Ephesians 5:21
Verse
Context
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Francis Chan
Alan Redpath
Stephen Kaung
Denny Kenaston
Compilations
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Submitting - one to another - Let no man be so tenacious of his own will or his opinion in matters indifferent, as to disturb the peace of the Church; in all such matters give way to each other, and let love rule. In the fear of God - Setting him always before your eyes, and considering that he has commanded you to love one another, and to bear each other's burdens; and that what you do in this or any other commanded case, you do as unto the Lord. Instead of εν φοβῳ Θεου, in the fear of God, εν φοβω Χριστου, in the fear of Christ, is the reading of ABDEFG, with all others of most value; besides the Syriac, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala; Basil the Great, and Chrysostom. Neither reading makes any difference in the sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Phi 2:3; Pe1 5:5.) Here he passes from our relations to God, to those which concern our fellow men. in the fear of God--All the oldest manuscripts and authorities read, "in the fear of CHRIST." The believer passes from under the bondage of the law as a letter, to be "the servant of Christ" (Co1 7:22), which, through the instinct of love to Him, is really to be "the Lord's freeman"; for he is "under the law to Christ" (Co1 9:21; compare Joh 8:36). Christ, not the Father (Joh 5:22), is to be our judge. Thus reverential fear of displeasing Him is the motive for discharging our relative duties as Christians (Co1 10:22; Co2 5:11; Pe1 2:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the husband is the head of the wife,.... See Gill on Co1 11:3. Even as Christ is the head of the church; all the elect; See Gill on Eph 1:22. And he is the Saviour of the body; not "of our body", as the Ethiopic version reads, of that part of man, which is called the body; though that indeed is redeemed and saved by Christ, as well as the soul; but "of his body", as the Vulgate Latin version reads; that is, of the church, which is his body; see Eph 1:23; of which he is the Saviour; he provides everything for it, preserves and protects it, and has wrought out salvation for it, which every member of it partakes of.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle begins his exhortation to the discharge of relative duties. As a general foundation for these duties, he lays down that rule Eph 5:21. There is a mutual submission that Christians owe one to another, condescending to bear one another's burdens: not advancing themselves above others, nor domineering over one another and giving laws to one another. Paul was an example of this truly Christian temper, for he became all things to all men. We must be of a yielding and of a submissive spirit, and ready to all the duties of the respective places and stations that God has allotted to us in the world. In the fear of God, that is, so far as is consistent with the fear of God, for his sake, and out of conscience towards him, and that hereby we may give proof that we truly fear him. Where there is this mutual condescension and submission, the duties of all relations will be the better performed. From Eph 5:22 to the end he speaks of the duties of husbands and wives; and he speaks of these in a Christian manner, setting the church as an example of the wife's subjection, and Christ as an example of love in husbands. I. The duty prescribed to wives is submission to their husbands in the Lord (Eph 5:22), which submission includes the honouring and obeying of them, and that from a principle of love to them. They must do this in compliance with God's authority, who has commanded it, which is doing it as unto the Lord; or it may be understood by way of similitude and likeness, so that the sense may be, "as, being devoted to God, you submit yourselves unto him." From the former sense we may learn that by a conscientious discharge of the duties we owe to our fellow-creatures we obey and please God himself; and, from the latter, that God not only requires and insists on those duties which immediately respect himself, but such as respect our neighbours too. The apostle assigns the reason of this submission from wives: For the husband is the head of the wife, Eph 5:23. The metaphor is taken from the head in the natural body, which, being the seat of reason, of wisdom, and of knowledge, and the fountain of sense and motion, is more excellent than the rest of the body. God has given the man the pre-eminence and a right to direct and govern by creation, and in that original law of the relation, Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Whatever there is of uneasiness in this, it is an effect of sin coming into the world. Generally, too, the man has (what he ought to have) a superiority in wisdom and knowledge. He is therefore the head, even as Christ is the head of the church. There is a resemblance of Christ's authority over the church in that superiority and headship which God has appointed to the husband. The apostle adds, and he is the Saviour of the body. Christ's authority is exercised over the church for the saving of her from evil, and the supplying of her with every thing good for her. In like manner should the husband be employed for the protection and comfort of his spouse; and therefore she should the more cheerfully submit herself unto him. So it follows, Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ (Eph 5:24), with cheerfulness, with fidelity, with humility, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing - in every thing to which their authority justly extends itself, in every thing lawful and consistent with duty to God. II. The duty of husbands (on the other hand), is to love their wives (Eph 5:25); for without this they would abuse their superiority and headship, and, wherever this prevails as it ought to do, it will infer the other duties of the relation, it being a special and peculiar affection that is required in her behalf. The love of Christ to the church is proposed as an example of this, which love of his is a sincere, a pure, an ardent, and constant affection, and that notwithstanding the imperfections and failures that she is guilty of. The greatness of his love to the church appeared in his giving himself unto the death for it. Observe, As the church's subjection to Christ is proposed as an exemplar to wives, so the love of Christ to his church is proposed as a pattern to husbands; and while such exemplars are offered to both, and so much is required of each, neither has reason to complain of the divine injunctions. The love which God requires from the husband in behalf of his wife will make amends for the subjection which he demands from her to her husband; and the prescribed subjection of the wife will be an abundant return for that love of the husband which God has made her due. The apostle, having mentioned Christ's love to the church, enlarges upon it, assigning the reason why he gave himself for it, namely, that he might sanctify it in this world, and glorify it in the next: That he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the word (Eph 5:26) - that he might endue all his members with a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin. The instrumental means whereby this is affected are the instituted sacraments, particularly the washing of baptism and the preaching and reception of the gospel. And that he might present it to himself, etc., Eph 5:27. Dr. Lightfoot thinks the apostle alludes here to the Jews' extraordinary carefulness in their washings for purification. They were careful that there should be no wrinkle to keep the flesh from the water, and no spot nor dirt which was not thoroughly washed. Others understand him as alluding to a garment come newly out of the fuller's hand, purged from spots, stretched from wrinkles, the former newly contracted, the latter by long time and custom. That he might present it to himself - that he might perfectly unite it to himself in the great day, a glorious church, perfect in knowledge and in holiness, not having spot, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing, nothing of deformity or defilement remaining, but being entirely amiable and pleasing in his eye, holy and without blemish, free from the least remains of sin. The church in general, and particular believers, will not be without spot or wrinkle till they come to glory. From this and the former verse together we may take notice that the glorifying of the church is intended in the sanctifying of it: and that those, and those only, who are sanctified now, will be glorified hereafter. - So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies, etc., Eph 5:28. The wife being made one with her husband (not in a natural, but in a civil and in a relative sense), this is an argument why he should love her with as cordial and as ardent an affection as that which he loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, Eph 5:29 - (no man in his right senses ever hated himself, however deformed, or whatever his imperfections might be); so far from it that he nourishes and cherishes it; he uses himself with a great deal of care and tenderness, and is industrious to supply himself with every thing convenient or good for him, with food and clothing, etc. Even as the Lord the church: that is, as the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church, which he furnishes with all things that he sees needful or good for her, with whatever conduces to her everlasting happiness and welfare. The apostle adds, For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones, Eph 5:30. He assigns this as a reason why Christ nourishes and cherishes his church - because all who belong to it are members of his body, that is, of his mystical body. Or, we are members out of his body: all the grace and glory which the church has are from Christ, as Eve was taken out of the man. But, as one observes, it being the manner of the sacred writings to express a complex body by the enumeration of its several parts, as the heaven and earth for the world, evening and morning for the natural day, so here, by body, flesh, and bones, we are to understand himself, the meaning of the verse being that we are members of Christ. - For this cause (because they are one, as Christ and his church are one) shall a man leave his father and mother; the apostle refers to the words of Adam, when Eve was given to him for a meet help, Gen 2:24. We are not to understand by this that a man's obligation to other relations is cancelled upon his marriage, but only that this relation is to be preferred to all others, there being a nearer union between these two than between any others, that the man must rather leave any of those than his wife. - And they two shall be one flesh, that is, by virtue of the matrimonial bond. This is a great mystery, Eph 5:32. Those words of Adam, just mentioned by the apostle, are spoken literally of marriage; but they have also a hidden mystical sense in them, relating to the union between Christ and his church, of which the conjugal union between Adam and the mother of us all was a type: though not instituted or appointed by God to signify this, yet it was a kind of natural type, as having a resemblance to it: I speak concerning Christ and the church. After this, the apostle concludes this part of his discourse with a brief summary of the duty of husbands and wives, Eph 5:33. "Nevertheless (though there be such a secret mystical sense, yet the plain literal sense concerns you) let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, with such a sincere, peculiar, singular, and prevailing affection as that is which he bears to himself. And the wife see that she reverence her husband." Reverence consists of love and esteem, which produce a care to please, and of fear, which awakens a caution lest just offence be given. That the wife thus reverence her husband is the will of God and the law of the relation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:21–6:9 Paul gives specific instructions on how believers are to relate to one another in a Christian home (see also Col 3:18–4:1; 1 Pet 2:18–3:7). Love and respect are to characterize all relationships in the body of Christ as an expression of believers’ commitment to the Lord himself. 5:21 And further, submit to one another: The verb form links it with the command to be filled (5:18). This general instruction (cp. Phil 2:3) applies to all three relationships that Paul discusses: wives and husbands (Eph 5:22-33), children and their parents (6:1-4), and slaves and their masters (6:5-9). For believers, submission is not expressed out of fear or desire for personal gain, but out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
Wives and Husbands
20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage
By Jim Cymbala8.5K39:36MarriageMAT 19:61CO 7:21CO 7:5EPH 5:21EPH 6:11JAS 4:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He then transitions to discussing the dangers of bitterness and isolation in our spiritual lives, emphasizing the importance of acting in a Christian way and avoiding conflicts that can lead to negative consequences. The speaker also highlights the significance of humility and self-control in relationships, particularly in marriage. They emphasize that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and encourages single individuals to avoid being self-centered in order to receive God's blessings. The sermon references biblical passages such as 1 Peter 5:5-7 to support these teachings.
The Joys of Being Spirit Filled
By Francis Chan4.4K41:53ROM 8:9ROM 15:5EPH 5:18EPH 5:21COL 3:16COL 3:231TH 5:161JN 1:91JN 4:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-filled, focusing on constant thanksgiving, sharing scripture with others, and maintaining a heart of worship through psalms and hymns. It highlights the need for genuine love and submission in relationships as a reflection of one's relationship with God.
Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8)
By Alan Redpath3.8K31:02AuthorityMAT 6:33LUK 7:8ROM 6:16EPH 5:21HEB 13:17JAS 4:71PE 5:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority in order to have power over oneself. He warns against the danger of rejecting the truth and leaving unchanged. The sermon concludes with a plea for listeners to consider their own submission to God's sovereignty and to seek deliverance from sin.
A Further Look at Authority 2: Delegated Authority
By Stephen Kaung3.7K1:21:28MAT 8:9JHN 5:19JHN 8:28ROM 13:1EPH 5:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges of being in authority and being under authority. They emphasize that being in authority is not easy and can be even more difficult than being under authority. The speaker uses the example of Jesus exercising his authority in the temple and how his authority was challenged. They also highlight the importance of submitting to authority, as it is ordained by God. The sermon references Bible verses from Romans 13 and Matthew 8 to support these teachings.
Others
By Denny Kenaston3.5K59:55Loving OthersROM 12:10ROM 15:7GAL 5:13EPH 4:2EPH 5:21COL 3:161TH 5:11HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 3:81PE 4:91JN 1:71JN 3:161JN 3:181JN 3:23In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustrations to hold the attention of young listeners and share the message of Jesus. The speaker also mentions the impact of sending young people on missions trips, hoping they will become addicted to serving others and make it a guiding principle in their lives. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the profound words spoken by Jesus on the cross, specifically his plea for forgiveness for those who crucified him.
Everyone Needs to Do Nursery (Compilation)
By Compilations2.6K10:22CompilationISA 1:18MAT 28:19LUK 10:19JHN 12:241CO 3:13EPH 5:21JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past actions and realizes that he had been serving with the wrong motives, attitude, relationship, and resources. He feels remorseful and believes that his life has been wasted. However, he experiences a moment of forgiveness and love from the Lord, who dries his tears. The speaker then has a vision of standing in line to present his life before the Lord, and he is given a package to carry. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the importance of serving God with the right heart and motives, and the need to turn away from wickedness and follow God's ways.
A Reverential Fear of God
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:08:101CO 2:32CO 7:1EPH 5:21PHP 2:12HEB 4:11PE 1:171PE 2:11PE 2:171PE 2:211PE 3:11PE 3:7
This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holiness, and to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. It addresses the danger of moving from legalism to a state of no covenant, where secret sins and worldliness can creep in, leading to a decline in godliness. The speaker urges a return to a healthy balance, seeking God earnestly, fasting, praying, and evaluating our lives regularly to ensure we are walking in the true grace of God.
(Ephesians) Ephesians 3:10-4:22
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:17EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 4:1EPH 4:31EPH 5:21EPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in the first three chapters of the Bible before attempting to obey the exhortations in chapters four, five, and six. He explains that without understanding the love of Christ, it is impossible to truly obey the commandments to let go of anger and bitterness. The preacher highlights the four dimensions of the love of Christ - breadth, length, depth, and height - and emphasizes that this understanding comes through experiencing suffering and trials, not just studying scriptures. He concludes by encouraging believers to allow God to squeeze them in the grinder of life so that they can become better Christians and bless others.
How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 2 (How Satan Destroys by Dividing)
By Don Courville1.3K55:05Spiritual WarfareGEN 3:8JDG 7:19MAT 6:33ROM 8:371CO 15:55EPH 5:211PE 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement in relationships. He uses the analogy of a car engine to illustrate the need to address any issues or disagreements immediately, as they can lead to bigger problems down the road. The preacher also discusses the concept of rebellion, stating that any disobedience or non-submission is considered rebellion against God. He then delves into how Satan tries to destroy the church by dividing believers, using the example of the enemy's tactics in the Genesis account. The sermon concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude for God's love and the hope that comes from experiencing trials and hardships.
The Reward of the Humble
By Friedel Stegen1.3K49:19HumilityMAT 5:5EPH 5:21COL 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meekness and humility in the Christian life. He encourages the congregation to read the Bible and evaluate his words to see if they align with Scripture. The preacher highlights the significance of submitting to and honoring one another, particularly in the context of marriage. He warns against pride and the negative consequences it can have on relationships and spiritual growth. The sermon concludes with a prayer for compassion towards others and a desire to win them for the Lord.
God's Purpose in Marriage - and at Present
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:25:25PRO 22:28MAT 7:121CO 13:4EPH 5:211JN 4:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of love and respect in marriage, highlighting the need for patience, kindness, and appreciation towards one's partner. It encourages treating others the way you want to be treated, covering their faults, and believing in their potential for growth. The sermon also stresses the significance of forgiveness, trust, and endurance in maintaining a strong and loving relationship.
Parents and Children
By Bob Hoekstra1.0K1:01:50PRO 10:13PRO 22:6EPH 5:21EPH 6:1COL 3:20HEB 12:5
This sermon focuses on the biblical principles of parenting and raising children according to God's design. It emphasizes the importance of mutual servanthood in family relationships, highlighting the roles of parents and children in submitting to one another in the fear of God. The sermon delves into the significance of obedience for children, the role of fathers in not provoking their children to wrath, and the balance between discipline (law) and grace in child-rearing. It also explores the promise of training children in the way of the Lord and the impact of being filled with the Spirit in parenting.
(Apostolic Vision) the Biblical Concept of Eldership
By Dale Heisey81400:00MAT 20:26EPH 5:211TH 5:12HEB 13:71PE 5:2In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene where he sees a man diligently setting up chairs in the church basement. This man is later introduced as Brother Leonard, who exemplifies the proper discharge of duties and serving others. The preacher then focuses on Hebrews chapter 13, specifically verses 7, 17, and 24, which mention obeying and submitting to those who have rule over you. However, the preacher emphasizes that this does not mean dominating or controlling others, but rather serving and being examples to the flock. The sermon concludes with the idea that true leadership is found in those who serve and care for the needs of others, just as Jesus came to serve and not to be served.
Dont Break Gods Heart
By Zac Poonen78458:33EPH 4:30EPH 4:32EPH 5:8EPH 5:15EPH 5:18EPH 5:21
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God, focusing on the need to understand His purpose and not be deceived by religious talk or earthly pursuits. It highlights the call to love extravagantly, avoid gossip and useless work, and be filled with the Holy Spirit to live a Christ-like life that exposes frauds and shines in the light of Christ.
Maintaining a Christian Walk
By George Verwer7431:23:05MAT 6:33EPH 5:19EPH 5:21COL 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying the teachings of Colossians 3 in our lives. He encourages the audience to not only hear the message, but to also pass it on to others, especially new members of their teams. The speaker highlights the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to express our worship through songs and hymns. He also emphasizes the importance of gratitude and submission to one another in the fear of God. The speaker acknowledges the challenges that can arise during conferences and encourages individuals to seek fellowship and understanding with one another.
Catholicity - Four Marks of the Church Series
By Michael Flowers44126:16CatholicityISA 61:10MAT 6:33ROM 12:5GAL 3:28EPH 5:21HEB 4:16REV 21:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the supernatural nature of our faith and the role of grace in our lives. He highlights the concept of eternal life and how it resides within us, making us worthy of veneration. The sermon also discusses the universal presence of God and how it works within us to bring light and transformation. The gospel is presented as the solution to the universal problem of sin, offering healing and restoration to all who believe.
The Fear of the Lord
By Joy Dawson1761:26:40Fear Of The LordPrayer and IntercessionHolinessPRO 2:1PRO 8:13PRO 16:6ISA 8:13MAL 2:5MAT 10:26ACT 5:11ROM 3:172CO 7:1EPH 5:21Joy Dawson emphasizes the critical need for the fear of the Lord within the body of Christ, explaining that true fear is not about being afraid of God but rather having a deep reverence and hatred for sin. She discusses various levels of attitudes towards sin and how the fear of the Lord can lead to a genuine transformation in our lives, enabling us to avoid evil and live in holiness. Dawson also highlights the importance of prayer and intercession in restoring this fear, urging believers to take their relationship with God seriously and to seek His guidance earnestly. The sermon culminates in a call for prayer, emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is essential for true revival and spiritual awakening in the church and the world.
Spiritual Authority: Seeing It, Expressing It, and Responding to It
By Mike Bickle2754:49Unity in the ChurchSpiritual AuthorityPRO 16:32MAT 10:40ROM 13:1EPH 5:21COL 3:221TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 13:17JAS 4:71PE 2:13Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of spiritual authority in the Christian community, urging believers to understand, express, and respond to it appropriately. He highlights that every individual possesses a measure of spiritual authority, which should be exercised with humility and respect, both in the church and in everyday life. Bickle stresses the importance of honoring authority to foster unity and effectiveness within the body of Christ, warning against the dishonoring of authority that can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. He encourages leaders to serve their teams selflessly and to communicate openly, while also calling for a culture of submission and respect among all members of the community. Ultimately, Bickle believes that a proper understanding of spiritual authority is crucial for experiencing a greater move of God.
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1PRO 9:6PRO 13:10ECC 4:13MAT 5:8LUK 10:5ROM 14:171CO 15:58EPH 5:21JAS 3:17Zac Poonen preaches on the clear contrast between the Bride and the Harlot as depicted in Proverbs chapter 9. The Bride invites the foolish to turn from sin and learn the fear of the Lord, while the Harlot leads many to spiritual death. The true church, symbolized by the Bride of Christ, is built on seven pillars of wisdom listed in James 3:17, including purity, peaceableness, consideration, willingness to yield, mercy, steadfastness, and freedom from hypocrisy.
Loving Others to Restoration
By David Wilkerson0Unity in ChristServiceJHN 13:4JHN 13:8JHN 13:12GAL 5:13EPH 5:21David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound lessons from Jesus washing the disciples' feet, illustrating the call to serve one another in love and the importance of submission within the body of Christ. He highlights that true service goes beyond mere obedience; it is about embodying humility and mercy, as demonstrated by Jesus. The act of foot washing symbolizes the restoration of fellowship and the removal of transgressions, encouraging believers to extend unconditional love and support to one another. Wilkerson challenges Christians to understand the deeper meaning of service and unity, urging them to take up the towel in their relationships.
How Should We Respond to God in This Process?
By K.P. Yohannan0Heart ConditionHumility2CH 7:14PSA 95:8PRO 4:23ISA 57:15MAT 5:5ROM 12:3EPH 5:21HEB 3:15JAS 4:61PE 5:5K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of responding to God's voice and the choice we have to either soften or harden our hearts in the face of life's challenges. He warns that while we may start with tender hearts, we can gradually become hardened, often without realizing it, and that God uses circumstances to bring us back to Him. The sermon highlights the need for diligence in keeping our hearts soft and warns against pride and self-importance, reminding us that all we have is by God's grace. Yohannan encourages humility and submission to one another as essential responses to God's work in our lives.
1 Peter 5:5
By John Gill0Church CommunityHumilityPRO 3:34MAT 5:3EPH 5:21PHP 2:3HEB 13:17JAS 4:61PE 5:5John Gill emphasizes the importance of humility and submission within the church community as outlined in 1 Peter 5:5. He explains that younger members should submit to their elders, not only in age but also in spiritual leadership, and that all members should practice mutual submission to one another. Humility is highlighted as essential for this submission, as it fosters a spirit of service and love among believers. Gill warns against pride, noting that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, encouraging believers to embody humility in all aspects of life. Ultimately, he calls for a community that reflects Christ's love through humble service and respect for one another.
(One Body in Christ) 5. Submission and Leadership
By Zac Poonen0ISA 55:81CO 16:15GAL 5:6EPH 5:211TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 13:171PE 5:5Zac Poonen preaches on the laws of the Kingdom of God being opposite to earthly kingdoms, emphasizing the call for submission and service in the Body of Christ. He highlights the importance of honoring Christ by submitting to one another, serving with humility, and lovingly serving one another. Poonen explains that submission is not just obedience but also denying oneself, following the example of Jesus who constantly denied His rights. He stresses the significance of submitting to divinely-appointed authority in the Church, including leaders, elders, and spiritual guides, as a means to spiritual maturity and growth.
Family Culture
By Valsan Thampu0JOS 24:15MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MRK 10:45LUK 4:18JHN 15:42CO 6:14EPH 5:21REV 3:20Valsan Thampu preaches about the importance of maintaining a distinctive and spiritually wholesome family culture in a world that prioritizes conformity to materialistic and individualistic trends. He emphasizes the need to create a home that nurtures children with a balance of values from both cultures, focusing on seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Thampu highlights the unique life of Jesus, who embraced love and compassion while staying true to his godly foundation, encouraging families to follow his example. The sermon delves into the challenges of modern society, such as the erosion of parental authority, decline in caring culture, and the negative impact of materialism and individualism on family relationships, urging a shift towards a spiritually regenerated family culture that values fellowship, creativity, and togetherness.
On No Account Shall a Monastic Be Allowed
By St. Benedict of Nursia0EPH 5:21PHP 2:3HEB 13:17JAS 4:71PE 5:5St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission within the monastic community, particularly in the context of receiving or giving gifts or letters. He instructs that no monastic should receive or give any gifts without the Abbess's permission, even if sent by family members. The Abbess has the authority to decide who may receive such gifts, and it is crucial for the sisters not to act against these rules to avoid giving the devil an opportunity to cause discord.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Submitting - one to another - Let no man be so tenacious of his own will or his opinion in matters indifferent, as to disturb the peace of the Church; in all such matters give way to each other, and let love rule. In the fear of God - Setting him always before your eyes, and considering that he has commanded you to love one another, and to bear each other's burdens; and that what you do in this or any other commanded case, you do as unto the Lord. Instead of εν φοβῳ Θεου, in the fear of God, εν φοβω Χριστου, in the fear of Christ, is the reading of ABDEFG, with all others of most value; besides the Syriac, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala; Basil the Great, and Chrysostom. Neither reading makes any difference in the sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Phi 2:3; Pe1 5:5.) Here he passes from our relations to God, to those which concern our fellow men. in the fear of God--All the oldest manuscripts and authorities read, "in the fear of CHRIST." The believer passes from under the bondage of the law as a letter, to be "the servant of Christ" (Co1 7:22), which, through the instinct of love to Him, is really to be "the Lord's freeman"; for he is "under the law to Christ" (Co1 9:21; compare Joh 8:36). Christ, not the Father (Joh 5:22), is to be our judge. Thus reverential fear of displeasing Him is the motive for discharging our relative duties as Christians (Co1 10:22; Co2 5:11; Pe1 2:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the husband is the head of the wife,.... See Gill on Co1 11:3. Even as Christ is the head of the church; all the elect; See Gill on Eph 1:22. And he is the Saviour of the body; not "of our body", as the Ethiopic version reads, of that part of man, which is called the body; though that indeed is redeemed and saved by Christ, as well as the soul; but "of his body", as the Vulgate Latin version reads; that is, of the church, which is his body; see Eph 1:23; of which he is the Saviour; he provides everything for it, preserves and protects it, and has wrought out salvation for it, which every member of it partakes of.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle begins his exhortation to the discharge of relative duties. As a general foundation for these duties, he lays down that rule Eph 5:21. There is a mutual submission that Christians owe one to another, condescending to bear one another's burdens: not advancing themselves above others, nor domineering over one another and giving laws to one another. Paul was an example of this truly Christian temper, for he became all things to all men. We must be of a yielding and of a submissive spirit, and ready to all the duties of the respective places and stations that God has allotted to us in the world. In the fear of God, that is, so far as is consistent with the fear of God, for his sake, and out of conscience towards him, and that hereby we may give proof that we truly fear him. Where there is this mutual condescension and submission, the duties of all relations will be the better performed. From Eph 5:22 to the end he speaks of the duties of husbands and wives; and he speaks of these in a Christian manner, setting the church as an example of the wife's subjection, and Christ as an example of love in husbands. I. The duty prescribed to wives is submission to their husbands in the Lord (Eph 5:22), which submission includes the honouring and obeying of them, and that from a principle of love to them. They must do this in compliance with God's authority, who has commanded it, which is doing it as unto the Lord; or it may be understood by way of similitude and likeness, so that the sense may be, "as, being devoted to God, you submit yourselves unto him." From the former sense we may learn that by a conscientious discharge of the duties we owe to our fellow-creatures we obey and please God himself; and, from the latter, that God not only requires and insists on those duties which immediately respect himself, but such as respect our neighbours too. The apostle assigns the reason of this submission from wives: For the husband is the head of the wife, Eph 5:23. The metaphor is taken from the head in the natural body, which, being the seat of reason, of wisdom, and of knowledge, and the fountain of sense and motion, is more excellent than the rest of the body. God has given the man the pre-eminence and a right to direct and govern by creation, and in that original law of the relation, Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Whatever there is of uneasiness in this, it is an effect of sin coming into the world. Generally, too, the man has (what he ought to have) a superiority in wisdom and knowledge. He is therefore the head, even as Christ is the head of the church. There is a resemblance of Christ's authority over the church in that superiority and headship which God has appointed to the husband. The apostle adds, and he is the Saviour of the body. Christ's authority is exercised over the church for the saving of her from evil, and the supplying of her with every thing good for her. In like manner should the husband be employed for the protection and comfort of his spouse; and therefore she should the more cheerfully submit herself unto him. So it follows, Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ (Eph 5:24), with cheerfulness, with fidelity, with humility, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing - in every thing to which their authority justly extends itself, in every thing lawful and consistent with duty to God. II. The duty of husbands (on the other hand), is to love their wives (Eph 5:25); for without this they would abuse their superiority and headship, and, wherever this prevails as it ought to do, it will infer the other duties of the relation, it being a special and peculiar affection that is required in her behalf. The love of Christ to the church is proposed as an example of this, which love of his is a sincere, a pure, an ardent, and constant affection, and that notwithstanding the imperfections and failures that she is guilty of. The greatness of his love to the church appeared in his giving himself unto the death for it. Observe, As the church's subjection to Christ is proposed as an exemplar to wives, so the love of Christ to his church is proposed as a pattern to husbands; and while such exemplars are offered to both, and so much is required of each, neither has reason to complain of the divine injunctions. The love which God requires from the husband in behalf of his wife will make amends for the subjection which he demands from her to her husband; and the prescribed subjection of the wife will be an abundant return for that love of the husband which God has made her due. The apostle, having mentioned Christ's love to the church, enlarges upon it, assigning the reason why he gave himself for it, namely, that he might sanctify it in this world, and glorify it in the next: That he might sanctify and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the word (Eph 5:26) - that he might endue all his members with a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin. The instrumental means whereby this is affected are the instituted sacraments, particularly the washing of baptism and the preaching and reception of the gospel. And that he might present it to himself, etc., Eph 5:27. Dr. Lightfoot thinks the apostle alludes here to the Jews' extraordinary carefulness in their washings for purification. They were careful that there should be no wrinkle to keep the flesh from the water, and no spot nor dirt which was not thoroughly washed. Others understand him as alluding to a garment come newly out of the fuller's hand, purged from spots, stretched from wrinkles, the former newly contracted, the latter by long time and custom. That he might present it to himself - that he might perfectly unite it to himself in the great day, a glorious church, perfect in knowledge and in holiness, not having spot, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing, nothing of deformity or defilement remaining, but being entirely amiable and pleasing in his eye, holy and without blemish, free from the least remains of sin. The church in general, and particular believers, will not be without spot or wrinkle till they come to glory. From this and the former verse together we may take notice that the glorifying of the church is intended in the sanctifying of it: and that those, and those only, who are sanctified now, will be glorified hereafter. - So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies, etc., Eph 5:28. The wife being made one with her husband (not in a natural, but in a civil and in a relative sense), this is an argument why he should love her with as cordial and as ardent an affection as that which he loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, Eph 5:29 - (no man in his right senses ever hated himself, however deformed, or whatever his imperfections might be); so far from it that he nourishes and cherishes it; he uses himself with a great deal of care and tenderness, and is industrious to supply himself with every thing convenient or good for him, with food and clothing, etc. Even as the Lord the church: that is, as the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church, which he furnishes with all things that he sees needful or good for her, with whatever conduces to her everlasting happiness and welfare. The apostle adds, For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones, Eph 5:30. He assigns this as a reason why Christ nourishes and cherishes his church - because all who belong to it are members of his body, that is, of his mystical body. Or, we are members out of his body: all the grace and glory which the church has are from Christ, as Eve was taken out of the man. But, as one observes, it being the manner of the sacred writings to express a complex body by the enumeration of its several parts, as the heaven and earth for the world, evening and morning for the natural day, so here, by body, flesh, and bones, we are to understand himself, the meaning of the verse being that we are members of Christ. - For this cause (because they are one, as Christ and his church are one) shall a man leave his father and mother; the apostle refers to the words of Adam, when Eve was given to him for a meet help, Gen 2:24. We are not to understand by this that a man's obligation to other relations is cancelled upon his marriage, but only that this relation is to be preferred to all others, there being a nearer union between these two than between any others, that the man must rather leave any of those than his wife. - And they two shall be one flesh, that is, by virtue of the matrimonial bond. This is a great mystery, Eph 5:32. Those words of Adam, just mentioned by the apostle, are spoken literally of marriage; but they have also a hidden mystical sense in them, relating to the union between Christ and his church, of which the conjugal union between Adam and the mother of us all was a type: though not instituted or appointed by God to signify this, yet it was a kind of natural type, as having a resemblance to it: I speak concerning Christ and the church. After this, the apostle concludes this part of his discourse with a brief summary of the duty of husbands and wives, Eph 5:33. "Nevertheless (though there be such a secret mystical sense, yet the plain literal sense concerns you) let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, with such a sincere, peculiar, singular, and prevailing affection as that is which he bears to himself. And the wife see that she reverence her husband." Reverence consists of love and esteem, which produce a care to please, and of fear, which awakens a caution lest just offence be given. That the wife thus reverence her husband is the will of God and the law of the relation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:21–6:9 Paul gives specific instructions on how believers are to relate to one another in a Christian home (see also Col 3:18–4:1; 1 Pet 2:18–3:7). Love and respect are to characterize all relationships in the body of Christ as an expression of believers’ commitment to the Lord himself. 5:21 And further, submit to one another: The verb form links it with the command to be filled (5:18). This general instruction (cp. Phil 2:3) applies to all three relationships that Paul discusses: wives and husbands (Eph 5:22-33), children and their parents (6:1-4), and slaves and their masters (6:5-9). For believers, submission is not expressed out of fear or desire for personal gain, but out of reverence for Christ.