Hello everyone,
although the topic it might sound quite familiar, not many are aware of the many changes , and some amazing one indeed, that the WTBS Inc. , has made about this kind ofteaching/doctrine/idea/viewpoint. To give a more precise view, I'll start in a chronologiacl order:
***1879.... The elders were elected by the local congregations by vote.
(see Z.WT, November 15th page 344 R5350; and the book :
' Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom ' page 205-208.)
(The Z. WT 's text is graciously provided by :
http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbnon/zwt0246.htm)
====================
[page 337]
VOL. XXXIV NOVEMBER 15 No. 22 A. D. 1913--A. M. 6042
----------
CONTENTS
Because We Love the Brethren......................339
Principles of Church Government...............340
The Ecclesia Superior to its Servants.........340
What Course Should We Take?.......................341
A Clearer View of Prophecy....................342
The Image of the Beast........................342
Important Step Toward Federation..............343
Electing Elders and Deacons.......................344
The Sin of Covetousness...........................345
Covetousness in the Consecrated...............345
The Logos Made Flesh..............................346
"The Light of the World"......................347
Christ in the Heart (Poem)........................347
"Choose Ye This Day"..............................348
"Testified in Due Time........................348
Marriage is Honorable.............................349
Some Interesting Letters..........................349
Evil Spirits and the Editor's Comment.........349
"The Tower" Grows Deeper and Sweeter..........350
Berean Questions in Scripture Studies.............351
[page 338]
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N. Y., U. S. A.
Foreign Agencies:- British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
R5350 : page 344]
ELECTING ELDERS AND DEACONS
IT WAS a slip of the pen on the part of the Editor when he recently intimated that the only ones who would properly be entitled to a vote at Church meetings would be those believers in the Atonement who had made full consecration and who had symbolized that consecration. The error was in including the symbolization. Many of us were truly Christians, truly accepted of the Lord, truly members of "the Church of the Firstborns whose names are written in Heaven" (Hebrews 12:23), before we saw the real force and significance of water immersion. We have always held (See Vol. 6, STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES) that all such are entitled to vote at Church elections--yea, that it is their duty to vote--to express the Lord's will in respect to the servants of the Church, according to their judgment.
But what we meant to emphasize is that any brother who had not as yet accepted the Bible teachings respecting the proper symbolization of his consecration would not be far enough advanced to be properly appointed to be either a Deacon or an Elder in the Church. It was altogether by an inadvertence that we included with this the thought that such should not vote.
Difficulty has been experienced by some classes in respect to nominations. When a call for nomination is made, a brother is nominated as an Elder or as a Deacon, without proper consideration of his qualifications. His nomination is seconded; and the whole class, loving the brother, feels disinclined to vote against him lest they should be misunderstood.
There should always be a reason for the choice of anybody to any service in the Church. An elder should be an able teacher, of a broad mind, able to give assistful advice to those who need it, of deep insight into the Word of God, of good influence in the Church, and a wise counselor. No one, probably, could have all of these good qualifications in equal measure. Some might possess more of one, and some more of another qualification; but all should possess some of them or there would be no excuse for his election. Likewise a Deacon should have time at his disposal and some aptitude as a prospective Elder, and also an inclination to serve the Church.
What seems to us a very good plan of nominating Elders, Deacons, etc., is by ballot, particularly if there has been any difficulty or if to a majority such a nomination might seem desirable. To put this plan into operation pieces of paper and pencils would be required. Each one entitled to a vote should write, "I nominate the following to be Elders of the __________ Class for the ensuing __________ months." Then should follow as many names as there are Elders at the time the election was taken. If the Class desire to either increase or decrease the number it can be done after the nomination at election time.
After the ballots have been collected the results should be tabulated and announced publicly to the Ecclesia. The Class should then decide how many Elders it would properly need. If it decided that the number should be three, then the six brethren receiving the largest number of nominating ballots should be voted for. The three receiving the largest number of votes with outstretched hands should be considered the choice of the Class. Or another way would be to accept all the nominated ones who received ballots equal to one-third of the entire number of voters and to elect all such by, as nearly as possible, a unanimous vote, this arrangement being intended to give minorities a representation amongst the Elders.
The thought always to be borne in mind is that, so far as possible, the judgment of all the Class should have recognition. While a majority might rule, it is always preferable that they yield something to the minority, so that the eldership of a Class might reflect the sentiment of the entire membership. No matter how this result be reached, we are doing wisely; and no matter how any other result be reached it would be unwise, as endangering the peace and harmony of the Class. Brotherly love always represents sympathy, kindness, love and a desire to yield something wherever no vital principle is involved.
°°°°°
From the book: the book :
' Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom ' page 205-208
*** jv 205-8 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
However, Brother Russell emphasized that they were not attempting to set up an ?earthly organization.? Rather, he said, ?we adhere only to that heavenly organization??whose names are written in heaven.? (Heb. 12:23; Luke 10:20.)? Because of Christendom?s sordid history, reference to ?church organization? usually reminded a person of sectarianism, clergy domination, and membership on the basis of adhering to a creed formulated by a religious council. So, when referring to themselves, Brother Russell felt that the term ?association? was a better one.
He was well aware that Christ?s apostles had formed congregations and appointed elders in each. But he believed that Christ was again present, though invisibly so, and was himself personally directing the final harvest of those who would be heirs with him. In view of the circumstances, Brother Russell initially felt that during the time of harvest the arrangement for elders that had existed in the first-century Christian congregations was not needed.
Nevertheless, as the Bible Students grew in number, Brother Russell realized that the Lord was maneuvering matters in a manner different from what he himself had anticipated. An adjustment in viewpoint was needed. But on what basis?
Meeting the Early Needs of the Growing Association
The Watch Tower of November 15, 1895, was devoted almost entirely to the subject ?Decently and in Order.? Candidly, Brother Russell there acknowledged: ?The apostles had much to say to the early Church concerning order in the assemblies of the saints; and apparently we have been rather negligent of this wise counsel, feeling it to be of rather minor importance, because the Church is so near the end of her course and the harvest is a time of separating.? What moved them to take a fresh look at that counsel?
That article listed four circumstances: (1) It was evident that the spiritual development of individuals varied one from another. There were temptations, trials, difficulties, and dangers that not all were equally prepared to meet. Thus, there was a need for wise and discreet overseers, men of experience and ability, deeply interested in looking out for the spiritual welfare of all and capable of instructing them in the truth. (2) It had been seen that the flock needed to be defended against ?wolves in sheep?s clothing.? (Matt. 7:15, KJ) They needed to be fortified by being helped to gain a thorough knowledge of the truth. (3) Experience had shown that if there was no arrangement for appointment of elders to safeguard the flock, some would take that position and come to view the flock as their own. (4) Without an orderly arrangement, individuals loyal to the truth might find their services unwanted because of the influence of a few who disagreed with them.
In the light of this, the Watch Tower stated: ?We have no hesitation in commending to the Churches in every place, whether their numbers be large or small, the Apostolic counsel, that, in every company, elders be chosen from among their number to ?feed? and ?take the oversight? of the flock.? (Acts 14:21-23; 20:17, 28) The local congregations followed through on this sound Scriptural counsel. This was an important step in establishing a congregation structure in harmony with what existed in the days of the apostles.
In accord with the way they understood matters then, however, the selection of elders, and of deacons to assist them, was made by congregation vote. Each year, or more often if necessary, the qualifications of those who might serve were considered, and a vote was taken. It was basically a democratic procedure, but one that was hedged about with limitations designed to act as a safeguard. All in the congregation were urged to review carefully the Biblical qualifications and to express by vote, not their own opinion, but what they believed to be the will of the Lord. Since only those ?fully consecrated? were eligible to vote, their collective vote, when guided by the Word and spirit of the Lord, was viewed as expressing the Lord?s will in the matter. Although Brother Russell may not have been completely aware of it, his recommendation of this arrangement was perhaps influenced to some extent not only by his determination to avoid any semblance of an exalted clergy class but also by his own background as a teenager in the Congregational Church.
When the Millennial Dawn volume entitled The New Creation (published in 1904) again discussed in detail the role of elders and the manner in which they were to be selected, special attention was directed to Acts 14:23.
Concordances compiled by James Strong and Robert Young were cited as authorities for the view that the statement ?they had ordained them elders? (KJ) should be translated ?they had elected them elders by a show of hands.?
Some Bible translations even say that the elders were ?appointed by vote.? (Young?s Literal Translation of the Holy Bible; Rotherham?s Emphasised Bible) But who was to do that voting?
Adopting the view that the voting was to be done by the congregation as a whole did not always yield the results that were hoped for. Those voting were to be persons who were ?fully consecrated,? and some who were elected truly met the Scriptural qualifications and humbly served their brothers. But the voting often reflected personal preference rather than the Word and spirit of God. Thus, in Halle, Germany, when certain ones who thought they should be elders did not get the positions they wanted, they caused severe dissension. In Barmen, Germany, among those who were candidates in 1927 were men who opposed the work of the Society, and there was considerable shouting during the showing of hands at election time. So it was necessary to switch over to a secret ballot.
***1919.... The elders were...under the direction of Jesus Christ
and the congregations had to follow a procedure
made by brother J. Rutherford:
*** w51 12/15 749 Release Under Way to the Ends of the Earth ***
4 There must be a visible organization to receive all on earth who want to worship Jehovah God in freedom, before the battle of Armageddon.
So from and after 1919 he used his great Servant to restore the remnant of spiritual Israel and he reorganized them to act as his witnesses in the momentous postwar period. He cleansed them from the unsightly religious soils that they had gotten while under Babylon?s power and influence.
Thus he made it a clean organization worthy of receiving those who forsook Babylon in obedience to his command: ?Away! away! go out thence; touch nothing unclean! Go out of the midst of her; keep yourselves pure, you who bear the vessels of the LORD [Jehovah]!? And since Jehovah God had taken his great power and was now reigning by his Servant-King Christ Jesus, he led his reorganized people to see that the only organization for them now to have and serve by was the theocratic organization, not democratic organization. Because of their repentance and return to him with faithful hearts, Jehovah made the remnant of spiritual Israelites part of his servant class, under his Chief Servant Christ Jesus. In that way they could serve as the ?faithful and discreet slave? whom Jesus had foretold and whom he said he would appoint over all his earthly, visible belongings, the interests of the Kingdom. ?Isa. 52:11, AT; Matt. 24:45-47, NW.
From the book:
' Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom ' page 212
*** jv 212 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
A highly significant step toward correcting this situation was taken in 1919 when the magazine The Golden Age began publication. This was to become a powerful instrument for publicizing the Kingdom of God as the only lasting solution to the problems of mankind. Each congregation that desired to share in this activity was invited to ask the Society to register it as a ?service organization.? Then a director, or service director as he came to be known, not subject to yearly election, was appointed by the Society.* As the local representative of the Society, he was to organize the work, assign territory, and encourage participation by the congregation in the field service. Thus, alongside the democratically elected elders and deacons, another type of organizational arrangement began to function, one that recognized appointive authority outside the local congregation and that gave greater emphasis to the preaching of the good news of God?s Kingdom.#
Footnotes:
The literal meaning of the word used in the Greek Bible text (khei·ro·to·ne'o) is ?to extend, stretch out, or lift up the hand,? and, by extension, it could also mean ?to elect or choose to an office by lifting up of hands.??A Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament, by John Parkhurst, 1845, p. 673.
For details, see Chapter 25, ?Preaching Publicly and From House to House.?
Through the service director, the field service of those associated with the congregation, or class, was to be reported to the Society each week, starting in 1919.
As outlined in the folder Organization Method, each congregation was to elect an assistant director and a stockkeeper. These, along with the Society-appointed director, made up the local service committee.
The Watch Tower, July 1, 1920, pp. 195-200.
The service committee at that time included not more than ten members. One of these was the service director , who was not elected locally but was appointed by the Society. The others worked with him to arrange and carry on the witness work.
For a number of years, from 1932 onward, these were referred to as Jonadabs.
When the Greek verb khei·ro·to·ne'o is defined as meaning only ?to elect by stretching out the hand,? this fails to take note of the later meaning of the word. Thus, A Greek-English Lexicon, by Liddell and Scott, edited by Jones and McKenzie and reprinted in 1968, defines the word as meaning ?stretch out the hand, for the purpose of giving one?s vote in the assembly . . . II. c. acc. pers. [with accusative of person], elect, prop[erly] by show of hands . . . b. later, generally, appoint, . . . appoint to an office in the Church, [pre·sby·te'rous] Act. Ap. [Acts of the Apostles] 14.23.? That later usage was current in the days of the apostles; the term was used in that sense by the first-century Jewish historian Josephus in Jewish Antiquities, Book 6, chapter 4, paragraph 2, and chapter 13, paragraph 9. The grammatical structure itself of Acts 14:23 in the original Greek shows that Paul and Barnabas were the ones who did what was there described.
***1932.... The elders' position was completely abolished.
*** jv 213-4 15 Development of the Organization Structure *** .
Measures were taken in 1932 to correct this situation. The point of principal concern was not whether some prominent elders might be offended or whether some of those associated with the congregations might withdraw. Rather, the desire of the brothers was to please Jehovah and to do his will. To that end, the August 15 and September 1 issues of The Watchtower that year featured the subject ?Jehovah?s Organization.?
Those articles showed pointedly that all who really were part of Jehovah?s organization would be doing the work that his Word said must be done during this period of time. The articles advocated the view that Christian eldership was not an office to which one could be elected but was a condition attainable by spiritual growth. Special emphasis was given to Jesus? prayer that his followers might ?all be one??in union with God and Christ, and thus at unity with one another in doing God?s will. (John 17:21) And with what result? The second article answered that ?every one of the remnant must be a witness to the name and kingdom of Jehovah God.? Oversight was not to be entrusted to any who failed or refused to do what they reasonably could to share in public witnessing.
At the conclusion of the study of these articles, congregations were invited to pass a resolution indicating their agreement. Thus the annual congregational election of men to be elders and deacons was eliminated. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, as elsewhere, some of the former ?elective elders? left; other individuals who shared their view went with them. This resulted in a thinning out of the ranks but a toning up of the entire organization. Those who remained were people who were willing to shoulder the Christian responsibility of witnessing. Instead of voting for elders, the congregations? still using democratic methods?selected a service committee* made up of spiritually mature men who actively shared in public witnessing. The members of the congregation also voted for a chairman to preside at their meetings as well as for a secretary and treasurer. All of these were men who were active witnesses of Jehovah.
Footnote:
* The service committee at that time included not more than ten members. One of these was the service director, who was not elected locally but was appointed by the Society. The others worked with him to arrange and carry on the witness work.
°°°° ***1938.... The elders are elected/appointed by the 'faithful and
discreet ' class.
*** w65 7/15 428-9 Jehovah's Advancing Organization ***
.
20 It was in 1938 that The Watchtower published an article on organization that showed how God?s organization should be theocratic. It should be governed by God through the ?faithful and discreet slave,? the united remnant of his anointed kingdom heirs. (Matt. 24:45-47) Up until then the congregations of his people were organized democratically, with the congregations electing those in authority over them. The ?elective elders? resulting from this arrangement were a cause of discontent and disunity because of the self-importance and high-mindedness of many such. They ignored what Jesus said: ?Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.? (Matt. 23:12) With the restoration in 1938 of the theocratic arrangement that existed in the Christian organization of the first century, the elective officers of congregations were brought down from their exalted positions. With the discontinuance of the election system in the congregations, the organization began to have greater peace, harmony, unity and productivity.
21 The discontinuance of the ?elective elder? system was a major change in the operation of God?s organization in the twentieth century. It proved to be a severe test to those in the organization. Some persons permitted it to become a great issue over which they became heated up. Refusing to progress with the organization, they turned away from it. But the majority adjusted themselves to the change and moved forward to greater enlightenment and greater privileges of service. The ones who left the organization not only ceased to progress but lost much of the enlightenment they had gained while they were in it.
22 Through the ?faithful and discreet slave? class Jehovah now appoints the overseers and ministerial servants in his earthly organization. Operating in a theocratic manner, it enjoys unity and is productive in Jehovah?s service to an extent that far exceeds what it accomplished during the days of the elective elders. God does not inspire anyone to select the servants in the congregation as he did Samuel in the selection of Saul as king of Israel.
By reason of his placing his holy spirit upon the responsible Christians who form the ?faithful and discreet slave? class, it can be said that their appointments of servants come from him.
Thus, as in the first-century organization, the governing body of God?s earthly organization, which represents the ?faithful and discreet slave? class, makes all appointments of servants. This was an important change in the progressive advancement of God?s organization. Those persons who advanced with the organization when this theocratic arrangement was instituted in 1938 have, since then, seen how it has been very beneficial. It has been a major factor in the phenomenal expansion of the organization. But the change for many was not easy.
Notice,please the use of the expression : ' the governing body ' when mentioning events of the year 1938...when such ' entity ' was not yet invented
by the WTBS Inc.
°°°° ***1955.... After having 'invented ' the notion of ' a governing
body' , in the year 1944, the WTBS Inc., could write that elders were appointed by the ' governing body'!
*** w55 6/1 333 Part 11: Restoration of Theocratic Organization ***
Modern History of Jehovah?s Witnesses
THE final change-over to a theocratic organization of Jehovah?s witnesses occurred in 1938. In that year The Watchtower, in its issues of June 1, June 15 and July 1, presented an exhaustive study of the organizational operations of the early Christian congregation in the days of the apostles.
There it was clearly demonstrated how the power to appoint congregation servants rested in the hands of a governing body composed of the twelve apostles and other mature associates such as Timothy and Titus. Similarly today the power of appointment of all servants in congregations rightfully rests with the governing body of the ?faithful and discreet slave? class, which is under the direct supervision of Christ Jesus at the temple. (Matt. 24:45-47) These powers do not rest democratically with the congregations. In consequence of this Biblical study of organization the following was the resolution suggested to and adopted by all congregations who desired to be welded together under the Society?s theocratic leadership:
Now , the WTBS Inc. ...makes a blunder, by quoting the 1938' resolution:
*** w55 6/1 333 Part 11: Restoration of Theocratic Organization ***
Modern History of Jehovah?s Witnesses
?We, the company of God?s people taken out for his name, and now at ___________, recognize that God?s government is a pure theocracy and that Christ Jesus is at the temple and in full charge and control of the visible organization of Jehovah, as well as the invisible, and that ?THE SOCIETY? is the visible representative of the Lord on earth, and we therefore request ?The Society? to organize this company for service and to appoint the various servants thereof, so that all of us may work together in peace, righteousness, harmony and complete unity. We attach hereto a list of names of persons in this company that to us appear more fully mature and who therefore appear to be best suited to fill the respective positions designated for service.?
Finally, for the service year of 1939?just twenty years after the germ of theocratic supervision had been planted in the office of ?service director? of a congregation?Jehovah?s witnesses enjoyed their first full year of complete theocratic supervision as to their individual congregations
Infact, by quoting , their own 1938 ' resolution, the WTBS , clearly shows that the core of the claim published in the -
w65 7/15 428-9 Jehovah's Advancing Organization -
"Thus, as in the first-century organization, the governing body of God?s earthly organization, which represents the ?faithful and discreet slave? class, makes all appointments of servants ."
it not the same as in the 1938' resolution, which states:
"...and that ?THE SOCIETY? is the visible representative of the Lord
on earth, and we therefore request ?The Society? to organize this
company for service and to appoint t he various servants thereof, ..."
Strange, why the quotes resolution does not mention ' the governing body'?
All this is due to the simple and truthful fact, yet ignored by hundred of thousands of JW's ,that in the year 1938 the WTBS Inc. had not invented yet the notion ofa ' governing body ' but it was always ...the SOCIETY !!!
***1959.... elders are appointed by ' holy spirit '
*** w59 6/1 339 Paying Attention to the Flock of God ***
?PAY attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God.? Never was this counsel more fitting than now, in this ?the Lord?s day.??Acts 20:28; Rev. 1:10.
Overseers have a great responsibility by reason of their being appointed by the holy spirit. In what way did it appoint them? In that by inspiration it has laid down the requirements for overseers. Also, in that it matures Christians to be qualified to serve as overseers, and, further, in that those making appointments are guided by it.?1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.
***1965.... elders are appointed by the ' anointed remnant '
* ** w65 7/15 428 Jehovah's Advancing Organization ***
20 It was in 1938 that The Watchtower published an article on organization that showed how God?s organization should be theocratic.
It should be governed by God through the ?faithful and discreet slave,? the united remnant of his anointed kingdom heirs. (Matt. 24:45-47)
Up until then the congregations of his people were organized democratically, with the congregations electing those in authority over them. The ?elective elders? resulting from this arrangement were a cause of discontent and disunity because of the self-importance and high-mindedness of many such. They ignored what Jesus said: ?Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.? (Matt. 23:12) With the restoration in 1938 of the theocratic arrangement that existed in the Christian organization of the first century, the elective officers of congregations were brought down from their exalted positions. With the discontinuance of the election system in the congregations, the organization began to have greater peace, harmony, unity and productivity.
*** w65 7/15 429 Jehovah's Advancing Organization ***
22 Through the ?faithful and discreet slave? class Jehovah now appoints the overseers and ministerial servants in his earthly organization.
***1967.... elders are appointed by the 'governing body '
*** w67 9/15 563 Recognizing the Part Played by Jehovah's Organization ***
12 You noticed early in your association that the congregation had appointed servants who ministered to the needs of the congregation. Before they were appointed by the governing body, they had to measure up to Bible standards for overseers and ministerial assistants. (1 Tim. 3:1-10, 12, 13) They were not bosses; neither did they expect nor want the adulation of those whom they served. None were paid for their willing service in behalf of their brothers. How different from the leaders in the many sects of Christendom!
***1974.... elders are appointed by 'holy spirit '
*** w74 7/1 413 Humbly Conform to Jehovah's Way for Salvation ***
27 If we object to something done by the body of elders or criticize the way some matter is handled, we are being disloyal to Jehovah?s organization. Let us remember that the elders are not newly converted men; they have been serving Jehovah for years. (1 Tim. 3:6) And what is it that prompts faultfinding or complaining?
Is it not often a desire to elevate ourselves in the eyes of others? In other words, pride is the root of the problem. This course of action actually may involve resisting the holy spirit, because the holy spirit is responsible for the appointments of older men in the congregation. (Acts 20:28)
Why, then, should we criticize one of the brothers for handling the Kingdom interests in a way that the holy spirit seems to direct him ? And if the brother is wrong in the way he handled something, we should have faith that the holy spirit will correct him.
***1976.... elders are appointed by Jehovah God
*** w76 2/15 118 Jehovah's Friend or the World's Friend-Which? ***
18 Also, to encourage and help His friends to resist catering to selfish desires, Jehovah has taken additional steps by appointing elders. It would be wise to respond to their counsel. Paul advises: ?Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account.? (Heb. 13:17; Gal. 6:1)
Occasionally, we may not like what they tell us. It may be contrary to what we want to hear. But, to be a friend of God, we should listen to them and humbly apply their counsel. The psalmist says: ?The way of the foolish one is right in his own eyes, but the one listening to counsel is wise.??Prov. 12:15.
***1985.... elders are appointed by holy spirit with the 'Governing Body'
*** w85 8/1 31 Questions From Readers ***
How does the holy spirit work along with the modern-day Governing Body in the appointment of elders?
The apostle Paul told Christian elders from Ephesus: ?Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.??Acts 20:28.
Paul did not explain in detail how God?s spirit functioned in such appointments. However, we can gain insight from what occurred when the first-century governing body considered a question concerning circumcision. In summarizing their conclusion, they wrote: ?For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things.? (Acts 15:28) How did God?s spirit, his impersonal active force, contribute to the binding decision reached at that time?
Acts chapter 15 shows that first Paul and Barnabas outlined the question. Then a discussion took place. The apostle Peter related what had led up to baptism of the uncircumcised Gentile Cornelius and his household. Peter explained that ?God bore witness by giving them the holy spirit, just as he did to us also.? (Acts 15:7, 8; 10:9-48) Next Paul and Barnabas ?related the many signs and portents that God did through them among the nations.? (Acts 15:12) Thus, by its operation on Peter, Cornelius, Paul, and Barnabas, the holy spirit indicated that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised.
Yet there were additional operations of the spirit involved in that decision reached by the governing body. We can assume that they had asked for the help of the spirit on their deliberations. Such help may have moved the disciple James to recall the prophecy at Amos 9:11, 12, and to see its application. That prophecy had, of course, been written under the inspiration of the holy spirit. (Acts 15:13-20) Furthermore, ?the apostles and older men in Jerusalem? who made up the governing body were Christians who were anointed with holy spirit and who manifested its operation in their lives, such as by producing its fruits.?Acts 15:2; Romans 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 7:40; Galatians 5:22, 23.
So without there being some audible directive from heaven on the circumcision question, those of the governing body could accurately say that ?the holy spirit? had led to their decision.
It is similar with the appointment of Christian men to be elders, or overseers, in the congregations today. Periodically a group of elders (likely including a traveling overseer of the Society) meet to consider recommending brothers for appointment as overseers. Those in the group have themselves been appointed as elders and they manifest in their lives that they have the spirit. Their discussion is opened with prayer for the spirit?s guidance. Then, during the meeting, they analyze whether each brother being considered measures up to the qualifications for elders set out in the Bible, which have been recorded under the direction of holy spirit. (1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9) They also consider whether the brother evidences in his manner of life that he is ?full of spirit and wisdom.? (Acts 6:3) If they agree that he is of that sort and meets the qualifications to a reasonable degree, their recommendation is forwarded to the spirit-designated Governing Body or its chosen representatives. Later the congregation may be informed that the brother has been appointed.
Understandably, the appointed elder is still imperfect and may have limitations. But the apostles were imperfect, both before Jesus chose them and later when they served on the governing body. (Luke 9:46, 54; 22:54-62; Galatians 2:11-14) They certainly did, though, have God?s spirit and were appointed under its guidance.
Comparably, brothers and sisters can be confident that ?the holy spirit has appointed the overseers, to shepherd the congregation.? (Acts 20:28) I
t is regarding such men that the counsel is given: ?Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.??Hebrews 13:7.
***1992.... elders are appointed by the ' holy spirit ' under the
supervision of the spirit-anointed faithful and discreet class.
*** w92 2/1 16 'In the Name of the Holy Spirit' ***
Appointed by Holy Spirit
11 Paul, when addressing the elders of Ephesus, introduced another activity of holy spirit when he said: ?Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.? (Acts 20:28)
Yes, congregation overseers, or elders, are appointed by holy spirit. In what way? In that appointed elders must meet the qualifications outlined in the inspired Bible. (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) They can develop those qualifications only with the help of holy spirit. Further, the body of elders that recommends a new elder prays for the guidance of holy spiri t to discern whether he meets the qualifications or not.
And the actual appointment is made under the supervision of the spirit-anointed faithful and discreet slave.
***1994.... elders are appointed by the ' holy spirit '
*** w94 1/15 17 Shepherds and Sheep in a Theocracy ***
Elders in a Theocracy
7 All appointed older men, whatever their position of authority, fulfill the qualifications outlined in the Bible for the office of overseer, or older man. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) Further, Paul?s words to the Ephesian elders apply to all elders: ?Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God.? (Acts 20:28) Yes, the elders are appointed by holy spirit, which comes from Jehovah God. (John 14:26) Their appointment is theocratic. Moreover, they shepherd the flock of God. The flock belongs to Jehovah, not to the elders. It is a theocracy.
***1996.... elders are appointed by the ' Governing Body '
** w96 1/15 15 Jehovah's Sheep Need Tender Care ***
4 Jesus gave the congregation ?gifts in men,? some as ?pastors,? or shepherds, who treat Jehovah?s flock in a tender way. (Ephesians 4:8, 11; King James Version) One of these men was Charles T. Russell, the Watch Tower Society?s first president. He was called Pastor Russell because of his loving and compassionate activities in shepherding the flock under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Today, Christian elders are appointed by the Governing Body of Jehovah?s Witnesses , and care is exercised not to use such terms as ?pastor,? ?elder,? or ?teacher? as titles. (Matthew 23:8-12) Yet, present-day elders do a pastoral, or shepherding, work for the benefit of the sheep of Jehovah?s pasturage.
***1997... elders are appointed by 'holy spirit '
*** w97 3/1 28 Are You Afraid to Trust Others? ***
Elders meet Scriptural requirements before being ?appointed by holy spirit.? Knowing this will strengthen your confidence in them. (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9) What you discuss with an elder will remain strictly confidential. Being trustworthy is one of his qualifications.?Compare Exodus 18:21; Nehemiah 7:2.
***2002... elders are appointed by Jesus Christ!
From : 'The Watchtower ' March 15th, 2002 page 14 paragraph 7:
"As in the first century , a small group of qualified men from among the
anointed overseers now serve as the Governing Body, representing the composite faithful and discreet slave. Our Leader uses this Governing Body to appoint qualified men- whether spirit-anointed or not - as elders in the local congregations. In this regard, the holy spirit , which Jehovah has given Jesus
authority to employ, plays a pivotal role. (Acts 2:32,33) First of all, these overseers must meet the requirements set out in God's Word, which was inspired by holy spirit. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 2 Peter 1:20-21) The recommandation and appointments are made after prayer and the guidance of the holy spirit. Additionally , the individuals appointed give evidence of producing the fruitage of that spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23) Paul's counsel , then, applies with equal forces to all elders , whether anointed or not :" Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock , among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers."(Acts 20:28) These appointed men receive direction from the Governing Body and willingly sheperd the congregation. In this way, Christ is with us and is actively leading the congregation.
I do realize that it is quite long, but I do believe can it can be used with some apologist...always eager to show...without evidences.
Anyhow, I'm giving here below a quick ...chronological overall view:
***1879.... The elders were elected by the local congregations by vote.
***1919.... The elders were...under the direction of Jesus Christ
and the congregations had to follow a procedure
made by brother J. Rutherford:
***1932.... The elders' position was completely abolished.
***1938.... The elders are elected/appointed by the 'faithful and
discreet ' class.
***1955.... After having 'invented ' the notion of ' a governing
body' , in the year 1944, the WTBS Inc., could write that elders were appointed by the ' governing body'!
***1959.... elders are appointed by ' holy spirit '
***1965.... elders are appointed by the ' anointed remnant '
***1967.... elders are appointed by the 'governing body '
***1974.... elders are appointed by 'holy spirit '
***1976.... elders are appointed by Jehovah God
***1985.... elders are appointed by holy spirit with the 'Governing Body'
***1992.... elders are appointed by the ' holy spirit ' under the
supervision of the spirit-anointed faithful and discreet class.
***1994.... elders are appointed by the ' holy spirit '
***1996.... elders are appointed by the ' Governing Body '
***1997... elders are appointed by 'holy spirit '
***2002... elders are appointed by Jesus Christ!
I do hope that you'll find the material useful . Any comments are welcome.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
" Nescit vox missa reverti" ( Horatius, ars poetica, 390)
****A word, once spoken, cannot be recalled back .
