The New Testament provides specific guidance for Christian households, emphasizing the importance of order, love, and mutual respect among family members. These instructions are primarily found in the Pauline Epistles, where the Apostle Paul outlines the roles and responsibilities of husbands, wives, children, and servants within the Christian home.

Husbands and Wives

The relationship between husbands and wives is addressed in Ephesians 5:22-33. Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, reflecting a divine order within the household: "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). This submission is not indicative of inferiority but rather a voluntary and respectful acknowledgment of the husband's role as the head of the family, as Christ is the head of the church.

Husbands, on the other hand, are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). This love is characterized by selflessness, care, and a commitment to the wife's well-being, mirroring Christ's love for His people.

Children and Parents

Children are instructed to obey their parents in the Lord, as this is right and pleasing to God: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Ephesians 6:1). This obedience is rooted in the Fifth Commandment, which promises blessings for those who honor their father and mother.

Parents, particularly fathers, are cautioned against provoking their children to anger. Instead, they are to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). This involves nurturing a child's spiritual growth and moral development through teaching and example.

Servants and Masters

In the context of the first-century household, servants and masters are also given specific instructions. Servants are to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ" (Ephesians 6:5). This obedience is to be rendered not only when being watched but as a service to the Lord.

Masters, in turn, are reminded to treat their servants with fairness and without threats, recognizing that they too have a Master in heaven: "And masters, do the same for them. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him" (Ephesians 6:9). This mutual respect underscores the equality of all believers before God.

Colossians 3:18-25

Similar instructions are reiterated in Colossians 3:18-25, where the Apostle Paul again emphasizes the importance of love, obedience, and fairness within the Christian household. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, husbands to love their wives, children to obey their parents, and fathers to avoid discouraging their children. Servants are to work heartily as for the Lord, and masters are to treat their servants justly.

These passages collectively highlight the biblical vision for a harmonious Christian household, where each member fulfills their God-given role with love and respect, reflecting the order and unity found in the relationship between Christ and His church.