Lydia

“If I use the context to work out the meaning of the head/body metaphor the head loves, feeds, cares for the body and is united as one with the body. There is no mention of authority. But if I go back to Eph 1:20-23 the head/body metaphor seems to be associated with authority. Is Paul using the metaphor in different ways within the one letter? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?”

Craig, Another clue are the words the Holy Spirit Inspires. Why not inspire clear Greek words for authority when writing about the husband wife relationship in Eph and other places? The Holy Spirit did Inspire a clear authority word in Greek when describing the relationship of husband/wife in 1 Corin 7. And they BOTH have this authority over the other.