V. 21. That a new paragraph begins with this verse is generally conceded. First, because the preceding ex- hortations are evidently brought to a close in v. 20— with the words to God even the Father. And secondly, because the command to be obedient one to another, amplified through this chapter and part of the next, does not naturally cohere with what precedes. This being the case, the participle ὑποτασσόμενοι being obe- dient, with which this verse begins, cannot be explained by referring it to the verb πληροῦσθε in v.18. The sense would then be, ‘ Be filled with the Spirit—sub- mitting yourselves one to another.’ This construction of the passage for the reasons just stated is rejected by most commentators. Others take the participle for the imperative and render the words, ‘Be subject one to another.’ But this is contrary to the usage of the language. The most common explanation is to connect this verse with the following, ‘Being subject one to an- other (as ye are bound to be), ye wives be subject to your husbands.’ From the general obligation to obe- dience follows the special obligation of wives, children, and servants, as explained in what follows.
This command to submit one to another is found in other passages of the New Testament, as in 1 Pet. 5, 5, “All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” Rom. 12,10. Phil. 2.3. The scrip-