Free Bible Commentary
“Ephesians 5:22-24”
Categories: Ephesians“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.”
--- End of Scripture verses---
Few Bible subjects are more uncomfortable to talk about than the idea of wives being in “subjection” to their husbands. This is very offensive to the sensitivities of the Western mind. Thoughts of “inequality” and “female oppression” and “spousal abuse” come to the minds of many people when something of this sort is discussed. I just did a quick synonym search for the word “subjection” on my word processor and the words “domination,” “subjugation,” “enslavement,” and “oppression” were given. But in God’s arrangement for the family and the congregation, He placed men in the position of the “head,” and this role has nothing to do with slavery or oppression.
All this really means is that God has given men the responsibility of leadership in the home and in the church. As with any other entity that involves interaction between people, proper leadership is required for its prosperity and peace. The church and family are certainly not exceptions to this truth. Whether it be a school, a sports league, a business or a nation, without duly designated leaders diligently doing their duties, and without the proper respect for and submission to that authority, chaos and collapse would ensue. The family and the church need godly leaders, and willing participants to defer to their God-given authority.
This does not mean that men should make unilateral decisions without the input of the women in their families and congregations. It just means that, after having properly considered all legitimate contribution in matters of judgment, the leaders are responsible to make the final decisions. As the men are to submit to Christ’s authority, so the wives are to follow the husbands’ lead (verse 24). This necessarily implies that husbands should do everything within their power to lead their wives and families in the ways and teaching and authority of Jesus.
Our society has intentionally blurred the lines between man and woman, male and female, masculinity and femininity. Regardless of how the world views the roles and characteristics of gender, God’s ways are always best. God still requires wives to “be submissive to your own husbands,” and He still esteems “chaste and respectful behavior” from women, and “the imperishable quality of a gentle and quite spirit” are still “precious” in His sight (1 Peter 3:1-4)! You can choose the ways of the world if you like, but, as for me and my house, we are going with God on this one! As always and in everything else as well!
Please read Ephesians 5:25-33 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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