Les Feldick Bible Study

Who is Ephesians 5:25 meant to speak to?

Ephesians 5:25 is directed to husbands, especially newly married couples, stressing the man's responsibility in marriage. Paul applies it beyond marriage by showing Christ's relationship to members of His Body is identical to the husband-wife relationship. Thus the verse speaks first to married men and then illustrates the union believers have with Christ.

Les explains that Ephesians 5:25 comes down to the responsibility of the man in the marriage relationship, and he likes to use this verse because it should speak to every specially newly married couple. Paul, by inspiration, brings out that Christ's relationship to believers as members of the Body of Christ is identical with the relationship of husband and wife. In a marriage made in heaven, husband and wife are two people but become one, as wedding ceremonies often show by blowing out two candles and lighting one. In the same way, when we become in union with Christ, we are two separate entities, but once we have entered in and enjoyed this position in Christ, we become one with Him. Les says this is a deep concept in the spiritual realm, comprehended only by faith, and since the Book teaches it, we must believe it. He connects this to Deuteronomy 29:29: the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but once revealed they belong to us and our children forever. God is revealing a relationship not just between husband and wife, but between Christ and believers as members of His body, and then verse 25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also.”

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

More Questions

What is the relationship between Christ and believers in Ephesians 5:25?

Paul, writing by inspiration in Ephesians 5:25, is revealing that Christ's relationship to believers as members of the Body of Christ is identical to the relationship of a husband and wife.

Why did Christ give Himself for the church according to Ephesians 5:25-26?

Christ gave Himself for the church in order that He might sanctify and cleanse it.