Biblical passages relating to the roles of men and women in the ecclesia present a number of difficulties and have frequently been a subject for discussion. Often no final conclusion has been reached, except that these passages exist, and some sisters have remained unsure of how to bring their behaviour into detailed compliance.

Michael Lewis has made thorough study of the Scriptural roles, surveying relevant foundations in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament principles and instructions. His study includes the ecclesial relationships of men and woman (and to a lesser extent the domestic). He has looked in detail at the apostolic instructions concerning speaking, teaching and head covering. A clearer understanding of these must help the spiritual activity of the Body of Christ in unity and submission to God’s will.

While his study was being first published in The Testimony as a series of articles during 1989 and 1990, requests were received for its wider publication as a book. This has now been done after revision by the author of his original material. In this more permanent form it is hopes that the book will provide a useful contribution where there is a distinct gap in the Brotherhood’s literature.