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Carmen J. Bryant, August, 2002
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area where Gal. 3:28 does apply. Husbands are heads of their wives, not priests of
the family. All members of the family are equally priests under the New
Covenant. (Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 2:17-22, 1 Pet. 2:9)
17. A husband never has the right to abuse his wife or children-- physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. The same is true of other authorities. (Ps. 11:5, 58:1-
12, Prov. 10:11; Mal. 2:13-16)
18. Submission involves respect for authority; but outward respect does not mean that
the respect has been earned. Christians in authority should be more interested in
leading the kind of life that will earn respect based on character than in
demanding respect just because they hold a position.(Being worthy of respect is a
necessary requirement for holding office in the church.) Nevertheless, even when
respect has not been earned, those in submission should still act respectfully--as
they should to everyone, not just to those in authority. (Eph. 5:33, 1 Tim. 3:8,11;
Tit. 2:2; 1 Pet. 2:17, 3:7)