⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.^(A)

¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas^(A) were the first converts^(B) in Achaia,^(C) and they have devoted themselves to the service^(D) of the Lord’s people.^(E) I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit^(F) to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.

Instructions for Christian Households^(A)

²¹ Submit to one another^(B) out of reverence for Christ.

²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands^(A) as you do to the Lord.^(B)

²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands^(A) in everything.

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^{(C) 21} “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(D) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^{(E) 23} Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(F) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Instructions for Christian Households^(A)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(B) as is fitting in the Lord.

⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits^(A) and live!^(B)

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders^(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you^(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.