The household codes are about power, not gender
The New Testament household codes in Ephesians 5-6 and Colossians 3-4 are not primarily about gender. They are about power and about mitigating the abuse that often comes with power.
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Category: Ephesians 5
Paul on Gender Roles in Ministry and Marriage
A few verses in Paul’s letters are frequently cited by Christians who exclude women from some ministries. Did Paul really restrict women in either ministry or marriage? This is part 3 of a series on gender roles in the Bible.
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John Paul II on Mutual Submission in Marriage
The stance of the Roman Catholic Church in regards to mutual submission in marriage is much more egalitarian than the stance of many evangelicals. Here are some interesting excerpts from the Vatican document on the “Dignity of Women” (Mulieris Dignitatem).
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A more beautiful picture than male headship and female submission
Is there a better paradigm than male headship and female submission that more fully conveys NT principles for husbands and wives who are in Christ?
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Podcast with Ashley Easter and Charlie Olivia Grantham
Last Monday I chatted with Ashley Easter and Charlie Olivia Grantham about Ephesians 5 and a little bit about my marriage. Here are links to a 16-minute podcast of our conversation.
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The Responsibilities of Husbands in Ephesians 5
Do husbands have a particular responsibility for the spiritual growth of their wives? Will husbands one day present their wives to Jesus in much the same way as Jesus will present the church to himself? (Cf. Eph. 5:25-27)
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Are Men Accountable for their Wives’ Actions?
Are men accountable for their wives’ actions? This article looks at the accountability of Eve (pre-patriarchy) and of Sapphira (post-Pentecost)
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Ephesians 5:22-33 in a Nutshell
In what way (or ways) is the relationship between Jesus and the church a model for marriage? What does Paul mean in Ephesians 5:22-33?
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Fear or Respect in Christian Marriage (Ephesians 5:33)?
In Ephesians 5:33 it says that a wife should respect (phobeō) her husband. What is the connection between respect & fear? Did Paul want wives to be afraid?
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Wives, mothers and female masters in the NT household codes
When people think of the “masters” mentioned in the New Testament household codes, they tend to think of men. Many masters in NT times, however, were women. How does this realisation affect the notion of female submission?
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Wifely Submission and Holy Kisses
Instructions for wifely submission and holy kisses are clearly given in the New Testament. Yet one concept is largely ignored while the other is highlighted. Why is that?
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Mutual Submission is not a Myth
Dear Dr Grudem, mutual submission is not a myth.
Submission is not always, or necessarily, to a person in authority (cf Ephesians 5:21-22).
