John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 5:29

"for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;" — Ephesians 5:29 (ASV)

Even as Christ the church. He proceeds to enforce the obligations of marriage by representing to us Christ and his Church; for a more powerful example could not have been presented. The strong affection which a husband ought to cherish towards his wife is exemplified by Christ, and an instance of that unity which belongs to marriage is declared to exist between himself and the Church. This is a remarkable passage on the mysterious communion which we have with Christ.