In this chapter, I will argue that not only does Ephesians 5:22 allow wives to work, but they may also take the role of lead wage earner. I am arguing on the basis that our exegesis has demonstrated that whilst “headship” and “submission” are transcultural requirements, their expression is culturally contextualised, so that:
Tag: marriage
Marriage at work (6) “This is a mystery
We now come to the climax of the instruction to husbands and wives. These verses hold the whole instruction together and show how Christ’s relationship to the church is the basis for the marriage relationship. As we noted earlier, Paul has been building up to this point by introducing body and flesh language in v29-30.[1]
Marriage at work (5) “husbands love”
The instruction to husbands could be seen as the key, radical point within Paul’s instructions.[1] Paul devotes more space to this instruction than to the other aspects of the Household Codes[2] and the command to love supplies a surprising twist.
Marriage at work (4) “Wives submit”
3.1. Two Views We now get into the body of Paul’s instruction to wives and husbands. So what does he mean by “wives submit” and why does he require it? As we have seen already, Egalitarians treat any requirement for wives to be subordinate and husbands to lead as a temporary cultural requirement.
Marriage at work (3) Submit to one another”
Our understanding of Paul’s instructions to husbands and wives will be influenced by how we understand the phrase hupotessomenoi allelloi Here we have two apparently strong concepts.
Marriage at Work (2) A conversation in context
It may seem obvious to suggest that we should start with context, but despite our best evangelical intentions, there are two temptations which can distract us from this. We might describe them as the temptation to play “Proof Text Trumps” and the temptation to treat all the Household Codes the same.
Marriage at work (1) Introduction
I. 1. Why This Question? This dissertation arises from personal circumstances. Sarah and I both grew up in what might be termed traditional households; dad worked while mum looked after the children and the home. Our own circumstances when we got married were different to what we had experienced growing up; whilst I studied Theology,… Continue reading Marriage at work (1) Introduction
The big beautiful marriage story
One of my favourite Bible passages is Ephesians 5:21-33. It’s the passage which I looked at for my MTh dissertation and yet in many respects I’m frustrated by how it is treated by Christians. It has become the battle ground for tribal disputes and the result has been a narrowing of focus and a squeezing… Continue reading The big beautiful marriage story
Under new management (Romans 7:1-6)
Near where we live is a restaurant. Whilst we’ve been living here, it has changed names a number of times. There’s a reason for that. The original restaurant had a bad name for poor quality food and dodgy hygiene. However, I think that on a few occasions, the name change was merely cosmetic. If you… Continue reading Under new management (Romans 7:1-6)
Complementarianism and Singleness -what does the Bible say?
The other week, I wrote about complementarianism and singleness in response to the claim that Complementarianism gives no space for single women in the church or society because women are required always to relate to God and others through the authority of a man. In that article I explained that this is a misunderstanding of… Continue reading Complementarianism and Singleness -what does the Bible say?
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