HOUSEHOLDS OF SERVICE

Across the world, this text is understood in different ways, depending on the culture receiving it. Some see it as a text of repression and others as a text of liberation and empowerment. Why is this? It is because we always receive and understand the Bible in our context. Our context itself has rules about which things are permissible and which are not. In Paul’s day, this letter was received in a context where wives had little power to decide about their futures, whom they married, how money was spent, or what decisions were taken in the family. It was a culture where men held much of the power and wives were often viewed as little more than property.

In that context, Paul’s words are revolutionary. What might shock you in your culture is not what shocked the original audience. Paul’s words that a wife should submit to her husband were the norm in his day and maybe they still are where you live. What was radical were Paul’s instructions to husbands to lay themselves down for their wives. Husbands were not to view their wives simply as property or means for a male offspring, but as women to be loved, cherished, supported, and invested in.

There is much benefit to be found in the deep theological study of this passage. It must always, however, lead to marriages built upon the principle of the husband and wife seeking the spiritual flourishing of their spouse. The foundation for this is the reality of Christ and his bride, the church. He has given himself for us and loved us as himself. In return, we give him our devotion. Our marriages should reflect this reality, despite our human limitations.

If you are married, how can you spiritually invest in your spouse? If you are not, pray for the married couples you know that they may flourish in Christ.