It was not a position filled by Christians generally (1Co 12:29), and it was never filled by women. Wrote the apostle Paul: “I do not permit a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man.” (1Ti 2:12)

Christians could also learn from one another. Younger women, for instance, could be taught by aged women about such matters as ‘loving their husbands, loving their children, being sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.’ Such teaching in private was effective when backed up by a good example.​—Tit 2:3-5; compare 2Ti 1:5; 3:14, 15.