Are we asking the right questions of Ephesians 5-6 and especially of verse 5:22?
Should we look to the passage in Ephesians 5:15-6:9 for teaching on our unity with Christ? Yes, this is the high point of the pattern. Paul is teaching about Christ and the church. The entire passage illustrates the main idea revealed in 5:32.
However, people have looked to this passage for teaching on hierarchy and subordination. They have compounded their error with the mistaken idea that this passage is primarily about marriage. Thus, they have promoted “headship” and compared husbands with Christ. These are two incorrect teachings that are harmful when practiced in home life and church life.
Kenneth E. Bailey pointed out other places where the jump, jump, high jump pattern of the Prophetic Rhetorical Template was used. It is vital to recognize that here too in Ephesians it is used by Paul. Recognizing this pattern we can see the flow of ideas and focus on the main points he intended for us to see.
(this article and diagram by Bruce C. E. Fleming, author of Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9, The Great Mystery Revealed: Mutually Submitting in Christ)
The Template Paul Used
