How to Study Ephesians 5:22

In this episode, the Chara project team studies Ephesians 5:22 (“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord”) using the CHARA Bible study method (Context, History, Author, Research and Apply). They acknowledge common assumptions that “submission” means obedience or inferiority.

Looking at context, surrounding verses call for husbands to sacrificially love wives as Christ loved the church. The reciprocal actions are not contingent on each other but flow out of reverence for Christ. Instructions to the household also reflected the counter-cultural valuing and inclusion of women at the time.

Through word study in Research, “submit” in Greek refers to putting others first, not obeying. It’s about unity and mutual respect, as reflected in the command to “submit to one another.” Additionally, women are presented as equal in God’s eyes throughout Scripture.

As they Apply the passage, they determine the timeless principle is humility – putting others’ needs before our own, following Christ’s example. This could mean surrendering biases that submission equates inferiority. For harmony with Scripture, we should adopt Christlike humility toward all people, including our spouses.

In summary, the call is for mutual humility and honor in marriage as part of biblical unity, not reinforcement of gender hierarchy. Husbands and wives can reflect Christ’s love by putting each other first.

WATCH THIS EPISODE

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

RELATED CONTENT