Treatise 1: §. 1. Of the Apostle’s transition from general duties to particulars

An Exposition of Ephesians 5:21 - submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 

As there are two vocations whereunto it has pleased God to call everyone; one Generally, by virtue whereof certain common duties which are to be performed of all men, are required, (as knowledge, faith, obedience, repentance, love, mercy, justice, truth, etc.) the other Particular, by virtue whereof certain peculiar duties are required of several persons, according to those distinct places wherein the Divine Providence has set them in Common-wealth, Church, or family; so ought God's Ministers to be careful in instructing God's people in both kinds of duties; both those which concern their general, and those also which concerne their particular calling.

NOTE: Essentially, all people are called to the fruits of the spirit, but some men are called to further works depending on their station. Kings have a responsibility that machinists do not. It is incumbent on ministers to call all men to the work God has set before them.

Accordingly Paul (who, as Moses, was faithful in all the house of God) after he had sufficiently instructed God's Church in such general duties, as belong to all Christians, of what sex, state, degree, or condition whatsoever they be, proceeds to lay down certain particular duties, which appertaine to particular callings and conditions: among which, he makes choice of those which God has established in a family.

NOTE: Not only will Gouge focus on external duties, but he'll also spend a considerable bit of time discussing the duties required by the Christian within the family.

With excellent Art doth he pass from those generals, to these particulars: laying down a transition between them, in these words, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God; which words have reference both to that which goes before, and also to that which follows after. The form and manner of setting down this verse, with a participle thus, 'submitting,' shews that it depended on that which went before, and so has reference there. Again, the word itself being the very same which is used in the next verse following, shows, that this verse contains the sum of that which follows, and so has reference thereunto, as a general unto particulars.

NOTE: Eph 5:21 is pointing behind it by use of the grammar of the word 'submitting,' this means that submitting is an act of obedience that follows from what Paul writes directly before this verse.

This manner of passing from one point to another, by a perfect transition which looks both ways, both to that which is past, and to that which comes on, as it is very elegant, so is it frequent with this our Apostle. Whereby he teaches us, so to give heed to that which follows, as we forget not that which is past: as we must give diligent attention to that which remains, so we must well retain that which we have heard, and not let it slip: otherwise, if (as one nail drives out another) one precept makes another to be forgotten, it will be altogether in vain to add line unto line, or precept unto precept.

NOTE: To properly read Paul, you need to keep large sections of text in your mind. He's referencing what he just wrote and pointing forward to what he will still write. Repeated readings of large sections has helped me with understanding Paul in the past.

Takeaways

1) There are universal callings for all Christians. They are to exhibit the fruits of the spirit, live lives of repentance and joy, etc. 

2) Your station in life also lays claim to your biblical responsibilities. If you are a minister, you are to care for your flock. That means, your responsibility to that family in church is going to be more than the responsibility a fellow-parishioner may have. 

3) The role God has given you in the family will also have required duties for you to perform (more on this later).