scripture to practical matters of Christian living.
Old Testament References to Beards
The Old Testament mentions beards frequently, consistently presenting them as normal and honorable for men. Ancient Israelite men typically wore beards, and Scripture treats this as the cultural norm. When Hanun humiliated David’s ambassadors by shaving off half their beards, David instructed them to remain in Jericho “until your beards be grown” because they were ashamed (2 Samuel 10:4-5). This incident reveals that beardlessness brought shame in that culture.
Leviticus 19:27 commands, “Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.” This verse appears within the holiness code, surrounded by instructions about maintaining distinctiveness from pagan nations. The specific prohibition likely addressed pagan religious practices that involved particular beard-shaping styles used in idol worship.
However, Christians must recognize that Old Testament ceremonial and civil laws don’t directly govern New Testament believers. The same chapter in Leviticus prohibits wearing garments of mixed fabrics and commands leaving the edges of fields unharvested. Few Christians today observe these specific Mosaic regulations because Christ fulfilled the law, establishing a new covenant. The question becomes: Does the New Testament provide guidance about facial hair for Christians?
New Testament Silence
Interestingly, the New Testament says virtually nothing explicit about beards or facial hair. The epistles, which provide detailed instructions about Christian conduct, appearance standards, and holiness, never command men to be clean-shaven or bearded. Paul addresses hair length extensively in 1 Corinthians 11, establishing that men should have short hair while women should have long hair, but he never mentions facial hair.
This silence is significant. When Scripture addresses issues directly and repeatedly—as it does with modesty, sexual purity, honesty, and love—believers should pay careful attention. When Scripture remains silent or provides only indirect principles, believers must exercise wisdom and discernment, recognizing that God may allow freedom in that area.
Jesus and His disciples almost certainly wore beards, following the Jewish customs of their time. Artistic depictions showing Jesus with a beard, while not based on photographs, likely reflect historical accuracy about first-century Jewish practice. Yet nowhere do the Gospels or epistles instruct Christians to emulate Jesus’ beard or avoid one.
The Principle of Gender Distinction
While Scripture doesn’t explicitly address beards, it strongly emphasizes maintaining clear distinctions between men and women. Deuteronomy 22:5 declares, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Though this verse appears in the Old Testament, the principle of gender distinction transcends the Mosaic covenant. Paul reiterates this concept in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” Men and women should be clearly identifiable as such through their appearance.
Facial hair represents one of the most obvious biological distinctions between men and women. Men naturally grow beards; women do not. From this perspective, wearing a beard could be viewed as emphasizing rather than obscuring masculine identity. A bearded man with short hair clearly appears masculine, maintaining the biblical principle of gender distinction.
However, some Apostolic Pentecostals argue differently. They suggest that in modern American culture, clean-shaven faces have become the professional, respectable norm for men, particularly in business and formal contexts. They contend that maintaining this cultural standard helps Christians appear professional and respectable, avoiding any appearance that might be associated with counterculture, rebellion, or nonconformity to professional standards.
Cultural Context and Application
Much of the disagreement about facial hair stems from differing views on how cultural context affects biblical application. Throughout history and across cultures, attitudes toward beards have varied dramatically. Ancient Egyptians often shaved, while ancient Israelites wore beards. European Renaissance men were often clean-shaven, while nineteenth-century Americans commonly wore full beards. In contemporary America, facial hair trends constantly shift.
Some argue that because beards carry no inherent moral significance and Scripture doesn’t prohibit them, Christians have freedom in this area. Others contend that Christians should maintain appearance standards that promote respectability and avoid associations with worldliness, even if those standards are culturally determined rather than scripturally mandated.
First Corinthians 9:22 records Paul’s missionary principle: “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Paul adapted his approach to different audiences, becoming “as a Jew” to Jews and “as without law” to Gentiles. Some apply this principle to appearance, arguing that Christians should conform to cultural respectability standards to maximize their effectiveness in reaching others.
However, this principle has limits. Paul never compromised biblical truth or engaged in sinful behavior to reach people. The question becomes: Does facial hair represent cultural adaptation or biblical principle?
The Holiness and Separation Principle
Apostolic Pentecostals emphasize holiness and separation from worldliness. Romans 12:2 commands, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This principle leads many Pentecostal churches to establish standards in areas where Scripture provides principles but not specific commands.
In recent decades, beards have sometimes been associated with counterculture movements, hipster fashion trends, or casual rather than professional contexts. Some Apostolic Pentecostal leaders discourage facial hair based on these associations, arguing that Christians should avoid appearance choices that align with worldly fashion trends or that project an unprofessional image.
Others respond that beards have become increasingly mainstream and acceptable in professional environments. Many doctors, lawyers, business executives, and even pastors now wear well-groomed beards without any association with rebellion or worldliness. They argue that judging beards as worldly reflects outdated cultural assumptions rather than timeless biblical truth.
Liberty and Leadership
Romans 14 addresses matters where Scripture allows Christian liberty. Paul instructs believers not to judge one another over disputable matters, recognizing that individuals may reach different conclusions on issues where Scripture hasn’t spoken definitively. Regarding facial hair, many Pentecostals would acknowledge this falls into the category of disputable matters.
However, Paul also establishes that church leaders may set standards for their congregations, and members should submit to leadership unless asked to violate clear biblical commands. If a pastor or church establishes a standard against facial hair as part of their holiness standards, members should respect that leadership decision or find a congregation whose standards align with their convictions.
This doesn’t mean the standard is arbitrary. Church leaders typically establish appearance standards based on their understanding of holiness principles, cultural contexts, and what best represents Christ in their specific community. They bear responsibility before God for shepherding their flocks, and members should grant them appropriate deference.
Wisdom and Moderation
Whether or not a man chooses to wear facial hair, Scripture clearly addresses the principle of moderation and avoiding extremes. First Peter 5:8 warns believers to “be sober, be vigilant,” which includes exercising self-control and sound judgment in all areas of life.
If a man wears facial hair, it should be neat, clean, and well-groomed, not wild or unkempt. Excessive, untamed facial hair projects an image of carelessness that doesn’t reflect well on Christian testimony. Similarly, carefully sculpted facial hair that draws attention to itself or follows trendy fashion statements may reflect worldly priorities rather than spiritual focus.
Finding Balance in Biblical Living
The facial hair question illustrates the broader challenge of applying biblical principles to specific life situations. Scripture provides clear commands on many issues—truthfulness, sexual purity, love, worship—but leaves other matters to Christian wisdom and judgment. Believers must avoid two extremes: adding human traditions to Scripture as if they were divine commands, or using Christian liberty as license to ignore legitimate concerns about holiness and testimony.
Regarding facial hair, wise believers will consider Scripture’s principles about gender distinction, cultural context, holiness, and respectability. They’ll submit to church leadership while maintaining convictions based on biblical study. Most importantly, they’ll avoid majoring on minors, recognizing that whether bearded or clean-shaven, what matters most is a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit and a life that genuinely reflects Christ’s character. The goal is always honoring God in spirit and truth, maintaining clear Christian testimony, and pursuing holiness in every aspect of life.
