Expert: Clive Heath - 4/6/2010

Question
Dr. Bateman,

I was hoping you could shed some light on an issue. How are we to understand Ephesians 5:24 in today's times? When I read that women are to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ some questions are raised.  For instance, as I read the scriptures I see Jesus dictating to the church. What I mean by that is we never see examples of where Jesus asks for the church's opinion or input on a matter. Put simply, Jesus dictates and the church follows without reservation.  Should husbands, too, follow this example and be the sole decision maker? If you disagree, do you have any verses showing where Jesus did anything else but mandate matters to the church?

Also, another instance where the church submits to Christ is the realm of discipline. Jesus very harshly disciplines his church. Some examples would be 1 Cor. 11:32 and Rev. chapters 1 and 2. Are husbands supposed to discipline their wives?

Thank you for any help you can give on the matter.

Answer
Dear Aaron,

I really do apologise for the delay in this response, but as I see your question was directed at Mr.Bateman I assumed he would have answered it.

I will do my best with your question but my knowledge on this is not good.

Esphesians 5:24 says "Therefore, just as the Church is subject to Christ, then let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing"

Jesus built His Church on Peter His rock to ensure that His Word was both dictated and followed in faith and trust.
He did not ask for any opinion from the Church as he had to dictate the law of God

I know that the tradition of the day was that wives did just as they were told and were not even at times allowed to walk with their husbands.

I do not know of any verses that mandate this, but I do disagree that husbands today should be the sole decision maker, as marriage is a partnership and in some families the wife is now the bread winner, but that is only my opinion.

I can only hope that Mr. Bateman can enlighten us with hiws views and knowledge.

I really am sorry for the delay and that I cannot be more help.

Regards and God Bless

Clive Heath