(E-Watchman) Robert Kings answer: From 2004
My question is this: Who was the F&DS during the intervening years, say 100 CE to
1879 CE, as Jesus said he would be with them until the end of time. Who 'fed' Russell?
From what I understand, the F&DS feed the 'domestics'. So who was the F&DS
during these years and who were the domestics? There is no account of Russell being
contacted by any F&DS.
We notice in the teachings of Christ this peculiarity: He always referred to his second
coming or presence as if it were going to take place immediately following his first
appearance. For instance, as a prelude to his discussion of the faithful slave, Jesus said to
his apostles: "You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely the
Son of man is coming."
Obviously, Jesus knew full well that he was not "coming" during the apostles' lifetime; but
yet he speaks in the present tense to the slaves who would be alive in the run-up to his
coming. What's the point? The point is that as far as the prophecies are concerned, there are
only two relevant periods of Christianity: the apostolic period following Christ's first
coming, and the period immediately preceding his second coming, are the only two
significant stages presented in the Scriptures.
Keep in mind, too, that the reason Jesus couched his discussion of the faithful slave in the
form of a question, as in "who really is the faithful and discreet slave?" is because it would
only become conclusive who that slave is when the master finally arrives.
(oy vey!)