Submit to one another
This phrase emphasizes mutual submission among believers, a concept that was counter-cultural in the Greco-Roman world, where hierarchical structures were prevalent. The idea of mutual submission is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified servanthood (John 13:14-15). It reflects the unity and equality found in the body of Christ (Galatians 3:28). This submission is not about subjugation but about serving one another in love, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4, where believers are encouraged to consider others more significant than themselves.

out of reverence for Christ
The motivation for submission is not fear or obligation but reverence for Christ. This reverence, or deep respect, is a response to Christ's sacrificial love and lordship. It aligns with the call to live a life worthy of the calling received (Ephesians 4:1). Reverence for Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament, urging believers to live in a manner that honors Him (Colossians 3:17). This phrase also connects to the concept of fearing the Lord, which in biblical terms means having a profound respect and awe for God, leading to obedience and worship (Proverbs 9:10).

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.

3. The Ephesian Church
The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges of unity and living out their faith in a diverse and often hostile environment.Understanding Submission
The Greek word for "submit" (hypotass?) implies a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, and carrying a burden. It is not about coercion but about a willing choice to serve others.

Reverence for Christ
Our submission to one another is motivated by our reverence for Christ. This reverence is rooted in recognizing His authority and love, which transforms our relationships.

Mutual Submission in Community
In a Christian community, mutual submission fosters unity and love. It is a practical expression of the body of Christ working together harmoniously.

Role of Humility
Humility is essential for submission. By valuing others and their needs, we reflect Christ's humility and love.

Practical Living
Applying this verse means actively seeking ways to serve others in our daily lives, whether in family, church, or work settings.(21) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.--In grammatical construction this clause is connected with the preceding verses; in point of idea it leads on to the next section, which treats of the three-fold submission of wives to husbands, children to parents, slaves to masters. There is, however, a certain connection of idea with the preceding section also, and especially with the encouragement of a Christian enthusiasm in the last clause. The strong and frequent emphasis laid in the New Testament on subjection, whether (as in Romans 13:1-7; 1Peter 2:13-17) to the civil powers, or (as here, in Colossians 3:18 to Colossians 4:1, and 1Peter 2:18 to 1Peter 3:7) to domestic authority, or (as in 1Thessalonians 5:12-13; 2Thessalonians 3:6; 2Thessalonians 3:14-15) to ecclesiastical authority, probably indicates some tendency, in the first exuberance of Christian liberty and enthusiasm, to disregard the wholesome restraints, laws, and conventions of outward life. Hence St. Paul's general caution here, prefatory to the more detailed teaching of subjection which follows. . . . Verse 21. - Subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ. The last of the participial exhortations depending on the general exhortation of ver. 15 to walk strictly, Most commentators connect it with the three immediately preceding participles (speaking, singing, giving thanks), but are unable to find a link of connection. Better connect with ver. 15. Mutual subjection is part of a wise, circumspect walk, i.e. mutual recognition of each other's rights and of our obligations to serve them. In some sense we are all servants, i.e. we are bound to serve others; the very father is, in this sense, servant of his child. So in the Christian Church we are all in a sense servants ("By love serve one another," Galatians 5:15; comp. Matthew 20:26-28; John 13:15, 16). This view is in harmony with the humble spirit of the gospel. Pride leads us to demand rigorously from others what we fancy they owe to us; humility, to give to others what Christ teaches that we owe to them. The one feeling is to be discouraged, the other exercised and strengthened. In the verses following we have this precept split up into its constituent filaments. The reading of R.V., "in the fear of Christ," has more authority than A.V., "in the fear of God." It brings to our mind the wonderful example of Christ in this clement of character (comp. Luke 2:51; Hebrews 5:8). Reverential regard for him should inspire us with the same spirit (Philippians 2:5-8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Submit
Ὑποτασσόμενοι (Hypotassomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5293: From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.

to one another
ἀλλήλοις (allēlois)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.

out of
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

reverence
φόβῳ (phobō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5401: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.

for Christ.
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 5:21 Subjecting yourselves one to another (Ephes. Eph. Ep)