Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul commands believers to submit to one another, but this is not about power, weakness, or control. Biblical submission is about humility, love, and serving others.

• “Submit to one another” – This means willingly putting others before ourselves, considering their needs, and acting in humility. It is a call to mutual respect and service.
• “Out of reverence for Christ” – The reason we submit is not because people deserve it but because we honor Christ. Submission is an expression of our faith and obedience to Him.

This verse sets the foundation for the next section in Ephesians, where Paul talks about relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and even masters and servants. Before discussing those roles, he first teaches that all believers should have an attitude of humility toward one another.

Historical Context

Ephesus was part of the Roman Empire, where society was built on power, rank, and dominance. Roman culture did not value serving others—it was about status and authority. The idea of mutual submission would have been completely countercultural.

In contrast, the early church was called to live differently. Believers were from different backgrounds—Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, free, and slaves—yet they were all equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Paul teaches them that Christian relationships should not be based on pride or control, but on love, respect, and Christlike humility.

Theological Implications

1. Biblical submission is mutual. It is not about one group controlling another but about everyone humbly serving and respecting each other (Philippians 2:3-4).
2. Submission is an act of worship. When we put others first, we are honoring Christ and following His example (Matthew 20:26-28).
3. Pride destroys relationships, but humility builds them. A self-centered attitude leads to conflict and division, while submission fosters unity and love (James 4:6-7).
4. Christ is our model for submission. He humbled Himself to serve others and obey the Father (Philippians 2:5-8).

Literary Analysis

This verse is transitional, connecting the command to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) with instructions about Christian relationships.

• “Submit” (Greek: hypotassō) – This word means to voluntarily place oneself under another in humility. It is not about force but a willing attitude of service and respect.
• “One another” – This makes it clear that submission is mutual. It applies to all believers, not just certain groups.
• “Out of reverence for Christ” – Paul ties submission to worship. It is not about what we think others deserve but about our relationship with Jesus.

Paul is teaching that the Christian life is marked by humility, service, and love—the opposite of the world’s self-centered way of thinking.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.”
• Matthew 20:26-28 – Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
• Galatians 5:13 – “Serve one another humbly in love.”
• Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges believers to put aside pride, selfishness, and a desire for control and instead live in humility, love, and service.

• Do we approach our relationships with a servant’s heart, or do we expect others to serve us?
• Are we willing to set aside our own desires for the good of others?
• Do we submit to others in love because we honor Christ, or do we resist because of pride?

A Spirit-filled life is marked by humility and respect, not selfish ambition.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for unity, peace, and humility among His people.

• God calls us to love others as He loves us. Just as He is patient, forgiving, and gracious, we are to be the same toward others (Colossians 3:12-13).
• God’s design for relationships is built on service, not power. The world values status and authority, but God values humility and love.
• God’s love transforms us. When we experience His grace, it changes how we treat others—we no longer live for ourselves but for His glory (2 Corinthians 5:15).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of humble submission.

• Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”
• John 13:14-15 – Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
• Luke 22:27 – “I am among you as one who serves.”
• Matthew 26:39 – Jesus submitted to the Father’s will: “Not my will, but yours be done.”

If Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to serve, how much more should we do the same for one another?

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you struggle with pride or a desire for control in your relationships?
2. How can you practice biblical submission in your daily life?
3. What does it mean to submit “out of reverence for Christ”?
4. Are there areas where you resist serving others because of personal pride or selfishness?
5. How can Jesus’ example of humility inspire you to live differently?