Articles and Bible Questions

Betty asks, "I am having a very hard time with understanding Ephesians 5:32. Please help me out."

Ephesians 5:32 says, "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."

In the preceding verses, Paul gives instructions to husbands and wives on how to treat each other. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and wives are called to respect their husbands.

The "mystery" Paul refers to is a term he often uses to describe a truth that was previously hidden but is now revealed by God. In this case, the mystery is the profound relationship between Christ and the church.

Paul explains that the marriage relationship is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His church. Just as Christ is the head of the Church and loves it sacrificially, husbands should lead and love their wives with the same selfless love.

By calling it a profound mystery, Paul emphasizes the deep, spiritual significance of marriage. It's not just a social contract but a divine illustration of God's love and unity with His people.

In essence, Ephesians 5:32 highlights that the marriage relationship is designed by God to mirror the relationship between Christ and the church, demonstrating sacrificial love, unity, and mutual respect. This verse calls believers to see their marriages as a testimony of the gospel to the world.