Subordinates
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In the biblical context, the concept of subordination is often explored through the relationships between individuals in various social, familial, and ecclesiastical structures. The Bible provides guidance on how subordinates are to conduct themselves, emphasizing principles of respect, obedience, and humility.

1. Subordinates in the Family:

The family unit is a primary context where subordination is addressed in Scripture. The Bible outlines specific roles within the family, particularly between husbands and wives, and parents and children.

· Wives and Husbands: Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. This submission is not indicative of inferiority but reflects a divine order and mutual respect within the marriage covenant. "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:22-24).

· Children and Parents: Children are instructed to obey their parents in the Lord, as this is right and comes with a promise of well-being and longevity. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth'" (Ephesians 6:1-3).

2. Subordinates in the Workplace:

The Bible also addresses the relationship between masters and servants, which can be applied to modern employer-employee relationships. Servants are encouraged to obey their earthly masters with sincerity and reverence for the Lord.

· Servants and Masters: Colossians 3:22-24 advises servants to obey their masters not only to win their favor when their eye is on them but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:22-24).

3. Subordinates in the Church:

Within the church, believers are called to submit to their leaders and to one another out of reverence for Christ. This mutual submission fosters unity and harmony within the body of Christ.

· Believers and Church Leaders: Hebrews 13:17 encourages believers to obey their leaders and submit to their authority, as they keep watch over their souls. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Hebrews 13:17).

· Mutual Submission: Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission among believers, emphasizing humility and service to one another. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).

4. The Example of Christ:

The ultimate example of subordination is found in Jesus Christ, who, though equal with God, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on a cross. This act of submission is a model for all believers in their relationships and service.

· Christ's Humility: Philippians 2:5-8 highlights Christ's humility and obedience. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:5-8).

In summary, the Bible provides a framework for understanding the role of subordinates in various contexts, emphasizing respect, obedience, and humility as key virtues. These principles are rooted in the example of Christ and are intended to promote harmony and order in relationships.
Library

Second Tractate. On the Kinds of Being (2).
... have examined the proposed "ten genera": we have discussed also the theory which
gathers the total of things into one genus and to this subordinates what may ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/second tractate on the kinds.htm

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good ...
... and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power
of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vi that the ruler.htm

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and ...
... But, while a fitting time for the correction of subordinates is being sought, the
patience of the prelate is exercised under the very weight of their offences. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x what the rulers.htm

Epistle xvii. To Felix, Bishop of Messana.
... See, in which thou hast been brought up and educated, on three points; that is on
marriages of consanguinity, on vexation of bishops by subordinates, and on ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xvii to felix bishop.htm

To My Fellow Presbyter Timothy. Dionysius the Presbyter.
... Hierarch himself, according to his essence, and analogy, and rank, is initiated
in Divine things, and is deified and imparts to the subordinates, according to ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput i to my fellow.htm

The Lateness of the Revelation of Marcion's God the Question of ...
... it was out of nothing that he made his world, this also (our heretic) will be obliged
to predicate [2513] of the Creator, to whom he subordinates [2514] matter ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xv the lateness of the.htm

Relation of Manich??ism to Zoroastrianism.
... The actual world was made by the good God, or rather by his subordinates,
as a means of liberating the imprisoned light. The creation ...
/.../chapter iv name of manichaeism.htm

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... to reprove them, lest their affection for himself should grow dull; nay sometimes
he smooths down with flatteries the offence of his subordinates which he ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
... let thine eyelids slumber (Ibid.4). For indeed to give sleep to the eyes is to cease
from earnestness, so as to neglect altogether the care of our subordinates ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter iv how subjects and.htm

Third Tractate. On Providence (2).
... the minor agents, the individuals, serve according to their own capacities, as in
a war the generalissimo lays down the plan and his subordinates do their best ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/third tractate on providence 2.htm

Thesaurus
Subordinates (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Subordinates (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 11:11 Therefore
Yahweh said to Solomon, "Because this is done by you ...
/s/subordinates.htm - 6k

Delineation (1 Occurrence)
... by means of tints and shades; accurate and minute representation, as distinguished
from art that is careless of details, or subordinates them excessively. ...
/d/delineation.htm - 7k

Darius (26 Occurrences)
... forthwith issued a new decree, giving the Jews full liberty to prosecute their work,
at the same time requiring the Syrian satrap and his subordinates to give ...
/d/darius.htm - 24k

Publican (7 Occurrences)
... In order to collect the taxes, the publicans employed subordinates (5:27; 15:1;
18:10), who, for their own ends, were often guilty of extortion and peculation. ...
/p/publican.htm - 9k

Suborn

/s/suborn.htm - 7k

Subordinate (2 Occurrences)

/s/subordinate.htm - 7k

Resources
How did the apostle Paul die? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the satraps in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Subordinates (1 Occurrence)

1 Kings 11:11
Therefore Yahweh said to Solomon, "Because this is done by you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.
(See NIV)

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Subordinates

Related Terms

Subordinates (1 Occurrence)

Suborned (2 Occurrences)

Subordinate
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