In Colossians, Paul addresses unity, behavior and attitudes in the church. Now Paul is addressing the behavior and attitudes of Christians within another social institution, the family. Martin Luther called this section we are examining "Houstafel" which usually gets translated as house-table -- or rules for the household. If you want a household that is enjoyable, if you want a household that promotes love and grace, this is what your family should strive for. There is a pattern for these rules. It begins with a member of the family, wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, masters. Then it gives an exhortation. There is a specific command that correlates to the specific member. And then there is normally a motive that is attached to the command. Even though Paul is addressing wives, if you are not a wife, I don't want you to tune me out. Just because Paul is addressing wives, doesn't mean there are not principles in here that apply to your life. Married men, you can better learn what God requires of wives and so help them to grow in obedience. Single guys, you can learn the same thing so that if God provides you a wife, you will be prepared to lead her in righteousness. And ladies, if you are not married, there is still the foundational principle of submission that must be learned if you want to be a godly wife some day. |
