Colossians 3:18-19 - “Wives and Husbands”
Study Guide

Passage Outline

1. Wives v. 18

   1. Addressees

Wives,

1. Command

submit to your husbands,

1. Nuance

as is fitting in the Lord.

1. Husbands v. 19

   1. Addressees

Husbands,

1. Command

love your wives,

1. Nuance

and do not be harsh with them.

For Discussion

1. Look at the general outline of Col. 3:18-4:1, Eph. 5:22-6:9, 1 Pet. 2:18-3:7, 5:1-5. What similarities and differences can you notice? How are the instructions given to men and women in 1 Timothy and Titus different from those listed above?

2. What reasons do Gen. 1:27-28, Gal. 3:28 and Col. 3:10-11 give to believe that men and women are equally human, and equally Christians?

3. What reasons do Gen. 2:18, 3:17, 1 Cor. 11:8-9, and 1 Tim. 2:13-14 give for believing husbands and wives are not equal in authority? For later – consider Num. 30.

4. Should women submit to all men, or only to their husbands? Consider 1 Tim. 2:11-12.

5. Does submission always require silence? May a wife teach her husband? Consider 1 Cor. 11:5, Prov. 31:26.

6. According to Acts 5:29, what is the only time it is right to disobey a human authority? Should we call this disobedience rebellion or submission?

7. What do Gen. 3:16 and 4:7 teach is the chief temptation women face in their relationship with their husband?

8. Why is it “fitting in the Lord” for a wife to submit to her husband?

9. What are some differences between Paul’s command for husbands to “love” their wives and what our society, and our sinfulness, tell husbands to do?

10. What kind of treatment do the command to “love” and 1 Pet. 3:7 indicate wives need?

11. What does Ephesians 5:25 teach is the fullest extent of this kind of love? In what ways can a husband lay down his life for his wife?

12. What do Gen. 3:17-19, Mal. 2:14, 1 Pet. 3:7 teach are some of the temptations men face in their relationship with their wives? How can a husband either more actively or more passively misuse his position of authority?

13. What are some ways a husband can be “harsh” or “bitter” toward his wife? What are some ways husbands should treat their wives in the opposite manner? Consider Prov. 31:28, 29, and 31.