25. The primary duty on the husband’s side is self-sacrificing affection. The pattern of Christ in this respect is concrete enough. It has already been dwelt upon in Ephesians 5:2. It is worth noting how constantly (here and Ephesians 5:2, and in Galatians 2:20, and in Revelation 1:5) the love and the sacrifice are commemorated together. The sacrifice was a ‘ransom’ and it is possible that St Paul regards it here in the light of a dowry. For the preparations for the wedding described in the next verse depend on the sacrifice.

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Old Testament