Podcast: “Understanding the Bible 43: Submissive Wives & Obedient Slaves??” – Jesus at 2 am podcast. Sept. 16, 2014. (Sermon by Kirk Winslow) [Sept 17, 2014 at iTunes.]
Colassians 3:18 – 4:1
Lots of great ideas on ‘wives being submissive’ and more. BTW, ‘wives being submissive’ is misleading.
(The following comments are somewhat in random order. The podcast itself is more coherent.)
Paul is directing wives, slave, children, and fathers. He is not telling person A how person B should act. He is telling person A how person A should act.
Every time he tells person A how to act, he immediately tells person B how to act toward person A. For example, he tells wives how to act then he tells men how to act.
The roman culture is a big factor. The household and roles in the household, were very important in roman culture.
These verses are (according to the podcast) suggestions to the listener so that things work. They are practical suggestions for the culture of the day.
7 verses prior (Col 3:11) Paul said we are all equal (at the same time) See also Gal 3:38 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Near the end of the podcast, he summarizes: at times we need to voluntarily choose to give up our rights for the greater good. This is what I like, and need, to do. Personal sacrifice – for the benefit of another.