Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:21

"subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ." — Ephesians 5:21 (ASV)

Does this verse represent the conclusion of the previous section or the start of a new one? While grammatically it may be attached to v.20, its content coincides more naturally with what follows. The verb “to submit” (GK 5718) occurs twenty-three times in Paul and denotes subordination to those considered worthy of respect, either because of their inherent qualities or more often because of the position they hold. Christians are to submit to civil authorities, to church leaders, to parents, and to masters. The whole structure of society as ordered by God depends on the readiness of its members to recognize these sanctions. Without them anarchy prevails.

The Christian, however, observes them not merely for their own sake, or even because they are imposed by God, but out of “reverence” for Christ (cf. v.17). Moreover, within the fellowship of the church (Paul has this more prominently in mind than the community at large), submission to others is reciprocal (“to one another”). No one is to coerce another, for all voluntarily accept the discipline. Hence, any delusions of superiority are banished.