John Calvin Commentary Colossians 3:18

"Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." — Colossians 3:18 (ASV)

Wives, be subject. Now follow particular duties, as they are called, which depend on the specific vocations of individuals. In discussing these, it would be superfluous to use many words, since I have already stated in the Epistle to the Ephesians almost everything that was necessary. Here I will only briefly add those things that are more particularly suited to an exposition of this passage.

He commands wives to be subject. This is clear, but the meaning of what follows is uncertain—as it is fit in the Lord. For some interpret it this way: “Be subject in the Lord, as it is fit.” I, however, view it rather differently: As it is fit in the Lord, that is, according to the Lord’s appointment, so that He confirms the subjection of wives by God’s authority. He requires love from husbands, and that they not be bitter, because there is a danger that they might abuse their authority through tyranny.