The fourth result of fullness with (control by) the Spirit is willingness to submit to other people, specifically believers. The opposite would be dominating others and exalting oneself over them. This attitude is only reasonable and carries over from reverence for (fear of) Christ. When God controls us, we have submissive (supportive) spirits. [source][source][source]
Having explained the basic admonition to be filled with the Spirit ( Ephesians 5:15-21), Paul next applied the implication of this exhortation to various groups of Christians. [source][source][source]
"What is beyond question is that the three paragraphs which follow are given as examples of Christian submission, and that the emphasis throughout is on submission." [1][source]
He addressed six groups: wives and husbands ( Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents ( Ephesians 6:1-4), and slaves and masters ( Ephesians 6:5-9). In each of the three pairings, the first partner is responsible to be submissive or obedient ( Ephesians 5:22; Ephesians 6:1; Ephesians 6:5). However the second partner is also to show a submissive spirit. All are to relate to one another as unto the Lord. This is one of several "house-rule" lists in the New Testament (cf. Ephesians 5:22 to Ephesians 6:9; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:1-10; 1 Peter 2:18 to 1 Peter 3:7). The writings of some Apostolic Fathers also contain such lists. Luther referred to these sections as haustafel, and some scholars still use this technical term when referring to these lists. [2][source]
"Too much Song of Solomon -called "holiness teaching" emphasizes a personal relationship to Jesus Christ without any attempt to indicate its consequences in terms of relationships with the people we live and work with. In contrast to such holiness-in-a-vacuum, which magnifies experiences and minimizes ethics, the apostles spelled out Christian duty in the concrete situations of everyday life and work." [3][source]
When God controls us, we experience harmony in the home and in the workplace, in spite of possible friction, tension, and opposition there. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Ephesians 5:13-21 - "redeeming The Time"
The earlier verses remind us of Isaiah 60:1-22. Awake, thou Christian soul; arise from the, dust and put on thy beautiful garments! Stand on the mountain-peak of prayer and Christ shall shine on thee as when morning gilds the highest Alps! The child of God must arise from among those who are yet in their graves, dead in trespasses and sins. He can have no complicity or fellowship with such. Is there effort in this, and cost? Christ will more than compensate. He will satisfy.
The opportunities of life are fleeting past; let us buy them up. They are most valuable, because they form the seed plot of eternity. In the other life we shall reap the harvests which we have prepared for here. "Give every flying minute something to keep in store." Chrysostom, as a young man, kept silent for days together to break himself of a bad habit of detraction. But the Apostle's method is better. Make room for the Holy Spirit. Be filled with Him, and He will use heart and lip in the service of praise and thanksgiving. It is as much our duty to be filled with the Spirit as it is not to get drunk. Remember to give thanks always for all things. Whether you like the packing-case or not, you may be sure that the contents are the very best that God could send you. [source]
Chapter Summary: Ephesians 5
1After general exhortations to love; 3to flee sexual immorality; 4and all uncleanness; 7not to converse with the wicked; 15to walk carefully; 18and to be filled with the Spirit; 22he descends to the particular duties, how wives ought to obey their husbands; 25and husbands ought to love their wives, 32even as Christ does his church
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:21
Subjecting yourselves to one another [υποτασσομενοι αλληλοις] Present middle participle of υποτασσω hupotassō old military figure to line up under (Colossians 3:18). The construction here is rather loose, coordinate with the preceding participles of praise and prayer. It is possible to start a new paragraph here and regard υποτασσομενοι hupotassomenoi as an independent participle like an imperative. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:21
Ephesians 5:22Be in subjection [] . Not in the Greek text of B and Jerome knew of no MS. with it. K L and most MSS. have υποτασσεστε hupotassesthe like Colossians 3:18, while Aleph A P have υποτασσεστωσαν hupotassesthōsan (let them be subject to). But the case of ανδρασιν andrasin (dative) shows that the verb is understood from Ephesians 5:21 if not written originally. Ιδιοις Idiois (own) is genuine here, though not in Colossians 3:18. [source]
What do the individual words in Ephesians 5:21 mean?
Be submitting yourselvesto one anotherinreverenceof Christ
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 5:21
Present middle participle of υποτασσω hupotassō old military figure to line up under (Colossians 3:18). The construction here is rather loose, coordinate with the preceding participles of praise and prayer. It is possible to start a new paragraph here and regard υποτασσομενοι hupotassomenoi as an independent participle like an imperative. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 5:21
. Not in the Greek text of B and Jerome knew of no MS. with it. K L and most MSS. have υποτασσεστε hupotassesthe like Colossians 3:18, while Aleph A P have υποτασσεστωσαν hupotassesthōsan (let them be subject to). But the case of ανδρασιν andrasin (dative) shows that the verb is understood from Ephesians 5:21 if not written originally. Ιδιοις Idiois (own) is genuine here, though not in Colossians 3:18. [source]