Better Homes & Families Pt 2: The Code of the House

What does Ephesians 5 actually teach about marriage, family, submission and power? In this episode of the *Love In Our Wake* podcast, Ps Ben Teefy is joined by Rev Dr John Griffiths for Part 2 of the *Better Homes & Families* series, unpacking one of the most debated and often misunderstood passages in the New Testament: the household code in Ephesians 5. For many people, words like submission, headship and household order carry baggage. These texts have often been avoided, misunderstood or even weaponised. But when we read Ephesians in its first century context, a far more radical picture begins to emerge. Paul is not simply reinforcing the power structures of the Roman household. He is reframing the whole house around Jesus. In this episode we explore What Ephesians 5 says about wives, husbands, submission and love Why the first century household was shaped by hierarchy, status and power How Paul’s household code would have sounded to its original audience Why “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” matters for the whole passage How mutual submission challenges power, ego and control Why biblical headship must be understood through the cross How Jesus redefines authority through sacrifice, service and agape love Why husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church How Paul radically elevates women, wives, children and slaves within the household Why Christian marriage is not about domination, but cruciform love What Ephesians 5 teaches anyone with power, influence or responsibility How homes can become places shaped by grace, truth, honour and Christlike love This conversation brings theological depth, historical context and practical application to a passage that still shapes how Christians think about marriage, family, leadership and discipleship today. The code of the house is not control. It is Christlike love. It is mutual submission. It is power redefined by the cross. Listen now and discover how Jesus reshapes the way we love, lead, serve and live under our roof.