Ephesians 5:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

NIV: This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church.

NASB: This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

CSB: This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

NLT: This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

KJV: This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

NKJV: This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Paul again uses the term "mystery," a common word in this letter (Ephesians 1:9; 3:3, 4, 6, 9; 6:19). The mystery he has in mind here is not marriage, but the relationship between "Christ and the church." It was not revealed—explained—prior to the time of Christ, but it was now clear Jesus had come to offer salvation to all people, making one family of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus as Savior.

This is a major theme of Paul's letter to the Christians at Ephesus: that all people are one in Christ. The emphasis is no longer on Jews alone as God's people; now all who believe in Jesus are saved (Romans 1:16–17). Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body (Ephesians 3:6). Paul calls this mystery "profound" in this verse, a word referring to this principle's importance to believers in the early church. Still today, we can rejoice that people of all nations, tribes, and languages can be united in Christ (Revelation 7:9).

In the context of marriage, this idea also applies. Paul has just described how wives ought to submit to their husbands as to Christ, and husbands ought to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Here, he connects these threads into the idea that all believers, regardless of race or gender, are equally heirs of God through Jesus Christ.

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.