“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. . . . And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:18, 23). God provided for a balance in the home. The natures of man and woman complement each other. Woman has a refinement of spirit and nature that is generally not found in man. They make suitable companions for one another.

Although man and woman complement each other, they have each been given specific roles to fill in the work of the church. They find their greatest happiness when they fill their own roles.

The primary responsibility for leading the church lies with man, not with woman. God has called man to take the Word of God and order his own life by it first. Then man should, by prayer and fasting, and faithful instruction with discipline, lead his family and the church in the ways of God.

Men must provide leadership in the church so women can take their place. Many women are frustrated by the indifference of their husbands and therefore have a difficult time staying in their place. It is commendable when a faithful woman lives a godly life even if her husband does not, but how much better when the husband takes his place. It is a shame when women feel compelled to lead because the men do not.

God has commanded the woman to keep silence in the church. She is not to teach man or to usurp authority over him. A veiled, modest sister contributes beauty and elegance to the church.

Titus 2:3–5 tells us that women should teach women. This passage does not instruct older women to teach doctrine to younger women, but to teach them how to fill the role of wife and mother in the home. A woman in her place at home will have a much greater influence in God’s kingdom than she will out of her place in the church.

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety” (1 Timothy 2:9–15).

The way a woman adorns herself has much to do with her relationship with God. A woman who comes into the presence of God immodestly attired and wearing adornment is not acceptable to God.

Woman is to clothe herself in modest apparel, with a sense of modesty and reserve. She must not be forward or bold in the presence of men. The Gospel causes people to be sober and serious, not giddy or silly.

Paul gives two reasons for the woman to be in silence. The first one is in 1 Timothy 2:13: “For Adam was first formed, then Eve.” God made the man and then gave him Eve as a suitable companion. The second reason is in verse 14: “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”

Eve was deceived by the serpent; Adam was not. Adam knew he was disobeying God when he sinned. But Satan deceived Eve into believing she was doing the right thing. That is why the woman should not teach the man or take his place of authority.

Further, 1 Corinthians 14:34–38 sets forth the pattern of Scriptural order: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. . . . If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”

Christian women receive many abilities from the Lord. They should be used where God intended them to be used. Teach your children, teach children in Sunday school, comfort your sisters, visit your neighbors, and encourage your husband and sons in the home. You have many opportunities to share the love of God. But the teaching of doctrine to adults ought to be done by the brethren in the church.

Women were useful in the early church. Phoebe was a servant of the church, as all Christian women ought to be. She was called “a succourer of many,” one who comforted and assisted. In light of New Testament teaching, we would be presumptuous to conclude that she instructed men or had any administrative responsibility in the church.

Philip’s daughters prophesied (Acts 21:8, 9). But surely their prophesying fell within the principles of the New Testament Scriptures.

Christian men must accept their responsibility to teach and indoctrinate. Christian women must take the responsibility God has given them to serve in a quiet way. If we violate God’s plan and order, we forfeit His blessings and eventually eternal life itself.

Both men and women are happiest in life when they follow God’s plan. Praise God for the testimony of many who have found this to be true.

May God help us to search the Scriptures with honest, open minds. God gives happiness and fulfillment to those who obey Him. Sisters in the church who cheerfully take their places according to God’s order experience true joy. They have power with God and with their children. Praise God for them.