Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.
29. Even as Christ the church. He proceeds to enforce the obligations of marriage by representing to us Christ and his Church; for a more powerful example could not have been adduced. The strong affection which a husband ought to cherish towards his wife is exemplified by Christ, and an instance of that unity which belongs to marriage is declared to exist between himself and the Church.
All Christians owe one another mutual submission in reverence for God, yielding and not lording it over each other. Where this spirit rules, husbands and wives will discharge their duties well: the church's submission to Christ teaches wives their part, and Christ's love teaches husbands theirs.
AI summary
Commenting on Ephesians 5:21-33
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother,.... These words contain the law of marriage, and are cited from Gen 2:24; and declare what ought to be, and are a prophecy of what should be; and are observed against polygamy, and to stir up mutual affection; See Gill on Mat 19:5. . Ephesians 5:32 eph 5:32 eph 5:32 eph 5:32This is a great mystery,....