Dave

NN – you said, “+ There are three possibilities regarding the differences” (239)

True, but we are not restricted to these three or the combinations of these three that are possible. In fact you have not taken into account my reading of Ephesians that I offered as an alternative. Paul is addressing people in a particular culture about issues that stand above cultures, but he does so in a way relevant to their culture.

I am glad you mention Ephesians, Colossians and 1 Peter because when we look at all three I think it helps us see that the Holy SPirit is trying to communicate something other than something distinct about marriage relationships, but rather something distinct about being in Christ and how this influences marriage AND parent/children AND slaves/masters.

Finally, I find it interesting that people want to distinguish between a wife submitting, and a husband loving (like CHrist). For all you Calvinists out there (not trying to rekindle old discussions!) Calvin in his commentary on Eph 5:21 draws the connection with submission to love (as does Phil 2 of course, and John 3:16 etc etc). It is Paul in Romans 13 who says we have only one debt outstanding to one another – to love. Perhaps we do not want to say flat out that submission = love, and yet it would appear that for Paul it was a culturally sensitive way of expressing an ongoing truth about Christian marriage (and other Christian relationships).

I would love your thoughts NN.