Brief History of the Dawn Christadelphians
Husbands And Wives
The relationship between a man and his wife is clearly laid out in Scripture, and often misunderstood.
Some say because Eve was taken from Adam's side that she was his equal. There are three problems with this interpretation. First, it is based on just one verse that says Eve was taken from Adam's side. You need more than one verse to establish a doctrine. (Matt. 18:16, Jn. 8:12, 2Cor. 13:1) Second, although the Bible says Eve was made from Adam's side, the idea that this establishes Eve as Adam's equal is conjecture. Third, it is the plain teaching of Scripture that the husband is over the wife. This is obvious from 1 Cor. 11:3 and Eph. 5:22-23. Also, Sarah was held as a role model because she obeyed her husband Abraham. (1 Pet. 3:6)
However, this in no way implies it is permissible for a husband to rule over his wife with an iron fist. Several scriptures come to mind here. In Ephesians 5:25 states, "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her." In other words, a husband should love his wife so much that he is willing to die for her if need be. This is nothing like treating your wife like dirt. Peter agrees with this, saying if a husband does not honor his wife his prayers will be hindered. (1Pet. 3:7)
If you honor and love your wife, you will let them have their way sometimes. Abraham, Jacob and David all did this.
So the correct relationship between a husband and a wife is a balance. On the one hand, a wife is to obey her husband: on the other hand, a husband is to have so much love for his wife that he should be willing to die for her if need be, and he must hold her in honor.
(Quotations from the New American Standard Bible)
