Some interesting snippets from the new publication which discusses the book of Acts
‘Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom
Page 9
A Bible Study Aid to Assist Us
l6 What is the overall purpose of this publication? The threefold
objective of this book is (1) to strengthen our conviction that Jehovah
by means of his holy spirit is backing the Kingdom-preaching
and disciple-making work, (2) to stimulate our zeal for the ministry by
examining the example of first-century followers of Christ and (3) to
deepen our respect for Jehovah's organization and for those taking the
lead in the preaching work and in overseeing the congregations.
Right there in a nutshell, the objective of this publication is clear.
Some witnesses lack conviction that this is God's work, causing their zeal to diminish and they are questioning the organization.
Page 16
*Still, we should be careful not to look down on Jesus' apostles,
who were men of great faith. They humbly accepted correction. What is
more, although their question sprang from faulty thinking, it also revealed
a good attitude. Jesus had repeatedly urged his followers: "Keep
on the watch." (Matt 2442: 25: 13; 26:41) They were spiritually alert, ea gerly
watching for evidence that Jehovah was about to act. That is the
attitude we need to cultivate today. In fact, these climactic "last days"
make it ever more urgent that we do so.-2 Tim. 3: 1-5.
The Watchtower are excusing their false prophecies by reasoning, "well, at least we were staying watchful"
Page 17
14 As mentioned at the outset of this chapter, Jesus rose from the
earth and disappeared from view. Yet, the 11 apostles kept standing
there, looking into the sky. Finally, two angels appeared and offered
this gentIe rebuke: 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the
sky? This Jesus who was received up from you into the sky will come
thus in the same manner as you have beheld him going into the sky.''
(Acts 1:ll) Did the angels mean that Jesus would return in the same
body, as some religionists teach? No, they did not. How do we how?
l5 The angels said that Jesus would return, not in the same form, but
"in the same manner."" In what manner did he depart? He was out of
sight when the angels spoke. Only those few men, the apostles, perceived
that Jesus had left the vicinity of the earth and was on his way
to his Father in heaven. The manner of Christ's return was to be similar.
So it has been. Today, only those with spiritual discernment realize
that Jesus is present in kingly power. (Luke 17:20] We need to discern
the evidence of his presence and convey it to others so that they too
may see the urgency of our times.
The statement here is deliberately misleading and confusing. If I saw Jesus depart in the manner described and was told he would come in the same manner, I would not imagine it to be invisibly. They flat out lie about this and say that only a few men observed this when the scriptures clearly say upwards of 500 men. This is not a few. They can't say that Jesus will come visibly because that would mean he never came invisibly to begin with in 1914 and would therefore render Jesus' coming to select the organization in 1919 as his earthly representative both NULL and VOID.
Page 41, 42
Qualified Men to Care for "Necessary Business" (Acts 6:l-6)
The young congregation now faced a subtle danger that threatened
it from within. What was that? Many of the disciples being baptized
were visitors to Jerusalem and wanted to learn more before returning
home. Disciples living in Jerusalem willingly donated funds to meet
the need for food and other supplies. [Acts 244-46; 434-37) At this
time, a delicate situation arose. "In the daily distribution" of food, the
Greek speaking widows "were being overlooked." [Acts 6:l) The Hebrew speaking
widows, however, were not being overlooked The problem,
then, apparently involved discrimination.
The apostles, acting as the governing body of the expanding congregation
recognized that it would not be wise for them 'to leave the
word of God to distribute food." (Acts 62) To resolve the matter th ey di rected
the disciples to search for seven men "full of spirit and wisdom"
whom the apostles could appoint over this 'necessary business."
(Acts 6:3) Qualified men were needed because the work likely
involved not just serving food but also handling money, purchasing
supplies, and keeping careful records. After giving prayerful consideration to the recommendation,
the apostles appointed the seven men to care for this 'necessary business."'
Did caring for the distribution of food mean that the seven men a p
pointed were now exempted from the responsibility to preach the good
news? Definitely not! Among the men chosen was Stephen, who would
prove himself to be a bold and powerful witness bearer. (Acts 6:6:&10)
Philip too was one of the seven, and he is called 'the evangelizer." (Acts
21:8) Evidently, then, the seven men continued to be zealous Kingdom
preachers.
Jehovah's people today follow the apostolic pattern.
Men recommended for congregational responsibility
must manifest godly wisdom and give evidence
that the holy spirit is operating on
them. Under the direction of the Governing
Body, men who meet the Scriptural requirements
are appointed to serve as elders
or ministerial servants in the congregations.*
(1 Tim. 3:l-9, 12.13) Those who meet the qualifications can be said to have been appointed by holy spirit. These hardworking men
care for much "necessary business." For example,
elders may coordinate practical help
for faithful older ones who have a genuine
need. (Jas. 1:27) Some elders are very involved
in constructing Kingdom Halls, organizing
conventions, or doing hospital liaison
work. Ministerial servants care for many duties
that do not directly involve shepherding
or teaching. All such qualified men must balance congregational and organizational responsibilities
with the God-assigned obligation
to preach the good news of the Kingdom.
- 1 Cor. 9: 16.
Ahh, but they DON'T FOLLOW the same apostolic pattern do they? When was the last time you saw the WT organize anything that helped needy people in a physical way with their billions of dollars? Disaster recovery is their speciality because it makes known their works before men, but in EVERYDAY PRACTICE do they support the needy?
Page 64
l7 When you first started to tell your family, friends, and others about
the good things you were learning, you may have expected that everyone
would accept the sheer logic of Bible truth. Some may have done
so, whereas many did not. Indeed, members of your own household
may have treated you as an enemy. (Matt. 10:32-38) However. if you continue
to improve in your ability to reason from the Scriptures and if you
maintain Christian conduct, even those who oppose you might eventually
have a change of heart.-Acts 17:2: 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:1, 2, 7.
Does this really need a comment? Sheer logic?
Page 103
One valuable lesson we learn is that we need to trust God's organization.
Consider: The brothers in Antioch knew that the governing
body was made up entirely of Christians of Jewish background. Yet,
they trusted that body to settle the question of circumcision in harmony
with the Scriptures. Why? The congregation
was confident that Jehovah would
direct matters by means of his holy spirit
and the Head of the Christian congregation,
Jesus Christ. [Matt. 28:18, 20: Eph.
1:22, 23) When serious issues arise today,
let us imitate the fine example of the
believers in Antioch by trusting God's organization
and its Governing Body of
anointed Christians, who represent "the
faithful and discreet slave."-Matt. 24:45.
The Governing Body told millions of people that "they would never die" and millions more that they would not grow old in this system of things. Why should I trust them?
In some instances, we may have to wait for Jehovah to shed light
on a certain matter. Remember that the brothers in Paul's time had
to wait until about 49 C.E.-some 13 years from the time of Cornelius’ anointing in 36 C.E.-before Jehovah brought the issue of whether
Gentiles should becircumcised to a resolution Why so long? Per haps
God wanted to allow sufficient time for sincere Jews to adjust
to such a major change in viewpoint After all, the termination of the
1,900 year-old covenant of circumcision made with their beloved forefather
Abraham was no minor matter1 J o h n 16:12.
"What a privilege it is to be instructed and molded by our patient
and kind heavenly Father! The results are always good and always to
our advantage. (Isa 48:17,18: 64:s) So let us never proudly push ahead
with our own ideas or react negatively to organizational changes or
to adjusted explanations of certain scriptures. (Eccl. 7:s) If you detect
even a hint of such a tendency in yourself why not meditate prayerfully
on the timely principles found in Acts chapter 15
Page 114
14 Principally, unity results from the clear and decisive direction that
Jesus Christ the Head of the congregation, provides through "the
faithful and discreet slave." represented by its Governing Body. (Matt
24:4547) Unity also results from the way the worldwide brotherhood
cooperates willingly with the direction of the Governing Body.
I thought the new understanding was that the "faithful and discreet slave" did not have any more insight than
even some experienced members of the great crowd, nor do they demand special attention. How can Jesus
provide direction through the faithful slave given this new understanding. What is the "faithful and discreet slave" are saying that is represented by the Governing Body?
Page 119
Today, Christ uses the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
to direct his congregation. Through letters, printed literature, meetings,
and other communication tools, these faithful anointed men impart
guidance and encouragement to all the congregations around the
world. The Governing Body also seeks to maintain close contact with
each congregation. They thus use the traveling-overseer arrangement.
Please, I never want to hear the WT every again say, they are not inspired and do not prophesy in Jehovah's name.
HOW EXACTLY does Jesus use the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses?
Page 123
l8 Similarly, Jehovah's Witnesses today enjoy the blessings that come
from submissively obeying the direction received from 'those who are
taking the lead" among them. (Heb. 13:17) Because the scene of the
world is always changing. it is vital that Christians keep pace with
the spiritual food provided by *the faithful and discreet slave." (Matt
24:45; 1 Cor. 729-31) Doing so can prevent spiritual calamity.
True, modern day Christian overseers, including members of the
Governing Body, are imperfect. as were Paul, Barnabas, Mark, and other
anointed elders in the first century. (Rom. 512; Jas. 3:2) But because
the Governing Body strictly follows God's Word and sticks to the pattern
set by the apostles, they prove themselves trustworthy. (2 Tim. 1:
13.14) As a result, the congregations are being strengthened and made
firm in the faith.
Circular reasoning at its finest. In fact keeping up with the pace of the Governing Body and its ever changing teachings have proved to be a calamity for many people.
Page 161
Paul may have spoken in that school
auditorium daily from about 11:00 am.
until about 4:00 p.m. (Acts 19:9. ftn.)
Those were likely the quietest but hottest
hours of the day when many stopped
their work to eat and rest. Imagine if Paul
followed that rigorous schedule for two
full years, he would have spent well over
3,000 hours teaching. Here. then. is another
reason why the word of Jehovah
kept growing and prevailing. Paul was indus trious and adaptable. He adjusted his
schedule so that his ministry met the
needs of the people in that community.
The result? "All those inhabiting the district
of Asia heard the word of the Lord,
both Jews and Greeks." (Ads 19: 10) What
a thorough witness he gave!
I hope Paul reported his 3,000 hours of service. Only the Watchtower organization, run as a business, would think in terms of hours.
Page 164
Is it not thrilling to contemplate how 'the word of Jehovah kept
growing and prevailing" in the first century'? It is equally thrilling
to see how Jehovah has been behind similar victories in our time.
Would you like to have the privilege of playing a part, however small,
in such victories? Then learn from the examples we have considered.
Stay humble, keep up with Jehovah's progressive organization, keep
working hard, repudiate spiritism and do your utmost to give a good
witness through your honest and respectful conduct.
Staying humble means excepting anything the Governing Body say, even if it appears to contradict reason.
Page 210
The portion of Paul's voyage that we have considered so far resounds
with accuracy and truth. One professor said: Luke's account
. . . stands out as one of the most vivid pieces of descriptive writing in
the whole Bible. Its details regarding first century seamanship are so
precise and its portrayal of conditions on the eastern Mediterranean so
accurate" that it must have been based on a written journal. Luke may
well have made such notes as he traveled with the apostle. If so, the
next leg of the trip gave him plenty to write about as well. What would
happen to Paul when they finally arrived in Rome? Let us see.
Where is the source and citation?