Ephesians 5:24

“But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything”

“But as”: “Paul is thinking of. voluntary, free, joyful and thankful partnership, as the analogy of the relationship of the church to Christ shows. Whenever the husband's headship mirrors the headship of Christ, then the wife's submission to the protection and provision of his love, far from detracting from her womanhood, will positively enrich it” (Stott p. 226). “The church”: Carefully note that God compares the married woman to the church His Son died for (Acts 20:28). Now, how can anyone honestly claim that the Bible is degrading to women? “Is subject to Christ”: Christ is the sole head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). One of the characteristics of the church that belongs to Christ is that such. church is in subjection of the will of Jesus. Thus the church that doesn't obey the teachings of Jesus, is the church that does not belong to Christ, and is the church that Jesus will not save (Revelation Chapter s 2-3). “So let”: God wants this submission to be voluntary. The wife who resentfully allows her husband to lead, is still in the wrong. “Subject themselves or let them subject themselves” (Lenski p. 628). The true church gratefully places itself under Christ and in His care. In like manner, God desires that wives joyfully place themselves in subjection to their own husbands. Hence there is nothing "demeaning" about such subjection, rather it is. statement of spiritual maturity, growth, and an attitude that pleases God.. like what Stott said, “Jesus Christ demonstrates rather than loses His dignity by His subordination to the Father. When. person is voluntarily amenable to another, gives way to him, and places himself at his service, he shows greater dignity and freedom than an individual who cannot bear to be. helper and partner to anyone but himself” (p. 233).

Nothing in the text says that the husband is to put his wife in subjection. "Forced subjection" does not count. Such is just as unscriptural as outright rebellion. This is something that the married woman must do of her own freewill. Unfortunately, some professed Christians balk at the word "obey" in the marriage vows. Such demonstrates that such people are not yet ready to get married.

“In everything”: “Entirely submissive” (Wey). Of course, it is always taken for granted that "everything" does not include sinful or unscriptural things (Acts 5:29). But in practical terms this means that after receiving input from his wife, the man is expected by God to make those final decisions, and what is in the best interest of his family, concerning everything from finances, where they will worship, when they will move, and what house they will buy. “In our times not. few Christian wives and husbands also have tried to modify Paul's words because it is claimed that this view is no longer up-to-date and befitting our advanced age” (Lenski p. 629). If the church is expected to be in subjection to Christ in everything. then professed Christians do not have. right to "vote" on which "doctrines" they will accept. Christ makes the rules, we do not (1 Corinthians 14:37).