Epiphany · The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives and Husbands
January 18, 2026
Overview & Insights
“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:32)
What motivates the author to move from general admonitions on moral life and corporate worship to specific instructions regarding household relationships? Beare suggests that the arrangement of material follows the conventional pattern of Hellenistic philosophical literature, which concluded its doctrinal exposition with a brief presentation of the social code (p. 716). Another author places the code, particularly this section on husbands and wives, within the context of the ethical instructions that preceded it: “What,” he asks, “was more necessary than to counter immorality with a true doctrine of man and wife?” (Houlden, p. 331).
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Commentary
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Ephesians Chapter 5 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on marriage as a picture of Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:22 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on wives, husbands, and the great mystery of Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:21-22 Commentary (Precept Austin) Precept Austin
Detailed word study on mutual submission and the charge to wives set within the household passage.
Background & Word Study
Men and women in Ephesians 5 Psephizo · Ian Paul
Ian Paul's Anglican study reading verses 18 to 33 as one sentence rooted in mutual submission.
Ephesians - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary overview of Ephesians for setting the household code within the letter's vision of the church.
Book of Ephesians Overview (BibleProject) BibleProject
Animated overview of Ephesians and its picture of the new humanity united in Christ.
Ephesians 5:22 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word interlinear with parsing showing that the verb submit is carried over from verse 21.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is Paul teaching about marriage?
Husband and wife are called to mutual love and honor after the pattern of Christ, who loved the church and gave himself for her; marriage is a living sign of that greater union.
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