Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Ephesians 5:21

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

For if thou submit thyself for a ruler's sake, or for money's sake, or from respectfulness, much more from the fear of Christ. Let there be an interchange of service and submission. For then will there be no such thing as slavish service. Let not one sit down in the rank of a freeman, and the other in the rank of a slave; rather it were better that both masters and slaves be servants to one another;-far better to be a slave in this way than free in any other; as will be evident from hence. …

Homily on Ephesians 19 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Here again is love, for from it proceeds obedience to one another: not according to any worldly or human calculations, but in the "fear," he says, "of God." For those who submit to one another for the sake of God will never fall into temptation nor be separated, having such a firm bond.

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Theodoret of Cyrus

We must not be submissive to those who command us to act unlawfully. But to those who call us to live with piety, we must be subject to one another. Having laid down this general law of obedience, Paul next advises the Ephesians in detail on their duties to another.

Interpretation of the Epistle to the Ephesians 5.21 ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

Let bishops hear this, let priests hear, let every rank of learning get this clear: In the church, leaders are servants. Let them imitate the apostle.… The difference between secular rulers and Christian leaders is that the former love to boss their subordinates whereas the latter serve them. We are that much greater if we are considered least of all.

Commentary on Ephesians 5:21 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

He sets down the way of being filled [by the Spirit] in relation to one's fellow men by saying being subject one to another, in the fear of Christ, that is, not out of a human fear but from a reverence for Christ.

Commentary on Ephesians ↗