In dealing. with marriage, Paul starts off with wives. The wife is called to submit to a husband who is willing to die for her. He should be the first one to apologize, forgive and serve. He is to exemplify the lifestyle of Jesus to his bride. 

         Andreus Köstenberger writes the following, “While some may view submitting to one’s husband’s authority as something negative, a more accurate way of looking at marital roles is to understand that Wives are called to follow their husband’s loving leadership.”

         The Bible pictures husbands and wives having equal value, yet they both have different roles within the relationship. One initiates, the other responds. When both fulfil their roles in the marriage, it’s a beautiful thing to behold.

         Marriage, and particularly headship, are rooted in creation itself. (Gen. 1-2; Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 11:3-12; and 1 Tim. 2:11-13.  Stott writes, “This is not chauvinism, but creationism,” Some say that God, and especially Paul, have an agenda against women. In fact, Paul elevated women as the Lord Jesus did.

         Warren Wiersbe writes the following about this passage, “Headship is not. Dictatorship. The Christian husband and wife should pray together and spend time in the Word, so they might know God’s will for their individual lives and their home.”

 

         Larry Miles is Co-Editor of Word & Work and attends Cherry St. Church of Christ in New Albany, IN.