Having an E5 Marriage: An Expository Bible Study on the Ephesians 5 Marriage

Deepening our relationship with Christ will have a direct impact on our interpersonal relationships. The question is how? How do we grow deeper in Christ? Paul in Ephesians 5 provides us with a model – Christ is our head, and we are to submit to Him. Then, Paul writes that this same model is to be used in our marriages. But, Paul also says, “This mystery is great.” Our guide for daily Christian living and relating to our spouses in marriage is outlined in Ephesians 5, but it’s all a “great mystery.” Well, that’s a lot of help! The meanings of submission and sacrifice in Ephesians 5 were apparently obvious to both Paul and the original recipients of his letter. The answers can also be found generally by reading the entire Bible. So, how do we decipher the “mystery?” We find in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, known as the letters to the seven churches, a grouping of verses in Scripture which concisely spell out what Christ expects of the church and how Christ sacrifices Himself for the church. This book, then, provides an in-depth study of Ephesians 5 through the lens of Revelation chapters 2 and 3, and applies it to the context of marriage.

R. Joseph Ritter, Jr. CFP(r) is the founder and president of Zacchaeus Financial Counseling, Inc., a non-profit organization serving the financial planning and financial counseling needs of lower and middle income households. Joe received his Master's Degree in World Mission and Evangelism from Asbury Theological Seminary. His non-profit leadership and Christian ministry includes such past positions as Pastor, Director of Outreach, volunteer Chaplain with Transport for Christ International, and co-founder of Community Chaplains Association, a non-profit organization ministering to residents of assisted-living and retirement facilities. He is the author of 25 Days of Christmas Devotional, Jacob's Testimony, a catechism, and You're Called to the Ministry. Now What?