Ephesians 5 begins by describing our new Christian life as a loving, shining and wise “walk.”1 It crosses a bridge – a transition – into its next discussion by stating this broad principle: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). All are to have a humble,2 yielding attitude.3 All are to submit. The passage then applies that truth in specific cases, beginning with the way wives should submit to their husbands.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24).4 M
Notice the depth and breadth of the Spirit’s words. How fully should the wife submit? “As to the Lord.” “… As the church submits to Christ.” How broadly does this apply? “…In everything.” The Holy Spirit clearly wants a cooperative spirit to fill the whole relationship between a wife and her husband. Why? Because in submitting to her husband, the Christian wife actually submits to the Lord who has so ordered the human family. This is one of her main ways to show her devotion to Christ.
1. Ephesians 5:1-21; Ephesians 5:2,8 give the command “walk” (imperative), and Ephesians 5:15 uses the same verb (indicative).
2. Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:5-8; James 3:17; 1 Peter 3:8
3. Ephesians moves from the general principle, 5:21, to specific cases, 5:22-6:9. 1 Peter 5:5 moves from a specific case (young men) to the general attitude (all of you).
4. Wives to submit: cf. Colossians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 14:34; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1 cf. Genesis 2:18; 3:16