But as the church is subordinate to Christ, so the wives to their own husbands in everything.
Truth to Learn
Submission is part of what it means to be a Christian.
Behind the Words
The word “but” is translated from the Greek word alla, which implies an addition to what preceded. Generally, it means “but.”
“So” is from houtō, meaning “in this way” or “in this manner.” As in this verse, it is often coupled with alla to form a similitude between two ideas.
The verb “is subordinate to” is translated from hupotassō, which we saw a couple verses back means “to be under-ranked” or “to be in submission to.”
Meaning Explained
Throughout this chapter Paul has been talking about how we are to behave within the body of Christ. In verse twenty-two he changed his focus from our behavior within the church to our behavior within the family. First of all, he said that a wife is to submit to her husband; that is, she is to voluntarily place herself under the authority of her husband. In yesterday’s verse he told us that this is necessary because God designed the family structure with the man as the head, just as he designed the church with Christ as the head.
He now reiterates that point by saying that just as the church is ranked under Christ, so a wife is to be ranked under her husband. Nobody in the church would ever presume to place themself above Christ, so a woman should not presume to place herself above her husband in God’s plan. Now, let me say again that this does not mean that a woman is any less important within the family or within the church.
“But, what if my husband is not a Christian?” you might ask. The answer is that it doesn’t make any difference. In fact, a Christian woman has a greater responsibility if her husband is unsaved. Paul told the Corinthians that a submissive woman might even be the tool that God uses to bring her husband to faith:
For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? (1Corinthians 7:16a)
The Apostle Peter also wrote about how important it is for Christians to be submissive to authorities, even non-Christian civil authorities. He, too, commanded women to submit to their husbands, even those who aren’t Christian men:
In the same way, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, as they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. (1Peter 3:1-2)
Let me stress again that a woman being submissive to her husband does not mean that she is to subject herself to abuse either physically or emotionally. Read carefully what tomorrow’s verse has to say to the husband.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (Ephesians 5:25)
Application
God wants us all to be obedient servants and He will use those who are submitted to Him. Women, your position is extremely important within the family. It is especially so if others in your family are not saved. Your behavior may be what God uses to reach your family. If you have committed your life to Christ, then you have committed to being His obedient, faithful servant. Some day you may see how God has used you if you are faithful to Him. And God will get all the glory!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved