Colossians 3:18

Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

'WIVES, BE IN SUBJECTION' -Again note, that in addressing all these classes, God simply gives each their duty, and the proper motive for performing that duty. God doesn't say, 'Now wives, make sure that your husband is treating you right, or husbands, make sure that your wife is fulfilling all her obligations to you.' The emphasis is on serving the other person (1 Peter 2:3).

'BE IN' -i.e. Actually be in, be practicing. Don't merely wish that you could be in. Good intentions never take the place of actual performance.

'SUBJECTION' -5293. hupotasso hoop-ot-as'-so; from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey: -be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

'TO YOUR HUSBANDS' -

Points to Note:

1. No inferiority inherently resides in the word "subjection". And everyone is "in subjection" to someone. The woman's husband is in subjection to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1); and to the needs of other Christians (Ephesians 5:21).

2. Erdman notes, 'In such submission there is nothing humiliating or degrading. It is not inconsistent with intellectual and moral and spiritual equality. (For the same writer that wrote this, also wrote Galatians 3:28). It is merely the recognition of an authority which is essential to social and domestic order and welfare. It is the natural expression of love which manifests itself in willing service..' (p. 103)

3. Also carefully note that this "subjection" isn't some moral consequence that all women suffer because of Eve's sin. Female subjection was. reality in this world, even before sin entered (Genesis 2:18). Eadie notes, 'The early and biblical idea of. wife as that of. "help meet", implies that she was to be auxiliary--second and not principal in the household.' (p. 252)

'AS IS FITTING' -'as befits those who belong to the Lord' (TCNT). 433. aneko an-ay'-ko; from 303 and 2240; to attain to, i.e. (figuratively) be proper: -convenient, be fit.

Points to Note:

1. In that society,. woman was already to be in subject to her husband, even before she became. Christian. But notice that God supplies. new attitude, motive or perspective for such subjection.

2. This also infers that various types of "subjection" exist, which are not "in the Lord": (a) Some women are in subjection, because they either have been taught or they think that they are inferior to. man, not as smart or intelligent. (b) Others are in subjection--because they fear physical abuse. (c) The subjection offered by others is grudging, like an occupied country just waiting for the proper opportunity to cast off some oppressive government. None of these please God, and neither do they glorify him.

3. But when. woman realizes that she is just as intelligent and valuable as her husband. And that she has equal access to God. But that the Lord Jesus Christ wants her to be in subjection to her husband, to support him and to be by his side as. help-meet. And when. woman says, 'I will joyfully do that Lord', now that is. subjection that is "fitting" for someone who claims to be. Christian. That type of subjection, glorifies God.