Any Jehovah's Witness today can benefit from the Example of The Bereans.
There are some Similarities between the events in Acts 17 & todays governing body.
Both Paul & The governing body, claim to be chosen by Jehovah, and showed truth through the Holy Spirit & Jesus Christ.
Paul claims that he received a Revelation by Jesus Christ, the governing body asks us to follow their sirections as we would "the voice of god".
Paul - Galatians 1:12 - "for neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it was through a revelation by Jesus Christ."
governing body - Watchtower 2010 Jul 15 pp.22-23 - "When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of the faithful and discreet slave at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood...
Watchtower 1973 Jul 1 p.402 - Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah's organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God's holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book.
Watchtower 1957 Jun 15 p.370 It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the "slave" as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision.
- End of Quotes.
There is one Significant difference though.. Paul gives us a Reasonable Warning..
Galatians 1:8 - "However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond the good news we declared to you, let him be accursed."
The governing body has taken a different approach http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014367 :
"If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our understanding of the Scriptures."
Different Messages indeed, but that does not mean we have to Reject the message from the governing body.. We can accept the word with the greatest eagerness of mind.. As long as we also Carefully examine the scriptures daily to see whether these things are so.
Let's Examine Acts Chapter 17
Acts 17:2 - So according to Paul’s custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
Paul reasoned from the Scriptures.. He did not reason from "The Bible & Other Bible Based Publications"
Acts 17:10 - "Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas to Be·roe′a. On arriving, they went into the synagogue of the Jews."
Paul and Silas are now preaching to the Bereans.
Acts 17:11 - Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·ni′ca, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
- "these were noble-minded" means they were more disposed to inquire candidly into the truth of the doctrines advanced by Paul and Silas.
- "they accepted the word" meaning They listened attentively and respectfully to the gospel. They did not reject and spurn it as unworthy of examination.
- "carefully examining the Scriptures" That is, the Old Testament. The apostles always affirmed that the doctrines which they maintained respecting the Messiah were in accordance with the Jewish scriptures. The Bereans made diligent and earnest inquiry in respect to this, and were willing to ascertain the truth.
- "daily" Not only when they were in the Synagogue, but Constantly. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
- "whether these things were so" Whether the doctrines stated by Paul and Silas were in accordance with the Scriptures. The Old Testament they received as the standard of truth, and whatever could be shown to be in accordance with that, they received.
Through this Scripture, Jehovah is giving us very good counsel. He is telling us All Doctrines taught by any man or organization should be closely examined and compared with the scriptures. The teaching is worthless if it cannot hold up against the scriptures. (Not Just one Hand Picked Scripture ALL Scriptures) Every representative should expect and welcome his doctrines to be examined in this way, and to be rejected if they are not in accordance with the Word of God.
Paul did not become upset and throw these men out of the Synagogue if they had doubts.
Even Jehovah accepts challenges and questions. Job 1:9-12
The question we should ask ourselves is.. What might it mean if a Teacher of God's word does not welcome Questioning and Challenges? Is it possible that this Teacher has something to Hide?"
What if this Representative made demands such as these..
December 15,2013 WT - If ever someone attending our congregation meetings would try to entice us into discussions of personal speculations or critical conversations, we should definitely be on guard.
Kingdom Ministry 9/07 p. 3 Question Box - Does "the faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate? -Matt. 24:45, 47. No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects....
If we Examine the Scriptures, but the Scriptures have been Manipulated.. how can we ascertain the Truth of the Good News?
Next we will Consider an Important Scripture Proverbs 30:5,6-
5 Every saying of God is refined. He is a shield to those taking refuge in him. 6 Add nothing to his words, Or he will reprove you, And you will be proved a liar.