What does Ephesians 5:21 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 5:21, "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God," calls for mutual submission among Christians.

This verse is a pivotal transitional statement that bridges the general exhortations that Paul gives to Christians in Ephesians 5:1-20 about living wisely and the specific household codes he will address from Ephesians 5:22 onwards.

The literal meaning of the verse is a command for Christians to submit to each other, acknowledging each other's needs, concerns, and well-being as equally important.

The deeper meaning suggests a model of Christian relationships that is counter-cultural both in the ancient world and today, characterized by humility, respect, and a fear of God, that is, living in reverence and acknowledgment of God's authority and commandments.

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the Pauline epistles, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul.

The letter is believed to have been written around AD 60-62, while Paul was in Roman captivity.

The culture of the time was highly hierarchical, with well-defined social classes and gender roles.

Men generally held authoritative positions over women, and masters over slaves.

Against this backdrop, the verse serves as a radical departure from the societal norms of that era, calling for equality and selflessness within the body of Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects certain key Christian doctrines:

• Doctrine of the Church: It emphasizes the unity and interdependence of believers.

This mutual submission symbolizes the body of Christ, where every member is valuable, and all are called to serve one another.

• Imago Dei: By calling for mutual submission, the verse recognizes the image of God in every individual, suggesting that each person is worthy of honor and respect.
• Doctrine of Christian Living: It underlines the Christian ethic of love and service as modeled by Christ himself, who "came not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45).
• Eschatological Implications: Some theologians may see this as a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, where worldly hierarchies are subverted and God’s values of love and service reign supreme.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be applied in various contexts:

• Marital Relationships: Husbands and wives are encouraged to approach their relationship with a spirit of mutual respect and service rather than dominance or submission to culturally determined roles.
• Church Community: Church members can foster an environment where service is a reciprocal process, promoting unity and common good.
• Workplace Ethics: Believers are encouraged to interact with colleagues and superiors with respect and a willingness to support and uplift each other.

Cross-References

• Philippians 2:3: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
• 1 Peter 5:5: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

• Galatians 5:13: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term for "submitting" is "ὑποτασσόμενοι" (hypotassomenoi), which carries the idea of arranging oneself under the authority of another.

However, in the context of this verse, it implies a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden.

The phrase "in the fear of God" comes from the Greek "φόβῳ Θεοῦ" (phobō Theou), indicating a positive reverence or respect for God as the reason and guiding principle for this submission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Rome or Greece, society was strictly hierarchical. Submission was expected downwards from superiors to inferiors, not mutually.

In contrast, the Judeo-Christian tradition introduced revolutionary ideas of equality before God and the importance of serving one another.

In the religious context of other Abrahamic faiths, like Islam and Judaism, concepts of submission (Islam) and community (Judaism) are also paramount, although they may manifest in different practices and interpretations.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology supports aspects of Ephesians 5:21 in promoting healthy relationships.

The principles of mutual respect and balanced power dynamics contribute to stronger, more stable, and more satisfying relationships.

Studies in social psychology and group dynamics show that mutual respect and cooperation lead to better outcomes for groups and organisations.

Commentaries

Commentators have various interpretations of Ephesians 5:21:

• John Calvin saw this as an antidote to the love of power and a call to service, extending to all relationships within the Christian community.
• Matthew Henry commented on this verse as a general rule of goodwill and service to others, leading to harmony and peace within the Christian church.
• The Pulpit Commentary interprets this mutual submission as a practical exhibition of Christian love, where Christians, who are filled with the Spirit, demonstrate Christ-likeness in their relations with each other.