dependent for a number of years. Yet this attitude must replace the former independent spirit. Just as Christ is absolute Head of the Church, so man is to be of the wife (Eph. 5:23, 24; I Cor. 11:3-9). The girl should be careful to marry a man who can command her respect and obedience. Knowing that some even in his day would object, Paul added, “as is proper in the Lord.” God had made them “one” and there should be no question as to “which one.” Verse 19 complements verse 18. “Husbands, love your wives and be not embittered toward them.” It is human nature that the men should neglect this command for them in their anxiety over verse 18. Often the wife’s natural inclination to be submissive is frustrated by the hus band’s failure to comply with this verse. Before defining the meaning of love here, we must note two things it does not mean. First of all, he is not advising against extra-marital relations. That would have required a more explicit statement. Nor is he referring to the normal love that a man has for his wife. This comes naturally without any command. The word used for love is the same used
for divine love and indicates an over powering affection for the other. Too many enter into marriage with ex cited passions and the desire to get what they can out of it. Christ loved us so much He gave His life for His Bride. So the husband is to love his wife as himself (Eph. 5 :28, 29), and even more than himself. Verse 20. “The children.” Not lit tle ones, but sons and daughters at least through adolescence (Gal. 4: 1). Here the word indicates the re lationship between children and par ents. It calls to mind the parental sacrifices to rear the children. “Obey your parents.” The verb here is quite different from that in verse 18. Here the command is to listen, to accept submissively, and to obey (Acts 12: 13; 6:7; Matt. 8:27). Nor are we to obey grudgingly. Rather, God de sires that each should render volun tary and loving obedience to his par ents. “According to all things” means “as respects everything.” Even the twin verse in Ephesians (6:1) does not limit the obedience required. As in Colossians 3:18, the phrase “in the Lord” in Ephesians means that the obedience is to be rendered as unto the Lord and for His glory. That this is the meaning is seen by noting the last part of the verse: “For this is well pleasing in the Lord.” The phrase might well be taken with all six commands (3:18- 4 :1 ) ; but it is most appropriate here, for young people are in the transition period in which the spirit of inde pendence is very strong. Hence, it is natural for them to rebel, to be self-sufficient and all-wise. Yet, they are still children and owe a tremen dous debt to their parents. Part of this debt can be repaid by prompt and willing obedience. Only in case the parents should require something contrary to the revealed Word of God, would the young people have reason to disobey. Verse 21. “Fathers.” In ancient society the father was unquestion ably head of the home, and hence, 31
Business administration is one of the majors offered at Biola College. Pictured above (right) is Mr. Charles W. McKinney who heads up the program. With him is Biola student Larry Maib of Denver, Colorado. Many Christian organizations are caling for dedicated and talented young men who can serve manage ment positions.
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