FIRST CHURCH AUTHORITY VS TOP DOWN AUTHORITY “BEING SUBMITTED””COVERING”

Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

This single verse, nestled in the context of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, introduces the attitude of mutual submission that should govern relationships within the body of Christ. Understanding this verse is key to grasping the true Christian understanding of authority and leadership as outlined by Paul, especially when compared with both ancient and modern hierarchical or authoritarian systems.

I. Context of Ephesians 5:21

Ephesians 5:21 is set within a broader teaching that spans Ephesians 5:21–6:9. Here, Paul is addressing how various relationships should be governed by mutual respect and submission. The “one to another” principle in verse 21 is foundational for understanding relationships in the church, marriage, families, and workplaces.

NOTE: In Ephesians 5:22–33, Paul goes on to specifically address the relationship between husbands and wives, while in Ephesians 6:1–9, he addresses children/parents and servants/masters. However, verse 21 sets the tone by introducing mutual submission as the basis for all of these relationships.

II. The Principle of Mutual Submission

1. Submission in Christ’s Kingdom

• Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission, which is based on Christ’s humility and sacrifice. Jesus, who is the head of the Church, laid down His life in service to others (Philippians 2:5–8). This mutual submission is voluntary, selfless, and driven by love.

2. How It Applies to Different Relationships

• Husbands and Wives (Ephesians 5:22-33):
  Wives are encouraged to submit ‘respect one another’s boundaries, to defer” both Christian men and women..meaning they choose to dwell according to ,submitted to “the Bible.’ a collaborating’ mutually honoring and respecting “teammate mate ” type of relationship. Not a LP Power struggle, but respecting yielding ‘mutually” and in long lasting Christ following ‘relationship” (not an endured servant)  Wise example is of national judge, prophet office, leader Deborah and wedded husband, Lapidoth. The key here is that husbands’ authority is not authoritarian and is mutually submitted, with the leader husband, the head of household,but of her Hebrew  Judge office. He is evidently “Man enough” to handler HER authority. 

• Christ’s servant leadership. A husband who exercises leadership must lead by self-sacrifice, love, and respect for his wife’s dignity and contribution. And she must respect. r

• Children and Parents (Ephesians 6:1-4):
  Children are called to honor and obey their parents. However, parents (especially fathers) are warned not to provoke their children to anger, but to raise them in a loving, respectful manner.

• Servants and Masters (Ephesians 6:5-9):
  Paul speaks to bondservants to obey their earthly masters, but masters are also told to treat their servants well, knowing that they have the same Master in heaven. This teaches that authority in Christ’s kingdom is never exploitative, but always mindful of the dignity of others.

3. Who Does Ephesians 5:21 Apply to Then and Now?

++ The Early Church Context (Then)

• The Ephesian church was a mixed community, with various ethnicities, genders, and social statuses, united in Christ.

• Paul’s teaching of mutual submission countered the prevailing Roman culture of hierarchical dominance. This was radical because the Roman world was structured around patriarchy, classism, and the imperial cult, which upheld rulers as divine figures with supreme authority.

• In this context, Paul’s Ephesians 5:21 principle was transformative, advocating a new way for the Church to relate to one another — mutual respect, care, and service, where no one was superior to the other, regardless of gender or social class

  ++ The Modern Church Context (Now)

• In today’s church, Ephesians 5:21 challenges hierarchical models of leadership where certain leaders or gender roles are seen as inherently superior or more authoritative than others.

• The “Top-Down” Authority system, common in some churches today, conflicts with this foundational teaching of mutual submission. While strong leadership is necessary, true Christian leadership is rooted in servant leadership, modeled after Christ.

• In modern churches, this verse applies to all relationships — not just in marriage, but in how we treat fellow believers, the way we lead ministries, and how we structure our church community. Church members, leaders, and laypeople should be marked by humility, love, and service toward one another.

++ Mutual Submission vs. Top-Down Authority

• Mutual Submission (Ephesians 5:21) emphasizes servant leadership. Leadership is not authoritarian or domineering but is exercised with care, humility, and sacrifice.

• Top-Down Authority is a model where the leader is seen as a figure of ultimate power, often making decisions without consultation, expecting unquestioned obedience. It’s the opposite of mutual submission because it emphasizes control rather than mutual respect.

III. Examples of True Leadership vs. Authoritarian Leadership

1. True Leadership: A strong leader who exercises authority with grace, is willing to listen, shares responsibility, and models sacrificial love and humility.

   • Jesus washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-17).

   • Paul not imposing his authority over the churches but encouraging the believers to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

2. Authoritarian Leadership: A leader who demands complete control, suppresses dissent, uses power to manipulate, and does not serve others. Often the leader is more focused on self-preservation, and the well-being of others (particularly those in lower positions) is ignored or secondary.

   • 1 Samuel 2: Eli’s failure to confront his sons is an example of passive authoritarianism, where leadership is weak, and moral compromise is tolerated for the sake of control.

   • Matthew 23:1-7: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and authoritarianism, where they burdened people with rules and expectations while refusing to help them.

IV. Conclusion: Ephesians 5:21 Today

• Ephesians 5:21 calls the church to a radical way of being together — not as one where power is wielded over people, but where all members are willing to submit to each other in love, just as Christ submits to the Father.

• This mutual submission allows for strong, authentic leadership but without control or oppression. When we submit to each other, it reflects the gospel — Christ’s submission to the Father and sacrifice for humanity.

In modern churches, where authority can sometimes become a power struggle, Ephesians 5:21 challenges us to create communities where everyone’s voice matters, leaders serve with humility, and relationships are built on mutual respect.