Psalm63
Well-Known Member
My interpretation actually avoids the problem of the terminology and goes right for the heart of things, which is what is submit to one another in love, the whole direction of Eph 4 and 5.
The key to it all is understanding how Christ loved the church according to his words and actions, understanding how the church responded to Christ at its best, and putting the two together. if you see it that way it is astonishingly freeing. We don't need to worry per se about which translation it is because Jesus' actions are clear.
What is Jesus' underlying purpose as a leader? It is ultimately to unite us with God. To see God through him. It is not to treat people as servants but rather to have them understand that we are joint heirs with him.
What is the purpose of the church? To respond to that. To actually live by faith.
So essentially what Paul is really saying is that in marriage we should be good friends to one another, love one another, be honest with one another, be generous towards one another.
If all Christian men embraced their responsibility in marriage as being first to lay down life and be Christlike, I'm not sure wives would struggle under the teachings? But people are human. No man is going to be 100% Christ-like all the time. And, unfortunately, as the OP noted, the male as holder of "final decision making power" is often taught .
Plus regarding your idea of "mutual submission" (which sounds great to me BTW) Eph 5:24 comes after Eph 5:21 and in the immediate context. So are wives supposed to SUBMIT in EVERYTHING?
That is how I tried to live for 22 years of my 29 year (Oct 9) marriage. It was horrible and I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy! That's why I'm so encouraged to read people's testimonies- that (most) women aren't attempting to practice "SUBMIT in EVERYTHING".
Last edited:
Upvote
0