Ephesians 5:21-25 provides a foundational teaching on the concept of submission, instructing believers to “submit yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Ephesians 5:21 introduces the idea of submission, where believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
This submission isn’t about one person dominating another; instead, it’s about each person valuing and respecting the other. In every healthy relationship, whether in the church, in marriage, or in friendships, there is a balance of give and take. Submission here is about humbling ourselves and placing others’ needs before our own, following Christ’s example of servanthood.
Ephesians 5:22-24 specifically addresses the relationship between husbands and wives: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”
Submission is an act of respect and love. It reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, where Christ lovingly leads, and the Church willingly follows.
However, this submission is not one-sided. Ephesians 5:25 commands, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ gave everything for the Church. This kind of love is selfless and protective, showing that submission within marriage is a two-way street of love and respect.
While Ephesians 5:21-25 specifically addresses marriage, the principle of submission applies to all areas of life.
Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” This passage reminds us that true submission is about humility and considering others more important than ourselves. It’s about being willing to serve others, even when it requires sacrifice.
1 Peter 5:5 further emphasizes this, saying, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Submission is a posture of the heart, where we choose to clothe ourselves with humility and respect others out of reverence for God.
As followers of God, submission is not a burden but a blessing. It’s an opportunity to reflect Christ’s humility and love in our relationships, whether in marriage, in the church, or in our everyday interactions.
By submitting to one another in the fear of God, we build relationships that are based in respect, love, and mutual care, honoring God in all that we do.
Let us strive to walk in submission as dear children of God, recognizing that in doing so, we are following the example set by Christ Himself, who submitted to the Father’s will out of love for us all.
