Paul exhorted the brothers there to “speak in agreement” and to be
“completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” "Now I urge you, brothers, through the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement
and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought. For some from the house of Chloʹe have informed me regarding you, my brothers, that there are dissensions among you" - 1 Corinthians 1:10,11. How was that possible?
The Christian congregation was established on the day of Pentecost
33 C.E. What can we learn about the congregation in the first century?
It was organized and governed theocratically, that is, under God.The inspired account of what took place in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years
ago leaves no doubt that the congregation of anointed Christians was
established by God. (Acts 2:1-47) It was his building, his household. (1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:19)
The pattern of organization and operation that was set during the first
century is followed by the Jehovah's Witnesses Christian congregation today.
What arrangements were made to ensure that each newly established
congregation was organized and governed God’s way—theocratically?
Through the operation of God’s spirit, provision was made for
undershepherds to care for the flock. In congregations that Paul and
Barnabas visited during their first missionary journey, they made
appointments of elders. (Acts 14:23)
The Bible writer Luke relates information about Paul’s meeting with the
elders of the congregation in Ephesus. Paul said to them: “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 20:17, 28) They qualified to be elders because they met the Scriptural requirements. (1 Timothy 3:1-7) Paul’s fellow worker Titus was authorized to make appointments of elders in the congregations of Crete. - Titus 1:5
The result? As Jehovah's Witnesses work together in unity, they enjoy results similar to those
experienced by Christians in the first century: “Indeed, the
congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in
number day by day.” - Acts 16:5
The governing body existed in the 1st century Christian congregation. They also exist today. They are fellow workers of Christ and God.