Submission

Submission?

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 (KJV)

What does it mean to submit? Who, exactly, should a Christian be submitted to? What exactly does this submission look like?

Let's look at the two verses given above and see if we can gain some insight into this interesting doctrine that helps to order the people of the house of God.

We'll start with the word submit. This Greek word "submit", hupotasso, means to arrange oneself under, or subordinate oneself to another for the sake of order. It carries the idea that the person submitted will yield obediently to one's admonition or advice. This is a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden." It is being involved in someone else's mission.

Now, to whom should a Christian submit? The key to this understanding is in verse 16 where we learn that it is "unto such" that we "submit." "Unto Such, toioutos, is understood to mean, of this kind or sort. The "kind or sort" referred to is found in both verse 15, "they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints," and verse 16, "one that helpeth ... and laboureth." The "addicted," tasso, also means, ordained, assigned and given authority, by mutual agreement, to arrange (the family of God). One should also submit to those who partner with and assist them in their labor (sunergeo) until wearied from toil and effort ( kopiao).

Now, that's biblical submission.