God placed all things under Christ’s rule. He appointed him to be ruler over everything for the church.

The church is Christ’s body and is filled by Christ. He fills everything in every way.

He wanted the rulers and authorities in the heavenly world to come to know his great wisdom. The church would make it known to them.

Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. Amen.

So Christ himself gave the gift of the apostles to the church. He gave the prophets and those who preach the good news. And he also gave the pastors and teachers as a gift to the church.

The husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. The church is Christ’s body. He is its Savior.

The church follows the lead of Christ. In the same way, wives should follow the lead of their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives. Love them just as Christ loved the church. He gave himself up for her.

He did it to bring her to himself as a brightly shining church. He wants a church that has no stain or wrinkle or any other flaw. He wants a church that is holy and without blame.

After all, no one ever hated their own body. Instead, they feed and care for their body. And this is what Christ does for the church.

That is a deep mystery. But I’m talking about Christ and the church.