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Apostle Dr. Christian Tsekpoe, Head of Ministerial Formation and Training at Pentecost University (PU), has challenged conventional mindsets on authority and strength in marital homes.

Speaking on the theme, “No Strong Vessel at Home” at a marriage ceremony at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sakumono, Apostle Tsekpoe revealed deep biblical insights into God’s original blueprint for marriage, emphasising that the institution of marriage was never designed for dominance or superiority, but for unity, mutual submission, mutual support and purpose.

Quoting Genesis 2:18–22, Apostle Tsekpoe walked the congregation through the divine origin of marriage — a union birthed not from convenience, but from God’s own wisdom and love. “It was not good for man to be alone,” the Apostle reiterated, “so God fashioned a helper suitable for him — not inferior, not subordinate, not a destroyer but complementary helper.”

He further explained that in 1 Peter 3:7, where the Bible refers to the woman as the “weaker vessel,” it does not suggest the man is a “strong vessel.” Rather, both husband and wife are vessels — weak and weaker — needing each other to become one complete, strong and functioning whole. “If the woman is the weaker vessel, then by implication, the man is the weak vessel. God never intended for a strong vessel to dominate in the home,” he emphasised.

Apostle Tsekpoe illuminated the symbolic mystery of the rib — that God created the woman out of one rib from man. He noted, “The missing rib signifies the incompleteness of man without his wife. When you marry the right woman — the one ordained by God — she becomes the divine replacement of your lost rib.”

He went on to underscore the woman’s God-given role as a helper (Genesis 2:20), stating, “If your wife cannot detect your weakness and help you fix it, then she may not be the one sent by God. A helper is not just present — she is purposeful.”

In what many called a deeply reflective moment, the Apostle charged husbands to never get disappointed in their wives simply because they see flaws. “You were warned already — she’s the weaker vessel. Your role is to support, nurture, encourage, improve and advance her,” he said. He challenged wives too, noting that if the challenges in a man’s life multiply after marriage, the helper may have failed in her assignment.

Tying his message with practical wisdom, Apostle Tsekpoe declared that any marriage that ends in divorce is not a failure of one partner, but of both. “Whether Christian or not, if you understand marriage, you should not fail at it. Marriage is partnership — two people agreeing to make it work.” That is why there is no place for divorce in the Bible.

He likened a thriving marriage to fertile ground where even weeds may grow. “But when weeds appear — challenges and misunderstandings — don’t get angry at the crop. Instead, work together to uproot the weed.”

Concluding with a powerful call to action, Apostle Tsekpoe urged couples to treat one another with dignity, and to live their marriage in such a way that God will look upon it and say, ‘This union brought Me glory.’

He ended by declaring, “When the weak vessel is united with the weaker vessel, through divine alignment, they become a strong and mighty vessel — an enviable union to the glory of God.” This is the mystery of marriage.

May God grant us divine insight to marry, and marry well.

PENT NEWS.