Rev Argho Biswas explores biblical equality and the dismantling of patriarchal power dynamics in relationships, homes, workplaces, and the church.
To this day, we are conditioned with the rhythms of a domineering patriarchy at home, in our places of work, even in the house of God. It is the rhythms of patriarchy that tell us who gets to speak first, who owns, who controls, who decides. The Scripture says to us with rhythms that are better than we have known in life before, rhythms of men and women serving side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Patriarchal systems have exalted men over women, granting one sex privilege and a position of authority, instead of equality. These distortions of the original design have caused much suffering and injustice, even in the church. But there is something quite radical in the Bible. God made men and women in his own image, both in different ways. Both are called together to display God’s nature to the world through interdependence (Gen 1:27).
It is a sign of a healthy relationship that power is not the defining dynamic, but love shaped in the pattern of Christ. In Ephesians 5:21, Paul urges all believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The word Paul uses for submit does not imply something one-sided; rather, it reflects a mutual “bringing down” of oneself before another, with each person seeking the other’s good.
This verse can be understood in various ways. One interpretation is the idea that everyone should submit to each other. This is a recognised view, but not the only one among biblical scholars and represents only one strand within a broader range of interpretations.
Spouses honour the voices of both at home, both share the responsibility of leading together and walk side by side in faith. In church life, it means that we recognise the indispensable gifts both sexes bring and all are indispensable to build up Christ’s body in them (1 Corinthians 12:4─7).
Jesus Himself treated men and women equally. He welcomed women to the inner circle of his followers, against all the customs of his day. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well and instructed Mary Magdalene to go and announce his resurrection before anyone else heard (John 20:17─18). He commended the faith of good women who had followed him faithfully (Luke 8:1─3). He showed that God’s kingdom overcame the boundaries of gender, status and culture (Galatians 3:28).
Healthy relationships are built on love that empowers rather than manipulates. They are places of honesty and forgiveness and mutually progressive growth. Where spouses, or in a group, both sides reflect biblical equality and everybody has a place to grow. Decisions are made together. Hearts are heard. Leadership is not dependent on gender, but on the gifts of God given to both men and women in the corresponding character that results. It is a vision with important implications for day-to-day life. It calls husbands and wives to practice active listening instead of always insisting on their own way (James 1:19). It compels churches to honour women in leadership and ministry, as was obviously the case with the women named in Romans 16: 1–15, such as Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Priscilla (Acts 18:26), and Junia (Romans 16:7). It requires parents to model respect and partnership in such a way that their children grow up seeing equality as part of faith (Proverbs 22:6).
Above all, the equality of men and women in the Bible is not so much an assault on tradition as a reformation to God’s original design. This releases us from the burden of hierarchy and replaces it with the joy of shared purpose. Our homes, friendships and congregations can become living testimonies of God’s love, equality and justice as we pattern ourselves on the way of Christ. Proper health in relationships comes when we treat each other as equals, different but of equal value, and work together in daily life to show forth the Kingdom of God.
Thus, “In what ways do my words and actions affirm or diminish and accomplish the God-given dignity of those living around me?”
Our Heavenly Parent,
You made us male and female in Your image, and each person is precious in your sight. We are thankful for the blessing of a community where love and respect and understanding can be shared. Help us to value one another, to listen with patience and to walk in humility. May our families, our churches and our cities reflect your heart of justice and equality where everyone is seen as a beloved child of God. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For further reading on Ephesians 5:
The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians (Eerdmans, New International Commentary on the New Testament, NICNT) by Frederick Fyvie Bruce
Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women’s Ministry in the Letters of Paul by Craig Keener.
Rev Argho Biswas serves as the Vicar of Holy Trinity Anglican Parish, Hampton Park, with a deep heart for his parish and the wider multi-cultural community. Argho is passionate about advocacy, especially in preventing violence against women, and actively partners with local organisations on community issues. Argho and his wife, Chandrani, are blessed with a teenage son, Jaden, who brings joy and energy to their family life.
Healthy Relationships is Common Grace's daily blog series during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, 25 November to 10 December 2025. Encourage your friends, family and faith community to sign up here.
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