Ephesians 5:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: because we are members of his body.

NIV: for we are members of his body.

NASB: because we are parts of His body.

CSB: since we are members of his body.

NLT: And we are members of his body.

KJV: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

NKJV: For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Verses 30 and 31 focus on unity. In this verse, the unity mentioned is between Jesus and the church, again using the metaphor of a body made of individual members. Believers are united in Christ and with Christ. Our identity is found in Him. Paul's intent in this section is to help husbands and wives realize they share a similar "bodily" relationship with one another. They are not two individuals living in the same household; they are now one unit or "one flesh" (Ephesians 5:31).

This concept of one flesh is found in Genesis 2:24 as Adam and Eve are united in marriage. Jesus affirmed this design for marriage in His ministry as well (Matthew 19:5–6; Mark 10:8). Paul elsewhere notes this principle in 1 Corinthians 6:16 to emphasize the need for sexual purity and to flee adultery and prostitution.

As with the rest of Paul's comments on men and women in marriage, context is critical. Nothing in Paul's instruction allows for men to be abusers or tyrants within their marriage, despite certain cultures' desire to justify exactly that. At the same time, these passages leave no room for the opposite attitude: that a woman should expect her husband to bow and scrape to her every whim. There is an expectation of mutual care, selflessness, and spirituality which Paul demands of married couples. When this is lived out, the various problems society creates between husbands and wives naturally dissolve.

Ephesians 5:22–33 is an often-cited but frequently misunderstood passage. Here, Paul explains how Christian husbands and wives should apply their understanding of salvation within their marriage. Wives are commanded to ''submit'' to their husbands as they would to Christ, and to show them respect. Often overlooked, however, is that men are equally obligated. Husbands are told to love their wives as Christ loved the church: with humility and sacrifice, as if caring for their own bodies. Despite popular myth, the Bible does not permit either sex to be abusive or unloving within a marriage.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.