Ephesians 5:22-24 Understanding Biblical Submission and Headship in Marriage

Cultural Background:

1. The traditional roles of heavy-handed husbands and unquestioning obedient wives was being challenged by the rise of the New Roman Woman who defied their husbands and traditional roles.
2. Roman women were rising to places of leadership in the civic and religious life of their communities.
3. There was a gender identity going on in society.
4. Paul wrote to provide a Biblical and Christological perspective on what it means to live as husband and wife.
5. Paul’s directions to husbands and wives are counter to every cultural pattern represented in Roman society.