SM

NN, thanks for the reply at (50 )

“Which is of course not the definition or meaning of authority. Rather, these are the characteristics of the Christian usage of any authority. To use the English definition of the word – “authority: the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.””

I am familiar with the English definition. Because it has been defined by some differently than the dictionary entry and because it has been used as a different part of speech than it is classified is what has caused confusion.

“Self-sacrificing, nourishing, cherishing – these are the characteristics of Christ’s application of authority.”

Actually, no, in the context of Eph 5 under discussion, self-sacrificing, nourishing, & cherishing are characteristics of how Christ’s AGAPES the Church.

“Husbands also are not told “have authority” – the asymmetry of the relationship makes this implicit and inescapable.”

You are saying:

Husbands have authority because there is hierarchy.
There is hierarchy because husbands have authority.

I think you know better than I what that is called.

According to your thesis, this asymmetry, which you define as hierarchy, exists because of the presence of eros between a husband and a wife. You haven’t provided scriptural support for your claim other than Eph 5:22 in which you say it is apparent but have not explained how it is apparent.

I don’t know what you mean by the asymmetry of the relationship makes the husband’s authority “implicit”. However, (and this is just one the problems I see with your thesis) hierarchy based on eros is tenuous. Eros (romance, affection, sexual desire) fluctuates in a committed relationship for different reasons. If hierarchy exists because of the presence of eros between the spouses, then when eros is not a factor hierarchy is then escapable?

“Rather, they are told what to do with it; how to reflect Christ in it.”

Husbands are *never* told what to do with *authority*. Husbands in Eph 5 are told to model Christ-like agape. Love your wife by nourishing her, cherishing her, and sacrificing yourself for her.

Can we agree that husbands are not told to have authority but are told to love their wives as Christ love the Church and gave Himself up for her and are told to nourish and cherish her?