We study defined roles in marriage and the family in the order they are presented in Scripture. It is interesting to note that in all texts describing multiple family roles the following order is maintained, as in Colossians 3:18-21.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Consider God’s command to terminate certain “marriages” in a brief study: The Sanctity of Marriage.