Hi, AS, You so rightly have put your finger on the big anomaly in the the WTS's interpretation of this text. If as you point out, everyone has to preach, because Matt 28:19,20 says so, then I would also expect everyone to baptize, since it is part of the same sentence, right?.... Wrong!! According to the marvelous "reasoning" imparted for our benefit, the WTS sees nothing wrong in placing all the emphasis on that first part of Jesus' command. In fact, according to at least one estimate published several years ago, the majority of WTS followers are simply disbarred from baptizing anyone. There was, at aleast at one time, a majority of women in the WTS to the estimate of 55% to 45%. So we have this curious irregularity that has never been satisfactorily adressed by the WTS:
The first part of the command [ie to preach] is for 100% of the R&F [ not the GB of course, they despise the preaching work] while the second part of the same command only applies to at least 45%. Yeah, right. Go figure.
However, interestingly enough, there is another anomaly that the WTS quietly glosses over.
Take a look at the order of the command: 1 Preach 2 Baptize 3 Teach. But notice the way the WTS has perverted the sequence. FIRST they teach you, THEN on "qualifying" after passing a load of questions, [back in my day in the mid 70s we asked 30 qs] they baptize you and LAST they preach to you when you start attending their interminable meetings. This sequence, no doubt, caters to their advantage, because, by filtering out potential dissenters, their baptismal candidates are assured of being loyal WTS followers. However it is not scriptural.
It is then obvious that the command given at Matt 28: 19,20 was an ordinance given to the church as a whole, with individuals within the body being assigned the various tasks described.
Who then must preach?
The NT lays out at least two groups who are singled out for this activity:
1 Apostles: From the information presented throughout the NT we can glean the following characteristics of the "Apostle" : 1 He was not necessarily of the twelve. Paul and Barnabas [1Cor 9:5 ff] James, the Lord's brother [Gal 1:19] Andronicus and Junius [Ro 16:7] are all reckoned as "apostles" 2 The one invariable and necessary characteristic is that he should have seen the risen Lord [Ac 1:22 1 Cor 9:1] 3 He should have wrought the signs of an apostle [2 Cor 12:12 1Cor 9:1] 4 He was to bear witness toJesus Christ, and of all hehad seen and heard , to preach the Gospel[Ac 1:8 1Cor 1:17] 5 To found churches and have a general care fror them [1Cor 11:28]
In the light of point two, we may assume that this group passed away with the death of the last apostle.
2 Evagelists: To facilitate the spread of the gospel of Christ, He Himself raised up some who would be particularly gifted to do the preaching. [ Eph 4:11] Since these are listed along with others who were in positions of leadership in the church, it may be assumed that the evangelists evidently had a measure of authority within the structure of the church.
Now, having said that however, in the light of the corporate command given at Matt 28:19, 20, it does not mean that the others play no role whatever in this activity. It is plain to see that the whole Church, both local as well as General, participates in whatever function one is called, to fulfill the work of preaching the Gospel. One may contibute one's time, talents, abilities, money, gifts of hospitalty, and back up in support of various activities.
To use a modern analogy: Not everyone in the Air Force, or in NASA, flys a plane or explores the astroshere, but those who have been called upon to do so, owe a debt of gratitude to unnamed functionaries, hundreds, and even thousands of whom tirelessly keep the wheels turning, and ensuring that the pilots and astronauts fulfill their function.
The WTS is exactly the opposite. Whereas the entire R&F, with diminishing enthusiasm, are going from door-to-door, preaching the WTS gospel, they are ignored by an elitist, secretive group of bland appartchicks, who, claiming "apostolic" privilege [too busy, too old, too intelligent] refuse to participate.
The so-called "love for Jehover" encouraged in others, is prominently missing in the WTS leadership. This self-serving leadership have no "love for jehover", only a lust for power and authority that such an affirmation provides.
Cheers
