Ephesians 5:25
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Husbands, love your wives - Here is a grand rule, according to which every husband is called to act: Love your wife as Christ loved the Church. But how did Christ love the Church? He gave himself for it - he laid down his life for it. So then husbands should, if necessary, lay down their lives for their wives: and there is more implied in the words than mere protection and support; for, as Christ gave himself for the Church to save it, so husbands should, by all means in their power, labor to promote the salvation of their wives, and their constant edification in righteousness. Thus we find that the authority of the man over the woman is founded on his love to her, and this love must be such as to lead him to risk his life for her. As the care of the family devolves on the wife, and the children must owe the chief direction of their minds and formation of their manners to the mother, she has need of all the assistance and support which her husband can give her; and, if she performs her duty well, she deserves the utmost of his love and affection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Thou hast seen the measure of obedience; now hear also the measure of love. Do you wish your wife to obey you, as the Church is to obey Christ? Then have a solicitude for her as Christ had for the Church (Eph 5:23, "Himself the Saviour of the body"); and "if it be necessary to give thy life for her, or to be cut in ten thousand pieces, or to endure any other suffering whatever, do not refuse it; and if you suffer thus, not even so do you do what Christ has done; for you indeed do so being already united to her, but He did so for one that treated Him with aversion and hatred. As, therefore, He brought to His feet one that so treated Him, and that even wantonly spurned Him, by much tenderness of regard, not by threats, insults, and terror: so also do you act towards your wife, and though you see her disdainful and wantonly wayward, you will be able to bring her to your feet by much thoughtfulness for her, by love, by kindness. For no bound is more sovereign in binding than such bonds, especially in the case of husband and wife. For one may constrain a servant by fear, though not even he is so to be bound to you; for he may readily run away. But the companion of your life, the mother of your children, the basis of all your joy, you ought to bind to you, not by fear and threats, but by love and attachment" [CHRYSOSTOM]. gave himself--Greek, "gave Himself up." for it--Translate, "for her." The relation of the Church to Christ is the ground of Christianity's having raised woman to her due place in the social scale, from which she was, and is, excluded in heathen lands.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That he might present it to himself a glorious church,.... There is a presentation of the church by Christ to his Father at his death, when he gathered the elect together in one, brought them nigh, and reconciled them to God, and presented them to holy, unblamable, and unreproveable in his sight; and now in heaven, where he represents their persons, appears and makes intercession for them; and at the last day, when he will deliver the whole number of them complete and perfect, in consequence of his suretyship engagements: but this is a presentation of them to himself; and is either in this life, when they are brought to him in raiment of needlework, clothed with his righteousness, and washed in his blood, and he beholds them all fair, and without spot; or at the first resurrection, and during the thousand years' reign; as well as in the ultimate glory, when the open marriage of the Lamb will be come, when his bride will be arrayed with line linen, clean and white; and have the glory of God upon her, and appear in glory with Christ, and will be a glorious church indeed: not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; the bodies of the saints will be like to Christ's glorious body, and will shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father; and in their souls they will be completely conformed to the image of Christ, and enjoy uninterrupted communion with him, and have perfect knowledge of him; they will be always in his presence, and he will take unspeakable delight and complacency in them, which his presentation of them to himself is expressive of; the church will then be free from all spots and blemishes; from all hypocrites and formal professors; and all heresies and heretics; from all declensions and infirmities, and from all sin and iniquity: the allusion seems to be to the customs and practices of the Jews, in their espousals: if a man espoused a woman on condition that she had no spots in her, and afterwards spots were found in her, she was not espoused; for spots or blemishes, as in priests, so in women, render them unfit; as the one for service, so the other for marriage; and they reckon up eight several spots or blemishes, for which they may be rejected (q): but Christ's church has no spots or blemishes, nor anything like them; and will never be rejected by him, but will be always pleasing in his sight: but that it should be holy and without blemish; as it is, being justified by his righteousness, washed in his blood, and sanctified by his Spirit. (q) Misn. Cetubot, c. 7. sect. 7, 8. Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.
Ephesians 5:25
Wives and Husbands
24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Four Loves
By C.S. Lewis12K00:29Types of LoveLoveChristian LoveMAT 22:37JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:161JN 4:7C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic love between partners; and Agape, the selfless, unconditional love that reflects God's love for humanity and the love Christians should have for one another. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these different types of love in our relationships and spiritual lives.
If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 4 (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K38:59Christ In YouPSA 33:2MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 12:11CO 9:271CO 13:3EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating our bodies to the Lord. He refers to Psalm 59, which describes the body as an instrument with ten strings, representing our various body parts. The preacher warns against gossip and highlights the negative impact it can have on the church. He also criticizes the mindset of some preachers who prioritize comfort and luxury over self-discipline and sacrifice. The sermon concludes with a reminder that our choices in this life have eternal consequences, and there is no turning back once we pass from time into eternity.
Husbands Love Your Wifes!
By Keith Daniel5.6K1:36:02MarriageSacrificial LoveJOB 31:1PRO 15:23PRO 21:23PRO 31:10MAT 5:11MAT 19:51CO 13:4EPH 5:25COL 3:191PE 3:7Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spouse, which signifies a deep, committed bond that reflects God's design for marriage. Daniel warns against the dangers of bitterness and urges husbands to honor their wives as the 'weaker vessel,' advocating for a sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for the church. He shares personal anecdotes and statistics about the fears of children regarding parental divorce, underscoring the need for strong, loving marriages. Ultimately, he calls for a complete surrender to God, which enables husbands to fulfill their roles with grace and integrity.
He Lives in Me
By Carter Conlon5.4K58:43TestimonyJHN 3:16EPH 2:8EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a testimony of what Jesus is doing in our lives. He encourages the congregation to not underestimate the power of the spoken word and how it can impact someone's life. The preacher shares his personal testimony of how God has worked in his life, including overcoming fear and experiencing victory through faith in God's word. He concludes by reminding the audience that with God, all things are possible.
(Reformation Within Protestantism): Return to a Biblical Church
By A.W. Tozer4.5K45:05ReformationMAT 7:21MAT 18:20JHN 10:9ACT 2:471CO 12:27EPH 5:25HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common attitude of taking the church for granted. He emphasizes that many people view the church as a social institution without questioning its significance. The speaker urges listeners to reconsider their perspective on the church and to recognize its sacred importance. He uses the analogy of two young couples, one focused on a serious and purposeful life while the other seeks only pleasure, to illustrate the different attitudes towards the church. The speaker concludes by inviting those who are unsure of their faith to come forward and seek a personal connection with Christ.
Family Series Part 4 (Father, Where Are You?)
By Paul Washer3.8K52:18FamilyEPH 5:25EPH 6:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for biblical instruction and accountability among believers. He highlights the importance of learning from God's Word and not just settling for generalities in our faith. The speaker shares a personal story about getting lost on the way to a birthday party, illustrating the point that specific instructions are necessary for effective guidance. He then delves into the convicting aspects of biblical teachings, such as husbands loving their wives as Christ loved the church and children honoring their parents. The speaker also discusses the discontentment and lack of character in the younger generation, contrasting it with the perseverance and strength of previous generations. The sermon concludes with the importance of teaching children through verbal instruction, demonstration, and illustration, using the example of a father teaching his son how to shake a man's hand properly.
(Godly Home) Part 24 - Godly Men Have Radiant Wives
By Denny Kenaston3.6K39:11Godly Home SeriesMAL 2:15MAT 6:33EPH 5:25EPH 5:281PE 3:11PE 3:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of love and its importance in marriage. He emphasizes that love is an unexplainable force that cannot be quenched or drowned. The preacher also highlights the sacrificial love of God, who laid down his life for humanity. He encourages men to love their wives deeply and to understand and appreciate their differences. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of good manners and discipline in cultivating a strong and radiant marriage.
Evangelism Conference - Part 1
By Henry Blackaby3.3K50:11MAT 28:18JHN 17:2ROM 12:2EPH 5:25COL 3:23JAS 1:221JN 1:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He states that knowing the stories of the Bible is not enough to transform one's life; it is the relationship with God that brings about transformation. The speaker also discusses the current state of the nation and believes that the future of America depends on the response of God's people. He encourages the audience to focus on their relationship with God rather than relying on political elections. The sermon is based on 1 John 1 and the speaker emphasizes the need for experiential and personal encounters with God.
Gleanings From the Garden - Part 2
By Art Katz3.0K56:56Garden Of EdenGEN 4:1ROM 8:26EPH 5:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in fellowship with God and acknowledging His deity and judicial office. He emphasizes that God alone is the judge and knows all things, and we should submit to His knowledge and be thankful for it. The speaker also highlights the need for authentic praise that recognizes God as the ultimate judge and good. He shares examples of dealing with opposition within the fellowship and emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord without any conditions or requirements.
(Om Orientation) Real Christian Morals - Part 1
By George Verwer2.9K32:00MoralsGEN 49:4GEN 49:92CO 2:11EPH 5:25EPH 5:321TI 3:7HEB 6:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of sexual immorality and its consequences. He starts by referencing the story of Reuben in Genesis 35, who committed immorality and faced judgment later on. The preacher emphasizes that those who lack control in this area of their lives are as unstable as water and will not know success. He mentions that surveys have shown a high percentage of university girls believing it is reasonable to have sex before marriage. The preacher argues that it is important to have answers and reasons for not believing in this way of living, based on what Jesus taught and what the Bible says. He warns about the effects of such sin and the lifetime of tears and heartache it can bring. The preacher also mentions the importance of not allowing such sins to be named among believers, as stated in 2 Timothy 2. He highlights the moral deluge our culture is facing and the severity of the situation. However, he also offers a message of hope, stating that the power of the Holy Spirit can give strength even to the weakest individuals. The sermon includes references to other stories in the Old Testament, such as the sin of David in 2 Samuel 11, to emphasize the importance of avoiding sexual immorality.
(Genesis) Genesis 24:59-67
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K06:00GenesisGEN 22:9GEN 24:60GEN 24:64GEN 24:67ROM 4:25EPH 1:13EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Rebekah and Isaac from the Bible. Rebekah asks the servant to tell her about Isaac again, specifically about his birth and how his father offered him on the altar. The servant tells her the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Rebekah is eager to know who Isaac is and when she sees him, she is filled with joy and gets off the camel to meet him. Isaac takes Rebekah into his mother's tent and they get married, and Isaac loves her deeply. The preacher emphasizes that just as Isaac longed for Rebekah, Christ longs for the church and gave himself for it. The sermon concludes with the idea that Christ gains a great deal in our salvation and encourages the listeners to be faithful to him.
What It Takes to Be a Man
By Paul Washer2.8K1:00:53GEN 2:18PRO 22:6MAT 6:33EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of love in winning people over. He uses a personal example of coming home after a difficult day and getting into an argument with his wife. He highlights the importance of finding joy in daily tasks and responsibilities, whether it be work or taking care of children. The preacher also addresses the challenges faced by Christians in America, where church can often be seen as boring and Sunday school lacks proper moral instruction. He urges parents to be aware of the negative influences their children may encounter at school and to provide them with biblical teachings and guidance.
(Genesis) Genesis 41:42-45
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K05:54GenesisGEN 41:42GEN 41:45GEN 41:55MAT 6:33EPH 5:25In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt. Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that there will be seven years of famine following seven years of plenty. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as his prime minister due to God's guidance and Joseph's practical abilities. Additionally, the speaker explains that during this time, the Hyksos kings, who were from the same human stock as Joseph, had taken over the throne of Egypt and struggled to find loyal subjects. Joseph's faithfulness to God and his tasks made him a trustworthy and loyal servant to Pharaoh.
Abiding in Him
By Erlo Stegen2.6K1:10:29AbidingPSA 84:11MAT 6:33GAL 3:27EPH 5:251PE 5:8REV 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of shining forth as a Christian and being clothed with the sun. He warns against deceiving others into thinking one is a Christian if they are not truly shining forth. The preacher also emphasizes the presence of the great red dragon, representing the Prince of Darkness, who seeks to devour and influence believers. He urges listeners to avoid participating in sinful activities and to abide in Christ instead. The sermon concludes with a call to be like the saints who conquered the devil through the blood of the lamb, their testimony, and their willingness to give up their lives for the Lord.
A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1
By Aaron Hurst2.6K1:24:46Purpose Of LifeGEN 2:24PSA 40:2PRO 29:18EPH 5:251PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the goals we have as individuals. The speaker highlights that as Christians, our ultimate mission is to glorify God and exalt Him in all aspects of our lives. He also discusses the mission within marriage, emphasizing the importance of loving our spouses as Christ loves the church. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his excitement about the vision and steps towards fulfilling it that he has seen within the church community.
When You Don't Know What to Do
By Carter Conlon2.4K46:06Need For DirectionMAT 6:33JHN 19:25EPH 5:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the purpose of believers being left on earth and their willingness to follow Jesus day by day. He explains that Jesus will teach them little by little, building a testimony of His life within them. The speaker highlights the importance of forgiveness and serving God, using the example of Peter. He then focuses on the moment when Jesus tells John to take care of His mother, emphasizing the preciousness of every individual in God's sight. The sermon concludes with a call to love one another and rejoice in the Lord.
The Blueprint of Your Home
By Abner Kauffman2.3K1:11:56Home LifeDEU 24:52KI 4:10PRO 14:1MAT 6:33EPH 5:25COL 3:191PE 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible to show oneself approved by God. He encourages listeners to not neglect learning about their homes and the responsibilities that come with it. The speaker warns against the dangers of watching inappropriate videos and allowing worldly influences into the home. He also advises husbands to take responsibility for what their families are exposed to and to address any issues or tensions in the household promptly. The sermon highlights the significance of the kitchen as a place where husbands can play a role in creating a godly atmosphere in the home.
Our Father's Goodness and Graces to Us
By Paul Washer2.1K1:17:57EPH 5:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God through the word of God. He encourages listeners to spend time in prayer and seek a deep relationship with God. The speaker warns against being consumed by worldly concerns and urges believers to focus on living in the presence of God. He also highlights the significance of being an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, regardless of one's age or circumstances.
(Through the Bible) Ephesians 5-6
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:15:26EPH 4:32EPH 5:3EPH 5:8EPH 5:20EPH 5:25EPH 5:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of forgiveness and walking in love as believers. He emphasizes that before instructing believers on how to live, the Bible first lays the foundation of God's love, grace, and blessings. The preacher highlights that God's forgiveness is our example, and we are called to be followers of God in forgiving others. He also mentions that holding bitterness and animosity in our hearts can harm our mental health, emphasizing the importance of having a forgiving spirit.
Raising the Bar Part 2 - Wives (f.b.c. in Killen, Al)
By Paul Washer2.0K1:20:45LEV 19:18DEU 6:5MAT 6:33MAT 22:37MRK 12:30ROM 8:28EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He uses a fishing analogy to illustrate how God's goodness is evident in the beauty of nature. The preacher also highlights the significance of teaching this one thing to our children, rather than getting caught up in theological complexities. He warns against the danger of building our faith on false foundations and encourages believers to focus on being conformed to the image of Christ.
Don't Forsake Your Godly Heritage
By Keith Daniel2.0K1:07:49Godly HeritageMAL 2:14EPH 5:18EPH 5:22EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the entertainment choices we make, as they can lead to spiritual defilement. He warns young Christians to be careful about the friends they choose, the books they read, the music they listen to, and the media they consume. The preacher argues that 99% of entertainment today is defiling and urges listeners to flee from worldly influences. He also highlights the significance of parental guidance and the love of a father, using a powerful illustration to convey the depth of a father's love. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and offering praise to God, as well as the biblical principles of submission and sacrificial love in marriage.
Christ in You
By Major Ian Thomas2.0K39:04Holy SpiritRUT 4:22MAT 6:33JHN 14:17ROM 7:41CO 15:45EPH 1:3EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of man's relationship with God. He explains that man is only truly man when he has God in him, and losing God means losing everything. The preacher uses the story of Ruth from the Old Testament as a commentary on this principle. He highlights how believers in Christ have undergone a spiritual death through the crucifixion of Jesus, allowing them to belong to Him and bear fruit for God. The preacher also discusses how, by natural birth, humans are born with a fallen nature inherited from Adam, but through Christ's sacrifice, God has provided a way for believers to be freed from this sinful nature.
Lord, My Heart Is Open. Help Me
By Carter Conlon1.9K50:33Christian LifePSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 8:32EPH 5:25EPH 6:142TI 3:161JN 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going the distance and following where God leads. He emphasizes the need to embrace and live in the truth of God's word, allowing it to shape and guide our lives. The speaker also highlights the challenges and opposition we may face when pursuing God's calling, using the example of David facing doubts and criticism before facing Goliath. The sermon encourages believers to put on the whole armor of God, including the shield of faith, to stand against the enemy's attacks and fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
The Purpose of the Cross
By David Ravenhill1.9K1:18:51MAT 24:11ACT 20:281CO 6:19EPH 5:251PE 2:12PE 2:1REV 5:9This sermon emphasizes the deeper purpose of the cross beyond just forgiveness of sins, highlighting the need for believers to surrender their lives to God and live for His glory. It warns about the danger of false teachings that can subtly infiltrate the church and lead people astray, emphasizing the importance of discernment and staying true to the true teachings of the Bible.
Useful for the Master - Part 3
By Jackie Pullinger1.9K08:39PSA 36:5ISA 41:10JHN 15:13EPH 5:251JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes God's love and faithfulness towards His people, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Jesus' love and the call for believers to reciprocate that love by surrendering their hearts to Him. It speaks of the intimate relationship between Christ and the church, symbolizing it as a marriage where Jesus gave His life for His beloved. The message encourages trust in God's purposes and splendor, assuring believers of His unwavering love and faithfulness despite their fears and weariness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Husbands, love your wives - Here is a grand rule, according to which every husband is called to act: Love your wife as Christ loved the Church. But how did Christ love the Church? He gave himself for it - he laid down his life for it. So then husbands should, if necessary, lay down their lives for their wives: and there is more implied in the words than mere protection and support; for, as Christ gave himself for the Church to save it, so husbands should, by all means in their power, labor to promote the salvation of their wives, and their constant edification in righteousness. Thus we find that the authority of the man over the woman is founded on his love to her, and this love must be such as to lead him to risk his life for her. As the care of the family devolves on the wife, and the children must owe the chief direction of their minds and formation of their manners to the mother, she has need of all the assistance and support which her husband can give her; and, if she performs her duty well, she deserves the utmost of his love and affection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Thou hast seen the measure of obedience; now hear also the measure of love. Do you wish your wife to obey you, as the Church is to obey Christ? Then have a solicitude for her as Christ had for the Church (Eph 5:23, "Himself the Saviour of the body"); and "if it be necessary to give thy life for her, or to be cut in ten thousand pieces, or to endure any other suffering whatever, do not refuse it; and if you suffer thus, not even so do you do what Christ has done; for you indeed do so being already united to her, but He did so for one that treated Him with aversion and hatred. As, therefore, He brought to His feet one that so treated Him, and that even wantonly spurned Him, by much tenderness of regard, not by threats, insults, and terror: so also do you act towards your wife, and though you see her disdainful and wantonly wayward, you will be able to bring her to your feet by much thoughtfulness for her, by love, by kindness. For no bound is more sovereign in binding than such bonds, especially in the case of husband and wife. For one may constrain a servant by fear, though not even he is so to be bound to you; for he may readily run away. But the companion of your life, the mother of your children, the basis of all your joy, you ought to bind to you, not by fear and threats, but by love and attachment" [CHRYSOSTOM]. gave himself--Greek, "gave Himself up." for it--Translate, "for her." The relation of the Church to Christ is the ground of Christianity's having raised woman to her due place in the social scale, from which she was, and is, excluded in heathen lands.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That he might present it to himself a glorious church,.... There is a presentation of the church by Christ to his Father at his death, when he gathered the elect together in one, brought them nigh, and reconciled them to God, and presented them to holy, unblamable, and unreproveable in his sight; and now in heaven, where he represents their persons, appears and makes intercession for them; and at the last day, when he will deliver the whole number of them complete and perfect, in consequence of his suretyship engagements: but this is a presentation of them to himself; and is either in this life, when they are brought to him in raiment of needlework, clothed with his righteousness, and washed in his blood, and he beholds them all fair, and without spot; or at the first resurrection, and during the thousand years' reign; as well as in the ultimate glory, when the open marriage of the Lamb will be come, when his bride will be arrayed with line linen, clean and white; and have the glory of God upon her, and appear in glory with Christ, and will be a glorious church indeed: not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; the bodies of the saints will be like to Christ's glorious body, and will shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father; and in their souls they will be completely conformed to the image of Christ, and enjoy uninterrupted communion with him, and have perfect knowledge of him; they will be always in his presence, and he will take unspeakable delight and complacency in them, which his presentation of them to himself is expressive of; the church will then be free from all spots and blemishes; from all hypocrites and formal professors; and all heresies and heretics; from all declensions and infirmities, and from all sin and iniquity: the allusion seems to be to the customs and practices of the Jews, in their espousals: if a man espoused a woman on condition that she had no spots in her, and afterwards spots were found in her, she was not espoused; for spots or blemishes, as in priests, so in women, render them unfit; as the one for service, so the other for marriage; and they reckon up eight several spots or blemishes, for which they may be rejected (q): but Christ's church has no spots or blemishes, nor anything like them; and will never be rejected by him, but will be always pleasing in his sight: but that it should be holy and without blemish; as it is, being justified by his righteousness, washed in his blood, and sanctified by his Spirit. (q) Misn. Cetubot, c. 7. sect. 7, 8. Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.