The 144,000 number being literal predates Rutherford. It was taught by Russell in the Studies in the Scriptures. Where he got it I don’t know, but I’m sure he wasn’t the source either.
144000 who’s idea first
by Tim207 12 Replies latest watchtower bible
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JoenB75
I remember some funny references to 144,001 where Christ himself was 1 added to the 144,000
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Fadeaway1962
Ellen G White a early Adventist had written about the 144000 in the mid to late 1800s