Lin

” don’t think that the Bible commands that one initiates submission first for either gender. I think that is equal. But I do see a responsibility for men to sacrifice first and Jesus loved and sacrificed for his Bride.”

I cannot seperate the teaching for married men in this passage from verse 18 which teaches all to submit to one another in the Body. That is what being filled with the Spirit looks like.

The passages you mention are simply a way for the husband to submit to his wife. Culturally, this would have been seen as radical at the time and perhaps his societall position would make it necessary for him to model this first. AFter all, she was considered chattel in that society. Submitting, as it is understood in the Greek, was a step up for the wife. And verse 18 makes it equal for married believers in the Body. There is no way around that unless some, like Grudem, are willing to say vs 18 does not apply to some in the Body which only reads into the text.

Gengwell, come back! Did you see my explanation above?
.