Misconceptions abound when it comes to submission. This has led to many negative associations, particularly in marriage.
A wife isn’t required to obey her husband’s every command.
In Zimbabwe, submission is commonly perceived as a wife’s passive obedience to her husband. It depicts her as a subservient and inferior partner, who is forced to fulfil her husband’s every command. This misunderstanding often perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes, implying that submission means surrendering one’s dignity, or value. To all this I say ‘No!’ A wife isn’t required to obey her husband’s every command, especially when it contradicts scripture. In some cases, this distorted view of submission may lead to oppressive relationships, where a wife is treated as a mere servant rather than a partner. Such an understanding is far from the biblical perspective.
This article explores the glorious (and biblical) aspects of submission, presented in Ephesians 5:21-6:9, highlighting its true meaning and dispelling the misconceptions surrounding it. Three questions will guide us:
- What is submission?
- To whom should we submit?
- Why should we submit?
1. What is Submission?
In Ephesians 5:21, Paul urges believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The Greek word translated as ‘submission’ is ὑποτάσσω, which appears 40 times in the New Testament; 23 of those are in Paul’s writing (e.g. Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Corinthians 16:15-16; Titus 2:4-5). This word consistently conveys the idea of subjecting oneself to the authority and rule of another, acknowledging their leadership and guidance. Of course, this involves obedience, but also humility, as well as mutual respect.
Paul teaches that submission is a necessary aspect of Christian living.
The push for equal rights by civil societies has led some to insist that gender should not determine one’s responsibilities, privileges, or authority. Added to this, many Christians appeal to Galatians 3:28, claiming God doesn’t distinguish between men and women. Yes, it’s true that all believers are equal before God, in Christ (Galatians 3:27). Yet Paul still teaches that submission is a necessary aspect of Christian living. For example, we’re all called to submit to Christ; children to their parents; citizens to the government; and church members to their elders.
Submission is, therefore, a voluntary act that takes different forms in different contexts. A child’s submission to a parent differs from a wife’s submission to her husband. They’re both adults. But both instances are done in recognition of God-ordained authority for our well-being. In defining it, I think Christian submission has three essential dimensions.
(a) Voluntary
Firstly, it a voluntary and a deliberate choice, empowered by the Holy Spirit. That’s to say, it isn’t a forced obligation (Ephesians 5:18-21; Romans 13:1-7). In this way, it’s quite distinct from secular submission, which may be coerced or mandatory.
(b) Wholehearted
Secondly, Christian submission is wholehearted, motivated by reverence for Christ rather than fear, external circumstances, or ulterior motives (Ephesians 6:7-12). This means submitting without hypocrisy or pretence, but in sincerity. Wholehearted submission is a hallmark of Christian living, applicable to all believers in various contexts.
(c) In Faith
While Christian submission is both deliberate and sincere, it is also conditioned upon God’s providence (Colossians 3:25; Acts 5:29). This means that our submission is informed by our faith and accountability to God, recognising his divine ordination and evaluation of our actions.
2. To Whom Should We Submit?
Should we submit to outsiders, pagan rulers, abusive husbands, or rebellious wives? Paul answers our question, stating that we should submit to one another within the church (Ephesians 5:21). However, he doesn’t leave us wondering who he means by “one another.” He provides three specific examples in Ephesians 5:22-6:9, demonstrating how submission applies to various relationships within the household: husbands and wives; parents and children; masters and slaves.
As I’ve already noted, then, submission isn’t blind obedience to abusive husbands or corrupt authorities. It rather means submitting to God-appointed authorities in the church and household. Even our submission isn’t ultimately about those authorities, but about honouring God through our Christian relationships. God has ordained authorities in every structure, whether at home, church, work, school or university. This brings us to one final question.
3. Why Should I Submit?
Paul doesn’t leave us in the dark. In fact, I’ve already alluded to his reason for submission. Interestingly, it’s not about maintaining peace and order; or gaining recognition. He simply says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Thus it isn’t based on human value or worth, for we are all equal before God (Galatians 3:27-28). It’s not about men being more valuable than women; parents more useful than children; or masters more educated than slaves. We submit because we fear Christ. We submit out of recognition for his authority.
We submit because we fear Christ.
The Bible repeats the concept of fearing the Lord 150 times, emphasising God’s desire to bring everything under His authority, uniting all things under Christ’s feet. Even Christ submitted to the Father, laying down His life for us. Reflect on who God calls you to submit to—your parents, husband, church elders, supervisor, or ultimately Christ. When you voluntarily, wholeheartedly, and thoughtfully submit, you will come to know what it means to revere Christ.
There’s No Shame in Submission
In short, we have seen that Christian submission is often misconstrued. Negative connotations and stereotypes surround it. However, the biblical perspective on submission is markedly different. It’s a beautiful facet of Christian living that fosters humility, obedience, and mutual respect in our relationships. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and motivated by reverence for Christ, submission is a voluntary, wholehearted, and conditioned response to God’s authority. We submit to appointed authorities in the church and household, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and providence.
Submission is a voluntary, wholehearted, and conditioned response to God’s authority.
This submission is not about blind obedience or relinquishing dignity; it’s about honouring God in our relationships. By understanding submission in this light, we can dispel misconceptions and embrace its true meaning, reflecting Christ’s submission to the Father and living a life that reveres and honours God.
