THE PARADOX OF SUBMISSION IN EPHESIANS 6:5-9: A CRITICAL EXEGETICAL ANALYSIS

This article presents an in-depth exegetical analysis of Ephesians 6:5-9, a passage that has sparked intense debate due to its seemingly paradoxical call for submission within Christian slave master relationships. Through a rigorous examination of the text's historical, cultural, and literary context, this study seeks to unravel the complexities of Paul's teachings on submission, obedience, and authority. By employing a nuanced understanding of ancient Greco-Roman social hierarchies, this research reveals the ways in which Paul's message subverts dominant ideologies, offering a radical redefinition of power and relationships. This study contributes to ongoing discussions in biblical studies, social ethics, and theological anthropology, providing a comprehensive understanding of Ephesians 6:5-9 and its implications for contemporary Christian ethics and praxis.