Ephesians 5:21-33
Read Ephesians 5:21-33
Helpful Background Information:
Ephesians 5:21–33 reveals that marriage is more than a legal arrangement or emotional connection; it’s a God-given picture of the gospel itself. Paul calls the union between Christ and the church a “mystery,” meaning something once hidden but now revealed by God. Marriage was designed to reflect that union. Just as the Church joyfully submits to Christ in reverence and trust, wives are called to reflect that same posture toward their husbands. And just as Christ loved the Church with self-giving sacrifice, husbands are called to love their wives with that same kind of humility, protection, and grace. Every Christian marriage, when lived in light of the gospel, becomes a living parable of God’s redemptive story.
Reflection Questions:
How might a marriage rooted in the gospel look different from one built only on romance, compatibility, or personal happiness?
What does it look like for a husband to love his wife as Christ loved the Church? What makes this kind of love different from the world’s version?
How does joyful, respectful submission (v. 22–24) reflect the Church’s relationship with Christ? Remember, submission means to joyfully and willingly put yourself under someone else’s authority.
How does understanding the gospel help you understand what marriage (or any relationship) is truly about?