Tiffany

Gengwell RE #154:

“Tiffany – would you also agree that the bible is very clear that all Christians are to mutually submit to one another (Eph 5:21)? Moreover, would you agree that Eph 5:22 is very clear that the submission of the wife to her husband is of the same kind and in the same manner as that of all Christians to one another? If so, then what does that say about a wife’s submission – is it obedience or something else? And what does that say about authority – is it present in the relationship?

Yes, I do believe the Bible is very clear that all Christian are to submit one to another. And that vs 22 is speaking of the same type of submission. However I think that in the verses following vs 22 were are show how the submission that everyone offers one another (including husbands and wives) is that the wives submission is characterized by the Church/Christ model of submission. That the nature of that submission that a Christian wife offers her husband is a model/type/shadow/representation of the sort of submission the Church is to offer Christ. That this representation is unique to the husband/wife relationship and is in no way in conflict with the idea of all Christians submitting to each other (including husbands to wife).

As to my thoughts on if it is obedience or something else and if there is authority present in the relationship I think you will find them in comment 323. Cheryl asked some follow up questions which is what I intend to address in the next post. You also addressed me in comment 235, and I think my 323 post should answer your questions as well, and if not I am rather certain my follow up one will. If not, please just ask.

Thank you for your patience as it has taken me until 200 comments later to get back to your very good questions.