New course with Ed Welch: Biblical Counseling for Pastors.
Learn more
Skip To Main Content
Featured image for The Fear of Christ is the Beginning of Wisdom: Ephesians 5:21-6:9

David Powlison

The Fear of Christ is the Beginning of Wisdom: Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Journal of Biblical Counseling 17:2

In this article, David Powlison argues that Ephesians challenges both “traditional” and “egalitarian” understandings of our primary role relationships in marriage, family and workplace. First, everyone of us participates in a common calling in all relationships to walk as a wife, child and slave of the Lord (all that is described in 1:1-5:20 and 6:10-24). Second, the calling to walk worthy takes on a particular focus within each primary relationship of marriage, family and workplace, emphasizing either submission or love. Powlison argues that neither the common call nor the particular focus cancel out or override each other. They work in symphony. Third, because you inhabit multiple roles, most of us hear ourselves addressed multiple times in 5:20-6:9, from different angles and often with changes over time.

Subscribe Now

Sign up for our weekly email to

  • get updates about new resources
  • receive new blogs, videos, and podcasts
  • stay informed on all CCEF news