Charis

Mark (614) I’m not going to submit to the 12 year old youth kid in the same way I would to my pastor. It is illogical to demand a complete mutuality submission between all relationships within the body of Christ- you wouldn’t know who the adults are from the children, the elders from the younger etc etc. I will serve a 12 yr old, but not submit in the way the verb is used.

The verb in Eph 5:21 is in the passive voice. Check it out for yourself at http://interlinearbible.org/ephesians/5.htm

Its a description of the mutual subjection/dependence of Body life and there is another witness in 1 Cor 12:12ff.

For illustration, suppose your son was the 12 yo and he was cutting, taking drugs, etc, then the fact that you are “one body” with him would bring on a great deal of pain and distress because in BEING SUBJECT to him, when he is struggling it affects you.