Applying Submission to Scripture's Analogies and Examples Theologically
Submission, in a theological context, refers to a willing yielding to authority or divine will, often exemplified by Christ and commanded for believers [1]. This concept is frequently illustrated through analogies and examples in Scripture, which serve as models for Christian conduct and understanding.
One primary example of submission is found in the life of Jesus Christ. He demonstrated submission to God's will, particularly in moments of profound suffering and decision, such as in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39-44) and facing death (John 12:27; 18:11) [1]. Christ's self-denial, including his willingness to forgo worldly power and comfort (Matthew 4:8-10; 8:20; Philippians 2:6-8), serves as a foundational example for believers [2]. This self-denial is presented as a test of devotion to Christ and a necessary aspect of following Him (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27-33) [2].
Believers are exhorted to exhibit submission in various aspects of life. This includes submission to the will of God (2 Samuel 15:26; Psalm 42:5,11; Matthew 6:10) and to His sovereignty in His purposes (Romans 9:20-21) [1]. The prospect of death, the loss of possessions or children, and physical suffering are all presented as occasions for demonstrating resignation and submission (Acts 21:13; Job 1:15-21; 2:8-10; Hebrews 12:9) [1]. The wicked, in contrast, are depicted as lacking this quality (Proverbs 19:3) [1].
The New Testament further develops the concept of submission within specific relational contexts, often using analogies to Christ's relationship with the Church. For instance, the relationship between husband and wife is presented as an analogy for Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33) [5]. Wives are called to submit to their own husbands, a directive that is understood by some as drawing from the broader principle of submission found in Ephesians 5:21 [5]. Similarly, the relationships between parent and child (Ephesians 6:1-4) and master and servant (Ephesians 6:4-9) are also framed within this overarching theological framework [5].
The idea of "forced subjection" appears in some interpretations of Old Testament passages, particularly in the Psalms. For example, Psalm 18:44 and Psalm 66:3 describe enemies showing a "forced subjection" to God, implying a submission born out of terror rather than willing obedience [4, 7]. This contrasts with the willing submission expected of believers, which is characterized by adherence to Gospel precepts and evidenced by actions as well as profession (2 Corinthians 9:13) [8].
The Apostle Paul, in his homilies, often uses rhetorical arrangements to encourage patience under reproach, even when partially deserved, by surprising his audience with unexpected turns of argument [6]. This method can be seen as an example of how biblical authors employ persuasive techniques to encourage theological submission and adherence to Christian principles. The concept of submission is also linked to the broader theme of redemption and forgiveness, as seen in Ephesians 1:7, which cross-references numerous Old Testament passages emphasizing God's mercy and the forgiveness of sins [3]. This connection underscores that submission is not merely an act of obedience but is rooted in God's gracious provision for humanity.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:7 cross-references: Exodus 34:7, Job 33:24, Psalms 32:1, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 130:4, Psalms 130:7, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 9:9, Daniel 9:19, Daniel 9:24, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:18, Zechariah 9:11, Zechariah 13:1, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 20:28, Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 1:77, Luke 7:40, Luke 7:47, Luke 24:47, John 20:23, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 20:28, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:24, Romans 4:6, Romans 9:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:19”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 18:44: submit, &c.--(compare Margin)--that is, show a forced subjection.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5:22: (Eph 6:9.) The Church's relation to Christ in His everlasting purpose, is the foundation and archetype of the three greatest of earthly relations, that of husband and wife (Eph 5:22-33), parent and child (Eph 6:1-4), master and servant (Eph 6:4-9). The oldest manuscripts omit "submit yourselves"; supplying it from Eph 5:21, "Ye wives (submitting yourselves) unto your own husbands." "Your own" is an argument for submissiveness on the part of the wives; it is not a stranger, but your own husbands whom you are called on to submit unto (compare Gen 3:16”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: God, we Christians hold for an oath.” 1387 “There is some little sensuality in being tempted.” Bp. Taylor on Repentance, c. 5. sect. 6. §4. t. 8, p. 494. 1388 An instance of the rhetorical arrangement he admires in the Apostle. His object is of course to make men patient under reproaches even when partly deserved, and he thus takes them by surprise. 1389 See on Rom. xii. 20 , Hom. 22, which illustrates the subsidiary use of inferior motives.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 66:3: A specimen of the praise. How terrible--(Compare Psa 65:8). submit--(Compare Margin), show a forced subjection (Psa 18:44), produced by terror.”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 9:13: by--through occasion of. experiment--Translate, "the experience" [ELLICOTT and others]. Or, "the experimental proof" of your Christian character, afforded by "this ministration." they--the recipients. for your professed subjection--Greek, "for the subjection of your profession"; that is, your subjection in accordance with your profession, in relation to the Gospel. Ye yield yourselves in willing subjection to the Gospel precepts, evinced in acts, as well as in profession. your liberal distribution--Greek, "the liberality of your contribu”