Ephesians, Chapter 5b Bible Study

Bible study topics in Ephesians, Chapter 5b cover husbands and wives and their relationships. The questions are designed for personal or group inductive style Bible study and discussion.

Ephesians, Chapter 5b Bible Study

Other Ephesians Bible Studies & Background

Ephesians 5: 21-33:

A lesson in translation: Most translations of the New Testament have verse 22 telling wives to submit to their husbands, but in the original language, the word submit is in verse 21, not 22. In fact, vs 21-24 is just one run-on sentence. Many misinterpret these Scriptures to mean the wife is subject to the husband when, in my opinion, Paul was really saying for them to be subject to each other. In addition, vs 25 clearly puts the burden of self-sacrifice on the husband, rather than the wife, "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

1. In vs 21-22, what do you feel the word "submit" means?

2. How can two people both submit to each other? Give examples.

3. What are some of the reasons people don't submit to each other? Think of some times you haven't submitted to your spouse (or parent if not married), what were the reasons? What do those reasons have to do with reverence for Christ?

4. What do you feel vs 23 means in marriage, today? As head of the church:

a. Does Jesus let us decide what we do, say and think?

b. Does Jesus insist on His own way?

c. Does Jesus insult, demean or embarrass us?

d. Does Jesus argue with us?

e. Does Jesus listen to us?

f. Does Jesus take our wants and needs seriously?

g. Does Jesus sacrifice His needs for ours?

5. How do you feel the above should relate to a husband as the head of the wife?

6. Is vs 24 directed at the man to dominate or the woman to submit? Give examples of each.

7. Why do you feel loving your wife and loving yourself are the same thing? Men, how do you feel when your wife is hurting or angry?