[brailleblaster] Re: Acts.xml under Linux
- From: "Vic Beckley" <vic.beckley3@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <brailleblaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:07 -0400
John,
I never tried the translate subcommand. What would that show. I think it is
actually coming up.
The file is attached.
Best regards from Ohio,
Vic
-----Original Message-----
From: brailleblaster-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:brailleblaster-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of John J. Boyer
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 10:06 AM
To: brailleblaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [brailleblaster] Re: Acts.xml under Linux
Vic,
I don't have the acts.xml file. Could you resend? Have you tried
processing it with the translate subcommand?
Thanks,
John
On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 08:28:58PM -0400, Vic Beckley wrote:
> I am still having problems working with the book contained in the acts.xml
> file. It takes a long, long time to load. I can't reliably arrow down the
> text in the document. Sometimes when I arrow down one line, it can take up
> to 30 seconds before the new line is there. I have tried both screen
readers
> that I have access to and the problems are the same with both, i.e. W-E
and
> NVDA. The BB functions seem to be working OK though. I can't tell if the
> Control-down arrow is working because of the poor cursor tracking and
> extreme sluggishness.
>
> I know Brandon said he was going to work on the sluggishness. That is why
I
> hadn't mentioned this again. Here is the point of this message: I took the
> time to load the exact same acts.xml file in BB under Linux and it works
> very well. It still takes quite a while to load, probably about
one-quarter
> of the time it takes in Windows. Except for the fact that Orca insists on
> reading the whole paragraph for every line of the paragraph, cursor
tracking
> is perfect. In essence, there is no sluggishness at all. I pressed
> Control-end to move to the end of the document and it was practically
> instantaneous. Moving between elements, lines, words and characters is not
> hardly sluggish at all. I was shocked!
>
> Before you ask, my computer has a 3.4GHz quad-core AMD Phenom II CPU with
> 8GB of 1333MHz DDR3 RAM and SATA III hard drive. My Linux VM is configured
> as a dual-core CPU with 1GB of RAM.
>
>
> Best regards from Ohio,
>
> Vic
>
>
>
--
John J. Boyer; President, Chief Software Developer
Abilitiessoft, Inc.
http://www.abilitiessoft.com
Madison, Wisconsin USA
Developing software for people with disabilities
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content="AUTO-UID-4887887087821474447" /><meta name="dt:version"
content="2.1.1.0" /><meta name="dc:Title" content="Acts" /><meta
name="dc:Creator" content="Raymond P. Spatz" /><meta name="dc:Date"
content="2012-05-01" /><meta name="dc:Publisher" content="Watchtower" /><meta
name="dc:Identifier" content="AUTO-UID-4887887087821474447" /><meta
name="dc:Language" content="en-US" /></head><book
showin="blp"><frontmatter><doctitle>Acts</doctitle><docauthor>Raymond P.
Spatz</docauthor></frontmatter><bodymatter
id="bodymatter_0001"><level1><pagenum page="normal"
id="page1">1</pagenum><doctitle xml:lang="en-US">yaâBEARING THOROUGH
WITNESSâ ABOUT GODâS KINGDOM
</doctitle><p>(copyright) 2009</p>
<p>Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</p>
<p>All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>Publishers Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. ,
BrooklynNew YorkU.S.A.</p>
<p>This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide
Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.</p>
<p>Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the
modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures--With
<em>References</em>.</p>
<p>The ink-print edition of this publication includes an Image Index giving
brief descriptions of many of the photographs and illustrations. In Braille,
these descriptions have been inserted following the corresponding picture
caption or at a location in the text closest to the image being described. For
a complete list of all descriptions, see the Image Index in Volume 5, Braille
pages 567-571.</p>
<p>For a complete list of People Profiles on page 224 of the ink-print
edition, please see Volume 5, Braille pages 572-573.</p>
<p>The map on page 22 of the ink-print edition has been omitted in Braille.</p>
<p>The maps on the inside covers of the print edition have not been reproduced
in Braille, but the map legend has been retained. It is located in Volume 5,
Braille page 552.</p>
<p>Picture Description, Covers: [front] Paul, Dorcas, Gallio, Luke, a temple
officer with the apostles, a Sadducee, Paul being escorted to Caesarea, and
[back] modern-day witnessing with a sound car and a phonograph.</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 1: Paul, in chains, and Luke aboard a cargo ship
on its way to Rome. </p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">CONTENTS
</doctitle><p>Volume 1</p>
<blockquote ><p>Chapter </p>
</blockquote ><p>Introduction 1. âGo ... and Make Disciplesâ </p>
<p>SECTION 1 âYou Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Teachingâ</p>
<p>2. âYou Will Be Witnesses of Meâ </p>
<p>3. âFilled With Holy Spiritâ </p>
<p>4. âMen Unlettered and Ordinaryâ </p>
<p>5. âWe Must Obey God as Rulerâ </p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page2">2</pagenum><p>People Profiles </p>
<p>Proselytes </p>
<p>Peter </p>
<p>John </p>
<p>Priests </p>
<p>Volume 2 SECTION 2 âGreat Persecution Arose Against the Congregationâ</p>
<p>6. StephenââFull of Graciousness and Powerâ </p>
<p>7. Declaring âthe Good News About Jesusâ </p>
<p>8. The Congregation âEntered Into a Period of Peaceâ </p>
<p>SECTION 3 âPeople of the Nations ... Received the Word of Godâ</p>
<p>9. âGod Is Not Partialâ </p>
<p>10. âThe Word of Jehovah Went On Growingâ </p>
<p>Volume 3 SECTION 4 âSent Out by the Holy Spiritâ</p>
<p>11. âFilled With Joy and Holy Spiritâ </p>
<p>SECTION 5 âThe Apostles and the Older Men Gathered Togetherâ</p>
<p>13. âThere Had Occurred No Little Dissensionâ </p>
<p>14. âWe Have Come to a Unanimous Accordâ </p>
<p>SECTION 6 âLet Us Return and Visit the Brothersâ</p>
<p>15. âStrengthening the Congregationsâ </p>
<p>16. âStep Over Into Macedoniaâ </p>
<p>Volume 4</p>
<p>17. âHe Reasoned With Them From the Scripturesâ </p>
<p>18. âSeek God, ... and Really Find Himâ </p>
<p>SECTION 7 âTeaching ... Publicly and From House to Houseâ</p>
<p>20. âGrowing and Prevailingâ Despite Opposition </p>
<p>21. âI Am Clean From the Blood of All Menâ </p>
<p>22. âLet the Will of Jehovah Take Placeâ </p>
<p>Volume 5 SECTION 8 âPreaching the of KingdomGod ... Without
Hindranceâ</p>
<p>23. âHear My Defenseâ </p>
<p>24. âBe of Good Courage!â </p>
<p>25. âI Appeal to Caesar!â </p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page3">3</pagenum><p>26. âNot a Soul of You
Will Be Lostâ </p>
<p>27. âBearing Thorough Witnessâ </p>
<p>Conclusion 28. âTo the Most Distant Part of the Earthâ </p>
<p>Image Index </p>
<p>People Profiles </p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">âBEARING THOROUGH WITNESSâ ABOUT GODâS KINGDOM
</doctitle><blockquote ><p> DearKingdom Proclaimer:</p>
</blockquote ><p>Imagine that you are one of the apostles standing on the Mount
of Olives. Jesus appears before you. Just as he is about to ascend to heaven,
he says: âYou will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and
you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and
to the most distant part of the earth.â (Acts 1:8) How would you react?</p>
<p>Perhaps you would feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. You may
wonder, âHow can weâa small band of disciplesâpossibly bear witness to
âthe most distant part of the earthâ?â You may recall the warning Jesus
gave on the night before his death: âA slave is not greater than his master.
If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed
my word, they will observe yours also. But they will do all these things
against you on account of my name, because they do not know him that sent
me.â (John 15:20,21) Reflecting on those words, you might ask yourself,
âHow can I bear thorough witness in the face of such opposition and
persecution?â</p>
<p>Today, we face similar questions. Our commission as Jehovahâs Witnesses
likewise requires that we bear thorough witness to âthe most distant part of
the earth,â to âpeople of all the nations.â (Matt. 28:19,20) How can this
work be accomplished, especially in view of the foretold opposition?</p>
<p>Acts of Apostles gives us a thrilling account of how the apostles and their
fellow Christians in the first century C.E. were able, with Jehovahâs help,
to fulfill their assignment. The publication that you are now reading is
designed to help you examine that record and feel the excitement of the
fast-moving events recorded therein. You will be amazed at the number of
parallels that exist between Godâs servants of the first century and his
people today. You will see that these parallels involve not only the work we do
but also the way we are organized to do that work. Reflecting on these
similarities will no doubt fortify your belief that Jehovah God is continuing
to direct the earthly part of his organization.</p>
<p>It is our hope and prayer that examining the book of Acts will strengthen
your confidence that Jehovah will help you and that the power of his holy
spirit will sustain you. May you thereby be encouraged to continue âbearing
thorough witnessâ about Godâs Kingdom and helping others get on the path to
salvation.âActs 28:23; 1Â Tim. 4:16.</p>
<p>Your brothers,</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page4">4</pagenum><p>Governing Body</p>
<p>of Jehovahâs <em>Witnesses</em></p>
<p>Picture Description, page 23: Brothers J. E. Barr and T. Jaracz of the
Governing Body at a world map.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 1 âGo ... and Make Disciplesâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Overview of Acts of Apostles and how it relates to
our day</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-6. Relate an experience showing that Jehovahâs
Witnesses preach under a wide variety of circumstances.</p>
<p>1 Rebecca, a young Witness of Jehovah in Ghana, regards her school as her
own preaching territory. She always has Bible-based literature in her
schoolbag. During break time, she looks for opportunities to give a witness to
fellow students. Rebecca has started Bible studies with several of her
classmates.</p>
<p>2Â On the island of Madagascar, just off the east coast of Africa, two
pioneers regularly walk some 15Â miles in the tropical heat to get to a remote
village. There they conduct a number of Bible studies with interested ones.</p>
<p>3 To reach people living along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers, Witnesses
in Paraguay together with volunteers from 15 other countries worked to build a
riverboat. The 45-ton boat can accommodate up to 12 people. From this floating
home, zealous Kingdom preachers have spread the good news into areas that were
otherwise inaccessible.</p>
<p>4Â In the Far North, Witnesses in Alaska take advantage of a unique
opportunity to preach during the summer tourist season. When warmer weather
brings cruise ships loaded with visitors of many different nationalities, local
Witnesses station themselves on the dock with an attractive display of Bible
literature in a wide variety of languages. In that same region, an airplane
proved invaluable in reaching isolated villages, thus allowing the good news to
be spread to Aleut, Athabascan, Tsimshian, and Klinket communities.</p>
<p>5Â Larry, in Texas, U.S.A., has a special territoryâthe nursing home in
which he resides. Although confined to a wheelchair as a result of an accident,
Larry keeps busy. He shares with others the Kingdom message, including his
Bible-based hope that under Kingdom rule he will one day walk again.âIsa.
35:5,6.</p>
<p>6Â To attend an assembly in upper Myanmar, a group of Witnesses made a
three-day journey by ferryboat from Mandalay. Eager to preach the good news,
they took along Bible literature, which they offered to fellow passengers. Each
time the ferry stopped at a town or a village, the energetic preachers got off
and quickly went through the Page 7 settlement, offering literature. In the
meantime, new passengers boarded the ferry, becoming âfresh territoryâ for
the returning Kingdom publishers.</p>
<p>Question 7. In what ways do worshippers of Jehovah bear witness about
Godâs Kingdom, and what is their goal?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page5">5</pagenum><p>7Â As these few examples
show, zealous worshippers of Jehovah around the world are âbearing thorough
witness concerning the of kingdomGod.â (Acts 28:23) They call from house to
house, approach people on the street, and speak to them over the phone. Whether
riding on a bus, walking in a park, or taking a break at their place of secular
work, they eagerly look for every opportunity to give a witness about Godâs
Kingdom. The specific methods may vary, but the goal is the sameâpreach the
good news wherever people can be found.âMatt. 10:11.</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. (a)Â Why is the expansion of the Kingdom-preaching work
nothing short of miraculous? (b)Â What intriguing question is raised, and what
do we need to do to find the answer?</p>
<p>8Â Are you, dear reader, among the throngs of Kingdom proclaimers who are
now active in more than 235 lands? If so, you play a part in the thrilling
expansion of the Kingdom-preaching work! What has been accomplished in the
worldwide field is nothing short of miraculous. In spite of formidable
obstacles and challengesâeven governmental bans and outright
persecutionâJehovahâs Witnesses are giving a thorough witness about Godâs
Kingdom to people of all nations.</p>
<p>9Â An intriguing question to consider is, Why has no obstacle, not even
satanic opposition, been able to stop the forward movement of the
Kingdom-preaching work? To answer that question, we need to look back to the
first century C.E. After all, we modern-day Witnesses of Jehovah are
continuing the work that started back then.</p>
<p>A Far-Reaching Commission</p>
<p>Question 10. To what did Jesus devote himself, and what did he know about
this work?</p>
<p>10Â The Founder of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ, devoted himself
to the preaching of the good news of Godâs Kingdom; it was his lifework. He
once explained: âI must declare the good news of the of kingdomGod, because
for this I was sent forth.â (Luke 4:43) Jesus knew that he was initiating a
work that he could not complete all by himself. Shortly before his death, he
foretold that the Kingdom message would be preached âin all the nations.â
(Mark 13:10) How, though, would this be done, and by whom?</p>
<p>Question 11. What weighty commission did Jesus give his disciples, and what
support would they have in carrying it out?</p>
<p>11Â Following his death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to his Page 8
disciples and gave them this weighty commission: âGo therefore and make
disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the
things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the
conclusion of the system of things.â (Matt. 28:19,20) The words âI am with
youâ indicated that the disciples would have his backing in the preaching and
disciple-making work. They would need such support, for Jesus had foretold that
they would be âobjects of hatred by all the nations.â (Matt. 24:9) The
disciples could count on </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page6">6</pagenum><p>something else for support. Just before ascending to
heaven, Jesus told them that they would be empowered by holy spirit to be his
witnesses âto the most distant part of the earth.ââActs 1:8.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 11: âGo ... and make disciples of people of all the
nations.ââMatthew 28:19</p>
<p>Picture Description: Jesus commissions the 11 faithful apostles and other
followers on a mountain in Galilee.</p>
<p>Question 12. What important questions arise, and why is it vital that we
know the answers?</p>
<p>12Â Now some important questions arise: Did Jesusâ apostles and the other
first-century disciples take their commission seriously? Did this relatively
small band of Christian men and women bear thorough witness about the of
KingdomGod even in the face of vicious persecution? Did they really have
heavenly backing and the support of Jehovahâs holy spirit in their
disciple-making work? These and related questions are answered in the Bible
book of Acts. It is vital that we know the answers. Why? Jesus promised that
the work he commissioned would continue âuntil the conclusion of the system
of things.â So this commission applies to all true Christians, including
those of us living in this time of the end. We therefore have a keen interest
in the historical record contained in the book of Acts.</p>
<p>Overview of the Book of Acts</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. (a)Â Who wrote the book of Acts, and how did the writer
obtain his information? (b)Â What does the book of Acts contain?</p>
<p>13Â Who wrote the book of Acts? The book itself never names its writer, but
the opening words make it clear that the writer of Acts was also the writer of
the Gospel of Luke. (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1,2) Thus, from early times, Luke, a
âbeloved physicianâ and a careful historian, has been held to be the writer
of Acts. (Col. 4:14) The book covers a period of about 28 years, from Jesusâ
ascension in 33Â C.E. to the apostle Paulâs imprisonment in Rome about 61Â
C.E. The fact that Luke changes from âtheyâ to âweâ in his narrative
suggests that he was present at many of the events that he describes. (Acts
16:8-10; 20:5; 27:1) A meticulous researcher, Luke no doubt obtained
information firsthand from Paul, Barnabas, Philip, and others mentioned in the
record.</p>
<p>14Â What does the book of Acts contain? Earlier, in his Gospel, Luke wrote
about the things that Jesus said and did. In the book of Acts, Page 9 however,
Luke reports what Jesusâ followers said and did. Acts, then, is about people
who accomplished an extraordinary work, although many of them were viewed by
outsiders as âunlettered and ordinary.â (Acts 4:13) In brief, the inspired
record tells us how the Christian congregation was founded and how it grew.
Acts shows how the first-century Christians preachedâtheir methods and their
attitude. (Acts 4:31; 5:42) It highlights the role of holy spirit in spreading
the good news. (Acts 8:29,39,40; 13:1-3; 16:6; 18:24,25) Acts picks up the
Bibleâs theme, which involves Godâs Kingdom under Christ, and shows the
triumphant </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page7">7</pagenum><p>spread of the
Kingdom message in the face of fierce opposition.âActs 8:12; 19:8;
28:30,31.</p>
<p>Question 15. In what ways will we benefit from examining the book of
Acts?</p>
<p>15Â Indeed, it is thrilling and faith-strengthening to examine the Bible
book of Acts! If we reflect on the bold and zealous example of Christâs early
followers, our hearts will be touched. We will be moved to imitate the faith of
our first-century counterparts. We will thus be better equipped to fulfill our
commission to âgo ... and make disciples.â The publication that you are now
reading is designed to help you make a careful study of the book of Acts.</p>
<p>A Bible Study Aid to Assist Us</p>
<p>Question 16. What is the threefold objective of this publication?</p>
<p>16Â What is the overall purpose of this publication? The threefold objective
of this book is (1)Â to strengthen our conviction that Jehovah by means of his
holy spirit is backing the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work, (2)Â to
stimulate our zeal for the ministry by examining the example of first-century
followers of Christ, and (3) to deepen our respect for Jehovahâs
organization and for those taking the lead in the preaching work and in
overseeing the congregations.</p>
<p>Question 17, 18. How is this publication organized, and what features will
prove helpful in personal Bible study?</p>
<p>17Â How is this publication organized? You will notice that it is divided
into eight sections, each covering a portion of the book of Acts. The aim of
the chapters that follow is, not to provide a verse-by-verse discussion of
Acts, but to draw lessons from the events recounted in that Bible book and help
us to see how we can make personal application of points learned. At the
beginning of each chapter, a focus line explains the thrust of that chapter and
a Scripture citation indicates the portion of Acts that will be discussed.</p>
<p>18Â There are other features of this publication that will prove helpful in
personal Bible study. Beautiful artwork portraying exciting events Page 10 in
the book of Acts will help you to visualize what was happening as you reflect
on the Bible account. Many chapters include boxes that supply helpful
supplementary material. Certain boxes provide a profile of a Bible character
whose faith is worthy of imitation. Some offer more details about places,
events, customs, or other characters mentioned in Acts. Wide margins allow you
to make notes as you study.</p>
<p>Question 19. What self-examination should we make from time to time?</p>
<p>19Â This publication can help you to make an honest self-examination. No
matter how long you have been serving as a Kingdom publisher, it is good to
pause from time to time and analyze your priorities in life and your view of
the Christian ministry. (2Â Cor. 13:5) Ask yourself: âAm I maintaining a
sense of urgency in my ministry? (1Â Cor. 7:29-31) Am I preaching the good news
with conviction and zeal? (1Â Thess. 1:5,6) Am I having as full a share as
possible in the preaching and disciple-making work?ââCol. 3:23.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page8">8</pagenum><p>Question 20, 21. Why is
our commission so urgent, and what should be our determination?</p>
<p>20Â Let us keep ever in mind that we have been commissioned to do an
important workâto preach and make disciples. With each day that passes, the
urgency of that commission becomes greater. The end of this system of things is
rapidly approaching. Never before have so many lives been at stake. We do not
know how many more rightly disposed ones may yet respond to our message. (Acts
13:48) But it is our responsibility to help such ones before it is too
late.â1Â Tim. 4:16.</p>
<p>21Â It is vital, then, that we imitate the example of zealous Kingdom
preachers of the first century. May your careful study of this publication move
you to preach with ever greater zeal and boldness. And may you be strengthened
in your determination to continue âbearing thorough witness concerning the
of kingdomGod.ââActs 28:23.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 10: Work your assigned territory with a sense of
urgency</p>
<p>Chart, page 12.</p>
<p>Page 12 Important Dates in the Spread of Christianity During the First
Century C.E.</p>
<p>33</p>
<p>Jesus resurrected</p>
<p>Jesus commissions his followers to make disciples</p>
<p>Outpouring of holy spirit at Pentecost</p>
<p>Christian congregation founded</p>
<p>c. 33-34</p>
<p>Stephen martyred</p>
<p>Ethiopian eunuch baptized</p>
<p>c. 34</p>
<p>Saul of Tarsus converted</p>
<p>c. 34-36</p>
<p>Saul preaches in Damascus</p>
<p>c. 36</p>
<p>Paul first visits Jerusalem as follower of Christ</p>
<p>Paul visits Peter in Jerusalem (Gal. 1:18)</p>
<p>36</p>
<p>Cornelius converted</p>
<p>First Gentiles become Christians</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page9">9</pagenum><p>c. 41</p>
<p>Matthewâs Gospel written</p>
<p>Paulâs vision of âthe third heavenâ (2Â Cor. 12:2)</p>
<p>c. 44</p>
<p>Agabus prophesies famine</p>
<p>James (son of Zebedee) martyred</p>
<p>Peter imprisoned, miraculously released</p>
<p>44</p>
<p>Herod Agrippa I dies</p>
<p>c. 46</p>
<p>Foretold famine strikes</p>
<p>Paul brings relief ministration to Jerusalem</p>
<p>c. 47-48</p>
<p>Paulâs first missionary tour</p>
<p>c. 49</p>
<p>Circumcision issue at Antioch</p>
<p>Conference in Jerusalem</p>
<p>Paul resists Peter (Gal. 2:11-14)</p>
<p>c. 49-52</p>
<p>Paulâs second missionary tour</p>
<p>Barnabas and Mark preach in Cyprus</p>
<p>c. 49-50</p>
<p>Claudius expels Jews from Rome</p>
<p>c. 50</p>
<p>Luke joins Paul at Troas</p>
<p>Paulâs vision of Macedonian man</p>
<p>Paul visits Philippi</p>
<p>Philippian congregation founded</p>
<p>Thessalonian congregation founded</p>
<p>Paul visits Athens</p>
<p>c. 50-52</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page10">10</pagenum><p>Paul visits Corinth</p>
<p>1Â Thessalonians written</p>
<p>Galatians written</p>
<p>c. 51</p>
<p>2Â Thessalonians written</p>
<p>c. 52-56</p>
<p>Paulâs third missionary tour</p>
<p>c. 52-55</p>
<p>Paul visits Ephesus</p>
<p>c. 55</p>
<p>1Â Corinthians written</p>
<p>Titus sent to Corinth</p>
<p>2Â Corinthians written</p>
<p>c. 56</p>
<p>Romans written</p>
<p>Paul resurrects Eutychus in Troas</p>
<p>Paul and Luke stay with Philip in Caesarea</p>
<p>Paul arrested in Jerusalem</p>
<p>c. 56-58</p>
<p>Paul in custody in Caesarea</p>
<p>Lukeâs Gospel written</p>
<p>c. 58</p>
<p>Festus succeeds Felix</p>
<p>58</p>
<p>Herod Agrippa II hears Paul</p>
<p>c. 59-61</p>
<p>Paulâs first imprisonment in Rome</p>
<p>c. 60-61</p>
<p>Colossians written</p>
<p>Ephesians written</p>
<p>Philemon written</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page11">11</pagenum><p>Philippians written</p>
<p>c. 60-65</p>
<p>Markâs Gospel written</p>
<p>c. 61</p>
<p>Acts written</p>
<p>Hebrews written</p>
<p>c. 61-64</p>
<p>1Â Timothy written</p>
<p>Titus left in Crete (Titus 1:5)</p>
<p>Titus written</p>
<p>b. 62</p>
<p>James written</p>
<p>c. 62-64</p>
<p>1Â Peter written</p>
<p>c. 64</p>
<p>2Â Peter written</p>
<p>c. 65</p>
<p>Paulâs second imprisonment in Rome</p>
<p>2Â Timothy written</p>
<p>Titus leaves for Dalmatia (2Â Tim. 4:10)</p>
<p>Paul executed End of Box</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 13 SECTION 1 Acts 1:1â6:7
</doctitle><p>âYou Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Teachingâ (Acts 5:28)</p>
<p>From the moment the holy spirit was poured out upon them at Pentecost 33Â
C.E., Jesusâ disciples got busy in the work of bearing witness about Godâs
Kingdom. In this section, we will consider the exciting record of the birth of
the Christian congregation, the intensified witness given in Jerusalem, and the
apostlesâ bold stand in the face of mounting opposition.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 2 âYou Will Be Witnesses of Meâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>How Jesus prepared his apostles to spearhead the
preaching work</p>
<p>Based on Acts 1:1-26</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. How does Jesus part from his apostles, and what
questions arise?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page12">12</pagenum><p>1 Page 14 They do not
want it to end. To the apostles, the past weeks have been thrilling! The
resurrection of Jesus lifted them from the depths of despair to the heights of
joy. For 40 days now, Jesus has appeared repeatedly, further teaching and
encouraging his followers. This day, however, he is appearing for the last
time.</p>
<p>2Â Standing together on the Mount of Olives, the apostles hang on Jesusâ
every word. When he finishesâall too soon, it seemsâhe lifts his hands and
blesses them. Then, he begins to rise from the earth! His followers gaze after
him as he ascends into the sky. Finally, a cloud hides him from their view. He
is gone, but they keep staring into the heavens.âLuke 24:50; Acts 1:9,10.</p>
<p>3Â This scene marks a turning point in the life of Jesusâ apostles. Page
15 What will they do now that their Master, Jesus Christ, has ascended to
heaven? Rest assured, their Master has prepared them to take up the work he
began. How did he equip them for this important assignment, and how did they
respond? And how are Christians today affected? The first chapter of Acts
contains the encouraging answers.</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 14: Jesus ascends into the sky. The apostles gaze
after him.</p>
<p>âMany Positive Proofsâ (Acts 1:1-5)</p>
<p>Question 4. How does Luke open his account recorded in the book of Acts?</p>
<p>4Â Luke begins his account by addressing Theophilus, the same man to whom he
earlier wrote his Gospel. *</p>
<p>Footnote In his Gospel, Luke addresses this man as âmost excellent
Theophilus,â suggesting to some that Theophilus might have been a prominent
person who was not yet a believer. Here in Acts, however, Luke addresses him
simply with the words, âO Theophilus.â Some scholars suggest that
Theophilus became a believer after reading Lukeâs Gospel; hence, they say,
Luke leaves out the honorific address and writes to the man as a spiritual
brother. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Making it clear that this record is a continuation of the
first, Luke begins by summarizing the events recorded at the end of his Gospel,
using different wording and providing some fresh detail.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 5, 6. (a)Â What will help Jesusâ followers to keep
their faith strong? (b)Â How is the faith of Christians today based on âmany
positive proofsâ?</p>
<p>5Â What will keep the faith of Jesusâ followers strong? At Acts 1:3, we
read: âBy many positive proofs [Jesus] showed himself alive.â In the Bible,
only âthe beloved physicianâ Luke used the word rendered âpositive
proofs.â (Col. 4:14) It was a term used in technical medical writings, andÂ
it signifies evidence that is demonstrative, conclusive, reliable. Jesus
furnished such evidence. He appeared to his followers many times, sometimes to
one or two, sometimes to all the apostles, and on one occasion to more than 500
believers. (1Â Cor. 15:3-6) Positive proofs indeed!</p>
<p>6Â The faith of true Christians today is likewise based on âmany positive
proofs.â Is there evidence that Jesus lived on earth, died for our sins, and
was raised up? Absolutely! Reliable eyewitness accounts in Godâs inspired
Word provide all the convincing evidence we need. Studying these accounts
prayerfully can greatly strengthen our faith. </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page13">13</pagenum><p>Remember, solid evidence can make the difference
between genuine faith and mere credulity. Real faith is essential to gaining
everlasting life.âJohn 3:16.</p>
<p>Question 7. Jesus set what example for his followers in teaching and
preaching?</p>
<p>7Â Jesus was also âtelling the things about the of kingdomGod.â For
example, he explained prophecies that showed that the Messiah would have to
suffer and die. (Luke 24:13-32,46,47) When Jesus clarified his role as the
Messiah, he stressed the theme of Godâs Kingdom, for Page 16 he was
King-Designate. The Kingdom was always the theme of Jesusâ preaching, and his
followers today stick to the same theme as they preach.âMatt. 24:14; Luke
4:43.</p>
<p>âTo the Most Distant Part of the Earthâ (Acts 1:6-12)</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. (a)Â What two faulty ideas were Jesusâ apostles
entertaining? (b)Â How did Jesus adjust the apostlesâ thinking, providing
what lesson for Christians today?</p>
<p>8Â When the apostles gathered on the Mount of Olives, they had their last
meeting with Jesus on earth. Eagerly, they asked: âLord, are you restoring
the kingdom to Israel at this time?â (Acts 1:6) In this one question, the
apostles revealed two faulty ideas that they were entertaining. First, they
assumed that Godâs Kingdom would be restored to fleshly Israel. Second, they
expected the promised Kingdom to begin its rule right away, âat this time.â
How did Jesus help them to adjust their thinking?</p>
<p>9Â Jesus likely knew that the first notion would be corrected soon enough.
In fact, his followers were about to witness the birth of a new nation,
spiritual Israel, just ten days later! Godâs dealings with fleshly Israel
were almost at an end. As to the second idea, Jesus kindly reminded them: âIt
does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the
Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.â (Acts 1:7) Jehovah is the Great
Timekeeper. Before Jesus died, he himself said that even the Son did not then
know the âday and hourâ when the end would come but âonly the Father.â
(Matt. 24:36) To this day, if Christians become unduly concerned about the
timing of the end of this system of things, they are, in effect, worrying about
what does not belong to them.</p>
<p>Question 10. What attitude of the apostles should we cultivate, and why?</p>
<p>10Â Still, we should be careful not to look down on Jesusâ apostles, who
were men of great faith. They humbly accepted correction. What is more,
although their question sprang from faulty thinking, it also revealed a good
attitude. Jesus had repeatedly urged his followers: âKeep on the watch.â
(Matt. 24:42; 25:13; 26:41) They were spiritually alert, eagerly watching for
evidence that Jehovah was about to act. That is the attitude we need to
cultivate today. In fact, these climactic âlast daysâ make it ever more
urgent that we do so.â2Â Tim. 3:1-5.</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. (a)Â Jesus gave his followers what commission? (b)Â Why was
it fitting for Jesus to mention the holy spirit in connection with the
commission to preach?</p>
<p>11Â Jesus reminded the apostles of what should be their main concern. He
said: âYou will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you
will be witnesses of me </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page14">14</pagenum><p>both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and
to the most distant part of the earth.â (Acts 1:8) In Jerusalem, where people
had put Jesus to death, the news of his Page 17 resurrection would be
proclaimed first. From there, the message would radiate outward into all of
Judea, then to Samaria, then far beyond.</p>
<p>12Â Fittingly, Jesus mentioned the preaching commission only after renewing
his promise to send the holy spirit to help them. This is one of more than 40
times that the expression âholy spiritâ occurs in the book of Acts. Again
and again, this vivid Bible book makes it clear that we cannot accomplish
Jehovahâs will without the aid of holy spirit. How important it is, then,
that we pray for that spirit regularly! (Luke 11:13) We need it now more than
ever.</p>
<p>Question 13. How extensive is the preaching assignment given to Godâs
people today, and why should we embrace it eagerly?</p>
<p>13Â The meaning of what constitutes âthe most distant part of the earthâ
has changed since those days. As noted in the preceding chapter, however,
Jehovahâs Witnesses have wholeheartedly accepted this assignment to witness,
knowing that God wants all sorts of people to hear the good news of his
Kingdom. (1Â Tim. 2:3,4) Are you immersed in this lifesaving work? You will not
be able to find a more fulfilling, satisfying work anywhere! Jehovah will give
you the power you need to do it. The book of Acts will tell you much about the
right methods to use and the attitude to develop in order to be effective.</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. (a)Â What did the angels say about Christâs return, and
what did they mean? (See also footnote.) (b)Â How did Christâs return prove
to be âin the same mannerâ as his departure?</p>
<p>14Â As mentioned at the outset of this chapter, Jesus rose from the earth
and disappeared from view. Yet, the 11 apostles kept standing there, looking
into the sky. Finally, two angels appeared and offered this gentle rebuke:
âMen of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus who was
received up from you into the sky will come thus in the same manner as you have
beheld him going into the sky.â (Acts 1:11) Did the angels mean that Jesus
would return in the same body, as some religionists teach? No, they did not.
How do we know?</p>
<p>15Â The angels said that Jesus would return, not in the same form, but âin
the same manner.â *</p>
<p>Footnote Here the Bible uses the Greek wordtro-pos, denoting âmanner,â
and notmor-phe, meaning âform.â End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>In what manner did he depart? He was out of sight when the
angels spoke. Only those few men, the apostles, perceived that Jesus had left
the vicinity of the earth and was on his way to his Father in heaven. The
manner of Christâs return was to be similar. So it has been. Today, only
those with spiritual discernment realize that Jesus is present in kingly power.
(Luke 17:20) We need to discern the evidence of his presence and convey it to
others so that they too may see the urgency of our times.</p>
</blockquote ><p>âDesignate Which One ... You Have Chosenâ (Acts
1:13-26)</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page15">15</pagenum><p>Question 16-18. (a)Â
From Acts 1:13, 14, what do we learn about Christian gatherings for worship?
(b)Â What can we learn from the example set by Jesusâ mother, Mary? (c)Â Why
are Christian meetings vital today?</p>
<p>16Â Page 18 It is little wonder that the apostles âreturned to Jerusalem
with great joy.â (Luke 24:52) How, though, would they respond to Christâs
guidance and instruction? In verses 13 and 14 of Acts chapter 1, we find
them gathered in an âupper chamber,â and we learn some interesting details
about such gatherings. Houses in Palestine at that time often had an upstairs
chamber, accessible by an outside stairway. Might this âupper chamberâ have
been atop the house mentioned at Acts 12:12, which belonged to the mother of
Mark? At any rate, it was likely a simple, functional place for Christâs
followers to gather. But who gathered, and what did they do?</p>
<p>17Â Notice that the gathering was not limited to the apostles, nor just to
men. âSome womenâ were there, including Jesusâ mother, Mary. This is the
last direct mention of her in the Bible. It is fitting to think of her in that
setting, not seeking prominence, but humbly gathering to worship with her
spiritual brothers and sisters. It must have been a comfort to her that her
four other sons, who had not been believers during Jesusâ lifetime, were now
with her. (Matt. 13:55; John 7:5) Since their half brotherâs death and
resurrection, they were changed men.â1Â Cor. 15:7.</p>
<p>18Â Note, too, why these disciples gathered: âWith one accord all these
were persisting in prayer.â (Acts 1:14) Gathering together has always been
essential to Christian worship. We gather to encourage one another, to receive
instruction and counsel and, above all, to join in worship of our heavenly
Father, Jehovah. Our prayers and songs of praise at such times are very
pleasing to him and vital for us. May we never forsake these sacred and
upbuilding gatherings!âHeb. 10:24,25.</p>
<p>Question 19-21. (a)Â What do we learn from the active role that Peter played
in the congregation? (b)Â Why did Judas need to be replaced, and what can we
learn from the way the matter was handled?</p>
<p>19Â Those followers of Christ now faced an important organizational need,
and the apostle Peter took the lead in addressing it. (Verses 15-26) Is it not
comforting to note how far Peter had come in the weeks since he had three times
denied his Lord? (Mark 14:72) We are all prone to sin, and we need reminders
that Jehovah is âgood and ready to forgiveâ those who sincerely
repent.âPs. 86:5.</p>
<p>20Â Peter perceived that Judas, the apostle who had betrayed Jesus, should
be replaced. But by whom? Peter said that the new apostle should be one who had
followed Jesus throughout His Page 19 ministry and had witnessed His
resurrection. (Acts 1:21,22) That was in harmony with Jesusâ own promise:
â<em>You who have followed me</em> will also yourselves sit upon twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.â (Matt. 19:28) Jehovah
evidently purposed to have 12Â apostles who followed Jesus during his earthly
ministry form the future âtwelve foundation stonesâ of New Jerusalem. (Rev.
21:2,14) God thus allowed Peter to see that the prophecy, âhis office of
oversight let someone else take,â applied to Judas.âPs. 109:8.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page16">16</pagenum><p>21Â How was the
selection made? By casting lots, a common practice in Bible times. (Prov.
16:33) However, this is the last time that the Bible shows lots being used in
this way. Evidently, the later outpouring of holy spirit rendered that method
obsolete. Note, though, <em>why</em> lots were used. The apostles prayed:
âYou, O Jehovah, who know the hearts of all, designate which one of these two
men you have chosen.â (Acts 1:23,24) They wanted the choice to be
Jehovahâs. Matthias, likely one of the 70 disciples whom Jesus had sent out
to preach, was chosen. Thus, Matthias became one of âthe twelve.â *
âActs 6:2.</p>
<p>Footnote Paul was later appointed to be âan apostle to the nations,â
but he was never reckoned among the 12. (Rom. 11:13; 1 Cor. 15:4-8) He had
not followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, so he did not qualify for that
special privilege. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Question 22, 23. Why should we be submissive and obedient to those taking
the lead in the congregation today?</p>
<p>22Â This incident reminds us of the importance of organization among Godâs
people. To this day, responsible men are selected to serve as overseers in the
congregation. The elders carefully consider the Scriptural qualifications
required of such overseers, and they pray for the guidance of holy spirit. The
congregation thus views such men as appointed by holy spirit. For our part, we
remain submissive and obedient to their lead, promoting a cooperative spirit in
the congregation.âHeb. 13:17.</p>
<p>23Â Now that those disciples had been strengthened by Jesusâ resurrection
appearances and fortified by organizational refinements, they were fully
prepared for what lay ahead. The next chapter will discuss that momentous
event.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 19: We remain submissive and obedient to the lead of
appointed overseers</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 3 âFilled With Holy Spiritâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The effects of the outpouring of holy spirit at
Pentecost</p>
<p>Based on Acts 2:1-47</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1. Describe the atmosphere of the Festival of
Pentecost.</p>
<p>1 The Page 21 streets of Jerusalem are bustling with excitement. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âJerusalemâThe Center of Judaism,â on p23. End
of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Smoke ascends from the temple altar as the Levites sing the
Hallel (Psalms 113 to 118), likely in antiphonal, or call-and-response, style.
Visitors crowd the streets. They have come from such far-flung places as Elam,
Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Egypt, and Rome. *</p>
</blockquote ><p>Footnote See the boxes âRomeâCapital of an Empire,â on
p24; âJews in Mesopotamia and Egypt,â on p25; and âChristianity in
Pontus,â on p26. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>What is the occasion? Pentecost, also called âthe day of the
first ripe fruits.â (Num. 28:26) This annual festival marks the end of the
barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest. It is a joyous day.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 23.</p>
<p>Jerusalemâ The of CenterJudaism</p>
<p>Much of the action of the first chapters of Acts takes place in Jerusalem.
This city stands among the hills of Judeaâs central mountain range, about 34Â
miles east of the Mediterranean Sea. In 1070 B.C.E., King David conquered the
hilltop fortress of Mount Zion, located here, and the city that grew up around
it became the capital of the ancient nation of Israel.</p>
<p>Close by Mount Zion stands MountMoriah, where, according to ancient Jewish
tradition, Abraham attempted to sacrifice Isaac, some 1,900 years before the
events described in Acts. Mount Moriah became part of the city when Solomon
built the first of templeJehovah atop it. This edifice came to be the focal
point of Jewish public life and worship.</p>
<p>It was to Jehovahâs temple that all devout Jews regularly gathered from
all over the inhabited earth to sacrifice, worship, and observe seasonal
festivals. They did so in obedience to Godâs command: âThree times in the
year every male of yours should appear before Jehovah your God in the place
that he will choose.â (Deut. 16:16) Jerusalem was also the seat of the Great
Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court and national administrative council. End of
Box</p>
<p>Box, page 24.</p>
<p>RomeâCapital of an Empire</p>
<p>During the period of time covered by the book of Acts, Rome was the largest
and politically the most important city in the then-known world. It was the
capital of an empire that at its peak dominated lands stretching from Britain
to North Africa and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Persian Gulf.</p>
<p>Rome was a melting pot of cultures, races, languages, and superstitions. A
network of well-maintained roads brought travelers and merchandise from every
corner of the empire. At the nearby of portOstia, ships that plied busy trade
routes unloaded foodstuffs and luxury goods destined for the city.</p>
<p>By the first century C.E., well over a million people lived in Rome. Perhaps
half of the population were slavesâcondemned criminals, children sold or
abandoned by their parents, and prisoners captured during campaigns by the
Roman legions. Among those brought to Rome as slaves were Jews from Jerusalem,
following the conquest of that city by Roman General Pompey in 63Â B.C.E.</p>
<p>Most of the free population were paupers, who lived in crowded multistory
housing and depended on government subsidies. The emperors, however, adorned
their capital with some of the most magnificent public buildings ever seen.
Among them were theaters and great stadiums that offered such spectacles as
stage performances, gladiatorial contests, and chariot racingâall free for
the entertainment of the masses. End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 25.</p>
<p>Jews in Mesopotamia and Egypt</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page17">17</pagenum><p><em>The History of the
Jewish People </em><em> </em><em>in</em><em> </em><em>the</em><em> </em><em>Age
of Jesus Christ</em> (175 B.C.-A.D. 135) states: âIn <em>Mesopotamia</em>,
Media and <em>Babylonia</em> lived the descendants of members of the kingdom of
the ten tribes [of Israel], and of the of kingdomJudah, once deported there by
the Assyrians and the Babylonians.â According to Ezra 2:64, only 42,360
Israelite men, along with their wives and children, returned to Jerusalem from
their Babylonian exile. This took place in 537 B.C.E. Flavius Josephus remarks
that in the first century C.E., the Jews who âdwelt about Babyloniaâ
numbered into the tens of thousands. In the third to the fifth centuries C.E.,
these communities produced the work known as the Babylonian Talmud.</p>
<p>Documentary evidence exists of a Jewish presence in Egypt at least as early
as the sixth century B.C.E. During that period, Jeremiah directed a message to
Jews living in various localities of Egypt, including Memphis. (Jer. 44:1,
ftn.) It is likely that large numbers immigrated to Egypt during the
Hellenistic period. Josephus says that Jews were among the first settlers of
Alexandria. In time, an entire section of this city was allotted to them. In
the first century C.E., Jewish writer Philo asserted that a million of his
fellow countrymen lived throughout Egypt, from âthe side of Libya to the
boundaries of Ethiopia.â End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 26.</p>
<p>Christianity in Pontus</p>
<p>Among those who heard Peterâs speech at Pentecost 33Â C.E. were Jews from
Pontus, a district of northern Asia Minor. (Acts 2:9) Evidently, some of them
took the good news back to their homeland, for those to whom Peter addressed
his first letter included believers who were âscattered aboutâ in such
places as Pontus. *</p>
<p>Footnote The phrase rendered âscattered aboutâ comes from a Greek word
that means âof the Diaspora.â The term has Jewish overtones, indicating
that many of the first converts were from Jewish communities. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(1 Pet. 1:1) His writing reveals that these Christians had
been âgrieved by various trialsâ because of their faith. (1Â Pet. 1:6)
Likely, this included opposition and persecution.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Further tests faced by Christians in Pontus are alluded to in
correspondence between Pliny the Younger, governor of the Roman province of
Bithynia and Pontus, and Emperor Trajan. Writing from Pontus in about 112Â
C.E., Pliny reported that the âcontagionâ of Christianity threatened
everyone, regardless of gender, age, or rank. Pliny gave those accused of being
Christians opportunity to deny it, and those who would not, he executed. Any
who cursed Christ or recited a prayer to the gods or to Trajanâs statue were
released. Pliny acknowledged that these were things that âthose who are
really Christians cannot be made to do.â End of Box</p>
<p>Question 2. What amazing events occur at Pentecost 33Â C.E.?</p>
<p>2Â At about nine oâclock on this mild spring morning in 33Â C.E.,
something happens that will be marveled at for centuries to come. Suddenly,
there occurs from heaven âa noise just like that of a rushing stiff
breeze,â or âlike the roaring of a mighty windstorm.â (Acts 2:2;
<em>International Standard Version</em>) The loud sound fills the house where
about </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page18">18</pagenum><p>120 disciples of
Jesus are gathered. Next, something amazing takes place. Tongues as if of fire
become visible, and one sits upon each of the disciples. *</p>
<p>Footnote The âtonguesâ were, not of literal fire, but â<em>as if</em>
of fire,â evidently indicating that the observable manifestation upon each
disciple had the appearance and radiance of fire. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Then, the disciples become âfilled with holy spiritâ and
begin speaking in foreign languages! When the disciples leave the house, those
visitors they encounter on the streets of Jerusalem are astonished, for the
disciples are able to speak to them! Indeed, each one hears them âspeaking in
his own language.ââActs 2:1-6.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 3. (a)Â Why can Pentecost 33Â C.E. be called a
milestone in the history of true worship? (b)Â How did Peterâs speech tie in
with the use of âthe keys of the kingdomâ?</p>
<p>3Â This stirring account describes a milestone in true worshipâthe
founding of the nation of spiritual Israel, the anointed Christian
congregation. (Gal. 6:16) But there is more. When Peter addressed the Page 22
crowd that day, he used the first of three âkeys of the kingdom,â each of
which would open up special privileges to a different group of people. (Matt.
16:18,19) This first key made it possible for Jews and Jewish proselytes to
accept the good news and to be anointed with Godâs holy spirit. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âWho Were the Proselytes?â on p27. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>They would thus become part of spiritual Israel, and as such,
they would have the hope of ruling as kings and priests in the Messianic
Kingdom. (Rev. 5:9,10) In time, that privilege would be extended to Samaritans
and then to Gentiles. What can Christians today learn from the momentous events
of Pentecost 33Â C.E.?</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 27.</p>
<p>Who Were the Proselytes?</p>
<p>âBoth Jews and proselytesâ heard Peterâs preaching at Pentecost 33Â
C.E.âActs 2:10.</p>
<p>Among the qualified men appointed to care for the ânecessary businessâ
of the daily distribution of food was Nicolaus, who is identified as âa
proselyte of Antioch.â (Acts 6:3-5) Proselytes were Gentiles, that is,
non-Jews, who had converted to Judaism. They were considered Jews in all
respects, since they accepted the God and the Law of Israel, rejected all other
gods, underwent circumcision (if male), and joined themselves to the nation of
Israel.</p>
<p>After the Jews were released from exile in Babylon in 537Â B.C.E., many
settled far from the of landIsrael but continued to practice Judaism. By this
means, people throughout the ancient Near East and beyond became acquainted
with the Jewish religion. Ancient writers, such as Horace and Seneca, testify
that multitudes in different lands who were attracted to the Jews and their
beliefs joined their communities and became proselytes. End of Box</p>
<p>âAll Together at the Same Placeâ (Acts 2:1-4)</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page19">19</pagenum><p>Question 4. How is the
modern-day Christian congregation an extension of the congregation that was
formed in 33Â C.E.?</p>
<p>4Â The Christian congregation began with about 120Â disciples who were
âall together at the same placeââan upper roomâand who were anointed
with holy spirit. (Acts 2:1) By the end of that day, baptized members of that
congregation numbered into the thousands. And that was just the beginning of
the growth of an organization that continues to expand today! Yes, a community
of God-fearing men and womenâthe modern-day Christian congregationâis the
means by which the âgood news of the kingdomâ is being âpreached in all
the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nationsâ before the end of this
system of things.âMatt. 24:14.</p>
<p>Question 5. What blessing would come from associating with the Christian
congregation, both in the first century and today?</p>
<p>5Â The Christian congregation would also be a source of spiritual Page 23
strength to its members, both those of the anointed and, later on, those of the
âother sheep.â (John 10:16) Paul showed his appreciation for the mutual
support that members of the congregation provide when he wrote to the
Christians in Rome: âI am longing to see you, that I may impart some
spiritual gift to you in order for you to be made firm; or, rather, that there
may be an interchange of encouragement among you, by each one through the
otherâs faith, both yours and mine.ââRom. 1:11,12.</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. How is the Christian congregation today fulfilling Jesusâ
commission to preach to all nations?</p>
<p>6Â Today, the Christian congregation has the same objectives that it had in
the first century. Jesus gave his disciples a challenging yet thrilling work to
perform. He told them: âMake disciples of people of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,
teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.ââMatt.
28:19,20.</p>
<p>7Â The Christian congregation of Jehovahâs Witnesses is the agency through
which that work is accomplished today. Of course, it is a challenge to reach
people of different languages. Yet, Jehovahâs Witnesses have produced Bible
literature in more than 400 languages. If you are actively associated with the
Christian congregation and are sharing in the Kingdom-preaching and
disciple-making work, you have reason to rejoice. You are counted among the
comparatively few on earth today who have the privilege of bearing thorough
witness to Jehovahâs name!</p>
<p>Question 8. In what way are congregation members individually blessed?</p>
<p>8Â To help you endure with joy during these critical times, Jehovah God has
provided a worldwide association of brothers. Paul wrote to the Hebrew
Christians: âLet us consider one another to incite to love and fine works,
not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, Page 24 as some have the
custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the
day drawing near.â (Heb. 10:24,25) The Christian congregation is a provision
from Jehovah so that you can encourage others and also be </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page20">20</pagenum><p>encouraged yourself. Stay close to
your spiritual brothers and sisters. Never forsake gathering together at
Christian meetings!</p>
<p>âEach One Heard ... in His Own Languageâ (Acts 2:5-13)</p>
<p>Question 9, 10. How have some made themselves available to reach out to
those who speak a different language?</p>
<p>9Â Imagine the excitement that must have surged through the mixed company of
Jews and proselytes at Pentecost 33Â C.E. Most of those present likely spoke a
common language, perhaps Greek or Hebrew. But now âeach one heard [the
disciples] speaking in his own language.â (Acts 2:6) Surely those listeners
must have been touched to hear the good news in their mother tongue. Of course,
Christians today are not gifted with a miraculous ability to speak foreign
tongues. Many, however, have made themselves available to spread the Kingdom
message to people of all national groups. How? Some have learned a new language
so that they can serve with a nearby foreign-language congregation or even move
to a foreign land. Often, they have found that their listeners are quite
impressed by their efforts.</p>
<p>10Â Consider Christine, who took a Gujarati course along with seven other
Witnesses. When she encountered a Gujarati-speaking workmate, she greeted the
young woman in her native tongue. The woman was impressed and wanted to know
why Christine was making the effort to learn Gujarati. Christine was able to
give a fine witness. The young woman remarked to Christine: âNo other
religion would encourage its Page 25 members to learn such a difficult
language. You must really have something important to say.â</p>
<p>Question 11. How can the booklet <em>Good News for People of All
Nations</em> be put to good use?</p>
<p>11Â Of course, not all of us can learn another language. Nevertheless, we
can be prepared to preach the Kingdom message to people of other language
groups. How? One way is by using the publication <em>Good News for People of
All Nations</em><em>.</em> This booklet contains a brief message in many
different languages. Consider one experience in which this publication was put
to good use. A Witness family visited three national parks shortly after the
booklet was released. There they met people from India, the Netherlands,
Pakistan, and the Philippines. The husband noted: âThough all these people
spoke some English, they were impressed when we showed them the message in
their own language, since they were thousands of miles from home. The worldwide
nature of our work as well as our unity became clear to them.â</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 20: âWe hear them speaking in our tongues about the
magnificent things of God.ââActs 2:11</p>
<p>Picture Description: At Pentecost, the disciples begin speaking to visitors
in their own languages.</p>
<p>âPeter Stood Upâ (Acts 2:14-37)</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page21">21</pagenum><p>Question 12. (a)Â How
had the prophet Joel alluded to the miraculous event that took place at
Pentecost 33Â C.E.? (b)Â Why had a first-century fulfillment of Joelâs
prophecy been expected?</p>
<p>12Â âPeter stood upâ to speak to the multinational crowd. (Acts 2:14)
He explained to all who would listen that the miraculous ability to speak in
different languages had been granted by God in fulfillment of the prophecy
uttered by Joel: âI shall pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh.â (Joel
2:28) Prior to his ascension to heaven, Jesus told his disciples: âI will
request the Father and he will give you another helper,â which Jesus
identified as âthe spirit.ââJohn 14:16,17.</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. How did Peter strive to reach the hearts of his listeners,
and how can we imitate his approach?</p>
<p>13Â Peterâs concluding words to the crowd were firm: âLet all the house
of Page 26 Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you impaled.â (Acts 2:36) Of course, most of Peterâs
listeners were not personally present when Jesus was put to death on the
torture stake. Yet, as a nation they bore community responsibility for this
act. Note, though, that Peter addressed his fellow Jews respectfully and
appealed to their hearts. Peterâs goal was to move his listeners to
repentance, not to condemn them. Did the crowd listening take offense at
Peterâs words? By no means. Instead, the people were âstabbed to the
heart.â They asked: âWhat shall we do?â Peterâs positive approach
likely played a role in his reaching the hearts of many, so that they were
moved to repent.âActs 2:37.</p>
<p>14Â We can imitate Peterâs manner of appealing to hearts. When witnessing
to others, we need not take issue with every unscriptural view that the
householder may express. Rather, we would do well to build on points on which
we can agree. If we establish common ground with our listener, we can then
tactfully reason from Godâs Word. Often, when Bible truths are presented in
such a positive fashion, righthearted ones are more likely to respond
favorably.</p>
<p>âLet Each One of You Be Baptizedâ (Acts 2:38-47)</p>
<p>Question 15. (a)Â What statement did Peter make, and what was the response?
(b)Â Why could thousands who heard the good news at Pentecost qualify to be
baptized on the same day?</p>
<p>15Â On the thrilling day of Pentecost 33Â C.E., Peter said to responsive
Jews and proselytes: âRepent, and let each one of you be baptized.â (Acts
2:38) As a result, about 3,000 were baptized, likely in pools in or near
Jerusalem. *</p>
<p>Footnote By comparison, on August 7, 1993, at an international convention
of Jehovahâs Witnesses in , KievUkraine, 7,402 persons were baptized in six
pools. The entire baptism took two hours and fifteen minutes to complete. End
of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Was this an impulsive act? Does this account serve as a
precedent for Bible students and for children of Christian parents to rush
before they are ready? Not at all. Remember, those Jews and Jewish proselytes
who were baptized on the day of Pentecost 33Â C.E. were keen students of
Godâs Word, and they were part of a nation that had been </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page22">22</pagenum><p>dedicated to Jehovah. Moreover, they
were already demonstrating their zealâin some cases, by traveling great
distances to be present at this annual festival. After accepting the vital
truths concerning Jesus Christâs role in the outworking of Godâs purpose,
they were ready to continue serving Godâbut now as baptized followers of
<em>Christ</em>.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 16. How did first-century Christians show a
self-sacrificing spirit?</p>
<p>16Â Jehovahâs blessing was certainly on that group. The account relates:
âAll those who became believers were together in having all things in common,
and they went selling their possessions and properties and distributing the
proceeds to all, just as anyone would have the need.â *</p>
<p>Footnote This temporary arrangement filled the need that arose because
visitors remained in Jerusalem to take in further spiritual enlightenment. This
was a voluntary sharing and is not to be confused with some form of
communism.âActs 5:1-4. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 2:44,45) Surely all true Christians want to imitate that
loving, self-sacrificing spirit.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 17. What steps are necessary for a person to qualify
for baptism?</p>
<p>17Â Christian dedication and baptism involve several necessary Scriptural
steps. A person must take in knowledge of Godâs Word. (John 17:3) He needs to
exercise faith and must repent over his past course, demonstrating true sorrow
over it. (Acts 3:19) Then he must convert, or turn around, and start engaging
in right works that are in harmony with Godâs will. (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23,24)
These steps are followed by his making a dedication to God in prayer and then
getting baptized.âMatt. 16:24; 1Â Pet. 3:21.</p>
<p>Question 18. What privilege is open to baptized disciples of Christ?</p>
<p>18Â Are you a dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ? If so, be
grateful for the privilege that has been extended to you. Like the
first-century disciples who were filled with holy spirit, you can be used in a
powerful way to bear thorough witness and do the will of Jehovah!</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 4 âMen Unlettered and Ordinaryâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The apostles take bold action, and Jehovah blesses
them</p>
<p>Based on Acts 3:1--5:11</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. What miracle did Peter and John perform near
the temple gate?</p>
<p>1 The Page 28 afternoon sun slants onto the milling crowd. Devout Jews and
disciples of Christ are filing into the temple compound. Soon it will be âthe
hour of prayer.â *</p>
<p>Footnote Prayers were offered at the temple in conjunction with the morning
and evening sacrifices. The evening sacrifice was held at âthe ninth hour,â
or about three in the afternoon. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 2:46; 3:1) Among the throng, Peter and John edge toward
the temple gate called Beautiful, which has an impressive set of doors overlaid
in glowing Corinthian bronze. Above the clamor of conversation and the sound of
shuffling feet, a middle-aged beggar, crippled from birth, calls for
alms.âActs 3:2; 4:22.</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page23">23</pagenum><p>2Â As
Peter and John draw close, the beggar recites his well-worn plea for money. The
apostles stop, catching the hopeful manâs attention. âSilver and gold I do
not possess,â Peter states, âbut what I do have is what I give you: In the
name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!â Picture the astonishment of the
crowd as Peter takes the crippled man by the hand andâfor the first time in
his lifeâthe man stands upright! (Acts 3:6,7) Can you just see the man gazing
down at his healed limbs and taking his first tentative steps? No wonder he
begins leaping about and loudly praising God!</p>
<p>Question 3. What surpassing gift could the formerly crippled man and the
crowd receive?</p>
<p>3Â The ecstatic crowd runs to Peter and John at Solomonâs colonnade. Here,
at the very place where Jesus once stood and taught, Peter informs them of the
real significance of what just happened. (John 10:23) He offers to the crowd
and the formerly crippled man a gift worth more than silver or gold. This gift
involves much more than restored health. It is the opportunity to repent, to
have their sins blotted out, and to become followers of Jehovahâs appointed
âChief Agent of life,â Jesus Christ.âActs 3:15.</p>
<p>Question 4. (a)Â The miraculous healing set the stage for what
confrontation? (b)Â What two questions will we answer?</p>
<p>4Â What a remarkable day! One person was healed physically and could now
walk. Thousands more were given the opportunity to be Page 29 healed
spiritually so that they could walk worthily of God. (Col. 1:9,10) In addition,
the events of that day set the stage for a confrontation between loyal
followers of Christ and people in power who would try to prevent them from
fulfilling Jesusâ command to preach the Kingdom message. (Acts 1:8) What can
we learn from the methods used and the manner displayed by Peter and
Johnââmen unlettered and ordinaryââas they witnessed to the crowd?Â
*</p>
<p>Footnote See the boxes âPeterâFrom Fisherman to Dynamic Apostle,â on
p30, and âJohnâThe Disciple Whom Jesus Loved,â on p33. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 4:13) And how can we imitate the way they and the other
disciples dealt with opposition?</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 30.</p>
<p>PeterâFrom Fisherman to Dynamic Apostle</p>
<p>Page 30 Peter is identified by five names in the Scriptures. He is known as
Symeon in Hebrew and its Greek equivalent, Simon, and as Peter and its Semitic
equivalent, Cephas. The apostle is also identified as Simon Peter, a
combination of two names.âMatt. 10:2; John 1:42; Acts 15:14.</p>
<p>Peter was married and shared his home with his mother-in-law and brother.
(Mark 1:29-31) He was a fisherman from Bethsaida, a town on the north side of
the Sea of Galilee. (John 1:44) He later lived nearby in Capernaum. (Luke
4:31,38) It was in Peterâs boat that Jesus sat when addressing a multitude
that gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Immediately afterward, at
Jesusâ direction, Peter hauled in a miraculous catch of fish. Peter fell to
his knees in fear, but Jesus said to him: âStop being afraid. From now
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page24">24</pagenum><p>on you will be catching
men alive.â (Luke 5:1-11) Peter fished with his brother Andrew, as well as
with James and John. All four abandoned their fishing business when they
accepted Jesusâ invitation to become his followers. (Matt. 4:18-22; Mark
1:16-18) About a year later, Peter was among the 12 whom Jesus chose to be his
âapostles,â meaning âsent-forth ones.ââMark 3:13-16.</p>
<p>Jesus selected Peter, James, and John to accompany him on special occasions.
They witnessed Jesusâ transfiguration, saw him resurrect Jairusâ daughter,
and shared his grief in the of gardenGethsemane. (Matt. 17:1,2; 26:36-46; Mark
5:22-24,35-42; Luke 22:39-46) The same three, along with Andrew, questioned
Jesus regarding the sign of his presence.âMark 13:1-4.</p>
<p>Peter was forthright, dynamic, and sometimes impulsive. It seems that he
often spoke up before his fellows did. The Gospels record his words more often
than those of the other 11Â apostles put together. Peter raised questions while
the others remained silent. (Matt. 15:15; 18:21; 19:27-29; Luke 12:41; John
13:36-38) He was the one who objected to Jesusâ washing his feet and then, on
being reproved, asked Jesus to wash also his hands and head!âJohn 13:5-10.</p>
<p>Strong feelings moved Peter to try to persuade Jesus that He would not have
to suffer and be killed. Jesus firmly corrected him for that lapse in judgment.
(Matt. 16:21-23) During Jesusâ final night on earth, Peter declared that even
though all the other apostles might abandon Jesus, he never would. When
Jesusâ enemies arrested Him, courage moved Peter to defend Jesus with the
sword and later to follow him right into the courtyard of the high priest. Yet,
not long afterward, Peter denied his Master three times and then wept bitterly
when he realized what he had done.âMatt. 26:31-35, 51,52,69-75.</p>
<p>Shortly before Jesusâ first post-resurrection appearance to his apostles
in Galilee, Peter announced that he was going fishing, and other apostles
joined him. On recognizing Jesus on the beach, Peter impulsively plunged into
the water and swam ashore. At the breakfast of fish that Jesus cooked for his
apostles, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him more than âtheseââthat is,
the fish that were before them. Jesus was urging Peter to choose to follow him
full-time rather than pursue a career, such as the fishing business.âJohn
21:1-22.</p>
<p>In about 62-64Â C.E., Peter preached the good news in Babylon, in modern-day
Iraq, where there was a large Jewish population. (1Â Pet. 5:13) In Babylon,
Peter composed the first and possibly the second of the two inspired letters
bearing his name. Jesus entrusted Peter with âpowers necessary for an
apostleship to those who are circumcised.â (Gal. 2:8,9) With compassion and
vigor, Peter fulfilled his commission. End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 33.</p>
<p>JohnâThe Disciple Whom Jesus Loved</p>
<p>The Page 33 apostle John was a son of Zebedee and the brother of the apostle
James. It seems that his motherâs name was Salome, who was possibly the
sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. (Matt. 10:2; 27:55,56; Mark 15:40; Luke
5:9,10) So John may have been </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page25">25</pagenum><p>a relative of Jesus. Johnâs family appears to have
been materially prosperous. Zebedeeâs fishing business was large enough to
have hired men. (Mark 1:20) Salome accompanied Jesus, ministered to him when he
was in Galilee, and later brought spices to prepare Jesusâ body for burial.
(Mark 16:1; John 19:40) John probably had a house of his own.âJohn
19:26,27.</p>
<p>John was likely the disciple of John the Baptizer who was standing with
Andrew when John the Baptizer looked at Jesus and said: âSee, the Lamb of
God!â (John 1:35,36,40) Following this introduction, John the son of Zebedee
evidently accompanied Jesus to Cana and was an eyewitness to Jesusâ first
miracle. (John 2:1-11) The vividness and detail with which John describes
Jesusâ subsequent activity in Jerusalem, Samaria, and Galilee suggest that
the Gospel writer may also have witnessed these events. The readiness with
which Johnâlike James, Peter, and Andrewâabandoned his fishing nets, boat,
and livelihood when Jesus called him to be His follower testifies to his
faith.âMatt. 4:18-22.</p>
<p>John does not appear as prominently as Peter does in the Gospel accounts.
However, John too had a vigorous personality, as evidenced by the surname that
Jesus gave to him and his brother JamesâBoanerges, meaning âSons of
Thunder.â (Mark 3:17) Initially, John was ambitious for prominence, so much
so that he and his brother got their mother to ask Jesus to give her sons
privileged positions in his Kingdom. While this desire was selfish, it was also
evidence of their faith in the reality of the Kingdom. The brothersâ ambition
gave Jesus occasion to admonish all his apostles regarding the need for
humility.âMatt. 20:20-28.</p>
<p>John manifested his strong character when he tried to prevent a certain man
who was not one of Jesusâ followers from expelling demons in His name. On
another occasion, John was ready to call down fire from heaven to destroy the
inhabitants of a Samaritan village who were unresponsive when Jesus sent
messengers to make some preparations for him. For these reactions, Jesus
rebuked John. Evidently, as time went by, John developed the balance and mercy
that he once seemed to lack. (Luke 9:49-56) Despite his shortcomings, however,
John was âthe disciple whom Jesus used to love.â Thus, when He was about to
die, Jesus entrusted his own mother, Mary, to Johnâs care.âJohn 19:26,27;
21:7,20,24.</p>
<p>John outlived the other apostles, just as Jesus had prophesied that he
would. (John 21:20-22) John served Jehovah faithfully for some 70 years. Toward
the end of his life, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, John was
exiled to the of islandPatmos âfor speaking about God and bearing witness to
Jesus.â There, in about 96Â C.E., John received the visions that he recorded
in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 1:1,2,9) Tradition has it that after his
release, John went to Ephesus, where he penned the Gospel that bears his name
and the letters known as 1, 2, and 3 John, and that he died in Ephesus in
about 100Â C.E. End of Box</p>
<p>Not âby Personal Powerâ (Acts 3:11-26)</p>
<p>Question 5. What do we learn from the way Peter addressed the crowd?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page26">26</pagenum><p>5Â Peter and John
stood before the crowd, knowing that some there may have recently clamored for
Jesus to be impaled. (Mark 15:8-15; Acts 3:13-15) Think of the courage Peter
displayed as he boldly declared that the crippled man was healed in Jesusâ
name. Peter did not water down the truth. He forthrightly condemned the
crowdâs complicity in the death of Christ. But Peter harbored no animosity
toward these people, for they had âacted in ignorance.â (Acts 3:17) He
appealed to them as his brothers and focused on the positive aspects of the
Kingdom message. If they repented and put faith in Christ, âseasons of
refreshingâ would come to them from Jehovah. (Acts 3:19) We likewise need to
be bold and forthright when declaring Godâs coming judgment. At the same
time, we should never be brash, harsh, or judgmental. Instead, we view those to
whom we preach as our potential brothers, and like Peter, we focus especially
on the positive aspects of the Kingdom message.</p>
<p>Question 6. How did Peter and John display humility and modesty?</p>
<p>6Â The apostles were modest men. They did not take credit for the miraculous
deed they had performed. Peter said to the crowd: âWhy are you gazing at us
as though by personal power or godly devotion we have made him walk?â (Acts
3:12) Peter and the other apostles knew that any good they accomplished in
their ministry was due to Godâs power, not their own. As a result, they
modestly directed all praise for their achievements to Jehovah and Jesus.</p>
<p>Question 7, 8. (a)Â What gift can we offer to people? (b)Â How is the
promise of a ârestoration of all thingsâ being fulfilled today?</p>
<p>7Â We need to show similar modesty as we engage in the Kingdom-preaching
work. Granted, Godâs spirit does not empower modern-day Christians to perform
miraculous healings. Even so, we can help people to develop faith in God and
Christ and to receive the same gift Peter offeredâthe opportunity to have
their sins forgiven and to be refreshed Page 31 by Jehovah. Each year, hundreds
of thousands accept this offer and become baptized disciples of Christ.</p>
<p>8Â Indeed, we are living at the time of the ârestoration of all thingsâ
referred to by Peter. In fulfillment of the word âGod spoke through the mouth
of his holy prophets of old time,â the Kingdom was established in heaven in
the year 1914. (Acts 3:21; Ps. 110:1-3; Dan. 4:16,17) Shortly thereafter,
Christ began overseeing a spiritual restoration work on earth. As a result,
millions have been brought into a spiritual paradise, becoming subjects of
Godâs Kingdom. They have stripped off the old, corrupted personality and
âput on the new personality which was created according to Godâs will.â
(Eph. 4:22-24) As with the healing of the crippled beggar, this astounding work
has been accomplished, not by human efforts, but by Godâs spirit. Like Peter,
we must boldly and effectively use Godâs Word to teach others. Any success we
may have in helping people to become disciples of Christ is achieved by Godâs
power, not our own.</p>
<p>âWe Cannot Stop Speakingâ (Acts 4:1-22)</p>
<p>Question 9-11. (a)Â How did the Jewish leaders react to Peter and Johnâs
message? (b)Â What did the apostles resolve to do?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page27">27</pagenum><p>9Â Peterâs speech
and the leaping, shouting, formerly crippled man caused quite a commotion. In
response, the captain of the templeâappointed to oversee the security of the
temple areaâand the chief priests rushed to investigate. These men likely
were Sadducees, a rich and politically powerful sect that worked for peaceful
relations with the Romans, rejected the oral law so loved by the Pharisees, and
derided belief in the resurrection. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âThe High Priest and the Chief Priests,â on p34.
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>How irked they were to discover Peter and John in the temple,
boldly teaching that Jesus had been resurrected!</p>
</blockquote ><p>10Â The angry opposers threw Peter and John in jail and
dragged them before the Jewish high court the next day. From the viewpoint of
the elitist rulers, Peter and John were âmen unlettered and ordinaryâ who
had no right to teach in the temple. They had not studied at any recognized
religious school. Yet, their outspokenness and their conviction caused the
court to wonder at them. Why were Peter and John so effective? One reason was
that âthey used to be with Jesus.â (Acts 4:13) Their Master had taught with
real authority, not like the scribes.âMatt. 7:28,29.</p>
<p>11Â The court ordered the apostles to stop preaching. In that society, the
courtâs orders carried much weight. Just weeks earlier, this same body
declared Jesus âliable to death.â (Matt. 26:59-66) Still, Peter and John
were not intimidated. Standing in front of these rich, well-educated,
influential men, Peter and John fearlessly but respectfully declared: Page 32
âWhether it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to
God, judge for yourselves. But as for us, we cannot stop speaking about the
things we have seen and heard.ââActs 4:19,20.</p>
<p>Box, page 34.</p>
<p>The High Priest and the Chief Priests</p>
<p>The high priest represented his people before God. In the first century
C.E., he was also head of the Sanhedrin. Surrounding him as leaders of the Jews
were the chief priests. They included former high priests, such as Annas, and
other adult males of the familiesâperhaps as few as four or five
familiesâfrom which high priests were selected. âThe mere fact of belonging
to one of the privileged families,â wrote scholar Emil Schürer, âmust have
conferred a particular distinctionâ among priests.</p>
<p>The Scriptures indicate that high priests served for their lifetime. (Num.
35:25) During the period covered by the book of Acts, however, Roman governors
and kings who ruled by the grace of Rome appointed and deposed high priests at
will. It does seem, though, that these pagan rulers chose their appointees from
the line of priests descended from Aaron. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 12. What can help us to develop courage and conviction?</p>
<p>12Â Are you able to show similar courage? How do you feel when you have the
opportunity to witness to the rich, the well-educated, or the influential in
your community? What if family members, schoolmates, or workmates ridicule you
for your </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page28">28</pagenum><p>beliefs? Are you
intimidated? If so, you can overcome such feelings. While on earth, Jesus
taught the apostles how to defend their beliefs with confidence and respect.
(Matt. 10:11-18) After his resurrection, Jesus promised his disciples that he
would continue to be with them âall the days until the conclusion of the
system of things.â (Matt. 28:20) Under Jesusâ direction, the modern-day
slave class teaches us how to defend our beliefs. (Matt. 24:45-47; 1Â Pet.
3:15) This is done by instruction at congregation meetings, such as the
TheocraticMinistrySchool, and through Bible-based publications, such as
<em>Reasoning From the Scriptures</em><em>.</em> Are you making good use of
these provisions? If you do so, your courage and conviction will increase. And,
like the apostles, you will let nothing stop you from speaking about the
wonderful spiritual truths you have seen and heard.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 32: Let nothing stop you from speaking about the
wonderful spiritual truths you have learned</p>
<p>âThey ... Raised Their Voices to Godâ (Acts 4:23-31)</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. If we face opposition, what should we do, and why?</p>
<p>13Â Immediately after being released from custody, Peter and John met with
the rest of the congregation. Together, âthey ... raised their voices to
Godâ and prayed for courage to keep preaching. (Acts 4:24) Peter knew only
too well the folly of trusting in personal power when attempting to do Godâs
will. Just weeks earlier, he had self-confidently told Jesus: âAlthough all
the others are stumbled in connection with you, never will I be stumbled!â
Yet, as Jesus foretold, Peter quickly succumbed to fear of man and denied his
friend and teacher. However, Peter learned from his mistake.âMatt.
26:33,34,69-75.</p>
<p>14Â Page 34 Determination alone will not sustain you as you fulfill your
commission to be a witness of Christ. When opposers try to break your faith or
attempt to stop you from preaching, follow the example of Peter and John. Pray
to Jehovah for strength. Seek the support of the congregation. Tell the elders
and other mature ones of the difficulties you face. The prayers of others can
be a powerful sustaining force.âEph. 6:18; Jas. 5:16.</p>
<p>Question 15. Why can those who once stopped preaching for a time take
heart?</p>
<p>15Â If you once succumbed to pressure and stopped preaching for a time, take
heart. Remember, all the apostles stopped preaching for a while after Jesusâ
death but soon were active again. (Matt. 26:56; 28:10,16-20) Rather than
letting past mistakes weigh you down, can you draw on the experience and use
the lessons you learned to strengthen others?</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. What can we learn from the prayer offered by Christâs
followers in Jerusalem?</p>
<p>16Â What should we pray for when those in authority oppress us? Notice,
please, that the disciples did not ask that they be spared from facing trials.
They well remembered Jesusâ statement: âIf they have persecuted me, they
will persecute you also.â (John 15:20) Instead, these loyal disciples asked
Jehovah to âgive attention toâ the threats of the opposers. (Acts 4:29) The
disciples clearly saw the big picture, recognizing that the </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page29">29</pagenum><p>persecution they faced was actually a
fulfillment of prophecy. They knew that, as Jesus had taught them to pray,
Godâs will would âbe done on earth,â no matter what mere human rulers may
say.âMatt. 6:9,10.</p>
<p>17Â In order to do Godâs will, the disciples prayed to Jehovah: âGrant
your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness.â What was
Jehovahâs immediate response? âThe place in which they were gathered
together was shaken; and they were one and all filled with the holy spirit and
were speaking the word of God with boldness.â (Acts 4:29-31) Nothing can stop
Godâs will from being accomplished. (Isa. 55:11) No matter how great Page 35
the odds, no matter how powerful the opponent, if we raise our voice to God in
prayer, we can be sure that He will grant us the strength to keep on speaking
His word with boldness.</p>
<p>Accountable, âNot to Men, But to Godâ (Acts 4:32--5:11)</p>
<p>Question 18. What did members of the congregation in Jerusalem do for one
another?</p>
<p>18Â The fledgling congregation in Jerusalem soon grew to more than 5,000
members strong. *</p>
<p>Footnote There may have been only about 6,000 Pharisees and a smaller
number of Sadducees in Jerusalem in 33Â C.E. This may indicate another reason
why these two groups felt increasingly threatened by the teachings of Jesus.
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Despite their diverse backgrounds, the disciples had âone
heart and soul.â They were united in the same mind and same line of thought.
(Acts 4:32; 1Â Cor. 1:10) The disciples did more than just pray to Jehovah to
bless their efforts. They supported one another both spiritually and, when
necessary, materially. (1Â John 3:16-18) For example, the disciple Joseph,
surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, sold land he owned and unselfishly donated
the whole amount toward helping those from distant lands to stay in Jerusalem
longer so that they could learn more about their new faith.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 19. Why did Jehovah execute Ananias and Sapphira?</p>
<p>19Â A couple named Ananias and Sapphira also sold a possession and made a
contribution. They made a pretense of giving the whole amount; however, they
âsecretly held back some of the price.â (Acts 5:2) Jehovah struck this
couple dead, not because the amount they gave was insufficient, but because
their motive for giving was wicked and they were deceptive. They âplayed
false, not to men, but to God.â (Acts 5:4) Like the hypocrites whom Jesus
condemned, Ananias and Sapphira were more concerned with seeking glory from men
than the approval of God.âMatt. 6:1-3.</p>
<p>Question 20. What lessons do we learn about giving to Jehovah?</p>
<p>20Â With a generous spirit like that of faithful disciples in first-century
Jerusalem, millions of present-day Witnesses support the worldwide preaching
work by making voluntary donations. No one is forced to give either his time or
his money to support this work. Indeed, Jehovah does not want us to serve him
grudgingly or under compulsion. (2Â Cor. 9:7) When we do give, Jehovah is
interested, not in the amount, but in the motive </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page30">30</pagenum><p>for our giving. (Mark 12:41-44) Never would we want
to be like Ananias and Sapphira, allowing our service to God to be prompted by
self-interest or glory-seeking. Instead, like Peter, John, and Barnabas, may
our service to Jehovah always be motivated by genuine love of God and of our
fellow man.âMatt. 22:37-40.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 5 âWe Must Obey God as Rulerâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The apostles take a stand that sets a precedent for
all true Christians</p>
<p>Based on Acts 5:12--6:7</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â Why have the apostles been brought before
the Sanhedrin, and the issue boils down to what? (b)Â Why are we keenly
interested in the apostlesâ stand?</p>
<p>1 The Page 37 judges of the Sanhedrin are simmering with rage! The apostles
of Jesus are standing trial before this high court. The reason? Joseph
Caiaphas, the high priest and president of the Sanhedrin, sternly addresses
them: âWe positively ordered you not to keep teaching upon the basis of this
name.â The angry president cannot bring himself even to utter the name of
Jesus. âYet,â Caiaphas continues, âyou have filled Jerusalem with your
teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.â
(Acts 5:28) The message is clear: Stop preachingâor else!</p>
<p>2Â How will the apostles respond? Their commission to preach came from
Jesus, whose authority was divinely bestowed. (Matt. 28:18-20) Will the
apostles cave in to fear of man and be silenced? Or will they have the courage
to stand firm and continue preaching? The issue really boils down to this: Will
they obey God or man? Without hesitation, the apostle Peter speaks for all the
apostles. His words are unequivocal and bold.</p>
<p>3Â As true Christians, we are keenly interested in how the apostles
responded to the threats of the Sanhedrin. The commission to preach applies to
us as well. In carrying out this God-given assignment, we too may face
opposition. (Matt. 10:22) Opposers may try to restrict or ban our work. What
will we do? We can benefit by considering the stand taken by the apostles and
the circumstances that led up to their trial before the Sanhedrin. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âThe SanhedrinâHigh Court of the Jews,â on p39.
End of Footnote</p>
<p>Box, page 39.</p>
<p>The Sanhedrinâ High Court of the Jews</p>
<p>Although Judea was a province of the Roman Empire, Rome permitted the Jews
to observe their own traditions and for the most part to govern themselves.
Minor crimes and civil cases were handled by local courts, but questions that
those courts could not decide were referred to the Great Sanhedrin in
Jerusalem. This body functioned as the supreme court of the Jewish people and
as a national administrative council. It also had the final word on the
interpretation of Jewish law, and its authority was respected by Jews
everywhere.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page31">31</pagenum><p>The Sanhedrin met in
its decision chamber, which appears to have been located either in the temple
precincts or in its immediate vicinity. The council was made up of 71Â
membersâthe high priest, who was the president; other priestly nobles,
including Sadducees; lay aristocrats, and learned scribes. The decisions of the
court were </p>
<blockquote ><p>final. gggggggggggggggggggggggggg</p>
</blockquote ><p>âJehovahâs Angel Opened the Doorsâ (Acts 5:12-21a)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. Why did Caiaphas and the Sadducees become âfilled with
jealousyâ?</p>
<p>4Â Recall that when ordered to stop preaching the first time, Peter and John
answered: âWe cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and
heard.â (Acts 4:20) After that encounter with the Sanhedrin, Page 38 Peter
and John, along with the rest of the apostles, continued preaching in the
temple. The apostles performed great signs, such as healing the sick and
expelling demons. They did so âin Solomonâs colonnade,â a covered portico
on the east side of the temple, where many Jews would gather. Why, even
Peterâs shadow apparently effected cures! Many who were healed physically
responded to words of spiritual healing. As a result, âbelievers in the Lord
kept on being added, multitudes both of men and of women.ââActs 5:12-15.</p>
<p>5Â Caiaphas and the Sadducees, the religious sect to which he belonged,
became âfilled with jealousyâ and had the apostles thrown in jail. (Acts
5:17,18) Why were the Sadducees outraged? The apostles were teaching that Jesus
had been resurrected, yet the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection.
The apostles were saying that only by putting faith in Jesus can one be saved,
but the Sadducees feared reprisal from Rome if the people looked to Jesus as
their Leader. (John 11:48) No wonder the Sadducees were determined to silence
the apostles!</p>
<p>Question 6. Who today are the principal instigators of persecution against
Jehovahâs servants, and why should this not surprise us?</p>
<p>6Â Today, too, the principal instigators of persecution against Jehovahâs
servants are religious opposers. Such ones often try to use their influence
with governmental authorities and the media to silence our preaching. Should we
be surprised? No. Our message lays bare false religion. By accepting Bible
truths, honesthearted people are set free from unscriptural beliefs and
practices. (John 8:32) Is it any wonder, then, that our message often causes
religious leaders to become filled with jealous hatred?</p>
<p>Question 7, 8. What effect did the angelâs command no doubt have on the
apostles, and we do well to ask ourselves what question?</p>
<p>7Â Sitting in jail awaiting trial, the apostles may have wondered whether
they were about to suffer martyrdom at the hands of their enemies. (Matt. 24:9)
But during the night, something most unexpected happenedââJehovahâs angel
opened the doors of the prison.â *</p>
<p>Footnote This is the first of some 20 specific references to angels in the
book of Acts. Earlier, at Acts 1:10, angels are indirectly referred to as
âmen in white garments.â End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page32">32</pagenum><p>(Acts
5:19) The angel then gave them specific direction: Take âa stand in the
temple,â and âkeep on speaking.â (Acts 5:20) That command no doubt
assured the apostles that they had been doing the right thing. The angelâs
words may also have strengthened them to remain firm no matter what happened.
With strong faith and courage, the apostles âentered into the temple at
daybreak and began to teach.ââActs 5:21.</p>
</blockquote ><p>8Â Each of us does well to ask, âWould I have the faith and
courage needed to continue preaching under similar circumstances?â We may
draw strength from knowing that the vital work of âbearing thorough Page 39
witness concerning the kingdom of Godâ has angelic backing and
direction.âActs 28:23; Rev. 14:6,7.</p>
<p>âWe Must Obey God as Ruler Rather Than Menâ (Acts 5:21b-33)</p>
<p>Question 9-11. How did the apostles respond to the Sanhedrinâs demand that
they stop preaching, and how did this set a precedent for true Christians?</p>
<p>9Â Caiaphas and the other judges of the Sanhedrin were now ready to deal
with the apostles. Unaware of what had happened at the jail, the court
dispatched officers to fetch the prisoners. Imagine the officersâ surprise
when they discovered that the prisoners were missing, although the jail was
found âlocked with all security and the guards standing at the doors.â
(Acts 5:23) The captain of the temple soon learned that the apostles were back
in the temple, bearing witness about Jesus Christâthe very work for which
they had been thrown in jail! The captain and his officers quickly went to the
temple to gather up the prisoners and escort them to the Sanhedrin.</p>
<p>10Â As described at the outset of this chapter, the furious religious
leaders made it clear that the apostles were to stop preaching. The apostlesâ
response? Serving as spokesman, Peter boldly replied: âWe must obey God as
ruler rather than men.â (Acts 5:29) The apostles thereby set a precedent for
true Christians throughout the ages. Human rulers forfeit their right to
obedience in situations where they prohibit what God requires or require what
God prohibits. So in our day, if âthe superior authoritiesâ ban our
witnessing work, we cannot stop carrying out our God-given assignment to preach
the good news. (Rom. 13:1) Rather, we will find discreet ways to continue
bearing thorough witness about Godâs Kingdom.</p>
<p>11Â Not surprisingly, the apostlesâ bold response incited the exasperated
judges to violent anger. They were determined âto do away withâ the
apostles. (Acts 5:33) Martyrdom now seemed certain for those bold and zealous
witnesses. Ah, but help was about to come in a most unusual way!</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 36: âSo they brought them and stood them in the
Sanhedrin hall.ââActs 5:27</p>
<p>Picture Description: The apostles stand before a raging Caiaphas. The temple
officers are at the disposal of the Sanhedrin to make arrests.</p>
<p>âYou Will Not Be Able to Overthrow Themâ (Acts 5:34-42)</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page33">33</pagenum><p>Question 12, 13. (a)Â
What advice did Gamaliel give his colleagues, and what did they do? (b)Â How
may Jehovah intervene in behalf of his people today, and of what can we be sure
if we are permitted to âsuffer for the sake of righteousnessâ?</p>
<p>12Â Page 40 Gamaliel, âa Law teacher esteemed by all the people,â spoke
up. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âGamalielâEsteemed Among the Rabbis,â on p41.
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>This jurist must have been highly respected by his colleagues,
for he took charge, even giving âthe command to put the [apostles] outside
for a little while.â (Acts 5:34) By citing past examples of uprisings that
quickly fizzled after the leaders were dead, Gamaliel urged the court to be
patient and tolerant in dealing with the apostles, whose Leader, Jesus, had
only recently died. Gamalielâs reasoning was persuasive: âDo not meddle
with these men, but let them alone; (because, if this scheme or this work is
from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to
overthrow them;) otherwise, you may perhaps be found fighters actually against
God.â (Acts 5:38,39) The judges heeded his advice. Still, they had the
apostles flogged and ordered them âto stop speaking upon the basis of
Jesusâ name.ââActs 5:40.</p>
</blockquote ><p>13Â Now, as then, Jehovah may raise up prominent men like
Gamaliel to intervene in behalf of His people. (Prov. 21:1) Jehovah can use his
spirit to move powerful rulers, judges, or lawmakers to act in harmony with his
will. (Neh. 2:4-8) But if he should permit us to âsuffer for the sake of
righteousness,â we can be sure of two things. (1Â Pet. 3:14) First, God can
give us the strength to endure. (1Â Cor. 10:13) Second, opposers âwill not be
able to overthrowâ Godâs work.âIsa. 54:17.</p>
<p>Box, page 41.</p>
<p>GamalielâEsteemed Among the Rabbis</p>
<p>The Gamaliel of Acts is generally identified as Gamaliel the Elder, the
grandson of Hillel, who was founder of the more liberal of the two schools of
Pharisaism. Gamaliel occupied a leading position in the Sanhedrin and was so
highly esteemed among the rabbis that he was the first to be given the
honorific title âRabban.â The Mishnah says: âWhen Rabban Gamaliel the
Elder died, the glory of the Law ceased and purity and abstinence died.â He
is credited with various humane enactments. âOf particular importance,â
says the <em>Encyclopaedia Judaica, </em>âis his decision permitting a woman
to remarry on the evidence of a single witness to the death of her husband.â
He is also said to have enacted laws protecting wives against unprincipled
husbands and widows against unprincipled children and to have argued that poor
Gentiles should have the same gleaning rights as poor Jews. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. (a)Â How did the apostles respond to the flogging they
received, and why? (b)Â Relate an experience showing that Jehovahâs people
endure with joy.</p>
<p>14Â Did the flogging dampen the spirits of the apostles or weaken their
resolve? By no means! They âwent their way from before the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing.â (Acts 5:41) âRejoicingââwhy? Surely not because of the
physical pain caused by the flogging. They </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page34">34</pagenum><p>rejoiced because they knew that they had been
persecuted for keeping their integrity to Jehovah and for following in the
footsteps of their Exemplar, Jesus.âMatt. 5:11,12.</p>
<p>15Â Like our first-century brothers, we endure with joy when we suffer for
the sake of the good news. (1Â Pet. 4:12-14) No, we do not enjoy being
subjected to threats, persecution, or imprisonment. But we find deep
satisfaction in keeping our integrity. Consider, for example, Henryk Dornik,
who endured years of harsh treatment under totalitarian regimes. He recalls
that in August 1944, the authorities decided to send him and his brother to a
concentration camp. The opposers said: âIt is impossible to persuade them to
do anything. Their martyrdom brings them joy.â Brother Dornik explains:
âAlthough I had no Page 41 desire to be a martyr, suffering with courage and
dignity for my loyalty to Jehovah did bring me joy.ââJas. 1:2-4.</p>
<p>Question 16. How did the apostles show that they were determined to bear
thorough witness, and how do we follow the apostolic method of preaching?</p>
<p>16Â The apostles wasted no time in resuming their witnessing work.
Undaunted, they continued âevery day in the temple and from house to houseâ
the work of âdeclaring the good news about the Christ.â *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âPreaching âFrom House to House,ââ on p42.End
of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 5:42) These zealous preachers were determined to bear
thorough witness. Notice that they took their message to the homes of people,
as Jesus Christ had directed them. (Matt. 10:7,11-14) No doubt, that is how
they had managed to fill Jerusalem with their teaching. Today, Jehovahâs
Witnesses are known for following that apostolic method of preaching. By
calling at each house in our territory, we clearly demonstrate that we too want
to be thorough, giving everyone an opportunity to hear the good news. Has
Jehovah blessed our house-to-house ministry? Yes, he has! Millions have
responded to the Kingdom message in this time of the end, and many first heard
the good news when a Witness knocked on their door.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 42.</p>
<p>Preaching âFrom House to Houseâ</p>
<p>Despite the Sanhedrinâs ban on their preaching activity, the disciples
continued preaching and teaching âevery day in the temple and <em>from house
to house</em>.â (Acts 5:42) Exactly what does âfrom house to houseâ
mean?</p>
<p>In the original Greek, the phrase kat oi-kon literally means âaccording to
house.â Several translators state that the word ka-ta is to be understood in
a âdistributiveâ sense, that is, the disciplesâ preaching was distributed
from one house to another. A similar use of kata occurs at Luke 8:1, where
Jesus is said to have preached âfrom city to city and from village to
village.â</p>
<p>The plural form, kat oi-kous, is used at Acts 20:20. The apostle Paul told
Christian overseers: âI did not hold back from ... teaching you publicly and
from house to house.â That Paul here was not simply talking about teaching in
the eldersâ homes, as some suggest, is indicated in the next verse: âBut I
thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page35">35</pagenum><p>Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our
Lord Jesus.â (Acts 20:21) Fellow believers had already repented and put faith
in Jesus. So the preaching and teaching from house to house clearly had to do
with bearing witness to unbelievers. End of Box</p>
<p>Qualified Men to Care for âNecessary Businessâ (Acts 6:1-6)</p>
<p>Question 17-19. What divisive issue now arose, and what direction did the
apostles give in order to resolve it?</p>
<p>17Â The young congregation now faced a subtle danger that threatened it from
within. What was that? Many of the disciples being baptized were visitors to
Jerusalem and wanted to learn more before returning home. Disciples living in
Jerusalem willingly donated funds to meet the need for food and other supplies.
(Acts 2:44-46; 4:34-37) At this time, a delicate situation arose. âIn theÂ
daily distributionâ of food, the Greek-speaking widows âwere being
overlooked.â (Acts 6:1) The Hebrew-speaking widows, however, were
<em>not</em> being overlooked. The problem, then, apparently involved
discrimination. Few issues have the potential to be more divisive than this
one.</p>
<p>18Â The Page 42 apostles, acting as the governing body of the expanding
congregation, recognized that it would not be wise for them âto leave the
word of God to distribute food.â (Acts 6:2) To resolve matters, they directed
the disciples to search for seven men âfull of spirit and wisdomâ whom the
apostles could appoint over this ânecessary business.â (Acts 6:3) Qualified
men were needed because the work likely involved not just serving food but also
handling money, purchasing supplies, and keeping careful records. The men
chosen all had Greek names, which perhaps made them more acceptable to the
offended widows. After giving prayerful consideration to the recommendation,
the apostles appointed the seven men to care for this ânecessary
business.â *</p>
<p>Footnote These men may have met the general qualifications for elders, for
handling this ânecessary businessâ was a weighty matter. However, the
Scriptures do not indicate precisely when men began to be appointed as elders
or overseers in the Christian congregation. End of Footnote</p>
<p>19Â Did caring for the distribution of food mean that the seven men
appointed were now exempted from the responsibility to preach the good news?
Definitely not! Among the men chosen was Stephen, who would prove himself to be
a bold and powerful witness-bearer. (Acts 6:8-10) Philip too was one of the
seven, and he is called âthe evangelizer.â (Acts 21:8) Evidently, then, the
seven men continued to be zealous Kingdom preachers.</p>
<p>Question 20. How do Godâs people today follow the apostolic pattern?</p>
<p>20Â Jehovahâs people today follow the apostolic pattern. Men Page 43
recommended for congregational responsibility must manifest godly wisdom and
give evidence that the holy spirit is operating on them. Under the direction of
the Governing Body, men who meet the Scriptural requirements are appointed to
serve as elders or ministerial servants in the congregations. *</p>
<p>Footnote Although the congregation <em>recommended</em> the seven certified
men, the actual <em>appointment</em> was made by the apostles. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page36">36</pagenum><p>(1Â Tim.
3:1-9,12,13) Those who meet the qualifications can be said to have been
appointed by holy spirit. These hardworking men care for much ânecessary
business.â For example, elders may coordinate practical help for faithful
older ones who have a genuine need. (Jas. 1:27) Some elders are very involved
in constructing Kingdom Halls, organizing conventions, or doing hospital
liaison work. Ministerial servants care for many duties that do not directly
involve shepherding or teaching. All such qualified men must balance
congregational and organizational responsibilities with the God-assigned
obligation to preach the good news of the Kingdom.â1Â Cor. 9:16.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Picture Caption, page 43: Like the apostles, we preach âfrom
house to houseâ</p>
<p>âThe Word of God Went On Growingâ (Acts 6:7)</p>
<p>Question 21, 22. What shows that Jehovah blessed the fledgling
congregation?</p>
<p>21Â With Jehovahâs backing, the fledgling congregation survived
persecution from without and a potentially divisive problem from within.
Jehovahâs blessing was evident, for we are told: âThe word of God went on
growing, and the number of the disciples kept multiplying in Jerusalem very
much; and a great crowd of priests began to be obedient to the faith.â (Acts
6:7) This is just one of a number of progress reports found in the book of
Acts. (Acts 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:31) Today, are we not encouraged when
we hear reports about the progress of the Kingdom-preaching work in other parts
of the world?</p>
<p>22Â Back in the first century C.E., the infuriated religious leaders were
not about to give up. A wave of persecution was on the horizon. Soon, Stephen
was singled out for vicious opposition, as we will see in the next chapter.</p>
<p>END OF VOLUME 1</p>
<p>103</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 44 âBEARING THOROUGH WITNESSâ ABOUT GODâS
KINGDOM
</doctitle><p>SECTION 2 Acts 6:8--9:43</p>
<p>âGreat Persecution Arose Against the Congregationâ (Acts 8:1)</p>
<p>Did first-century Christians allow mounting opposition to stop them from
bearing witness about Godâs Kingdom? Quite the contrary. In this section, we
will see that vicious persecution actually resulted in the expansion of the
preaching work.</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 44 Bottom: After World War II, an East German
court wrongfully convicted Jehovahâs Witnesses as American
spies.âPeriodicalNeue Berliner Illustrierte, October 3, 1950.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 45 Chapter 6 StephenââFull of Graciousness
and Powerâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Learning from Stephenâs bold witness before the
Sanhedrin</p>
<p>Based on Acts 6:8--8:3</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â Stephen faces what fearsome situation, yet
how does he respond to it? (b)Â What questions will we consider?</p>
<p>1 Stephen faces the court. In an imposing hall, likely near the temple in
Jerusalem, 71Â men are arranged in a large semicircle. This court, the
Sanhedrin, sits today to judge </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page37">37</pagenum><p>Stephen. The judges are powerful, influential men,
most of whom have little regard for this disciple of Jesus. In fact, the man
who convened the court is High Priest Caiaphas, who was presiding when the
Sanhedrin condemned Jesus Christ to death some months earlier. Is Stephen
frightened?</p>
<p>2Â There is something remarkable about Stephenâs countenance at this
moment. The judges gaze at him and see that his face is âas an angelâs
face.â (Acts 6:15) Angels bear messages from Jehovah God and thus have reason
to be fearless, serene, and peaceful. So it is with Stephenâeven those
hate-filled judges can see that. How can he be so calm?</p>
<p>3Â Christians today can learn much from the answer to that question. We need
to know, too, just what brought Stephen to this climactic moment. How had he
defended his faith before? And in what ways can we imitate him?</p>
<p>âThey Stirred Up the Peopleâ (Acts 6:8-15)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. (a)Â Why was Stephen a precious asset to the congregation?
(b)Â In what way was Stephen âfull of graciousness and powerâ?</p>
<p>4Â We have already learned that Stephen was a precious asset to the
fledgling Christian congregation. In the preceding chapter of this book, we saw
that he was among those seven humble men who were willing to be of assistance
to the apostles when called upon to render aid. His humility is more remarkable
when we consider the gifts with which this man was blessed. At Acts 6:8, we
read that he was enabled to perform âgreat portents and signs,â as some of
the apostles did. We are also told that he was âfull of graciousness and
power.â What did that mean?</p>
<p>5Â Stephen Page 47 evidently had a kindly, gentle, winning way with people.
He spoke in such a manner as to persuade many of his hearers, convincing them
of the sincerity of his heart and the wholesomeness of the truths he discussed.
He was full of power because Jehovahâs spirit was at work in him, for he
humbly submitted to its lead. Rather than getting puffed up over his own gifts
and abilities, he directed all praise to Jehovah and showed loving concern for
the people he addressed. Little wonder, then, that his opposers found him a
force to be reckoned with!</p>
<p>Question 6-8. (a)Â Stephenâs opposers leveled what twofold charge against
him, and why? (b)Â Why may Stephenâs example prove useful to Christians
today?</p>
<p>6Â Various men rose up to dispute with Stephen, but âthey could not hold
their own against the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking.âÂ
*</p>
<p>Footnote Some of these opposers belonged to the âSynagogue of the
Freedmen.â They may once have been captured by the Romans and later freed, or
perhaps they were freed slaves who had become Jewish proselytes. Some were from
Cilicia, as was Saul of Tarsus. The account does not reveal whether Saul was
among those Cilicians who were unable to hold their own against Stephen. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Frustrated, they âsecretly inducedâ men to bring
accusations against this innocent follower of Christ. They also âstirred up
the people,â the older men, and the scribes, so that Stephen was forcibly
taken before the Sanhedrin. (Acts 6:9-12) The opposers leveled </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page38">38</pagenum><p>this twofold charge against him: He
was blaspheming both God and Moses. In what ways?</p>
</blockquote ><p>7Â The false accusers said that Stephen blasphemed God in that
he spoke against âthis holy placeââthe temple in Jerusalem. (Acts 6:13)
He blasphemed Moses, they charged, in that he spoke against the Mosaic Law,
changing customs that Moses had handed down. This was a very serious charge,
for the Jews at that time put great emphasis on the temple, the details of the
Mosaic Law, and the many oral traditions that they had added to that Law. Thus,
the charge meant that Stephen was a dangerous man, deserving of death!</p>
<p>8Â Sadly, it is not unusual for religious people to use such tactics in
order to bring trouble on servants of God. To this day, religious opposers at
times stir up secular leaders to persecute Jehovahâs Witnesses. How should we
respond when faced with twisted or false accusations? We can learn much from
Stephen.</p>
<p>Boldly Witnessing About âthe God of Gloryâ (Acts 7:1-53)</p>
<p>Question 9, 10. Critics have made what claim about Stephenâs speech before
the Sanhedrin, and what do we need to keep in mind?</p>
<p>9Â As mentioned at the outset, Stephenâs face was serene, angelic, as he
heard the charges against him. Now Caiaphas turned to him and Page 48 said:
âAre these things so?â (Acts 7:1) It was Stephenâs turn to speak. And
speak he did!</p>
<p>10Â Some critics have attacked Stephenâs speech, claiming that for all its
length, it did not even answer the charge against him. In truth, though,
Stephen set a sterling example for us of how to âmake a defenseâ of the
good news. (1Â Pet. 3:15) Keep in mind that Stephen was charged with
blaspheming God by denigrating the temple and with blaspheming Moses by
speaking against the Law. Stephenâs reply is a summary of three phases of the
history of Israel, with certain points carefully emphasized. Let us consider
these three phases of history one at a time.</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. (a)Â How did Stephen make effective use of Abrahamâs
example? (b)Â Why was Joseph relevant to Stephenâs speech?</p>
<p>11 <em>The era of the patriarchs. (Acts</em><em>
7</em><em>:</em><em>1-16</em>) Stephen began by talking about Abraham, whom the
Jews respected for his faith. While starting on this important common ground,
Stephen emphasized that Jehovah, âthe God of glory,â first revealed himself
to Abraham in Mesopotamia. (Acts 7:2) In fact, that man was an alien resident
in the Promised Land. Abraham had neither a temple nor the Mosaic Law. How
could anyone insist that faithfulness to God must always depend on such
arrangements?</p>
<p>12 Abrahamâs descendant Joseph was also highly esteemed by Stephenâs
audience, but Stephen reminded them that Josephâs own brothers, the fathers
of the tribes of Israel, persecuted that righteous man and sold him into
slavery. Yet, he became Godâs instrument for saving Israel from famine.
Stephen no doubt saw the clear similarities between Joseph and Jesus Christ,
but he held back that comparison in order to keep his audience with him as long
as possible.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page39">39</pagenum><p>Question 13. How did
the discussion about Moses answer the charges against Stephen, and what theme
did this help to develop?</p>
<p>13 <em>The time of Moses. (Acts 7</em><em>:</em><em>17-43</em>) Stephen said
much about Mosesâwisely so, since many members of the Sanhedrin were
Sadducees, who rejected all Bible books other than those written by Moses. Page
49 Remember, too, the charge that Stephen had blasphemed Moses. Stephenâs
words answered that charge directly, for he showed that he had the greatest
respect for Moses and for the Law. (Acts 7:38) He noted that Moses too was
faced with rejection by those whom he endeavored to save. They rejected him
when he was 40Â years old. Over 40Â years later, they challenged his leadership
on a number of occasions. *</p>
<p>Footnote Stephenâs speech contains information we can find nowhere else
in the Bible, such as facts about Mosesâ Egyptian education, his age when he
first fled Egypt, and the length of his sojourn in Midian. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Stephen thus steadily developed a key theme: Godâs people
repeatedly rejected those whom Jehovah had appointed to lead them.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 14. The use of Mosesâ example supported what points
in Stephenâs speech?</p>
<p>14Â Stephen reminded his audience that Moses had foretold that a prophet
like Moses would arise from Israel. Who would that be, and how would he be
received? Stephen saved the answers for his conclusion. He made another key
point: Moses had learned that any ground can be made holy, as in the case of
the ground at the burning bush, where Jehovah had spoken to him. So, can
worship of Jehovah be limited or confined to a single building, such as the
temple in Jerusalem? Let us see.</p>
<p>Question 15, 16. (a)Â Why was the tabernacle important to the argument
Stephen was developing? (b)Â How did Stephen use Solomonâs temple in his
discussion?</p>
<p>15 <em>The tabernacle and the temple. (Acts 7</em><em>:</em><em>44-50</em>)
Stephen reminded the court that before there was any temple in Jerusalem, God
had Moses construct a tabernacleâa movable, tentlike structure for worship.
Who would dare to argue that the tabernacle was inferior to the temple, since
Moses himself had worshipped there?</p>
<p>16Â Later, when Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, he was inspired to
convey a vital lesson in his prayer. As Stephen put it, âthe Most High does
not dwell in houses made with hands.â (Acts 7:48; 2Â Chron. 6:18) Jehovah may
make use of a temple to further his purposes, but he is not confined to it.
Why, then, should his worshippers feel that pure worship depends on a building
made by human hands? Stephen brought this argument to a powerful conclusion by
quoting the book of Isaiah: âThe heaven is my throne, and the earth is my
footstool. What sort of house will you build for me? Jehovah says. Or what is
the place for my resting? My hand made all these things, did it not?ââActs
7:49,50; Isa. 66:1,2.</p>
<p>Question 17. How had Stephenâs speech (a)Â addressed the attitudes of his
hearers and (b)Â responded to the charges against him?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page40">40</pagenum><p>17Â As you review
Stephenâs speech to the Sanhedrin up to this point, would you not agree that
he skillfully addressed the attitudes of his accusers? He showed that
Jehovahâs purpose is progressive and dynamic, Page 50 not static and
tradition-bound. Those who were mired in reverence for that lovely building in
Jerusalem and for the customs and traditions that had grown up around the
Mosaic Law had missed the whole purpose behind the Law and the temple!
Indirectly, Stephenâs speech raised the vital question: Do you not honor the
Law and the temple best by obeying Jehovah? Really, Stephenâs words provided
an excellent defense of his own actions, for he had obeyed Jehovah as best he
could.</p>
<p>Question 18. In what ways should we try to imitate Stephen?</p>
<p>18Â What can we learn from Stephenâs speech? He was thoroughly familiar
with the Scriptures. Likewise, we need to be serious students of Godâs Word
if we are to handle âthe word of the truth aright.â (2Â Tim. 2:15) We can
also learn about graciousness and tact from Stephen. His audience could hardly
have been more hostile! Yet, for as long as possible, he maintained common
ground with them by dwelling on things that those men held in high regard. He
also addressed them with respect, calling the older men âfathers.â (Acts
7:2) We too need to present the truths of Godâs Word with âa mild temper
and deep respect.ââ1Â Pet. 3:15.</p>
<p>Question 19. How did Stephen courageously deliver Jehovahâs judgment
message to the Sanhedrin?</p>
<p>19Â However, we do not hold back from sharing the truths of Godâs Word for
fear of offending people; nor do we soften Jehovahâs judgment messages.
Stephen is a case in point. He could no doubt see that all the evidence that he
had laid before the Sanhedrin had little effect on those hardhearted judges.
So, moved by holy spirit, he concluded his talk by fearlessly showing them that
they were just like their forefathers who had rejected Joseph, Moses, and all
the prophets. (Acts 7:51-53) In fact, these judges of the Sanhedrin had
murdered the Messiah, whose very coming Moses and all the prophets had
foretold. Really, they had transgressed the Mosaic Law in the worst possible
way!</p>
<p>âLord Jesus, Receive My Spiritâ (Acts 7:54--8:3)</p>
<p>Question 20, 21. How did the Sanhedrin react to Stephenâs words, and how
did Jehovah strengthen him?</p>
<p>20Â The undeniable truth of Stephenâs words filled those judges with rage.
Losing any semblance of dignity, they gnashed their teeth at Stephen. That
faithful man must have seen that he would receive no mercy, any more than had
his Master, Jesus.</p>
<p>21Â Stephen needed courage to face what lay ahead, and he no doubt received
much encouragement from the vision that Jehovah then kindly granted him.
Stephen saw Godâs glory, and he saw Jesus standing at His Fatherâs right
hand! As Stephen described the vision, his judges put their hands over their
ears. Why? Earlier, Jesus had told Page 51 that same court that he was the
Messiah and that he would soon be at his Fatherâs right hand. (Mark 14:62)
Stephenâs vision proved that Jesus spoke the truth. That Sanhedrin
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page41">41</pagenum><p>had, in fact, betrayed
and murdered the Messiah! With one accord, they rushed to have Stephen stoned
to death. *</p>
<p>Footnote It is doubtful that the Sanhedrin had the authority under Roman
law to order an execution. (John 18:31) At any rate, Stephenâs death seems to
have been a murder carried out by an enraged mob, rather than a judicial act.
End of Footnote</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 46: âAt hearing these things they felt cut to their
hearts and began to gnash their teeth at him.ââActs 7:54</p>
<p>Picture Description: Stephen stands accused before the Sanhedrin. Wealthy
Sadducees are in the background, and ultraorthodox Pharisees, in the
foreground.</p>
<p>Question 22, 23. Stephenâs death was like that of his Master in what ways,
and how can Christians today be as confident as Stephen was?</p>
<p>22Â Stephen died in much the same way his Master had died, with a heart at
peace, full of trust in Jehovah and forgiveness for his killers. He said,
âLord Jesus, receive my spirit,â perhaps because he could still see in
vision the Son of man with His Father. No doubt, Stephen knew Jesusâ
encouraging words: âI am the resurrection and the life.â (John 11:25)
Finally, Stephen prayed directly to God in a loud voice: âJehovah, do not
charge this sin against them.â After saying this, he fell asleep in
death.âActs 7:59,60.</p>
<p>23Â Stephen thus became the first martyr on record among Christâs
followers. (See the box âIn What Sense a âMartyr,â?â on page 48.)
Sadly, though, he would hardly be the last. Right down to our day, some
faithful servants of Jehovah have been put to death by religious fanatics,
political zealots, and other vicious opposers. Still, we have reason to be just
as confident as Stephen was. Jesus is reigning as King now, wielding the
marvelous power his Father has granted him. Nothing will prevent him from
resurrecting his faithful followers.âJohn 5:28,29.</p>
<p>Box, page 48.</p>
<p>In What Sense a âMartyrâ?</p>
<p>The English word âmartyrâ is derived from the Greek term mar-tys,
meaning âwitnessââthat is, one who observes a deed or event. But the
Greek word means more than that. The Biblical mar-tys is also âactive,â
states one Greek lexicon, âcalled upon to tell what he has seen and heard, to
proclaim what he knows.â All true Christians have the obligation to bear
witness to what they know about Jehovah and his purposes. (Luke 24:48; Acts
1:8) The Scriptures call Stephen a âwitnessâ for speaking about
Jesus.âActs 22:20, <em>Kingdom Interlinear</em>.</p>
<p>Christian witnessing often means facing opposition, arrest, beatings, and
even death. Thus, from as early as the second century C.E., âmartyrâ also
came to signify one who suffers such consequences rather than renounce his
faith. It is in this sense that Stephen may be called the first Christian
martyr. Originally, though, a person was considered a âmartyrâ because he
witnessed, not because he died. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 24. How did Saul contribute to the martyrdom of Stephen, and what
were some long-term effects of that faithful manâs death?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page42">42</pagenum><p>24Â Observing all of
this was a young man named Saul. He approved of Stephenâs murder, even
watching over the garments of those casting the stones. Shortly thereafter, he
spearheaded a wave of vicious persecution. But the death of Stephen would cast
a long shadow. His example would only strengthen other Christians to remain
faithful and achieve a similar victory. Furthermore, Saulâin later years most
often called Paulâwould come to look back on his role in Stephenâs death
with profound regret. (Acts 22:20) He had helped to put Stephen to death, but
he would later come to realize: âI was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an
insolent man.â (1Â Tim. 1:13) Clearly, Paul never forgot Stephen and the
powerful speech he gave that day. In fact, some of Paulâs speeches and
writings developed themes touched on in Stephenâs speech. (Acts 7:48; 17:24;
Heb. 9:24) In time, Paul fully learned to follow the example of faith and
courage set by Stephen, a man âfull of graciousness and power.â The
question is, Will we?</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 52 Chapter 7 Declaring âthe Good News About
Jesusâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Philip sets an example as an evangelizer</p>
<p>Based on Acts 8:4-40</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. How did efforts to silence the good news have
the opposite effect in the first century?</p>
<p>1 A wave of bitter persecution has struck, and Saul begins to âdeal
outrageouslyâ with the congregationâan expression that in the original
language describes brutal cruelty. (Acts 8:3) The disciples flee, and it may
seem to some that Saulâs goal of snuffing out Christianity will be realized.
However, something unexpected results from the dispersion of Christians. What
is it?</p>
<p>2Â Those who are scattered begin âdeclaring the good news of the wordâ
in the lands to which they have fled. (Acts 8:4) Just imagine! Not only has
persecution failed to silence the good news but it has actually helped to
spread the message! By scattering the disciples, the persecutors have
unwittingly enabled the Kingdom-preaching work to expand into far-flung
territories. As we will see, something similar has happened in modern times.</p>
<p>âThose Who Had Been Scatteredâ (Acts 8:4-8)</p>
<p>Question 3. (a)Â Who is Philip? (b)Â Why was Samaria largely untouched by
the preaching work, and yet what had Jesus foretold would happen to that
territory?</p>
<p>3 One of âthose who had been scatteredâ was Philip. *</p>
<p>Footnote This is not the apostle Philip. Rather, it is the Philip who, as
noted in Chapter 5 of this book, was among the âseven certified menâ
appointed to organize the daily distribution of food among the Greek-speaking
and the Hebrew-speaking Christian widows in Jerusalem.âActs 6:1-6. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 8:4; see the box âPhilip âthe Evangelizer,ââ on
page 53. ) He went to Samaria, a city that was largely untouched by the
preaching work, for Jesus had at one time instructed the apostles: âDo not
enter into a Samaritan city; but, instead, go continually to the lost sheep of
the house of Israel.â (Matt. 10:5,6) However, Jesus knew that, in time,
Samaria would receive a thorough witness, for prior to his ascension to heaven,
he said: âYou will </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page43">43</pagenum><p>be
witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most
distant part of the earth.ââActs 1:8.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 53.</p>
<p>Philip âthe Evangelizerâ</p>
<p>When Christâs followers were scattered because of persecution, Philip went
to Samaria. Evidently, he worked in close cooperation with the first-century
governing body, for âwhen the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
accepted the word of God, they dispatched Peter and John to them.â The result
was that the new believers there received the free gift of holy spirit.âActs
8:14-17.</p>
<p>After the events recorded in Acts chapter 8, Philip is mentioned just once
more. Some 20Â years after Philipâs initial preaching, the apostle Paul and
his traveling companions were making their way to Jerusalem at the end of
Paulâs third missionary journey. The group disembarked at Ptolemais. âThe
next day,â recounts Luke, âwe set out and arrived in Caesarea, and we
entered into the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men,
and we stayed with him. This man had four daughters, virgins, that
prophesied.ââActs 21:8,9.</p>
<p>Apparently, Philip had settled in his preaching territory and was a family
man. The fact that Luke refers to him as âthe evangelizerâ is significant.
The Scriptures use this term to describe those who left their homes to preach
the good news in unworked areas. Obviously, then, Philipâs zeal for the
ministry remained strong. And the fact that he had four daughters who
prophesied surely indicates that Philip taught his family to love and serve
Jehovah. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 4. How do the Samaritans respond to Philipâs preaching, and what
factor may have contributed to their reaction?</p>
<p>4Â Philip found that Samaria was âwhite for harvesting.â (John 4:35) His
message was a breath of fresh air to those living there, and it is easy to see
why. The Jews had no dealings with Samaritans, many even showing disdain for
them. In contrast, the Samaritans found that the message of the good news
ignored class distinctions, and thus it differed greatly from the narrow-minded
thinking of the Pharisees. By zealously and impartially witnessing to the
Samaritans, Philip showed that he was not tainted by the prejudice of those who
looked down on them. It is hardly surprising, then, that crowds of Samaritans
listened to Philip âwith one accord.ââActs 8:6.</p>
<p>Question 5-7. Give examples of how the dispersion of Christians has led to
the spread of the good news.</p>
<p>5Â Today, as in the first century, persecution of Godâs people has not
silenced their preaching. Time and again, forcing Christians to move from one
place to anotherâeither prison or another landâhas only helped to introduce
the Kingdom message to people in the new location. For instance, during World
War II, Jehovahâs Witnesses were able to give an outstanding witness in Nazi
concentration camps. A Jew who Page 55 encountered the Witnesses there relates:
âThe fortitude of prisoners who were Jehovahâs </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page44">44</pagenum><p>Witnesses convinced me that their faith was based on
the Scripturesâand I became a Witness myself.â</p>
<p>6Â In some cases, even persecutors received a witness and responded to it.
For example, when a Witness named Franz Desch was transferred to the Gusen
concentration camp in Austria, he was able to study the Bible with an SS
officer. Imagine their joy when years later the two men were reunited at a
convention of Jehovahâs Witnesses and <em>both</em> were proclaimers of the
good news!</p>
<p>7Â Something similar happened when persecution caused Christians to flee
from one country to another. In the 1970âs, for example, a great witness was
given in Mozambique when Malawian Witnesses were forced to flee there. Even
when opposition later arose in Mozambique, the preaching work went on. âTrue,
some of us were apprehended and arrested a number of times for our preaching
activity,â says Francisco Coana. âYet, when many responded to the Kingdom
message, we were confident that God was helping us, just as he helped
first-century Christians.â</p>
<p>Question 8. How have political and economic changes had an impact on the
preaching work?</p>
<p>8Â Of course, persecution has not been the only reason for the growth of
Christianity in foreign territories. In recent decades, political and economic
changes have also opened up opportunities for the Kingdom message to spread to
people of many languages and national groups. Some from war zones and
economically depressed areas have fled to more stable places and have begun to
study the Bible in the land to which they have relocated. An influx of refugees
has caused foreign-speaking territories to open up. In one cityâ, , San
DiegoCaliforniaU.S.A.âmore than a hundred languages are spoken, and many
foreign-language congregations of Jehovahâs Witnesses have been established
there. Are you striving to witness to people âout of all nations and tribes
and peoples and tonguesâ in your territory?âRev. 7:9.</p>
<p>âGive Me Also This Authorityâ (Acts 8:9-25)</p>
<p>Question 9. Who was Simon, and what evidently drew him to Philip?</p>
<p>9Â Philip performed many signs in Samaria. For example, he healed those with
disabilities and even cast out wicked spirits. (Acts 8:6-8) One man was
particularly impressed with Philipâs miraculous gifts. He was Simon, a
magician who was so highly regarded that people said of him: âThis man is the
Power of God.â Simon was now an eyewitness to the <em>real</em> power of God,
as evidenced in the miracles performed by Philip, and Simon became a believer.
(Acts 8:9-13) Later, though, Simonâs motives were tested. How?</p>
<p>Question 10. (a)Â What did Peter and John do in Samaria? (b)Â What did Simon
do upon seeing that new disciples received the holy spirit when Peter and John
laid their hands on them?</p>
<p>10Â When the apostles became aware of the increase that was taking place in
Samaria, they sent Peter and John there. (See the box âPeter Uses the âKeys
of the Kingdom,ââ on </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page45">45</pagenum><p>this page. ) Upon arriving, the two apostles laid
their hands on the new disciples, whereupon each one received the holy spirit.Â
*</p>
<p>Footnote Evidently, new disciples at that time were usually anointed by, or
received, holy spirit at their baptism. This put them in line for the future
hope of ruling as kings and priests with Jesus in heaven. (2Â Cor. 1:21,22;
Rev. 5:9,10; 20:6) However, in this particular case, the new disciples were not
anointed at baptism. <em>Receiving</em> the holy spiritâand the miraculous
gifts that were associated with itâtook place only after Peter and John laid
their hands on the newly baptized Christians. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>When Simon saw this, he was intrigued. âGive me also this
authority,â he told the apostles, âthat anyone upon whom I lay my hands may
receive holy spirit.â Simon even offered them money, hoping to buy this
sacred privilege!âActs 8:14-19.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 56.</p>
<p>Peter Uses the âKeys of the Kingdomâ</p>
<p>Jesus told Peter: âI will give you the keys of the kingdom of the
heavens.â (Matt. 16:19) What did Jesus mean? His reference to âkeysâ
indicated that Peter would open up knowledge and opportunities for distinct
groups to enter the Messianic Kingdom. On what occasions did Peter use these
keys?</p>
<p>Peter used the first key at Pentecost 33Â C.E. when he urged <em>Jews and
Jewish proselytes</em> to repent and be baptized. Some 3,000 did so and became
prospective heirs of the Kingdom.âActs 2:1-41.</p>
<p>The second key was used not long after the martyrdom of Stephen. In this
instance, Peter and John laid their hands upon recently baptized
<em>Samaritans,</em> after which these new converts received holy
spirit.âActs 8:14-17.</p>
<p>Peter used the third key in 36Â C.E. In that year, he extended the hope of
the heavenly inheritance to uncircumcised <em>Gentiles</em>. This occurred when
the apostle gave a witness to Cornelius, the first uncircumcised Gentile to
become a Christian disciple.âActs 10:1-48. End of Box</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 54: âNow when Simon saw that through the laying on
of the hands of the apostles the spirit was given, he offered them
money.ââActs 8:18</p>
<p>Picture Description: Peter lays his hands on a new disciple; Simon is shown
with a coin purse.</p>
<p>Question 11. What admonition does Peter give to Simon, and how does Simon
respond?</p>
<p>11Â Peterâs reply to Simon was firm. âMay your silver perish with
you,â said the apostle, âbecause you thought through money to get
possession of the free gift of God. You have neither part nor lot in this
matter, for your heart is not straight in the sight of God.â Peter then urged
Simon to repent and to pray for forgiveness. âSupplicate Jehovah,â said
Peter, âthat, if possible, the device of your heart [âthis scheme of
yours,â <em>New Jerusalem Bible</em>] may be forgiven you.â Evidently,
Simon was not a wicked man; he <em>wanted</em> to do what was right, but he was
momentarily misguided. So he pleaded with the apostles: âYou men, make
supplication Page 57 for me to Jehovah that none of the things you have said
may come upon me.ââActs 8:20-24.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page46">46</pagenum><p>Question 12. What is
âsimony,â and how has it proved to be a snare in Christendom?</p>
<p>12Â The rebuke that Peter gave Simon stands as a warning to Christians
today. In fact, the English word âsimonyâ was coined as a result of this
incident. âSimonyâ refers to the buying or selling of positions,
specifically in a religious context. The history of apostate Christendom is
rife with examples of this practice. Indeed, the ninth edition of <em>The
Encyclopaedia Britannica</em> (1878) noted: âA study of the history of the
Papal conclaves leaves the student with the conviction that no election
untainted by simony has ever yet been made, while in a great number of
instances the simony practised in the conclave has been of the grossest, most
shameless, and most overt kind.â</p>
<p>Question 13. In what ways must Christians be on guard against simony?</p>
<p>13Â Christians must guard against the sin of simony. For instance, they
should not try to gain favors by showering generous gifts or excessive praise
on those who appear able to grant individuals added privileges in the
congregation. On the other hand, those who are thought to be in a position to
grant favors should be on guard against showing favoritism toward wealthy ones.
Both situations involve simony. Really, all of Godâs servants should conduct
themselves as âlesser ones,â waiting on Jehovahâs spirit to make
appointments to privileges of service. (Luke 9:48) There is no place in Godâs
organization for those who try to âsearch out their own glory.ââProv.
25:27.</p>
<p>âDo You Actually Know What You Are Reading?â (Acts 8:26-40)</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. (a)Â Who was the âEthiopian eunuch,â and how did Philip
locate him? (b)Â How did the Ethiopian man respond to Philipâs message, and
why was his baptism not an impulsive act? (See footnote.)</p>
<p>14Â Jehovahâs angel now instructed Philip to travel along the road leading
from Jerusalem to Gaza. Any question in Philipâs mind as to why he should go
there was answered soon after he encountered an Ethiopian Page 58 eunuch who
was âreading aloud the prophet Isaiah.â (See the box âAÂ âEunuchâ in
What Sense?â on page 57.) Jehovahâs holy spirit moved Philip to approach
the manâs chariot. âDo you actually know what you are reading?â he asked
the Ethiopian while running beside the chariot. âHow could I ever do so,â
the Ethiopian replied, âunless someone guided me?ââActs 8:26-31.</p>
<p>15Â The Ethiopian invited Philip into the chariot. Just imagine the
discussion that followed! The identity of the âsheep,â or âservant,â of
Isaiahâs prophecy had long been a mystery. (Isa. 53:1-12) Yet, as they
traveled on, Philip explained to the Ethiopian eunuch that this prophecy was
fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Like those who were baptized at Pentecost 33Â C.E.,
the Ethiopianâwho was already a Jewish proselyteâimmediately knew what he
should do. âLook!â he said to Philip. âA body of water; what prevents me
from getting baptized?â The Ethiopian was baptized by Philip without delay!Â
*</p>
<p>Footnote This was not an impulsive act. Since he was a Jewish proselyte,
the Ethiopian already had a knowledge of the Scriptures, including the
Messianic prophecies. Now that he had information about Jesusâ role in
Godâs purpose, he could get baptized without delay. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(See the box âBaptism in âa Body of Water.ââ)
Afterward, Philip was led to a new assignment in Ashdod, where he continued
declaring the good news.âActs 8:32-40.</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page47">47</pagenum><p>Box,
page 57.</p>
<p>A âEunuchâ in What Sense?</p>
<p>The Greek term eu-nou-khos, rendered âeunuch,â can refer either to a man
deprived of his ability to procreate or simply to a high-ranking court
official. Court officials who oversaw the harem of a king may actually have
been castrated, but emasculation was not a requirement for other officials,
such as a kingâs cupbearer or treasury overseer. The Ethiopian eunuch whom
Philip baptized was evidently that type of official, for he oversaw a royal
treasury. In effect, he was a minister of finance.</p>
<p>The Ethiopian was also a proselyteâthat is, a non-Jew who had embraced the
worship of Jehovah. Indeed, he had just been to Jerusalem to worship. (Acts
8:27) Because of this, we can conclude that the Ethiopian could not have been a
eunuch in the literal sense, for the Mosaic Law forbade castrated men from
becoming part of the congregation of Israel.âDeut. 23:1. End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 58.</p>
<p>Baptism in âa Body of Waterâ</p>
<p>How is Christian baptism performed? Some believe that it is sufficient to
pour or sprinkle water on a personâs head. However, the Ethiopian eunuch was
baptized in âa body of water.â The account says: âThey both <em>went
down</em> into the water, both Philip and the eunuch.â (Acts 8:36,38) If
pouring or sprinkling water was all that was needed, it would not have been
necessary for the eunuch to halt his chariot at a body of water. Even a minimal
amount of water, such as that contained in a skin bottle, would have been
enough. In fact, he probably had such a bottle because he was traveling on âa
desert road.ââActs 8:26.</p>
<p>According to <em>A Greek-English Lexicon,</em> by Liddell and Scott, the
Greek wordba-pti-zoâfrom which the English âbaptizeâ is derivedâmeans
âto dip, to plunge.â Biblical references to baptism harmonize with this
definition. John 3:23 states that John âwas baptizing in Aenon near Salim,
because there was a <em>great quantity</em> of water there.â Likewise, the
account of Jesusâ baptism says: âOn <em>coming up out of the water</em>
[Jesus] saw the heavens being parted.â (Mark 1:9,10) So true Christians are
appropriately baptized by complete immersion in water. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. How are angels involved in the preaching work today?</p>
<p>16Â Christians today are privileged to share in work like that done by
Philip. Often, they are able to present the Kingdom message to those they meet
in informal settings, such as when traveling. In many cases, it is apparent
that their meeting up with an honesthearted individual is no coincidence. This
is to be expected, for the Bible makes clear that the angels are directing the
preaching work so that the message reaches âevery nation and tribe and tongue
and people.â (Rev. 14:6) Angelic direction in the preaching work is precisely
what Jesus foretold. Page 59 In his illustration about the wheat and weeds,
Jesus said that during the harvesttimeâthe conclusion of the system of
thingsââthe reapers are angels.â He added that these spirit creatures
would âcollect out from his </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page48">48</pagenum><p>kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons
who are doing lawlessness.â (Matt. 13:37-41) At the same time, the angels
would gather prospective heavenly heirs of the Kingdomâand later âa great
crowdâ of âother sheepââwhom Jehovah wants to draw to his
organization.âRev. 7:9; John 6:44,65; 10:16.</p>
<p>17Â As evidence that this is taking place, some of those whom we approach in
our ministry say that they had been praying for spiritual guidance. Consider
one experience in which two Kingdom publishers were accompanied by a small
child. At the end of the morning, the two Witnesses were about to stop their
preaching work, but the child was unusually eager to go to the next home. In
fact, he went by himself and knocked on the door! When a young lady opened the
door, the two adult Witnesses approached to talk to her. To their surprise, the
woman explained that she had just been praying for someone to call on her to
help her understand the Bible. A Bible study was arranged!</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 59: âGod, whoever you are, please help meâ</p>
<p>Question 18. Why should we never take our ministry for granted?</p>
<p>18Â As a member of the Christian congregation, you have the privilege of
working along with the angels as the modern-day preaching work takes place on
an unprecedented scale. Never take that privilege for granted. By persevering
in your efforts, you will find great joy as you continue to declare âthe good
news about Jesus.ââActs 8:35.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 60 Chapter 8 The Congregation âEntered Into a
Period of Peaceâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The vicious persecutor Saul becomes a zealous
minister</p>
<p>Based on Acts 9:1-43</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. What did Saul intend to do in Damascus?</p>
<p>1 The grim travelers are approaching Damascus, where they intend to carry
out an evil plan. They will tear the hated disciples of Jesus from their homes,
bind them, humiliate them, and drag them to Jerusalem to face the wrath of the
Sanhedrin.</p>
<p>2 The mob leader, named Saul, already has blood on his hands. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âSaul the Pharisee,â on p62. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Recently, he watched with approval as fellow zealots stoned to
death Stephen, a devout disciple of Jesus. (Acts 7:57â8:1) Not content with
raging against the followers of Jesus who live in Jerusalem, Saul becomes a
firebrand ready to spread the flames of persecution. He wants to eradicate the
pestilent sect known as âThe Way.ââActs 9:1,2; see the box âSaulâs
Mandate in Damascus,â on page 61. </p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 62.</p>
<p>Saul the Pharisee</p>
<p>The âyoung man called Saulâ who appears in the Acts account at the
stoning of Stephen was from Tarsus. It was the capital of the Roman province of
Cilicia, in the south of modern-day Turkey. (Acts 7:58) A sizable Jewish
community dwelled in that city. According to his own writings, Saul was
âcircumcised the eighth day, out of the </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page49">49</pagenum><p>family stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a
Hebrew born from Hebrews; as respects law, a Pharisee.â That was viewed as an
impeccable Jewish pedigree!âPhil. 3:5.</p>
<p>Saulâs home was in a large, prosperous trading city, a center of Greek
culture. Growing up in Tarsus, Saul knew Greek. It is likely that he would have
received his primary education in a Jewish school. Saul learned to be a
tentmaker, a skill typical of his native area. In all probability, while still
a youth, Saul acquired this trade from his father.âActs 18:2,3.</p>
<p>The Acts account also reveals that Saul was born a Roman citizen. (Acts
22:25-28) This means that one of his forebears had already acquired that
distinction. How Saulâs family obtained Roman citizenship is unknown.
Whatever the case, that privilege would place them among the social elite of
their province. Saulâs background and education, then, gave him a firm
foothold in three different culturesâJewish, Greek, and Roman.</p>
<p>Likely, when he was no older than 13, Saul moved 520Â miles to Jerusalem to
continue his education. In that city, Saul studied at the feet of Gamaliel, a
highly esteemed teacher in the Pharisaic tradition.âActs 22:3.</p>
<p>These additional studies, comparable to going to a university today, would
consist of instruction in and memorization of both Scripture and Jewish oral
law. A successful student of Gamaliel would have a promising career before him,
and apparently Saul was just such a student. He later wrote: âI was making
greater progress in Judaism than many of my own age in my race, as I was far
more zealous for the traditions of my fathers.â (Gal. 1:14) Of course,
Saulâs zeal for Jewish tradition was what turned him into a notorious
persecutor of the fledgling Christian congregation. End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 61.</p>
<p>Saulâs Mandate in Damascus</p>
<p>How did Saul get authority to arrest Christians in a foreign city? The
Sanhedrin and the high priest exercised moral authority over Jews everywhere,
and the high priestâs powers apparently included authority to extradite
criminals. Thus, letters from the high priest would elicit the cooperation of
the elders of the Damascus synagogues.âActs 9:1,2.</p>
<p>The Romans, moreover, had granted the Jews the right to manage their own
judicial affairs. This explains how five times the Jews could inflict âforty
strokes less oneâ on the apostle Paul. (2Â Cor. 11:24) The book of 1Â
Maccabees also mentions a letter written by a Roman consul to Ptolemy VIII of
Egypt in 138Â B.C.E. that demanded: âIf any pestilent men have fled to you
from their country [Judaea], hand them over to Simon the high priest, that he
may punish them according to their law.â (1Â Macc. 15:21) In 47Â B.C.E.,
Julius Caesar confirmed the privileges previously granted to the high priest
along with his right to settle any questions that arose over Jewish customs.
End of Box</p>
<p>Question 3, 4. (a)Â What happened to Saul? (b)Â What questions will we
consider?</p>
<p>3Â Suddenly, a brilliant light engulfs Saul. His traveling companions see
the light but are speechless with shock. Saul, struck blind, collapses. Unable
to see, Saul hears a voice </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page50">50</pagenum><p>from heaven say: âSaul, Saul, why are you
persecuting me?â Stunned, Saul asks: âWho are you, Lord?â The answer Saul
receives must strike him to the very core: âI am Jesus, whom you are
persecuting.ââActs 9:3-5; 22:9.</p>
<p>4Â What can we learn from Jesusâ initial words to Saul? How can we benefit
from reviewing the events surrounding the conversion of Saul? And what lessons
can we draw from the way the congregation used the period of peace that settled
in after Saulâs conversion?</p>
<p>âWhy Are You Persecuting Me?â (Acts 9:1-5)</p>
<p>Question 5, 6. What can we learn from Jesusâ words to Saul?</p>
<p>5Â When Jesus stopped Saul on the road to Damascus, He did not ask: âWhy
are you persecuting my disciples?â As noted above, he said: Page 61âWhy are
you persecuting <em>me</em><em>?â</em> (Acts 9:4) Yes, Jesus personally
feels the trials experienced by his followers.âMatt. 25:34-40,45.</p>
<p>6Â If you are being oppressed because of your faith in Christ, be assured
that both Jehovah and Jesus are aware of your situation. (Matt. 10:22,28-31) At
present, the trial may not be removed. Remember, Jesus watched Saulâs
involvement in Stephenâs death, and He saw Saul drag faithful disciples from
their homes in Jerusalem. (Acts 8:3) Yet, Jesus did not intervene at that time.
Even so, Jehovah, through Christ, gave Stephen and the other disciples the
strength they needed to remain faithful.</p>
<p>Question 7. What must you do in order to endure persecution?</p>
<p>7Â You too can endure persecution if you do the following: (1)Â Resolve to
remain loyal, come what may. (2)Â Ask for Jehovahâs help. (Phil. 4:6,7) (3)Â
Leave vengeance in Jehovahâs hands. (Rom. 12:17-21) (4)Â Trust that Jehovah
will provide you with the strength to endure until he sees fit to remove the
trial.âPhil. 4:12,13.</p>
<p>âSaul, Brother, the Lord ... Has Sent Me Forthâ (Acts 9:6-17)</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. How might Ananias have felt about his assignment?</p>
<p>8Â After answering Saulâs question, âWho are you, Lord?â Jesus said to
him: âRise and enter into the city, and what you must do will be told you.â
(Acts 9:6) The sightless Saul was led to his lodgings in Damascus, where he
fasted and prayed for three days. Meanwhile, Jesus spoke about Saul to a
disciple in that city, a man named Ananias, who was âwell reported on by all
the Jewsâ dwelling in Damascus.âActs 22:12.</p>
<p>9Â Think of the mixed emotions Ananias must have felt! Here, the Head of the
congregation, the resurrected Jesus Christ, was speaking to him personally,
singling him out for a special assignment. What an honor, but what an
assignment! When told that he must speak to Saul, Ananias responded: âLord, I
have heard from many about this man, how Page 62 many injurious things he did
to your holy ones in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief
priests to put in bonds all those calling upon your name.ââActs 9:13,14.</p>
<p>Question 10. What do we learn about Jesus from the way he dealt with
Ananias?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page51">51</pagenum><p>10Â Jesus did not
reprove Ananias for expressing his concern. However, Jesus did provide him with
clear direction. And He dignified him by telling him the reason why He wanted
him to perform this unusual task. Jesus said of Saul: âThis man is a chosen
vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of
Israel. For I shall show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my
name.â (Acts 9:15,16) Ananias promptly obeyed Jesus. He sought out the
persecutor Page 63 Saul and said to him: âSaul, brother, the Lord, the Jesus
that appeared to you on the road over which you were coming, has sent me forth,
in order that you may recover sight and be filled with holy spirit.ââActs
9:17.</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. What do we learn from the events involving Jesus, Ananias,
and Saul?</p>
<p>11Â Several facts become evident from the events involving Jesus, Ananias,
and Saul. For example, Jesus plays an active role in directing the preaching
work, just as he promised he would. (Matt. 28:20) Although he does not speak
directly to individuals today, Jesus does direct the preaching work by means of
the faithful slave class, whom he has now appointed over all his belongings.
(Matt. 24:45-47) The slave class, represented by its Governing Body, sends out
publishers, pioneers, and missionaries to find those who want to know more
about Christ. As mentioned in the preceding chapter, many of such ones have
prayed for guidance and have then been contacted by Jehovahâs
Witnesses.âActs 9:11.</p>
<p>12Â Ananias obediently accepted an assignment and was blessed. Do you obey
the command to bear thorough witness, even if the assignment causes you some
apprehension? For some, going from house to house and meeting strangers can
cause anxiety. Others find it a challenge to preach to people at their places
of business, on the street, or via telephone. Ananias overcame his fear and had
the honor of helping Saul receive the holy spirit. *</p>
<p>Footnote As a general rule, the gifts of the holy spirit were passed on
through the apostles. In this unusual situation, however, it appears that Jesus
authorized Ananias to transmit the gifts of the spirit to His âchosen
vessel,â Saul. After his conversion, Saul was separated for a considerable
time from contact with the 12 apostles. However, it is likely that he was
active throughout that period. So Jesus apparently saw to it that Saul had the
power he needed in order to carry out his preaching assignment. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Ananias was successful because he trusted Jesus and he viewed
Saul as his brother. We can overcome our fears if, like Ananias, we trust that
Jesus is directing the preaching work, we have empathy for people, and we view
even the most intimidating individuals as our potential brothers.âMatt.
9:36.</p>
</blockquote ><p>âHe Began to Preach Jesusâ (Acts 9:18-30)</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. If you are studying the Bible but are not yet baptized,
what can you learn from Saulâs example?</p>
<p>13Â Saul acted swiftly on what he learned. After he was healed, he submitted
to baptism and began associating closely with the disciples in Damascus. But he
did more. </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page52">52</pagenum><p>âImmediately
in the synagogues he began to preach Jesus, that this One is the Son of
God.ââActs 9:20.</p>
<p>14Â If you are studying the Bible but are not yet baptized, will you be like
Saul and act decisively on what you learn? Granted, Saul Page 64 witnessed
firsthand a miracle performed by Christ, and this no doubt helped to motivate
him to action. But others also witnessed miracles performed by Jesus. For
instance, one group of Pharisees watched as he cured a manâs withered hand,
and a large number of the Jews in general knew that Jesus raised Lazarus from
the dead. Yet, many of them remained apathetic, even antagonistic. (Mark 3:1-6;
John 12:9,10) By contrast, Saul was transformed. Why did Saul respond when
others failed to do so? Because he feared God more than man and he deeply
appreciated the mercy Christ had shown to him. (Phil. 3:8) If you respond
similarly, you will let nothing stop you from joining in the preaching work and
from becoming qualified for baptism.</p>
<p>Question 15, 16. What did Saul do in the synagogues, and how did the Jews in
Damascus respond?</p>
<p>15Â Can you picture the surprise, shock, and anger that must have rippled
through the crowds when Saul began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues?
âIs this not the man that ravaged those in Jerusalem who call upon this
name?â they asked. (Acts 9:21) When explaining his change of heart about
Jesus, Saul âproved logically that this is the Christ.â (Acts 9:22) But
logic is not a universal key. It cannot unlock every mind shackled by tradition
or every heart bound by pride. Still, Saul did not give up.</p>
<p>16 Three years later, the Jews in Damascus were still contending with
Saul. Finally, they sought to kill him. (Acts 9:23; 2 Cor. 11:32,33; Gal.
1:13-18) When the plot became known, Saul chose the discreet course and left
the city by allowing himself to be lowered in a basket through an opening in
the city wall. Luke describes those who helped Saul escape that night as being
âhis [Saulâs] disciples.â (Acts 9:25) This wording seems to indicate that
at least some who heard Saul speak in Damascus responded to his preaching and
became followers of Christ.</p>
<p>Question 17. (a)Â In what ways do people respond to Bible truth? (b)Â What
should we continue to do, and why?</p>
<p>17Â When you first started to tell your family, friends, and others about
the good things you were learning, you may have expected that everyone would
accept the sheer logic of Bible truth. Some may have done so, whereas many did
not. Indeed, members of your own household may have treated you as an enemy.
(Matt. 10:32-38) However, if you continue to improve in your ability to reason
from the Scriptures and if you maintain Christian conduct, even those who
oppose you might eventually have a change of heart.âActs 17:2; 1Â Pet. 2:12;
3:1,2,7.</p>
<p>Question 18, 19. (a)Â When Barnabas vouched for Saul, what was the effect?
(b)Â How can we imitate Barnabas and Saul?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page53">53</pagenum><p>18Â When Saul entered
Jerusalem, the disciples were understandably Page 65 skeptical of his claims
that he was now a disciple. However, when Barnabas vouched for Saul, the
apostles accepted him, and he remained with them for a time. (Acts 9:26-28)
Saul was discreet, but he was not ashamed of the good news. (Rom. 1:16) He
boldly preached in Jerusalem, the very place from which he had launched vicious
persecution against the disciples of Jesus Christ. To their horror, the Jews in
Jerusalem realized that their champion had defected, and they now sought to
kill him. âWhen the brothers detected this,â states the account, âthey
brought [Saul] down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.â (Acts 9:30) Saul
submitted to Jesusâ direction as expressed through the congregation. Both
Saul and the congregation benefited.</p>
<p>19Â Notice that Barnabas took the initiative to assist Saul. No doubt this
kind act helped to foster the warm friendship that developed between these
zealous servants of Jehovah. Do you, like Barnabas, willingly assist new ones
in the congregation, working with them in the field service and helping them to
progress spiritually? You will be richly rewarded if you do. If you are a new
publisher of the good news, do you, like Saul, accept the help that is offered
to you? By working along with more experienced publishers, you will improve in
your skill in the ministry, your joy will increase, and you will form bonds of
friendship that can last a lifetime.</p>
<p>âMany Became Believersâ (Acts 9:31-43)</p>
<p>Question 20, 21. How have Godâs servants past and present made the most of
âperiods of peaceâ?</p>
<p>20Â After Saulâs conversion and safe departure, âthe congregation
throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria entered into a period of
peace.â (Acts 9:31) How did the disciples use this âfavorable seasonâ?
(2Â Tim. 4:2) The account says that they were âbeing built up.â The
apostles and other responsible brothers reinforced the faith of the disciples
and took the lead as the congregation âwalked in the fear of Jehovah and in
the comfort of the holy spirit.â For example, Peter used the time to
strengthen the disciples in the town of Lydda in the Plain of Sharon. His
efforts caused many who lived in the vicinity to turn âto the Lord.â (Acts
9:32-35) The disciples did not become sidetracked by other pursuits but exerted
themselves caring for one another and preaching the good news. The result was
that the congregation âkept on multiplying.â</p>
<p>21Â Toward the end of the 20th century, Jehovahâs Witnesses in many
countries entered into a similar âperiod of peace.â Regimes that had
oppressed Godâs people for decades suddenly came to an end, and certain bans
on the preaching work were eased or lifted. Tens of thousands of Witnesses
seized the opportunity to preach publicly, with spectacular Page 66 results.
For instance, when Jehovahâs Witnesses in Russia received official
recognition in 1991, there were fewer than 16,000 Kingdom publishers in that
country. Just 16Â years later, in 2007, more than 150,000 were zealously
preaching the good news.</p>
<p>Question 22. How can you make the most of the freedom that you possess?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page54">54</pagenum><p>22Â Are you making
good use of the freedom you possess? If you live in a country that enjoys
religious freedom, Satan would love to induce you to pursue material riches,
notKingdom interests. (Matt. 13:22) Do not be sidetracked. Use productively any
periods of relative peace that you may now enjoy. View them as opportunities to
bear thorough witness and to build up the congregation. Remember, your
circumstances can change abruptly.</p>
<p>Question 23, 24. (a)Â What points do we learn from the account involving
Tabitha? (b)Â What should be our resolve?</p>
<p>23Â Consider what happened to a disciple named Tabitha, or Dorcas. She lived
in Joppa, a town not far from Lydda. This faithful sister used her time and
assets wisely, abounding âin good deeds and gifts of mercy.â Suddenly,
though, she fell ill and died. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âDorcasââShe Abounded in Good Deeds,ââ on
p67. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Her death caused great grief among the disciples in Joppa,
especially among the widows who had been touched by her kindness. When Peter
arrived at the house where her body was being prepared for burial, he performed
a miracle unprecedented among the apostles of Jesus Christ. Peter prayed and
then raised Tabitha from the dead! Can you imagine the joy of the widows and
other disciples when Peter called them back into the room and presented Tabitha
to them alive? How these events must have strengthened them for the trials that
lay ahead! Understandably, the miracle âbecame known throughout all Joppa,
and many became believers on the Lord.ââActs 9:36-42.</p>
</blockquote ><p>24Â We learn two important points from this heartwarming
account involving Tabitha. (1)Â Life is fleeting. How vital it is, then, that
we make a good name with God while we are able to do so! (Eccl. 7:1) (2)Â The
resurrection hope is sure. Jehovah noticed the numerous acts of kindness that
Tabitha had performed, and he rewarded her. He will remember our hard Page 67
work and will resurrect us if our life should end before Armageddon. (Heb.
6:10) So whether we are currently enduring a âtroublesome seasonâ or are
enjoying âa period of peace,â let us persevere in bearing thorough witness
to Christ.â2Â Tim. 4:2.</p>
<p>Box, page 67.</p>
<p>DorcasââShe Abounded in Good Deedsâ</p>
<p>Dorcas was a member of the Christian congregation in the seaport town of
Joppa. Her fellow believers loved her because âshe abounded in good deeds and
gifts of mercy.â (Acts 9:36) Like many Jews who lived in areas having a mixed
Jewish and Gentile population, Dorcas had two namesâone Hebrew or Aramaic and
the other Greek or Latin. Her Greek name, Dorcas, was rendered âTabithaâ in
Aramaic. Both names mean âGazelle.â</p>
<p>It appears that Dorcas fell sick and suddenly died. As was the custom, her
body was washed in preparation for burial. It was laid out in an upper chamber,
possibly in her own house. The hot climate of the Middle East required that
burials take place either on the day of a personâs death or on the next day.
The Christians in Joppa had heard that the </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page55">55</pagenum><p>apostle Peter was in nearby Lydda. There was enough
time for Peter to come to Joppa before Dorcas would have to be buried, since
the distance between the two cities was only 11Â milesâabout a four-hour
walk. So the congregation dispatched two men to ask Peter to come without
delay. (Acts 9:37,38) Says one scholar: âIt was a regular practice in early
Judaism to send out emissaries in pairs, in part so that one could validate the
testimony of the other.â</p>
<p>What happened when Peter arrived? The account tells us: âThey led him up
into the upper chamber; and all the widows presented themselves to him weeping
and exhibiting many inner garments and outer garments that Dorcas used to make
while she was with them.â (Acts 9:39) Among the factors that endeared Dorcas
to the members of her congregation was that she was in the habit of sewing for
them. She made tunics, worn next to the body, and cloaks or robes, which were
worn over the tunic. Whether Dorcas paid for all the material herself or just
provided her labor is not stated. In any case, she was loved for her kindness
and âgifts of mercy.â</p>
<p>What Peter saw in that upper chamber must have moved him. âThis was
mourning which was far different from that manifested in the house of Jairus
with its noisy, hired mourning women and fluteblowers,â says scholar Richard
Lenski. âThis was not such artificial mourning as that.â (Matt. 9:23) It
was genuine and heartfelt. The fact that no mention is ever made of a husband
leads many to conclude that Dorcas was single.</p>
<p>When Jesus commissioned his apostles, he gave them power to âraise up dead
persons.â (Matt. 10:8) Peter had seen Jesus perform such miracles, including
the resurrection of Jairusâ daughter, but we have no record prior to this of
an apostle performing a resurrection. (Mark 5:21-24,35-43) But now Peter put
onlookers out of the upper chamber, and then he prayed earnestly, with the
result that Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. What joy there must have been
among the Christians in Joppa when Peter was then able to present to the holy
ones and the widows their beloved Dorcasâalive!âActs 9:40-42. End of Box</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 66: How can you imitate Dorcas?</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 68 SECTION 3 Acts 10:1--12:25
</doctitle><p>âPeople of the Nations ... Received the Word of Godâ (Acts
11:1)</p>
<p>Would the Jewish followers of Jesus be willing to preach the good news to
uncircumcised Gentiles? In this section, we will see how Jehovahâs spirit
opened hearts and enabled Christians to overcome prejudice, giving great
impetus to the work of bearing witness to all the nations.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 69 Chapter 9 âGod Is Not Partialâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The preaching work opens up to uncircumcised
Gentiles</p>
<p>Based on Acts 10:1--11:30</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. What vision does Peter receive, and why do we
need to grasp its significance?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page56">56</pagenum><p>1 The year is 36Â C.E.
The autumn sun warms Peter as he prays on the flat rooftop of a house near the
sea in the harbor city of Joppa. He has been a guest in this home for some days
now. His willingness to stay here reveals, to an extent, an unprejudiced
attitude. The owner, a certain Simon, is a tanner by trade, and not every Jew
would lodge with such a man. *</p>
<p>Footnote Some Jews looked down on a tanner because his trade brought him
into contact with the hides and carcasses of animals and with the loathsome
materials required for his work. Tanners were considered unfit to appear at the
temple, and their place of business had to be no less than 50Â cubits, or
somewhat over 70Â feet, from a town. This, in part, may explain why Simonâs
house was âby the sea.ââActs 10:6. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Still, Peter is about to learn a vital lesson regarding
Jehovahâs impartiality.</p>
</blockquote ><p>2Â While Peter is praying, he falls into a trance. What he
sees in a vision would disturb any Jew. Descending from heaven is a sheetlike
vessel containing animals unclean according to the Law. Told to slaughter and
eat, Peter replies: âNever have I eaten anything defiled and unclean.â Not
once but three times he is told: âYou stop calling defiled the things God
has cleansed.â (Acts 10:14-16) The vision leaves Peter confused but not for
long.</p>
<p>3 What did Peterâs vision mean? It is important that we grasp its
significance, for at the heart of this vision is a profound truth about the way
Jehovah views people. As true Christians, we cannot bear thorough witness about
Godâs Kingdom unless we learn to share Godâs view of people. To unlock the
meaning of Peterâs vision, let us examine the dramatic events that surrounded
it.</p>
<p>Making âSupplication to God Continuallyâ (Acts 10:1-8)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. Who was Cornelius, and what happened while he was praying?</p>
<p>4Â Little did Peter know that the preceding day in Caesarea, about 30Â miles
north, a man named Cornelius had also received a divine vision. Cornelius, a
centurion in the Roman army, was âa devout man.â *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âCornelius and the Roman Army,â on p70. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>He was also an exemplary family man, for he was âone fearing
God together with all his household.â Cornelius was not a Jewish proselyte;
he was an uncircumcised Gentile. Yet, he showed compassion to needy Jews,
giving them material help. This sincere man âmade supplication to God
continually.ââActs 10:2.</p>
</blockquote ><p>5Â At about 3:00 p.m., Cornelius was praying when he saw a
vision in which an angel told him: âYour prayers and gifts of mercy have
ascended as a remembrance before God.â (Acts 10:4) As directed by the angel,
Cornelius dispatched men to summon the apostle Peter. As an uncircumcised
Gentile, Cornelius was about to enter a door that up to then had been closed to
him. He was about to receive the message of salvation.</p>
<p>Box, page 70.</p>
<p>Cornelius and the Roman Army</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page57">57</pagenum><p>Administrative and
military headquarters for the Roman province of Judea were located in Caesarea.
The troops under the governorâs command consisted of 500 to 1,000 cavalry and
five cohorts of infantry, the size of which could be varied from 500 to 1,000
soldiers each. These troops were usually recruited from among provincials
rather than Roman citizens. Most served in Caesarea, but small garrisons were
scattered throughout Judea. One cohort was permanently based in the Tower of
Antonia in Jerusalem in order to police the TempleMount and the city. The
Roman presence in that city would be reinforced during Jewish festivals to deal
with possible disturbances.</p>
<p>A cohort was divided into six centuries, nominally of 100Â men, each
commanded by a centurion. The Greek text of Acts 10:1 says that Cornelius was a
centurion of the so-called Italian Band, probably based in Caesarea. This unit
may have been the Second Italian Cohort of Roman Citizen Volunteers. *</p>
<p>Footnote In Latin, Cohors II Italica voluntariorum civium Romanorum. Its
presence in Syria in 69Â C.E. is attested. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Centurions had considerable social and military status, as well
as wealth. Their pay was perhaps 16Â times that of regular soldiers.</p>
</blockquote ><p> End of Box</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. (a)Â Relate an experience showing that God answers the
prayers of sincere ones who want to find out the truth about him. (b)Â What can
we conclude from such experiences?</p>
<p>6Â Does God answer the prayers of sincere ones today who want to find out
the truth about him? Consider an experience. A woman in Albania accepted a copy
of <em>The Watchtower</em> containing an article about raising children. *</p>
<p>Footnote The article, entitled âReliable Advice for Raising Children,â
appeared in the November 1, 2006, issue, p4-7. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>She told the Witness who called at her door: âWould you
believe that I was praying to God for help in raising my daughters? He sent
you! You touched my heart in the exact spot where I needed it!â The woman and
her daughters began studying, and her husband later joined in the study.</p>
</blockquote ><p>7Â Is this an isolated example? By no means! This type of
experience has been repeated over and over again around the worldâfar too
often to be attributed to mere chance. What, then, can we conclude? First,
Jehovah answers the prayers of sincere individuals who search for him. (1Â Ki.
8:41-43; Ps. 65:2) Second, we have angelic support for our preaching
work.âRev. 14:6,7.</p>
<p>Page 71 âPeter Was in Great Perplexityâ (Acts 10:9-23a)</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. What did the spirit make known to Peter, and how did he
respond?</p>
<p>8Â Still on the rooftop, âPeter was in great perplexityâ over the
meaning of the vision when messengers from Cornelius approached the house.
(Acts 10:17) Would Peter, who had three times said that he would refuse to eat
foods considered unclean according to the </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page58">58</pagenum><p>Law, be willing to go with these men and enter into
the home of a Gentile? In some way holy spirit made Godâs will known in this
matter. Peter was told: âLook! Three men are seeking you. However, rise, go
downstairs and be on your way with them, not doubting at all, because I have
dispatched them.â (Acts 10:19,20) The vision of the sheetlike vessel that
Peter had received no doubt prepared him to yield to the leadings of the holy
spirit.</p>
<p>9Â Learning that Cornelius had been divinely instructed to send for him,
Peter invited the Gentile messengers into the house âand entertained them.â
(Acts 10:23a) The obedient apostle was already adjusting to new developments in
the outworking of Godâs will.</p>
<p>Question 10. How does Jehovah lead his people, and what questions may we
need to ask ourselves?</p>
<p>10Â To this day, Jehovah leads his people progressively. (Prov. 4:18) By
means of his holy spirit, he is guiding âthe faithful and discreet slaveâ
and its Governing Body. (Matt. 24:45) At times, we may receive clarifications
in our understanding of Godâs Word or changes in certain organizational
procedures. We do well to ask ourselves: âHow do I respond to such
refinements? Do I submit to the leadings of Godâs spirit in these
matters?â</p>
<p>Peter âCommanded Them to Be Baptizedâ (Acts 10:23b-48)</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. What did Peter do upon arriving in Caesarea, and what had
he learned?</p>
<p>11 The day after his vision, Peter and nine othersâthe three messengers
sent by Cornelius and âsix [Jewish] brothersâ from Joppaâheaded up to
Caesarea. (Acts 11:12) Expecting Peter, Cornelius had assembled âhis
relatives and intimate friendsââevidently all Gentiles. (Acts 10:24) Upon
arriving, Peter did something once unthinkable for him: He entered the home of
an uncircumcised Gentile! Peter explained: âYou well know how unlawful it is
for a Jew to join himself to or approach a man of another race; and yet God has
shown me I should call no man defiled or unclean.â (Acts 10:28) By now Peter
had come to discern that the vision he had received was intended to teach a
lesson that was not limited to the types of foods one should eat. He should
âcall no <em>man </em>[not even a Gentile] defiled.â</p>
<p>12Â A Page 72 receptive audience awaited Peter. âWe are all present before
God to hear all the things you have been commanded by Jehovah to say,â
explained Cornelius. (Acts 10:33) Imagine how you would feel if you heard such
words from an interested person! Peter began with this powerful statement:
âFor a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the
man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.â (Acts
10:34,35) Peter had learned that Godâs view of people is not determined by
race, nationality, or any other external factors. Peter proceeded to bear
witness about Jesusâ ministry, death, and resurrection.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 75: âCornelius, of course, was expecting them and
had called together his relatives and intimate friends.ââActs 10:24</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page59">59</pagenum><p>Picture Description:
Peter and his traveling companions enter Corneliusâ home. Cornelius wears a
special cloak draped over his left shoulder to mark his rank as a centurion.</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. (a)Â What was significant about the conversion of Cornelius
and other Gentiles in 36Â C.E.? (b)Â Why should we not judge people on the
basis of external characteristics?</p>
<p>13Â Something unprecedented now happened: âWhile Peter was yet
speaking,â the holy spirit was poured out upon those âpeople of the
nations.â (Acts 10:44,45) This is the only reported case in the Scriptures of
the spiritâs being poured out <em>before</em> baptism. Recognizing this sign
of Godâs approval, Peter âcommanded them [that group of Gentiles] to be
baptized.â (Acts 10:48) The conversion of these Gentiles in 36Â C.E. marked
the end of the period of special favor to the Jews. (Dan. 9:24-27) Taking the
lead on this occasion, Peter used the third and final âkey of the kingdom.â
(Matt. 16:19) This key opened the door for uncircumcised Gentiles to become
spirit-anointed Christians.</p>
<p>14Â As Kingdom proclaimers today, we recognize that âthere is no
partiality with God.â (Rom. 2:11) It is his will that âall sorts of men
should be saved.â (1Â Tim. 2:4) So we must never judge people on the basis of
external characteristics. Our commission is to bear thorough witness about
Godâs Kingdom, and that involves preaching to <em>all</em> people, regardless
of their race, nationality, appearance, or religious background.</p>
<p>âThey Acquiesced, and They Glorified Godâ (Acts 11:1-18)</p>
<p>Question 15, 16. Why did some Jewish Christians contend with Peter, and how
did he explain his actions?</p>
<p>15Â No doubt eager to report what had happened, Peter headed for Jerusalem.
Evidently, the news that uncircumcised Gentiles had âreceived the word of
Godâ preceded him. Soon after Peter arrived, âthe supporters of
circumcision began to contend with him.â They were disturbed because he had
entered âthe house of men that were not circumcised and had eaten with
them.â (Acts 11:1-3) The issue was not whether Gentiles could become
followers of Christ. Rather, those Jewish disciples were really insisting that
Gentiles needed to observe the Lawâincluding circumcisionâin order to
worship Jehovah acceptably. Page 73 Clearly, some Jewish disciples had
difficulty letting go of the Mosaic Law.</p>
<p>16Â How did Peter explain his actions? According to Acts 11:4-16, he
recounted four evidences of heavenly direction: (1)Â the divine vision he had
received (Verses 4-10); (2) the spiritâs command (Verses 11,12); (3) the
angelâs visit to Cornelius (Verses 13,14); and (4) the pouring out of the
holy spirit upon the Gentiles. (Verses 15,16) Peter concluded with a most
compelling question: âIf, therefore, God gave the same free gift [of holy
spirit] to them [believing Gentiles] as he also did to us [Jews] who have
believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I should be able to hinder
God?ââActs 11:17.</p>
<p>Question 17, 18. (a)Â Peterâs testimony posed what test for Jewish
Christians? (b)Â Why can it be a challenge to preserve the unity of the
congregation, and what questions do we do well to ask ourselves?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page60">60</pagenum><p>17Â Peterâs
testimony posed a crucial test for those Jewish Christians. Would they be able
to put aside any traces of prejudice and accept the newly baptized Gentiles as
their fellow Christians? The account tells us: âNow when they [the apostles
and other Jewish Christians] heard these things, they acquiesced, and they
glorified God, saying: âWell, then, God has granted repentance for the
purpose of life to people of the nations also.ââ (Acts 11:18) That positive
attitude preserved the unity of the congregation.</p>
<p>18Â Maintaining unity today can be challenging, for true worshippers have
come âout of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.â (Rev. 7:9) We
thus find a diversity of races, cultures, and backgrounds in many
congregations. We do well to ask ourselves: âHave I rooted out of my heart
any traces of prejudice? Am I determined never to let this worldâs divisive
traitsâincluding nationalism, tribalism, pride in culture, and
racismâinfluence the way I treat my Christian brothers?â Recall what
happened to Peter (Cephas) some years after the conversion of the first
Gentiles. Yielding to the prejudice of others, he âwent Page 74 withdrawing
and separating himselfâ from Gentile Christians and had to be corrected by
Paul. (Gal. 2:11-14) Let us keep ever on guard against the snare of
prejudice.</p>
<p>âA Great Number ... Became Believersâ (Acts 11:19-26a)</p>
<p>Question 19. Jewish Christians in Antioch began preaching to whom, and with
what result?</p>
<p>19Â Did Jesusâ followers start preaching to uncircumcised Gentiles? Notice
what happened later in Antioch of Syria. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âAntioch of Syria,â on p73. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>This city had a large Jewish community, but there was little
hostility between Jews and Gentiles. So Antioch offered a favorable atmosphere
for preaching to Gentiles. It was here that some Jewish disciples began
declaring the good news to âthe Greek-speaking people.â (Acts 11:20) This
preaching was directed not only to Greek-speaking Jews but also to
uncircumcised Gentiles. Jehovah blessed the work, and âa great number ...
became believers.ââActs 11:21.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 73.</p>
<p>Antioch of Syria</p>
<p>Antioch of Syria was located on the river Orontes, about 18Â miles upstream
from the Mediterranean seaport of Seleucia and some 350Â miles north of
Jerusalem. (Acts 13:4) Seleucus I Nicator, first ruler of the Seleucid Empire,
founded Antioch in 300Â B.C.E. As the capital of that empire, Antioch soon
acquired great importance. In 64Â B.C.E., Roman General Pompey made Syria a
Roman province, with Antioch as its capital. By the first century C.E., the
metropolis ranked third in size and wealth among the cities of the Roman
Empire, after Rome and Alexandria.</p>
<p>Antioch was a commercial as well as a political center. The wares of all of
Syria passed through it before being exported to the rest of the Mediterranean
basin. âSince it was near the frontier between the settled Graeco-Roman area
and the eastern states,â says </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page61">61</pagenum><p>one scholar, âit was even more cosmopolitan than
most Hellenistic cities.â There was a large Jewish community in Antioch, and
according to Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, they âmade proselytes of a
great many of the Greeksâ who lived there. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 20, 21. How did Barnabas show due modesty, and how can we show
similar modesty when fulfilling our ministry?</p>
<p>20Â To care for this ripe field, the Jerusalem congregation sent Barnabas to
Antioch. The thriving interest evidently was more than he could handle alone.
Who was better suited to help out than Saul, who was to become the apostle to
the nations? (Acts 9:15; Rom. 1:5) Would Barnabas see Saul as a rival? On the
contrary, Barnabas showed due modesty. He took the initiative to go to Tarsus,
look for Saul, and bring him back to Antioch to help. Together they spent a
year building up the disciples in the congregation there.âActs 11:22-26a.</p>
<p>21Â How can we show modesty in fulfilling our ministry? This quality
involves acknowledging our limitations. We all have different strengths and
abilities. For example, some may be effective in placing literature but have
difficulty making return visits or starting Bible studies. If you would like to
improve in some aspect of the ministry, why not ask for help? By taking such
initiative, you may become more productive and reap greater joy in the
ministry.â1Â Cor. 9:26.</p>
<p>Sending âa Relief Ministrationâ (Acts 11:26b-30)</p>
<p>Question 22, 23. The brothers in Antioch made what expression of brotherly
love, and how do Godâs people today act similarly?</p>
<p>22Â It was first in Antioch that âthe disciples were by divine providence
called Christians.â (Acts 11:26b) That God-approved name aptly describes
those whose way of life is modeled on that of Christ. As people of the nations
became Christians, did a bond of brotherhood form Page 76 between Jewish and
Gentile believers? Consider what happened when a great famine occurred about
46 C.E. *</p>
<p>Footnote The Jewish historian Josephus refers to this âgreat famineâ
during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54Â C.E.). End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>In ancient times, famines sorely affected the poor, who had
neither reserves of money nor extra food. During this famine, the Jewish
Christians living in Judea, many of whom apparently were poor, were in need of
provisions. Learning of the need, the brothers in Antiochâincluding Gentile
Christiansâsent âa relief ministrationâ to the brothers in Judea. (Acts
11:29) What a genuine expression of brotherly love!</p>
</blockquote ><p>23Â It is no different among Godâs people today. When we
learn that our brothersâin another land or in our own areaâare in need, we
willingly reach out to help them. Branch Committees quickly organize the
formation of relief committees to look after our brothers who may be affected
by natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. All such
relief efforts demonstrate the genuineness of our brotherhood.âJohn 13:34,35;
1Â John 3:17.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 76: When our brothers are in need, we willingly reach
out to help</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page62">62</pagenum><p>Question 24. How can
we show that we take to heart the meaning of the vision that Peter received?</p>
<p>24Â As true Christians, we take to heart the meaning of the vision that
Peter received on the rooftop in Joppa over 1,900 years ago. We worship an
impartial God. It is his will that we bear thorough witness about his Kingdom,
which involves preaching to others regardless of their race, national origin,
or social standing. Let us, then, be determined to give all who will listen an
opportunity to respond to the good news.âRom. 10:11-13.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 77 Chapter 10 âThe Word of Jehovah Went On
Growingâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Peter is delivered, and persecution fails to stop
the spread of the good news</p>
<p>Based on Acts 12:1-25</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-4. What difficult situation does Peter face, and
how would you feel if you were in his place?</p>
<p>1 With a resounding clang, the massive iron gate swings shut behind Peter.
Shackled between two Roman guards, he is led off to his cell. He then endures
long hours, perhaps days, of waiting to learn what is to be done with him.
There is little for his gaze to fall on but his prison walls and bars, his
chains, and his guards.</p>
<p>2 The news, when it comes, is grim. King Herod Agrippa I is determined to
see Peter dead. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âKing Herod Agrippa I,â on p79. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>In fact, Peter is to be presented to the people after the
Passover, his death sentence a gift to delight the crowds. This is no empty
threat. One of Peterâs fellow apostlesâJamesâhas recently been executed
by this same ruler.</p>
</blockquote ><p>3Â It is the evening before the scheduled execution. What is
Peter thinking in the gloom of his prison cell? Does he recall that years
before, Jesus revealed that Peter would one day be bound and led against his
willâto his death? (John 21:18,19) Perhaps Peter wonders if that time has
arrived.</p>
<p>4Â If you were in Peterâs situation, how would you feel? Many would
despair, thinking that all hope is lost. For a genuine follower of Jesus
Christ, however, is any situation truly hopeless? What can we learn from how
Peter and his fellow Christians reacted to the persecution that befell them?
Let us see.</p>
<p>Box, page 79.</p>
<p>King Herod Agrippa I</p>
<p>Herod Agrippa I, who had James executed and Peter imprisoned, was the
grandson of Herod the Great. The Herods were a dynasty of political rulers over
the Jews. The family was Idumaean, that is, Edomite. The Idumaeans were
nominally Jewish, since circumcision had been forced upon them in about 125Â
B.C.E.</p>
<p>Born in 10 B.C.E., Herod Agrippa I was educated in Rome. He cultivated
friendships with various members of the imperial family. One of those friends
was Gaius, better </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page63">63</pagenum><p>known
as Caligula, who became emperor in 37 C.E. He soon proclaimed Agrippa king
over Ituraea, Trachonitis, and Abilene. Later, Caligula expanded Agrippaâs
domain to include Galilee and Perea.</p>
<p>Agrippa was in Rome when Caligula was assassinated in 41Â C.E. Reportedly,
Agrippa played an important role in resolving the crisis that ensued. He
participated in the tense negotiations between another powerful friend,
Claudius, and the Roman Senate. The result was that Claudius was proclaimed
emperor and civil war was averted. To reward Agrippa for his mediation,
Claudius granted him kingship also over Judea and Samaria, which had been
administered by Roman procurators since 6Â C.E. Thus Agrippa came to be in
charge of territories equaling those of Herod the Great.</p>
<p>Agrippaâs capital was Jerusalem, where he won the favor of the religious
leaders. He is said to have observed Jewish law and traditions scrupulously by,
among other things, offering sacrifices in the temple daily, reading the Law
publicly, and playing âthe role of zealous protector of the Jewish faith.â
However, he belied his claim of being a worshipper of God by arranging
gladiatorial combats and pagan spectacles in the theater. Agrippaâs
character has been described as âtreacherous, superficial, extravagant.â
End of Box</p>
<p>âPrayer ... Was Being Carried On Intenselyâ (Acts 12:1-5)</p>
<p>Question 5, 6. (a) Why and how did King Herod Agrippa I attack the
Christian congregation? (b)Â Why was the death of James a trial for the
congregation?</p>
<p>5Â As we learned in the preceding chapter of this publication, the
conversion of the Gentile Cornelius and his family was a thrilling development
for the Christian congregation. But nonbelieving Jews must have Page 78 been
shocked to learn that many Jewish Christians were now worshipping freely with
non-Jews.</p>
<p>6Â Herod, a canny politician, saw in this an opportunity to curry favor with
the Jews, so he set about mistreating the Christians. No doubt, he learned that
the apostle James had been especially close to Jesus Christ. Hence, Herod
âdid away with James the brother of John by the sword.â (Acts 12:2) What a
trial for the congregation! James was one of the three who had witnessed
Jesusâ transfiguration and other miracles not revealed to the other apostles.
(Matt. 17:1,2; Mark 5:37-42) Jesus had called James and his brother John
âSons of Thunderâ because of their fiery enthusiasm. (Mark 3:17) So the
congregation lost a bold, faithful witness and beloved apostle.</p>
<p>Question 7, 8. How did the congregation respond to Peterâs
imprisonment?</p>
<p>7Â The execution of James pleased the Jews, just as Agrippa had hoped. Thus
emboldened, he went after Peter next. As described at the outset, he had Peter
arrested. Agrippa likely recalled, though, that prisons had not always proved
effective in containing the apostles, as noted in Chapter 5 of this book.
Taking no chances, Herod had Peter chained between 2Â guards, with 16Â guards
working in shifts day and night to make sure that this apostle did not escape.
If he did, those guards would themselves face Peterâs sentence. Under such
dire circumstances, what could Peterâs fellow Christians do?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page64">64</pagenum><p>8Â The congregation
knew well what to do. Acts 12:5 reads: âConsequently Peter was being kept in
the prison; but prayer to God for Page 79 him was being carried on intensely by
the congregation.â Yes, their prayers in behalf of their beloved brother were
intense, heartfelt pleas. The death of James had not plunged them into despair;
nor had it caused them to view prayer as valueless. Prayers mean a great deal
to Jehovah. If they are in harmony with his will, he will answer them. (Heb.
13:18,19; Jas. 5:16) This is a lesson that Christians today will want to take
to heart.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 78: We pray in behalf of our brothers in prison for
their faith</p>
<p>Question 9. What can we learn from the example set by Peterâs fellow
Christians in the matter of prayer?</p>
<p>9Â Do you know of fellow believers who are beset by trials? They may be
enduring persecution, governmental bans, or natural disasters. Why not make
them the subject of your heartfelt prayers? You may also know of some who are
undergoing less noticeable forms of hardship, such as family troubles,
discouragement, or some challenge to their faith. If you meditate before
praying, you may think of a number of people to mention by name as you speak to
Jehovah, the âHearer of prayer.â (Ps. 65:2) After all, you need your
brothers and sisters to do the same for you, should you come upon hard
times.</p>
<p>âKeep Following Meâ (Acts 12:6-11)</p>
<p>Question 10, 11. Describe the way that Jehovahâs angel delivered Peter
from imprisonment.</p>
<p>10Â Was Peter anxious about the danger he faced? We cannot say for sure, but
during that final night in prison, he was fast asleep between his two vigilant
guards. This man of faith surely knew that whatever tomorrow might bring, he
was safe with Jehovah. (Rom. 14:7,8) At any rate, Peter could not have
anticipated the amazing events that were about to unfold. Suddenly, a bright
light filled his cell. An angel stood there, Page 80 evidently unseen by the
guards, and urgently awakened Peter. And those chains binding his
handsâchains that had seemed so unbreakableâsimply fell off!</p>
<p>11Â The angel gave Peter a series of terse commands: âRise quickly! ...
Gird yourself and bind your sandals on. ... Put your outer garment on.â Peter
readily complied. Finally, the angel said: âKeep following me,â and Peter
did so. They left the cell, walked right by the sentinel guards stationed
outside, and made their way silently to the massive iron gate. How could they
get through that? If such a thought even formed in Peterâs mind, it was
short-lived. As they approached the gate, it opened âof its own accord.â
Before Peter knew it, they passed through the gate and into the street, and
then the angel vanished. Peter was left there, and the realization dawned on
him that all of this had really happened. This was no vision. He was
free!âActs 12:7-11.</p>
<p>Question 12. Why may we find it comforting to contemplate Jehovahâs rescue
of Peter?</p>
<p>12Â Is it not comforting to contemplate Jehovahâs limitless power to
rescue his servants? Peter was held captive by a king who was backed by the
strongest </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page65">65</pagenum><p>governmental
power the world had ever seen. Yet, Peter walked right out of prison! Granted,
Jehovah does not perform such miracles for all his servants. He had not done so
for James; nor did He do so for Peter later, when Jesusâ words about this
apostle were finally fulfilled. Christians today do not expect miraculous
deliverance. However, we keep in mind that Jehovah has not changed. (Mal. 3:6)
And he will soon use his Son to free countless millions from that most
unyielding of prisons, death. (John 5:28,29) We can draw tremendous courage
from such promises when we face trials today.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 83: âThey got to the iron gate leading into the
city, and this opened to them of its own accord.ââActs 12:10</p>
<p>Picture Description: Peter is led by an angel; the of TowerAntonia is the
possible location of Peterâs imprisonment.</p>
<p>âThey Saw Him and Were Astonishedâ (Acts 12:12-17)</p>
<p>Question 13-15. (a)Â How did the congregation members meeting at Maryâs
house react to Peterâs arrival? (b)Â To what does the book of Acts shift its
focus, but what effect did Peter continue to have on his spiritual brothers and
sisters?</p>
<p>13Â Peter stood in the dark street, deciding where to go next. Then he knew.
Living nearby was a Christian woman named Mary. Evidently a widow of some
means, Mary owned a house that was large enough to accommodate a congregation.
She was the mother of John Mark, whom the Acts account mentions for the first
time here and who eventually became like a son to Peter. (1Â Pet. 5:13) On this
night, many in that congregation were at Maryâs house despite the late hour,
praying earnestly. No doubt they were praying for Peterâs releaseâbut they
were not prepared for Jehovahâs answer!</p>
<p>14Â Peter knocked at the door of the gateway, which opened into a courtyard
in front of the house. A servant girl named Rhodaâa common Page 81 Greek name
meaning âRoseââcame to the gate. She could not believe her ears. It was
Peterâs voice! Instead of opening the gate, the excited girl left Peter
standing in the street, ran back into the house, and tried to convince the
congregation that Peter was there. They said she was mad, but she was not the
type to be dissuaded. She kept asserting what she knew to be true. Giving in a
bit, some suggested that it might be an angel who was representing Peter. (Acts
12:12-15) All the while, Peter kept knocking until, finally, they went to the
gate and opened it.</p>
<p>15Â At the gate, âthey saw him and were astonishedâ! (Acts 12:16) Peter
had to quiet their happy hubbub so that he could tell his story, direct that it
be passed along to the disciple James and the brothers, and then take his leave
before Herodâs soldiers could find him. Peter went off to continue his
faithful service somewhere safer. Except for his contribution toward resolving
the circumcision issue, as mentioned in Acts chapter 15, he exits the account.
The book of Acts next turns its focus to the work and travels of the apostle
Paul. However, we can be sure that Peter strengthened the faith of his brothers
and sisters wherever he went. When he left that group at Maryâs house, they
were certainly in a joyful frame of mind.</p>
<p>Question 16. Why is the future sure to bring us many occasions for
rejoicing?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page66">66</pagenum><p>16Â Sometimes Jehovah
gives his servants more than they could possibly expect, leaving them almost
incredulous with joy. That was how Peterâs spiritual brothers and sisters
felt that night. It is how we may at times feel when we experience Jehovahâs
rich blessing today. (Prov. 10:22) In the future, we will see all of
Jehovahâs promises being fulfilled on a global scale. The glorious realities
will surely far exceed anything we can imagine today. So, as long as we remain
faithful, we can count on many happy times ahead.</p>
<p>âThe Angel of Jehovah Struck Himâ (Acts 12:18-25)</p>
<p>Question 17, 18. What led up to the flattering of Herod?</p>
<p>17Â Peterâs escape also astonished Herodâbut his was no pleasant
surprise. Herod quickly ordered a thorough search, then had Peterâs guards
interrogated. They were âled off to punishment,â likely execution. (Acts
12:19) Herod Agrippa will not be remembered for compassion or mercy. Was this
cruel man ever punished?</p>
<p>18Â Agrippa may have felt humiliated over his failure to execute Peter, but
he soon found solace for his wounded pride. A diplomatic function arose wherein
some of his enemies had to sue for peace, and he was no doubt eager to make a
speech before a large audience. Luke reported that in preparation, âHerod
clothed himself with royal raiment.â The Page 82 Jewish historian Josephus
wrote that Herodâs garment was made of silver, so that when the light fell
upon the king, he seemed to be lit up with glory. The pompous politician then
gave a speech. The fawning crowd cried out: âA godâs voice, and not a
manâs!ââActs 12:20-22.</p>
<p>Question 19, 20. (a)Â Why was Herod punished by Jehovah? (b)Â What comfort
may we find in the account of Herod Agrippaâs sudden demise?</p>
<p>19Â Such glory belonged to God, and God was watching! Herod had a chance to
avoid disaster. He could have rebuked the crowd or could at least have
disagreed with them. Instead, he became a vivid illustration of the proverb:
âPride is before a crash.â (Prov. 16:18) âInstantly the angel of Jehovah
struck him,â causing that puffed-up egomaniac to suffer a gruesome death.
Herod âbecame eaten up with worms and expired.â (Acts 12:23) Josephus too
noted that Agrippa was stricken suddenly and added that the king concluded that
he was dying because of accepting the flattery of the crowd. Josephus wrote
that Agrippa lingered for five days before he expired. *</p>
<p>Footnote One doctor and author wrote that the symptoms described by
Josephus and Luke might have been caused by roundworms forming a deadly
intestinal obstruction. Such worms are sometimes vomited up, or they crawl from
the patientâs body at the time of death. Notes one reference work:
âLukeâs professional exactness as a physician brings out the horror of
[Herodâs] death.â End of Footnote</p>
<p>20Â Sometimes it may seem that ungodly people get away with all manner of
wickedness. That should not surprise us, since âthe whole world is lying in
the power of the wicked one.â (1Â John 5:19) Still, faithful servants of God
are sometimes troubled when evil people seem to escape justice. That is one
reason why accounts such as this one are comforting. In effect, we see Jehovah
stepping in, reminding all his servants that he is a lover of justice. (Ps.
33:5) Sooner or later, his justice will prevail.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page67">67</pagenum><p>Question 21. What is
the primary lesson contained in Acts chapter 12, and why may it comfort us
today?</p>
<p>21Â This account concludes with an even more encouraging lesson: âThe word
of Jehovah went on growing and spreading.â (Acts 12:24) This progress report
on the expansion of the preaching work may remind us of the way that Jehovah
has blessed the same work in modern times. Clearly, the record contained in
Acts chapter 12 is not primarily about the death of one apostle and the escape
of another. It is about Jehovah and his thwarting of Satanâs attempts to
crush the Christian congregation and to quell its zealous preaching work. Those
attacks failed, just as all such schemes must fail. (Isa. 54:17) On the other
hand, those who side with Jehovah and Jesus Christ are part of a work that will
never fail. Is that not an encouraging thought? What a privilege we have to
help spread âthe word of Jehovahâ today!</p>
<p>END OF VOLUME 2</p>
<p>203</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">âBEARING THOROUGH WITNESSâ ABOUT GODâS KINGDOM
</doctitle><p>SECTION 4 Acts 13:1--14:28</p>
<p>âSent Out by the Holy Spiritâ (Acts 13:4)</p>
<p>In this section, we will follow the apostle Paul on his first missionary
journey. In city after city, the apostle was persecuted. Yet, led by holy
spirit, he continued to bear witness, establishing new congregations. This
exciting record will surely stimulate us to manifest even greater zeal in our
ministry.</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 84 Bottom: Mob violence near , MontrealQuebec, in
1945.âPeriodical <em>Weekend Magazine</em>, July 1956.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 11 âFilled With Joy and Holy Spiritâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paulâs example in dealing with hostile,
unresponsive people</p>
<p>Based on Acts 13:1-52</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. What is unique about the journey that Barnabas
and Saul are about to make, and how will their work help fulfill Acts 1:8?</p>
<p>1 Page 85 It is an exciting day for the Antioch congregation. Of all the
prophets and teachers here, Barnabas and Saul have been chosen by holy spirit
to take the good news to faraway places. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âBarnabasââSon of Comfort,ââ on p86. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 13:1,2) True, qualified men have been sent out before. In
the past, though, missionaries had journeyed to areas where Christianity had
already taken root. (Acts 8:14; 11:22) This time, Barnabas and Saulâalong
with John Mark, who will serve as an attendantâwill be sent to lands where
people are largely unfamiliar with the good news.</p>
</blockquote ><p>2Â Some 14Â years earlier, Jesus had said to his followers:
âYou will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria
and to the most distant part of the </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page68">68</pagenum><p>earth.â (Acts 1:8) The appointment of Barnabas and
Saul to serve as missionaries will spur on the fulfillment of Jesusâ
prophetic words! *</p>
<p>Footnote At this point, congregations can already be found as far away as
Syrian Antiochâsome 350Â miles north of Jerusalem. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Box, page 86.</p>
<p>BarnabasââSon of Comfortâ</p>
<p>A prominent member of the early Jerusalem congregation was Joseph, a Levite
and a native of Cyprus. The apostles gave him an additional name, descriptive
of his personalityâBarnabas, meaning âSon of Comfort.â (Acts 4:36) When
Barnabas saw a need among his fellow believers, he hastened to meet it.</p>
<p>At Pentecost 33Â C.E., 3,000 new disciples were baptized. It is likely that
many of these had traveled to Jerusalem for the festival and had not planned to
stay in the city for as long as they did. The congregation needed resources to
care for this multitude. Therefore, Barnabas sold a piece of land and
generously brought the money to the apostles as a contribution.âActs
4:32-37.</p>
<p>As a mature Christian overseer, Barnabas was eager to help others. It was he
who aided newly converted Saul of Tarsus when all the other disciples feared
him because of his reputation as a persecutor. (Acts 9:26,27) Barnabas
responded humbly when Paul gave him and Peter strong counsel concerning the
proper relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. (Gal. 2:9,11-14)
These few examples show that Barnabas truly lived up to his nameââSon of
Comfort.â End of Box</p>
<p>Set Apart âfor the Workâ (Acts 13:1-12)</p>
<p>Question 3. What made long journeys difficult in the first century?</p>
<p>3Â Today, thanks to such inventions as the automobile and the airplane,
people can travel quite a distance in just an hour or two. Such was not the
case in the first century C.E. Back then, the main mode of travel on land was
to walk, often over rough terrain. AÂ dayâs journey, perhaps covering just
20 miles, was exhausting! *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âOn the Road,â on p87. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Thus, while Barnabas and Saul no doubt eagerly looked forward
to their assignment, they surely realized that considerable effort and
self-sacrifice would be involved.âMatt. 16:24.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 87.</p>
<p>On the Road</p>
<p>In the ancient world, overland travel was slower, more tiring, and probably
more expensive than sailing. However, the only way to get to many places was on
foot.</p>
<p>A traveler could walk about 20Â miles a day. He would be exposed to the
elementsâsun, rain, heat, and coldâand to the danger of being accosted by
thieves. The apostle </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page69">69</pagenum><p>Paul
noted that he was âin journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from
highwaymen.ââ2Â Cor. 11:26.</p>
<p>A vast network of paved roads traversed the Roman Empire. Along the main
highways, travelers would find inns spaced a dayâs walking distance apart.
Between these were taverns where one could obtain basic supplies. Contemporary
writers describe inns and taverns as being dirty, overcrowded, humid, and
flea-infested. They were disreputable places, frequented by the worst elements
of society. Innkeepers often robbed travelers and included prostitution among
the services offered.</p>
<p>Christians no doubt avoided such places as much as possible. When traveling
in lands where they had no family or friends, though, they would likely have
had little alternative. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 4. (a)Â What directed the choosing of Barnabas and Saul, and how
did fellow believers react to the appointment? (b)Â How can we give support to
those who receive theocratic assignments?</p>
<p>4Â Page 86 But why did the holy spirit specifically direct that Barnabas and
Saul be set apart âfor the workâ? (Acts 13:2) The Bible does not say. We do
know that the holy spirit directed the choosing of these men. There is no
indication that the prophets and teachers in Antioch contested the decision.
Instead, they fully supported the appointment. Imagine how Barnabas and Saul
must have felt as their spiritual brothers, without envy, âfasted and prayed
and laid their hands upon them and let them go.â (Acts 13:3) We too should
support those who receive theocratic assignments, including men appointed as
congregation overseers. Rather than being envious of those who receive such
privileges, we should âgive them more than extraordinary consideration in
love because of their work.ââ1Â Thess. 5:13.</p>
<p>Question 5. Describe what was involved in witnessing on the of
islandCyprus.</p>
<p>5Â After walking to Seleucia, a harbor near Antioch, Barnabas and Saul
sailed to the of islandCyprus, a journey of about 120 miles. *</p>
<p>Footnote In the first century, a ship could travel about a hundred miles in
a day if winds were favorable. In unfavorable conditions, such a journey could
take much longer. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>As a native of Cyprus, Barnabas no doubt was eager to bring the
good news to those in his home territory. Upon arriving at Salamis, a city on
the eastern shore of the island, these men wasted no time. Immediately, âthey
began publishing the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.â *</p>
</blockquote ><p>Footnote See the box âIn the Synagogues of the Jews,â on
p89. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 13:5) Barnabas and Saul made their way from one end of
Cyprus to the other, likely witnessing in key cities along the way. Depending
on the route they took, these missionaries may have walked about 140Â miles!</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 89.</p>
<p>In the Synagogues of the Jews</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page70">70</pagenum><p>Literally,
âsynagogueâ means âa bringing together.â It referred to an assembly or
congregation of Jews and eventually took on the meaning of the place or
building where the assembly was held.</p>
<p>It is believed that synagogues were instituted either during or immediately
after the Jewsâ 70-year exile in Babylon. Synagogues served as places for
instruction, worship, the reading of the Scriptures, and spiritual exhortation.
In the first century C.E., each town in Palestine had its own synagogue.
Larger cities had more than one, and Jerusalem had many.</p>
<p>Following the Babylonian exile, however, not all the Jews returned to
Palestine. Many traveled abroad for business reasons. As early as the fifth
century B.C.E., Jewish communities existed throughout the 127Â jurisdictional
districts of the Persian Empire. (Esther 1:1; 3:8) In time, Jewish quarters
also developed in cities all around the Mediterranean. These scattered Jews
came to be known as the Diaspora, or Dispersion, and they too established
synagogues wherever they settled.</p>
<p>In the synagogues, the Law was read and expounded every Sabbath. Readings
were delivered from an elevated platform, surrounded on three sides by seats.
Participation in reading, preaching, and exhortation was open to any devout
Jewish male. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. (a)Â Who was Sergius Paulus, and why did Bar-Jesus attempt to
dissuade him from listening to the good news? (b)Â How did Saul counteract the
opposition from Bar-Jesus?</p>
<p>6Â First-century Cyprus was steeped in false worship. This became
particularly apparent when Barnabas and Saul reached Paphos, on the western
coast of the island. There, they met up with âa sorcerer, a false prophet, a
Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, and he was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an
intelligent man.â *</p>
<p>Footnote Cyprus was under the rule of the Roman Senate. The principal
administrator of the island was a provincial governor with the rank of
proconsul. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>In the first century, many sophisticated Romansâeven âan
intelligent man,â such as Sergius Paulusâoften turned to a sorcerer or an
astrologer for help in making important decisions. Nevertheless, Sergius Paulus
was intrigued by the Kingdom message and âearnestly sought to hear the word
of God.â This did not sit well with Bar-Jesus, who was also known by his
professional title Elymas, meaning âSorcerer.ââActs 13:6-8.</p>
</blockquote ><p>7Â Bar-Jesus was opposed to the Kingdom message. Indeed, the
only way he could protect his influential position as adviser to Sergius Paulus
was to âturn the proconsul away from the faith.â (Acts 13:8) But Saul was
not about to watch a court magician divert the interest of Sergius Paulus. So,
what did Saul do? The account states: âSaul, who is also Paul, becoming
filled with holy spirit, looked at him Page 88 [Bar-Jesus] intently and said:
âO man full of every sort of fraud and every sort of villainy, you son of
the Devil, you enemy of everything righteous, will you not quit distorting
the right ways of Jehovah? Well, then, look! Jehovahâs hand is upon you, and
you will be blind, not seeing the sunlight for a period of time.â Instantly a
thick mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went around seeking men to lead
him by the hand.â *</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page71">71</pagenum><p>Footnote From this
point on, Saul is referred to as Paul. Some have suggested that he adopted the
Roman name in honor of Sergius Paulus. However, the fact that he retained the
name Paul even after leaving Cyprus points to a different explanationâthat
Paul, âan apostle to the nations,â decided henceforth to use his Roman
name. He may also have used the name Paul because the Greek pronunciation of
his Hebrew name, Saul, is very similar to that of a Greek word that has a bad
connotation.âRom. 11:13. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>The result of this miraculous event? âThe proconsul, upon
seeing what had happened, became a believer, as he was astounded at the
teaching of Jehovah.ââActs 13:9-12.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 8. How can we imitate Paulâs boldness today?</p>
<p>8Â Paul was not intimidated by Bar-Jesus. Likewise, we should not cower when
opposers try to subvert the faith of those who show interest in the Kingdom
message. Of course, we should let our expressions âbe always with
graciousness, seasoned with salt.â (Col. 4:6) At the same time, we would not
want to jeopardize the spiritual welfare of an interested person just to avoid
conflict. Nor should we fearfully hold back from exposing false religion, which
continues âdistorting the right ways of Jehovahâ as Bar-Jesus did. (Acts
13:10) Like Paul, may we boldly declare the truth and appeal to honesthearted
ones. And even though Godâs support may not be as obvious as it was in the
case of Paul, we can be sure that Jehovah will use his holy spirit to draw
deserving ones to the truth.âJohn 6:44.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 88: Like Paul, we boldly defend the truth in the face
of opposition</p>
<p>A âWord of Encouragementâ (Acts 13:13-43)</p>
<p>Question 9. How did Paul and Barnabas set a fine example for those taking
the lead in the congregation today?</p>
<p>9Â Evidently, a change took place when the men left Paphos and set sail for
Perga, on the coast of Asia Minor, about 150Â miles away by sea. At Acts 13:13,
the group is identified as âthe men, together with Paul.â Page 89 The
wording suggests that Paul now took the lead in the groupâs activities.
However, there is no indication that Barnabas became envious of Paul. On the
contrary, these two men continued to work together to accomplish Godâs will.
Paul and Barnabas set a fine example for those who take the lead in the
congregation today. Rather than vying for prominence, Christians remember
Jesusâ words: âAll you are brothers.â He added: âWhoever exalts himself
will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.ââMatt.
23:8,12.</p>
<p>Question 10. Describe the journey from Perga to Pisidian Antioch.</p>
<p>10Â Upon arriving at Perga, John Mark withdrew from Paul and Barnabas and
returned to Jerusalem. The reason for his sudden departure is not explained.
Paul and Barnabas continued on, traveling from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia, a
city in the of provinceGalatia. This was no easy trek, since Pisidian Antioch
is about 3,600Â feet above sea level. The treacherous mountain passages were
also known for the prevalence of bandits. As if this were not enough, it is
likely that at this point Paul was experiencing health problems. *</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page72">72</pagenum><p>Footnote Paulâs
letter to the Galatians was written several years later. In that letter, Paul
wrote: âIt was through a sickness of my flesh I declared the good news to you
the first time.ââGal. 4:13. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. In speaking in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, how did
Paul appeal to his audience?</p>
<p>11Â In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue on the
Sabbath. The account relates: âAfter the public reading of the Law and of the
Prophets the presiding officers of the synagogue sent out to them, saying:
âMen, brothers, if there is any word of encouragement for the people that you
have, tell it.ââ (Acts 13:15) Paul stood up to speak.</p>
<p>12Â Paul started out by addressing his audience: âMen, Israelites and you
others that fear God.â (Acts 13:16) Paulâs audience was made up of Jews and
Page 90 proselytes. How did Paul appeal to these listeners, who did not
recognize Jesusâ role in Godâs purpose? First, Paul outlined the history of
the Jewish nation. He explained how Jehovah âexalted the people during their
alien residence in the of landEgyptâ and how after their release God âput
up with their manner of action in the wildernessâ for 40Â years. Paul also
related how the Israelites were able to take possession of the Promised Land
and how Jehovah âdistributed the land of them by lot.â (Acts 13:17-19) It
has been suggested that Paul may have been alluding to certain Scriptural
passages that had been read aloud moments before as part of the Sabbath
observance. If that is so, this is yet another example showing that Paul knew
how to âbecome all things to people of all sorts.ââ1Â Cor. 9:22.</p>
<p>Question 13. How can we appeal to the hearts of our listeners?</p>
<p>13Â We too should strive to appeal to those to whom we preach. For example,
knowing the religious background of a person can help us choose topics that
will be of particular interest to him. Also, we can quote portions of the Bible
with which the individual might be familiar. It may be effective to have the
person read from his personal copy of the Bible. Look for ways to appeal to the
hearts of your listeners.</p>
<p>Question 14. (a)Â How did Paul introduce the good news about Jesus, and what
warning did he provide? (b)Â How did the crowd react to Paulâs speech?</p>
<p>14Â Paul next discussed how the line of Israelite kings led to âa savior,
Jesus,â whose forerunner was John the Baptizer. Then Paul described how Jesus
had been put to death and raised up from the dead. (Acts 13:20-37) âLet it
therefore be known to you,â Paul stated, âthat through this One a
forgiveness of sins is being published to you ... Everyone who believes is
declared guiltless by means of this One.â The apostle then provided his
listeners with this warning: âSee to it that what is said in the Prophets
does not come upon you, âBehold it, you scorners, and wonder at it, and
vanish away, because I am working a work in your days, a work that you will by
no means believe even if anyone relates it to you in detail.ââ The response
to Paulâs speech was amazing. âThe people began entreating for these
matters to be spoken to them on the following sabbath,â the Bible reports.
In addition, after the synagogue assembly was adjourned, âmany of the
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page73">73</pagenum><p>Jews and of the
proselytes who worshiped God followed Paul and Barnabas.ââActs 13:38-43.</p>
<p>âWe Turn to the Nationsâ (Acts 13:44-52)</p>
<p>Question 15. What happened on the Sabbath following Paulâs speech?</p>
<p>15Â On the next Sabbath, ânearly all the cityâ gathered to listen to
Paul. This did not please certain Jews, who âbegan blasphemously
contradicting the things being spoken by Paul.â He and Barnabas boldly told
them: âIt was necessary for the word of God to be spoken first to you. Page
92 Since you are thrusting it away from you and do not judge yourselves worthy
of everlasting life, look! we turn to the nations. In fact, Jehovah has laid
commandment upon us in these words, âI have appointed you as a light of
nations, for you to be a salvation to the extremity of the earth.âââActs
13:44-47; Isa. 49:6.</p>
<p>Question 16. How did the Jews react to the strong words of the missionaries,
and how did Paul and Barnabas respond to the opposition?</p>
<p>16Â Gentile listeners rejoiced, and âall those who were rightly disposed
for everlasting life became believers.â (Acts 13:48) The word of Jehovah soon
spread throughout the country. The reaction of the Jews was quite different. In
effect, the missionaries told them that although Godâs word had been spoken
to them first, they had chosen to reject the Messiah and hence were in line for
Godâs adverse judgment. The Jews stirred up the cityâs reputable women and
principal men, âand they raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas
and threw them outside their boundaries.â How did Paul and Barnabas respond?
They âshook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium.â Was
that the end of Christianity in Pisidian Antioch? Hardly! The disciples who
were left behind âcontinued to be filled with joy and holy spirit.ââActs
13:50-52.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 91: âThey raised up a persecution against Paul and
Barnabas ... And the disciples continued to be filled with joy and holy
spirit.ââActs 13:50-52</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paul and Barnabas are thrown out of Pisidian Antioch.
The cityâs new aqueduct is shown in the background, likely built during the
early first century C.E.</p>
<p>Question 17-19. In what ways can we imitate the fine example set by Paul and
Barnabas, and how will our doing so contribute to our joy?</p>
<p>17Â The manner in which these faithful ones responded to opposition provides
a valuable lesson for us. We do not stop preaching, even when prominent people
of the world try to dissuade us from proclaiming our message. Note, too, that
when the people of Antioch rejected their message, Paul and Barnabas âshook
the dust off their feetââa gesture that indicated not anger but a
disclaiming of responsibility. These missionaries realized that they could not
control how others would respond. What they <em>could </em>control was whether
they would continue to preach. And preach they did as they moved on to
Iconium!</p>
<p>18Â What about the disciples left in Antioch? True, they were in hostile
territory. But their joy was not dependent on a positive response. Jesus said:
âHappy are those hearing </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page74">74</pagenum><p>the word of God and keeping it!â (Luke 11:28) And
that is precisely what the disciples in Pisidian Antioch resolved to do.</p>
<p>19Â Like Paul and Barnabas, may we always remember that our responsibility
is to preach the good news. The decision to accept or reject the message rests
squarely with our listeners. If those to whom we preach seem unresponsive, we
can take a lesson from the first-century disciples. By appreciating the truth
and allowing ourselves to be led by holy spirit, we too can be joyful, even in
the face of opposition.âGal. 5:18,22.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 12 âSpeaking With Boldness by the
Authority of Jehovahâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul and Barnabas display humility, perseverance,
and boldness</p>
<p>Based on Acts 14:1-28</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. What series of events unfolds while Paul and
Barnabas are in Lystra?</p>
<p>1 Page 93 Chaos reigns in Lystra. A man lame from birth leaps about with joy
after two strangers heal him. People gasp in wonder, and a priest brings
garlands for the two men whom the crowd believe to be gods. Bulls snort and
bellow as a priest of Zeus prepares to slaughter them. Cries of protest rise
from the throats of Paul and Barnabas. Ripping their garments apart, they leap
into the crowd and beg not to be worshipped, barely restraining the adoring
throng.</p>
<p>2Â Then, Jewish opposers arrive from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium. With
venomous slander, they poison the minds of the people of Lystra. The
once-worshipful crowd now swirl around Paul and pelt him with stones until he
is unconscious. Their anger spent, they drag Paulâs battered body outside the
city gates, leaving him for dead.</p>
<p>Question 3. What questions will we consider in this chapter?</p>
<p>3Â What led up to this dramatic incident? What can present-day proclaimers
of the good news learn from the events involving Barnabas, Paul, and the fickle
inhabitants of Lystra? And how can Christian elders imitate the example set by
Barnabas and Paul as those faithful men persevered in their ministry,
âspeaking with boldness by the authority of Jehovahâ?âActs 14:3.</p>
<p>âA Great Multitude ... Became Believersâ (Acts 14:1-7)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. Why did Paul and Barnabas travel to Iconium, and what
happened there?</p>
<p>4Â Not many days earlier, Paul and Barnabas were thrown out of the Roman
city of Pisidian Antioch after Jewish opposers stirred up trouble for them.
Instead of becoming discouraged, however, the two men âshook the dust off
their feetâ against the cityâs unresponsive inhabitants. (Acts 13:50-52;
Matt. 10:14) Paul and Barnabas peacefully departed and left those resisters to
the consequences that would come from God. (Acts 18:5,6; 20:26) With
undiminished joy, the two missionaries Page 95 continued their preaching tour.
Trekking about 100Â miles southeast, they reached a fertile plateau cupped
between the Taurus and Sultan mountain ranges.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page75">75</pagenum><p>5Â Initially, Paul and
Barnabas stopped at Iconium, an enclave of Greek culture and one of the
principal cities of the Roman province of Galatia. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âIconiumâCity of the Phrygians,â on p96. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>This city sheltered an influential Jewish population and a
large number of non-Jewish proselytes. According to their custom, Paul and
Barnabas entered the synagogue and began preaching. (Acts 13:5,14) They
âspoke in such a manner that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks became
believers.ââActs 14:1.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 96.</p>
<p>IconiumâCity of the Phrygians</p>
<p>Iconium was located on a high, well-watered, and fertile plateau. The city
stood at a crossroads on an important trade route linking Syria with Rome,
Greece, and the Roman province of Asia.</p>
<p>The local religion in Iconium was worship of the Phrygian fertility goddess
Cybele, which included elements adopted from Greek worship during the
Hellenistic period. The city came under Roman influence in 65Â B.C.E., and in
the first century C.E., it was a large and prosperous center of trade and
agriculture. Although Iconium was home to an influential Jewish population, the
city seems to have retained its Hellenistic character. The Acts account, in
fact, refers to resident Jews and to âGreeks.ââActs 14:1.</p>
<p>Iconium lay on the border between the Galatian regions of Lycaonia and
Phrygia. Certain ancient writers, including Cicero and Strabo, called Iconium a
city of Lycaonia, and from a geographic standpoint, the city did belong to that
region. The Acts account, however, distinguishes Iconium from Lycaonia, where
âthe Lycaonian tongueâ was spoken. (Acts 14:1-6,11) For this reason,
critics argued that the book of Acts was inaccurate. In 1910, though,
archaeologists found inscriptions in the city indicating that Phrygian was
indeed the language used in Iconium for two centuries following the visit of
Paul and Barnabas. Hence, the writer of Acts was correct in distinguishing
Iconium from the cities of Lycaonia. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 6. Why were Paul and Barnabas effective teachers, and how can we
imitate them?</p>
<p>6Â Why was the manner in which Paul and Barnabas spoke so effective? Paul
was a storehouse of Scriptural wisdom. He masterfully linked references to
history, prophecy, and the Mosaic Law in order to prove that Jesus was the
promised Messiah. (Acts 13:15-31; 26:22,23) Barnabas radiated concern forÂ
people. (Acts 4:36,37; 9:27; 11:23,24) Neither man relied on his ownÂ
understanding but spoke âby the authority of Jehovah.â How can you imitate
those missionaries in your preaching activity? By doing the following: Become
thoroughly familiar with Godâs Word. Select Scriptural references that are
most likely to appeal to your listeners. Look for practical ways to comfort
those to whom you preach. And always base your teaching on the authority of
Jehovahâs Word, not on your own wisdom.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page76">76</pagenum><p>Question 7. (a)Â The
good news produces what effects? (b)Â If your family is divided because of your
obedience to the good news, what should you remember?</p>
<p>7Â However, not all in Iconium were happy to hear what Paul and Barnabas had
to say. âJews that did not believe,â continued Luke, âstirred up and
wrongly influenced the souls of people of the nations against the brothers.â
Paul and Barnabas discerned the need to stay and defend the good news, and they
âspent considerable time speaking with boldness.â As a result, âthe
multitude of the city was split, and some were for the Jews but others for the
apostles.â (Acts 14:2-4) Today, the good news produces similar effects. For
some it is a force for unity; for others, a cause for division. (Matt.
10:34-36) If your family is divided because you are obedient to the good news,
remember that opposition is often a reaction to unfounded rumor or outright
slander. Your fine conduct could become the antidote to such poison and may
eventually soften the hearts of those who oppose you.â1Â Pet. 2:12; 3:1,2.</p>
<p>Question 8. Why did Paul and Barnabas leave Iconium, and what lesson do we
learn from their example?</p>
<p>8Â After some time, opposers in Iconium hatched a plot to stone Paul Page 96
and Barnabas. When these two missionaries were informed of it, they chose to
move to other witnessing territory. (Acts 14:5-7) Kingdom proclaimers use
similar discretion today. When faced with verbal attacks, we speak with
boldness. (Phil. 1:7; 1Â Pet. 3:13-15) But when violence looms, we avoid doing
something foolhardy that would unnecessarily endanger our lives or the lives of
fellow believers.âProv. 22:3.</p>
<p>âTurn ... to the Living Godâ (Acts 14:8-19)</p>
<p>Question 9, 10. Where was Lystra located, and what do we know about its
inhabitants?</p>
<p>9Â Paul and Barnabas headed for Lystra, a Roman colony about 20 miles to the
southwest of Iconium. Lystra maintained strong ties with Pisidian Antioch but,
unlike that city, did not have a prominent Jewish community. While the
inhabitants likely spoke Greek, their mother tongue was Lycaonian. Possibly
because the city contained no synagogue, Paul and Barnabas began preaching in a
public area. While in Jerusalem, Peter had healed a man born disabled. In
Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from birth. (Acts 14:8-10) Because of
the miracle Peter had performed, a great crowd had become believers. (Acts
3:1-10) The miracle Paul performed led to a drastically different outcome.</p>
<p>10Â As described at the outset of this chapter, when the lame man leaped to
his feet, the pagan crowd in Lystra immediately drew the wrong conclusion. They
referred to Barnabas as Zeus, the chief of the gods, and to Paul as Hermes, the
son of Zeus and spokesman for the gods. (See the box âLystra and the Cult of
Zeus and Hermes,â on page 97. ) Barnabas and Paul, however, were determined
to make the crowd understand that they spoke and acted not by the authority of
pagan Page 97 gods but by the authority of Jehovah, the one true God.âActs
14:11-14.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page77">77</pagenum><p>Box, page 97.</p>
<p>Lystra and the Cult of Zeus and Hermes</p>
<p>Lystra was located in a secluded valley off the main highways. Caesar
Augustus designated the city a Roman colony, naming it Julia Felix Gemina
Lustra. Its garrison was to defend the of provinceGalatia from local mountain
tribes. The city was thus administered according to traditional Roman civic
organization, with its officials bearing Latin titles. Even so, Lystra retained
much of its local character. It remained more Lycaonian than Roman, and indeed,
the Lystran protagonists in the Acts account spoke the Lycaonian tongue.</p>
<p>Among the archaeological finds in the vicinity of ancient Lystra are
inscriptions referring to âpriests of Zeusâ and a statue of the god Hermes.
An altar dedicated to Zeus and Hermes has also been discovered in that area.</p>
<p>A legend recorded by the Roman poet Ovid (43Â B.C.E. to 17Â C.E.) provides
further background for the Acts account. According to Ovid, Jupiter and
Mercury, the Roman counterparts of the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes, visited the
hill country of Phrygia disguised as mortal men. They sought hospitality in a
thousand homes, but everyone turned them away. Only an elderly couple, named
Philemon and Baucis, welcomed them into their humble cottage. As a result, Zeus
and Hermes transformed that home into a temple of marble and gold, made the
elderly couple its priest and priestess, and destroyed the homes of those who
had refused them lodging. âIf the people of Lystra remembered such a legend
when they saw Paul and Barnabas heal the lame man,â says <em>The Book of Acts
in Its Graeco-Roman Setting,</em> âit is not surprising that they would want
to welcome them with sacrifices.â End of Box</p>
<p>Question 11-13. (a)Â What did Paul and Barnabas say to the inhabitants of
Lystra? (b)Â What is one lesson that we can learn from the statements made by
Paul and Barnabas?</p>
<p>11Â Despite the dramatic circumstances, Paul and Barnabas still sought to
reach the hearts of their audience in the best way. With this incident, Luke
recorded an effective way to preach the good news to pagans. Note how Paul and
Barnabas appealed to their listeners: âMen, why are you doing these things?
We also are humans having the same infirmities as you do, and are declaring the
good news to you, for you to turn from these vain things to the living God, who
made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them. In the
past generations he permitted all the nations to go on in their ways, although,
indeed, he did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving
you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full
with food and good cheer.ââActs 14:15-17.</p>
<p>12Â What lessons can we learn from these thought-provoking words? First,
Paul and Barnabas did not consider themselves superior to their audience. They
did not pretend to be something that they were not. Instead, they humbly
admitted to having the same weaknesses as their pagan listeners. True, Paul and
Barnabas had received the holy spirit and had been freed from false teachings.
They had also been blessed with the hope of </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page78">78</pagenum><p>ruling with Christ. But they realized that the
inhabitants of Lystra could receive these very same gifts by obeying Christ.</p>
<p>13Â Page 98 What is our attitude toward those to whom we preach? Do we view
them as our equals? As we help others learn truths from Godâs Word, do we,
like Paul and Barnabas, avoid seeking adulation? Charles Taze Russell, an
outstanding teacher who took the lead in the preaching work in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries, set an example in this regard. He wrote: âWe want
no homage, no reverence, for ourselves or our writings; nor do we wish to be
called Reverend or Rabbi.â Brother Russellâs humble attitude reflected that
of Paul and Barnabas. Likewise, our purpose in preaching is not to bring glory
to ourselves but to help people to turn to âthe living God.â</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 94: âTurn from these vain things to the living God,
who made the heaven and the earth.ââActs 14:15</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paul and Barnabas resist adulation in Lystra. Public
sacrifices were usually colorful and noisy occasions with lots of music.</p>
<p>Question 14-16. What second and third lessons can we learn from what Paul
and Barnabas said to the inhabitants of Lystra?</p>
<p>14Â Consider a second lesson we can learn from this speech. Paul and
Barnabas were adaptable. Unlike the Jews and proselytes in Iconium, the
inhabitants of Lystra had little or no knowledge of the Scriptures or of
Godâs dealings with the nation of Israel. Even so, those listening to Paul
and Barnabas were part of an agricultural community. Lystra was blessed with a
mild climate and fertile fields. Those people could see ample evidence of the
Creatorâs qualities as revealed in such things as fruitful seasons, and the
missionaries used this common ground in their appeal to reason.âRom.
1:19,20.</p>
<p>15Â Can we likewise be adaptable? Although a farmer may plant the same type
of seed in a number of his fields, he has to vary the methods he uses to
prepare the soil. Some ground may already be soft and ready to accept the seed.
Other soil may need more preparation. Similarly, the seed we plant is always
the sameâthe Kingdom message found in Godâs Word. However, if we are like
Paul and Barnabas, we will try to discern the circumstances and religious
background of the people to whom we preach. Then we will allow this knowledge
to influence the way we present the Kingdom message.âLuke 8:11,15.</p>
<p>16Â We can learn a third lesson from the account involving Paul, Barnabas,
and the inhabitants of Lystra. Despite our best efforts, the seed we plant is
sometimes snatched away or falls on rocky soil. (Matt. 13:18-21) If that
happens, do not despair. As Paul later reminded the disciples in Rome, âeach
of us [including each individual with whom we discuss Godâs Word] will render
an account for himself to God.ââRom. 14:12.</p>
<p>âThey Committed Them to Jehovahâ (Acts 14:20-28)</p>
<p>Question 17. After leaving Derbe, where did Paul and Barnabas travel, and
why?</p>
<p>17Â After Paul was dragged outside Lystra and left for dead, the disciples
surrounded him and he got up and found shelter in the city overPage 99 night.
The next day, Paul and </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page79">79</pagenum><p>Barnabas began the 60-mile journey to Derbe. We can
only imagine the discomfort Paul felt during this arduous trip, having been
pelted with stones just hours earlier. Still, he and Barnabas persevered, and
when they arrived in Derbe, they made âquite a few disciples.â Then, rather
than taking the shorter route back to their home base in Syrian Antioch,
âthey returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to [Pisidian] Antioch.â For
what purpose? To strengthen âthe souls of the disciples, encouraging them to
remain in the faith.â (Acts 14:20-22) What an example those two men set! They
placed the interests of the congregation ahead of their own comfort. Traveling
overseers and missionaries in modern times have imitated their example.</p>
<p>Question 18. What is involved in the appointment of older men?</p>
<p>18Â In addition to strengthening the disciples by their words and example,
Paul and Barnabas appointed âolder men for them in each congregation.â
Although âsent out by the holy spiritâ on this missionary journey, Paul and
Barnabas still prayed and fasted when âthey committed them [the older men]
to Jehovah.â (Acts 13:1-4; 14:23) A similar pattern is followed today. Before
recommendations for appointments are made, the local body of elders
prayerfully reviews a brotherâs Scriptural qualifications. (1Â Tim.
3:1-10,12,13; Titus 1:5-9) The length of time he has been a Christian is not
the main determining factor. Instead, the brotherâs speech, conduct, and
reputation give evidence of the degree to which holy spirit operates in his
life. His meeting the requirements for overseers as set out in the Scriptures
determines whether he is qualified to serve as a shepherd of the flock.âGal.
5:22,23.</p>
<p>Question 19. Elders know that they have what accountability, and how do they
imitate Paul and Barnabas?</p>
<p>19Â Appointed elders know that they are accountable to God for the way that
they treat the congregation. (Heb. 13:17; 1Â Pet. 5:1-3) Like Paul and
Barnabas, elders take the lead in the preaching work. They strengthen fellow
disciples with their words. And they are willing to place the interests of the
congregation ahead of their own comfort.âPhil. 2:3,4.</p>
<p>Question 20. How do we benefit from reading reports about the faithful work
of our brothers?</p>
<p>20Â When Paul and Barnabas finally returned to their missionary base in
Syrian Antioch, they reported âthe many things God had done by means of them,
and that he had opened to the nations the door to faith.â (Acts 14:27) As we
read about the faithful work of our Christian brothers and see how Jehovah
blessed their efforts, we will be encouraged to keep on âspeaking with
boldness by the authority of Jehovah.â</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">SECTION 5 Acts 15:1-35
</doctitle><p>âThe Apostles and the Older Men Gathered Togetherâ (Acts
15:6)</p>
<p>A heated issue arose that threatened the peace and unity of the
congregations. To whom did the congregations look for direction and guidance to
resolve the dispute? In </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page80">80</pagenum><p>this section, we will gain insight into the way the
first-century congregation was organized, which sets a pattern for Godâs
people today.</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 100 Top: Silas and Judas encourage the
congregation in Syrian Antioch. (Acts 15:30-32) Bottom: A circuit overseer
speaks to a congregation in Uganda.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 13 âThere Had Occurred No Little
Dissensionâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The issue of circumcision goes before the governing
body</p>
<p>Based on Acts 15:1-12</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â What developments threaten to divide the
early Christian congregation? (b)Â How may we benefit from studying this
account in the book of Acts?</p>
<p>1 Page 101 Elated, Paul and Barnabas have just returned to the Syrian city
of Antioch from their first missionary tour. They are thrilled that Jehovah has
âopened to the nations the door to faith.â (Acts 14:26,27) Indeed, Antioch
itself is abuzz with the good news and âa great numberâ of Gentiles are
being added to the congregation here.âActs 11:20-26.</p>
<p>2Â The exciting news about this influx soon reaches Judea. But instead of
bringing joy to all, this development forces into prominence the ongoing debate
about circumcision. What should be the relationship between Jewish and
non-Jewish believers, and how should the latter view the Mosaic Law? The issue
causes dissension that becomes so serious that it threatens to split the
Christian congregation into factions. How will this matter be resolved?</p>
<p>3Â As we consider this account in the book of Acts, we will learn many
valuable lessons. These may help us to act wisely should potentially divisive
issues arise in our day.</p>
<p>âUnless You Get Circumcisedâ (Acts 15:1)</p>
<p>Question 4. What wrong views were certain believers promoting, and what
question does this raise?</p>
<p>4Â The disciple Luke wrote: âCertain men came down [to Antioch] fromÂ
Judea and began to teach the brothers: âUnless you get circumcised according
to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.ââ (Acts 15:1) Whether these
âcertain menâ had been Pharisees before converting to Christianity is not
stated. At the very least, they appear to have been influenced by that Jewish
sectâs legalistic thinking. Also, they may have wrongly claimed to speak for
the apostles and older men in Jerusalem. (Acts 15:23,24) Why, though, wereÂ
Jewish believers still promoting circumcision some 13Â years after the apostle
Peter, as directed by God, Page 102 had welcomed uncircumcised Gentiles into
the Christian congregation? * âActs 10:24-29, 44-48.</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âThe Teachings of the Judaizers,â on p103. End of
Footnote</p>
<p>Box, page 103.</p>
<p>The Teachings of the Judaizers</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page81">81</pagenum><p>Even after the
first-century governing body settled the circumcision issue, certain
individuals who claimed to be Christians stubbornly kept the question alive.
The apostle Paul called them âfalse brothersâ who wanted âto pervert the
good news about the Christ.ââGal. 1:7; 2:4; Titus 1:10.</p>
<p>The Judaizersâ objective was apparently to appease the Jews, to keep them
from opposing Christianity so violently. (Gal. 6:12,13) The Judaizers argued
that righteousness was established by works of the Mosaic Law in such matters
as diet, circumcision, and Jewish festivals.âCol. 2:16.</p>
<p>Understandably, those who held to these views felt uncomfortable in the
presence of Gentile believers. Sadly, such unwholesome feelings were even
manifest among a number of reputable Christians of Jewish background. For
example, when representatives from the Jerusalem congregation visited Antioch,
they kept separate from their Gentile brothers. Even Peter, who until then had
freely socialized with the Gentiles, withdrewânot even eating with them. Yes,
he went against the very principles he had earlier defended. As a result, Peter
received strong counsel from Paul.âGal. 2:11-14. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 5, 6. (a)Â Why may some Jewish Christians have wanted to cling to
circumcision? (b)Â Was the covenant of circumcision part of the Abrahamic
covenant? Explain. (See footnote.)</p>
<p>5Â The reasons may have been many. For one thing, male circumcision had been
instituted by Jehovah himself, and it was a sign of a special relationship with
him. Predating the Law covenant but later becoming part of it, circumcision
began with Abraham and his household. *</p>
<p>Footnote The covenant of circumcision was not part of the Abrahamic
covenant, which remains in force to this day. The Abrahamic covenant went into
effect in 1943 B.C.E. when Abraham (then Abram) crossed the Euphrates on his
way to Canaan. He was then 75 years of age. The covenant of circumcision was
made later, in 1919 B.C.E., when Abraham was 99 years old.âGen. 12:1-8;
17:1,9-14; Gal. 3:17. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Lev. 12:2,3) Under the Mosaic Law, even aliens had to be
circumcised before they could enjoy certain privileges, such as eating the
Passover meal. (Ex. 12:43,44,48,49) Indeed, in the Jewish mind, for a man to
be uncircumcised was to be unclean, contemptible.âIsa. 52:1.</p>
</blockquote ><p>6Â Thus, it required faith and humility on the part of Jewish
believers to adjust to revealed truth. The Law covenant had been replaced by
the new covenant, so birth as a Jew no longer automatically made one a member
of Godâs people. And for Jewish Christians who lived in Jewish
communitiesâas did the believers in Judeaâit took courage to confess Christ
and to accept as fellow believers Gentiles who had not been circumcised.âJer.
31:31-33; Luke 22:20.</p>
<p>Question 7. What truths had âcertain menâ failed to grasp?</p>
<p>7Â Of course, Godâs standards had not changed. Reflecting this truth, the
new covenant incorporated the <em>spirit</em> of the Mosaic Law. (Matt.
22:36-40) In regard to </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page82">82</pagenum><p>circumcision, for example, Paul later wrote: âHe
is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by
spirit, and not by a written code.â (Rom. 2:29; Deut. 10:16) The âcertain
menâ from Judea had not grasped these truths but asserted that God had never
revoked the law of circumcision. Would they listen to reason?</p>
<p>âDissension and Disputingâ (Acts 15:2)</p>
<p>Question 8. Why was the issue of circumcision taken to the governing body in
Jerusalem?</p>
<p>8Â Luke continued: âWhen there had occurred no little dissension and
disputing by Paul and Barnabas with them [the âcertain menâ], they [the
elders] arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the
apostles and older men in Jerusalem regarding this Page 103 dispute.â *</p>
<p>Footnote Titus, a Greek Christian who later became a trusted companion and
emissary of Paul, appears to have been a member of the delegation. (Gal. 2:1;
Titus 1:4) This man was a fine example of an uncircumcised Gentile anointed by
holy spirit.âGal. 2:3. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 15:2) The âdissension and disputingâ reflected strong
feelings and firm convictions on both sides, and the congregation in Antioch
could not resolve it. In the interests of peace and unity, the congregation
wisely arranged to take the question to âthe apostles and older men in
Jerusalem,â who made up the governing body. What can we learn from the elders
in Antioch?</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 9, 10. In what way did the brothers in Antioch as
well as Paul and Barnabas set a fine example for us today?</p>
<p>9Â One valuable lesson we learn is that we need to trust Godâs
organization. Consider: The brothers in Antioch knew that the governing body
was made up entirely of Christians of Jewish background. Yet, they trusted that
body to settle the question of circumcision in harmony with the Scriptures.
Why? The congregation was confident that Jehovah would direct matters by means
of his holy spirit and the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ.
(Matt. 28:18,20; Eph. 1:22,23) When serious issues arise today, let us imitate
the fine example of the believers in Antioch by trusting Godâs organization
and its Governing Body of anointed Christians, who represent âthe faithful
and discreet slave.ââMatt. 24:45.</p>
<p>10Â We are also reminded of the value of humility and patience. Paul and
Barnabas had been personally appointed by holy spirit to go to the nations,
yet they did not invoke that authority to settle the issue of circumcision
then and there in Antioch. (Acts 13:2,3) Moreover, Paul later wrote: âI went
up [to Jerusa-lem] as a result of a revelationââindicating divine
direction in the matter. (Gal. 2:2) Elders today strive to have the same
humble, patient attitude when potentially divisive questions arise. Instead of
being contentious, they look to Jehovah by consulting Page 104 the Scriptures
and the instruction and guidance provided by the slave class.âPhil. 2:2,3.</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. Why is it important to wait on Jehovah?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page83">83</pagenum><p>11Â In some instances,
we may have to wait for Jehovah to shed light on a certain matter. Remember
that the brothers in Paulâs time had to wait until about 49Â C.E.âsome 13Â
years from the time of Corneliusâ anointing in 36Â C.E.âbefore Jehovah
brought the issue of whether Gentiles should be circumcised to a resolution.
Why so long? Perhaps God wanted to allow sufficient time for sincere Jews to
adjust to such a major change in viewpoint. After all, the termination of the
1,900-year-old covenant of circumcision made with their beloved forefather
Abraham was no minor matter!âJohn 16:12.</p>
<p>12Â What a privilege it is to be instructed and molded by our patient and
kind heavenly Father! The results are always good and always to our
advantage. (Isa. 48:17,18; 64:8) So let us never proudly push ahead with our
own ideas or react negatively to organizational changes or to adjusted
explanations of certain scriptures. (Eccl. 7:8) If you detect even a hint of
such a tendency in yourself, why not meditate prayerfully on the timely
principles found in Acts chapter 15? *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âJehovahâs Witnesses Build Their Beliefs on the
Bible,â on p105. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Box, page 105.</p>
<p>âJehovahâs Witnesses Build Their Beliefs on the Bibleâ</p>
<p>As amply demonstrated in the case of the early Christian congregation, the
history of true worship is a record of progressive spiritual enlightenment.
(Prov. 4:18; Dan. 12:4,9,10; Acts 15:7-9) Today, too, Jehovahâs people adjust
their beliefs to conform to revealed truth; they do not force the Scriptures to
fit their views. Impartial observers have recognized this fact. In his book
<em>Truth in Translation</em>, Jason David BeDuhn, associate professor of
religious studies at Northern Arizona University in the United States, wrote
that Jehovahâs Witnesses approach the Bible âwith a kind of innocence, and
[build] their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible
without predetermining what was to be found there.â End of Box</p>
<p>Question 13. How can we reflect Jehovahâs patience in our ministry?</p>
<p>13Â The need for patience may arise when we study the Bible with people who
find it hard to abandon cherished false beliefs or unscriptural customs. In
such cases, we may need to allow a reasonable amount of time for Godâs spirit
to work on the heart of the student. (1Â Cor. 3:6,7) Also, we do well to make
the subject a matter of prayer. In one way or another and at the right time,
God will help us to know the wise course to take.â1Â John 5:14.</p>
<p>They Related Encouraging Experiences âin Detailâ (Acts 15:3-5)</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. How did the congregation in Antioch honor Paul, Barnabas,
and the other travelers, and how did their presence prove to be a blessing to
fellow believers?</p>
<p>14Â Lukeâs narrative continues: âAfter being conducted partway by the
congregation, these men continued on their way through both Phoenicia and
Samaria, relating in detail the conversion of people of the nations, and they
were causing great joy to all the brothers.â (Acts 15:3) That the
congregation conducted Paul, Barnabas, and the other </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page84">84</pagenum><p>travelers partway was an act of Christian love that
honored them, showing that the congregation wished them Godâs blessing.
Again, what a fine example the brothers in Antioch set for us! Do you show
honor to your spiritual brothers and sisters, âespecially those [older men]
who Page 105 work hard in speaking and teachingâ?â1Â Tim. 5:17.</p>
<p>15Â En route, the travelers proved to be a blessing to fellow Christians in
Phoenicia and Samaria by sharing with them âin detailâ experiences about
the work in the Gentile field. The listeners possibly included Jewish believers
who had fled to those regions after Stephenâs martyrdom. Likewise today,
reports of Jehovahâs blessing on the disciple-making work are a source of
encouragement to our brothers, especially those undergoing trials. Do you
benefit fully from such reports by attending Christian meetings, assemblies,
and conventions as well as by reading the experiences and life stories
published in our literature?</p>
<p>Question 16. What shows that circumcision had become a major issue?</p>
<p>16Â After traveling south some 350 miles, the delegation from Antioch
finally reached their destination. Luke wrote: âOn arriving in Jerusalem they
were kindly received by the congregation and the apostles and the older men,
and they recounted the many things God had done by means of them.â (Acts
15:4) In response, however, âsome of those of the sect of the Pharisees that
had believed rose up from their seats and said: âIt is necessary to
circumcise them and charge them to observe the law of Moses.ââ (Acts 15:5)
Clearly, the question of the circumcision of non-Jewish Christians had become
a major issue, and it had to be settled.</p>
<p>âThe Apostles and the Older Menâ Met Together (Acts 15:6-12)</p>
<p>Question 17. Who made up the governing body in Jerusalem, and why may âthe
older menâ have been included?</p>
<p>17Â âWith those consulting together there is wisdom,â says Proverbs
13:10. In harmony with that sound principle, âthe apostles and the older men
gathered together to see about [the question of circumcision].â (Acts 15:6)
âThe apostles and the older menâ acted in a representative way for the
entire Christian congregation, just as the Governing Body does today. Why were
âthe older menâ serving along with the apostles? Remember that the apostle
James had been executed, and at least for a period, the apostle Peter had been
imprisoned. Might Page 106 similar eventualities befall other apostles? The
presence of other qualified anointed men would help to ensure the orderly
continuance of oversight.</p>
<p>Question 18, 19. What powerful words did Peter speak, and what conclusion
should his listeners have reached?</p>
<p>18Â Luke continued: âNow when much disputing had taken place, Peter rose
and said ...: âMen, brothers, you well know that from early days God made the
choice among you that through my mouth people of the nations should hear the
word of the good news and believe; and God, who knows the heart, bore witness
by giving them the holy spirit, just as he did to us also. And he made no
distinction at all between us and them, but purified </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page85">85</pagenum><p>their hearts by faith.ââ (Acts 15:7-9) According
to one reference work, the Greek word translated âdisputingâ in verse 7
also denotes âa seeking,â âa questioning.â Apparently, the brothers had
honest differences of opinion, which they openly expressed.</p>
<p>19 Peterâs powerful words reminded all that he himself was present when
the first uncircumcised GentilesâCornelius and his householdâwere anointed
with holy spirit in 36Â C.E. So if Jehovah had ceased making a distinction
between Jew and non-Jew, by what authority should humans do otherwise?
Moreover, faith in Christ, not compliance with the Mosaic Law, purifies a
believerâs heart.âGal. 2:16.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 107: Some insisted: âIt is necessary to ... charge
[the Gentiles] to observe the law of Mosesâ</p>
<p>Picture Description: The Jerusalem congregation meets in a private home.</p>
<p>Question 20. How were the promoters of circumcision âmaking a test of
Godâ?</p>
<p>20Â On the basis of the unassailable witness of both the word of God and the
holy spirit, Peter concluded: âNow, therefore, why are you making a test of
God by imposing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our
forefathers nor we were capable of bearing? On the contrary, we trust to get
saved through the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus in the same way as
those people also.â (Acts 15:10,11) Promoters of circumcision were, in fact,
âmaking a test of God,â or âstraining his patience,â as another
translation renders it. They were trying to impose on Gentiles a code that the
Jews themselves could not fully comply with and that therefore condemned them
to death. (Gal. 3:10) Instead, Peterâs Jewish listeners should have been
thankful for Godâs undeserved kindness expressed through Jesus.</p>
<p>Question 21. Barnabas and Paul contributed what to the discussion?</p>
<p>21Â Evidently, Peterâs words struck home, for âthe entire multitude
became silent.â Thereafter, Barnabas and Paul related âthe many signs and
portents that God did through them among the nations.â (Acts 15:12) Now, at
last, the apostles and older men were in a position to evaluate all the
evidence and make a decision that clearly reflected the will of God on the
matter of circumcision.</p>
<p>Question 22-24. (a)Â How does the Governing Body today follow the example of
the early governing body? (b)Â How can all elders show respect for theocratic
authority?</p>
<p>22Â Page 107 Today, too, when the members of the Governing Body meet, they
look to Godâs Word for direction and pray earnestly for holy spirit. (Ps.
119:105; Matt. 7:7-11) To that end, each member of the Governing Body receives
an agenda ahead of time so that he can give the items prayerful thought. (Prov.
15:28) At the meeting, these anointed brothers freely and respectfully express
themselves. The Bible is used frequently during the discussions.</p>
<p>23Â Congregation elders should imitate that example. And if after
consideration at an eldersâ meeting a serious matter remains unresolved, the
body may consult the local branch office or its appointed representatives, such
as traveling overseers. The branch, in turn, may write to the Governing Body if
necessary.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page86">86</pagenum><p>24Â Yes, Jehovah
blesses those who respect the theocratic arrangement and who display humility,
loyalty, and patience. As we shall see in the following chapter, the God-given
rewards for doing so are genuine peace, spiritual prosperity, and Christian
unity.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 14 âWe Have Come to a Unanimous Accordâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>How the governing body reached a decision and the
unifying effect it had on the congregations</p>
<p>Based on Acts 15:13-35</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. (a)Â What serious questions face the governing
body of the first-century Christian congregation? (b)Â What help do those
brothers receive in order to reach the right conclusion?</p>
<p>1 Page 108 Suspense fills the air. The apostles and older men occupying this
room in Jerusalem look at one another, sensing that they have reached a pivotal
moment. The issue of circumcision has raised serious questions. Are Christians
under the Mosaic Law? Is there to be any distinction between Jewish and Gentile
Christians?</p>
<p>2Â The men taking the lead have considered much evidence. They have in mind
Godâs prophetic Word as well as powerful firsthand testimony revealing
Jehovahâs blessing. They have expressed themselves fully. The evidence that
has mounted regarding the issue at hand is overwhelming. Jehovahâs spirit is
clearly pointing the way. Will these men respond to that direction?</p>
<p>Question 3. How may we benefit from examining the account in Acts chapterÂ
15?</p>
<p>3Â It will take real faith and courage to accept the spiritâs guidance in
this case. They risk intensifying the hatred of the Jewish religious leaders.
And they face resistance from men within the congregation who are determined to
lead Godâs people back to reliance on the Mosaic Law. What will the governing
body do? Let us see. In the process, we will see how those men set a pattern
that is followed by the Governing Body of Jehovahâs Witnesses today. It is a
pattern that we too need to follow as we face decisions and challenges in our
life as Christians.</p>
<p>âThe Words of the Prophets Agreeâ (Acts 15:13-21)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. What insight from Godâs prophetic Word did James bring into
the discussion?</p>
<p>4 The disciple James, the half brother of Jesus, spoke up. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âJamesââThe Brother of the Lord,ââ on p112.
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>It seems that on this occasion he was acting as chairman of
the meeting. His words crystallized the consensus that the body as a whole
appears to have reached. To the assembled men, James said: âSymeon has
related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the
nations to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of
the Prophets agree.ââActs 15:14,15.</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page87">87</pagenum><p>5Â The
speech by Symeon, or Simon Peter, and the evidence submitted by Barnabas and
Paul probably brought to Jamesâ mind pertinent scriptures that shed light on
the subject under discussion. (John 14:26) After saying that âthe words of
the Prophets agree,â James quoted the words of Amos 9:11,12. That book was
listed in the part of the Hebrew Scriptures commonly called âthe Prophets.â
(Matt. 22:40; Acts 15:16-18) You will note that the words quoted by James are
somewhat different from those we find in the book of Amos today. It is likely
that James quoted from the <em>Septuagint, </em>a Greek translation of the
Hebrew Scriptures.</p>
<p>Box, page 112.</p>
<p>JamesââThe Brother of the Lordâ</p>
<p>Page 112 James, a son of Joseph and Mary, is listed first among Jesusâ
younger half brothers. (Matt. 13:54,55) He may therefore have been Maryâs
second-oldest child. James grew up with Jesus, observed his ministry, and at
least knew of Jesusâ âpowerful works,â whether he actually witnessed them
or not. During Jesusâ ministry, however, James and his brothers âwere, in
fact, not exercising faith in him,â their older brother. (John 7:5) James may
even have shared the sentiments of some of Jesusâ other relatives, who said
of Jesus: âHe has gone out of his mind.ââMark 3:21.</p>
<p>All of that changed with Jesusâ death and resurrection. Although three
others named James are mentioned in the Greek Scriptures, it was evidently to
his half brother James that Jesus appeared personally during the 40 days after
He was raised. (1Â Cor. 15:7) This experience might have led James to the right
conclusion about his older brotherâs true identity. In any case, less than
ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, James, his mother, and his brothers
were gathered with the apostles in an upper room to pray.âActs 1:13,14.</p>
<p>James eventually became a highly respected member of the congregation in
Jerusalem, apparently being regarded as an apostle, or âone sent forth,â
of that congregation. (Gal. 1:18,19) Jamesâ prominence was evident when the
apostle Peter, after being miraculously released from prison, told the
disciples: âReport these things to James and the brothers.â (Acts 12:12,17)
When the circumcision issue came before âthe apostles and the older menâ in
Jerusalem, James seems to have presided over the discussion. (Acts 15:6-21) And
the apostle Paul noted that James along with Cephas (Peter) and the apostle
John âseemed to be pillarsâ of the Jerusalem congregation. (Gal. 2:9) Even
years later when Paul returned to Jerusalem from his third missionary tour, he
reported back âto James; and all the older men were present.ââActs
21:17-19.</p>
<p>This James, whom Paul called âthe brother of the Lord,â evidently wrote
the letter, or Bible book, bearing his name. (Gal. 1:19) In that letter, James
humbly identifies himself, neither as an apostle nor as Jesusâ brother, but
as âa slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.â (Jas. 1:1) The letter of
James shows that like Jesus, James was a keen observer of the natural world and
of human nature. To illustrate spiritual truths, James drew on familiar natural
phenomena, including windblown seas, starry skies, the scorching sun, fragile
flowers, wildfires, and tame animals. (Jas. 1:6,11,17; 3:5,7) His </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page88">88</pagenum><p>divinely inspired insights into
peopleâs attitudes and actions provided excellent counsel on maintaining
healthy relationships.âJas. 1:19,20; 3:2,8-18.</p>
<p>Paulâs words recorded at 1Â Corinthians 9:5 suggest that James was
married. The Bible does not report on the time or circumstances of Jamesâ
death. However, Jewish historian Josephus wrote that shortly after the death of
Roman Governor Porcius Festus, about 62Â C.E., and before his successor,
Albinus, took office, Ananus (Ananias) the high priest âconvened the judges
of the Sanhedrin and brought before them a man named James, the brother of
Jesus who was called the Christ, and certain others.â According to Josephus,
Ananus âaccused them of having transgressed the law and delivered them up to
be stoned.â End of Box</p>
<p>Question 6. How did the Scriptures shed light on the discussion?</p>
<p>6Â Through the prophet Amos, Jehovah foretold that the time would come when
He would raise up âthe booth of David,â that is, the royal line leading to
the Messianic Kingdom. (Ezek. 21:26,27) Would Jehovah once again deal
exclusively with fleshly Jews as a nation? No. The prophecy adds that âpeople
of <em>all the nations</em>â would be brought together as âpeople who are
called by [Godâs] name.â Remember, Peter had just testified that God
âmade no distinction at all between us [Jewish Christians] and them [Gentile
believers], but purified their hearts by faith.â (Acts 15:9) In other words,
it is Godâs will that Jews and Gentiles alike be brought into the Kingdom as
heirs. (Rom. 8:17; Eph. 2:17-19) Nowhere did such inspired prophecies suggest
that the Gentile believers must first be circumcised in the flesh or become
proselytes.</p>
<p>Question 7, 8. (a)Â What did James propose? (b)Â How should we understand
Jamesâ words?</p>
<p>7Â Moved by such Scriptural evidence and the powerful testimony he had
heard, James went on to offer these words for consideration: âHence my
decision is not to trouble those from the nations who are turning to God, but
to write them to abstain from things polluted by idols and from fornication and
from what is strangled and from blood. For from ancient times Moses has had in
city after city those who preach him, because he is read aloud in the
synagogues on every sabbath.ââActs 15:19-21.</p>
<p>8Â When James said âhence my decision is,â was he asserting his
authorityâperhaps as chairman of the meetingâover the other brothers and
arbitrarily deciding what was to be done? Not at all! The Greek expression
rendered âmy decision isâ may also mean âI judgeâ or âI give an
opinion.â Far from ruling over the entire body, James was proposing for Page
111 their consideration a course of action based on the evidence heard and on
what the Scriptures say about the matter.</p>
<p>Question 9. Jamesâ proposal offered what benefits?</p>
<p>9Â Was Jamesâ proposal a good one? Obviously it was, for the apostles and
the older men later adopted it. With what benefits? On the one hand, the
recommended course would not âtrouble,â or âmake it difficult for,â
Gentile Christians by imposing upon them the requirements of the Mosaic Law.
(Acts 15:19; <em>New International Version</em>) On the </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page89">89</pagenum><p>other hand, this decision would show
respect for the conscience of Jewish Christians, who over the years had heard
âMoses ... read aloud in the synagogues on every sabbath.â *</p>
<p>Footnote James wisely referred to the writings of Moses, which included not
only the Law code but also a record of Godâs dealings and indications of HisÂ
will that predated the Law. For example, Godâs view of blood, adultery, and
idolatry can be plainly seen in Genesis. (Gen. 9:3,4; 20:2-9; 35:2,4) Jehovah
thus revealed principles that are binding on all of mankind, whether Jew or
Gentile. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 15:21) The recommended course would surely strengthen the
bond between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Above all, it would please Jehovah
God, reflecting his advancing purpose. What a fine way to resolve a problem
that threatened the unity and well-being of the entire congregation of Godâs
people! And what an excellent example this is for the Christian congregation
today!</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 10. How does the Governing Body today follow the
pattern set by its first-century counterpart?</p>
<p>10Â As mentioned in the preceding chapter, like its first-century
counterpart, the Governing Body of Jehovahâs Witnesses today looks to
Jehovah, the Universal Sovereign, and Jesus Christ, the Head of the
congregation, for direction in all matters. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âHow the Governing Body Is Organized Today,â on
p110. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(1Â Cor. 11:3) How is this done? Albert D. Schroeder, who
served on the Governing Body from 1974 until he finished his earthly course in
March 2006, explained: âThe Governing Body meets every Wednesday, opening the
meeting with prayer and asking for the direction of Jehovahâs spirit. A real
effort is made to see that every matter that is handled and every decision that
is made is in harmony with Godâs Word the Bible.â Similarly, Milton G.
Henschel, a longtime member of the Governing Body who finished his earthly
course in March 2003, presented a fundamental question to the graduating
students of the 101st class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. He asked,
âIs there another organization on earth whose Governing Body consults Godâs
Word, the Bible, before making important decisions?â The answer is
obvious.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 110.</p>
<p>How the Governing Body Is Organized Today</p>
<p>Page 110 Like the first-century Christians, Jehovahâs Witnesses today are
directed by a Governing Body of dedicated, spirit-anointed men representing
âthe faithful and discreet slave.â (Matt. 24:45) The Governing Body meets
weekly as a group. Its members are also organized into the following six
committees, each having its own responsibilities.</p>
<p>The <em>Coordinators</em><em>â </em><em>Committee</em> consists of the
coordinators of each of the other committees and a secretary who is also a
member of the Governing Body. It helps all the committees to operate smoothly
and efficiently. This committee oversees legal matters and the use of the media
when necessary to convey an accurate picture of our beliefs. It also responds
to disasters, outbreaks of persecution, and other emergencies affecting
Jehovahâs Witnesses anywhere in the world.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page90">90</pagenum><p>The <em>Personnel
Committee</em> oversees arrangements for the spiritual and personal welfare of
the volunteers who serve in the branch offices of Jehovahâs Witnesses earth
wide. In addition, this committee supervises the inviting of additional
volunteers to serve at branch offices.</p>
<p>The <em>Publishing Committee</em> supervises the printing, publishing, and
shipping of Bible literature. It oversees the printeries and properties owned
and operated by the corporations used by Jehovahâs Witnesses and the
construction of branch facilities, as well as Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls
in lands with limited resources. This committee also supervises the use of
donated funds.</p>
<p>The <em>Service Committee</em> oversees the preaching work along with
matters affecting congregation elders, traveling overseers, and full-time
evangelizers. It supervises the preparation of <em>Our Kingdom
Ministry</em><em>.</em> This committee also invites and assigns students of
Gilead School, for the training of missionaries, and students of the
MinisterialTraining School, designed for the instruction of unmarried
congregation elders and ministerial servants.</p>
<p>The <em>Teaching Committee</em> oversees the instruction provided at
assemblies, conventions, and congregation meetings, as well as the development
of audio and video programs. It prepares curriculums for Gilead School, the
PioneerServiceSchool, and other schools and arranges spiritual programs for
branch office volunteers.</p>
<p>The <em>Writing Committee</em> supervises the production of spiritual food
in written form for the congregations and for the general public. It also
answers Bible questions, oversees translation work worldwide, and approves such
material as drama scripts and talk outlines.</p>
<p>The Governing Body relies on Godâs holy spirit for direction. Its members
do not regard themselves as the leaders of Jehovahâs people. Rather, like all
anointed Christians on earth, they âkeep following the Lamb [Jesus Christ] no
matter where he goes.ââRev. 14:4.</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 110: Front row, left to right: Gerrit Lösch,
David Splane, John Barr, Theodore Jaracz; back row, left to right: Stephen
Lett, Anthony Morris, Guy Pierce, Samuel Herd, Geoffrey Jackson.</p>
<p> End of Box</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 111: Albert Schroeder speaking at a 1998 international
convention</p>
<p>âSending Chosen Menâ (Acts 15:22-29)</p>
<p>Question 11. How was the governing bodyâs decision communicated to the
congregations?</p>
<p>11Â The governing body in Jerusalem had reached a unanimous decision on the
issue of circumcision. For the brothers in the congregations to act in unity,
however, that decision had to be communicated to them clearly and in a
positive, encouraging way. How could this best be done? The account explains:
âThe apostles and the older men together with the whole congregation favored
sending chosen men from among them to Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas,
namely, Judas who was called Barsabbas and Silas, leading men among the
brothers.â In addition, a letter was prepared and sent along with these men
so that it could be read in all the congregations in Antioch, Syria, and
Cilicia.âActs 15:22-26.</p>
<p>Question 12, 13. What good was accomplished by sending (a)Â Judas and Silas?
(b)Â a letter from the governing body?</p>
<p>12Â As âleading men among the brothers,â Judas and Silas were fully
qualified to act as representatives of the governing body. The delegation of
four men would make it clear that the message they brought was, not simply a
reply to the original inquiry, but the express direction of the governing body.
The presence of these âchosen menâ would forge a close bond between the
Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and the Gentile Christians in the field. What a
wise and loving arrangement! It no doubt promoted peace and harmony among
Godâs people.</p>
<p>13Â The letter provided clear direction for Gentile Christians not only
regarding the circumcision issue but also regarding what they must do in order
to receive Jehovahâs favor and blessing. The key part of the letter stated:
âThe holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to
you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed
to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you
carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to
you!ââActs 15:28,29.</p>
<p>Question 14. How is it possible for Jehovahâs people to work in unity in
todayâs divisive world?</p>
<p>14Â Today, harmony of belief and unity of action prevail among Jehovahâs
Witnesses, who total some 7,000,000 in well over 100,000 congregations around
the earth. How is such unity possible, especially in Page 114 view of the
turmoil and divisive thinking prevalent in todayâs world? Principally, unity
results from the clear and decisive direction that Jesus Christ, the Head of
the congregation, provides through âthe faithful and discreet slave,â
represented by its Governing Body. (Matt. 24:45-47) Unity also results from the
way the worldwide brotherhood cooperates willingly with the direction of the
Governing Body.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 115: Modern-day Christians benefit from the spiritual
provisions made available through the Governing Body and its
representatives</p>
<p>âThey Rejoiced Over the Encouragementâ (Acts 15:30-35)</p>
<p>Question 15, 16. What was the outcome of the circumcision issue, and what
accounted for such a result?</p>
<p>15Â The account in Acts goes on to tell us that when the delegation of
brothers from Jerusalem reached Antioch, âthey gathered the multitude
together and handed them the letter.â How did the brothers there react to the
direction from the governing body? âAfter reading [the letter], they
rejoiced over the encouragement.â (Acts 15:30,31) In addition, Judas and
Silas âencouraged the brothers with many a discourse and strengthened
them.â </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page91">91</pagenum><p>In that sense,
the two men were âprophets,â much as Barnabas, Paul, and others were called
prophetsâa term referring to those who declared or made known Godâs
will.âActs 13:1; 15:32; Ex. 7:1,2.</p>
<p>16Â Jehovahâs blessing was clearly upon the entire arrangement, bringing
the issue to a happy resolution. What was the key to the positive outcome?
Unquestionably, it was the governing bodyâs clear and timely direction, based
on Godâs Word and on the guidance of the holy spirit. Added to that was the
loving, personal way in which the decisions were communicated to the
congregations.</p>
<p>Question 17. How was the pattern set for some features of visits by
traveling overseers in our day?</p>
<p>17Â Following that pattern, the Governing Body of Jehovahâs Witnesses
today provides timely direction to the worldwide brotherhood. When decisions
are made, they are communicated to the congregations in a clear and direct
manner. One way is by visits of traveling overseers. These self-sacrificing
brothers travel from one congregation to another, providing clear direction and
warm encouragement. Like Paul and Barnabas, they spend much time in the
ministry, âteaching and declaring, with many others also, the good news of
the word of Jehovah.â (Acts 15:35) Like Judas and Silas, they âencourage
the brothers with many a discourse and strengthen them.â</p>
<p>Question 18. How can Godâs people be certain to continue to receive
Jehovahâs blessing?</p>
<p>18Â What about the congregations? What will enable the congregations
throughout the earth to continue to enjoy peace and harmony in todayâs
divisive world? Recall that it was the disciple James who later Page 115 wrote:
âThe wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable,
ready to obey ... Moreover, the fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under
peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.â (Jas. 3:17,18) Whether
James had the meeting in Jerusalem in mind or not, we have no way of telling.
But from our consideration of the events recorded in Acts chapter 15, it is
certain that only when there is unity and cooperation can there be Jehovahâs
blessing.</p>
<p>Question 19, 20. (a)Â How was it evident that peace and unity existed in the
Antioch congregation? (b)Â What were Paul and Barnabas now able to do?</p>
<p>19 That peace and unity now existed in the Antioch congregation was
clearly evident. Rather than contending with the brothers from Jerusalem, the
brothers in Antioch treasured the visit of Judas and Silas, for it was only
after âthey had passed some time, they were let go in peace by the brothers
to those who had sent them out,â that is, back to Jerusalem. *</p>
<p>Footnote In verse 34, some Bible translations insert words to the effect
that Silas chose to remain in Antioch. (<em>King James Version</em>) However,
such words appear to be later additions. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 15:33) We can be sure that the brothers in Jerusalem also
rejoiced when they heard what the two men had to say about their journey.
Thanks to Jehovahâs undeserved kindness, their mission was happily
accomplished!</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page92">92</pagenum><p>20Â Paul
and Barnabas, who remained in Antioch, could now focus their efforts on taking
a strong lead in the evangelizing work, much as traveling overseers today do
when they visit the congregations under their care. (Acts 13:2,3) What a
blessing for Jehovahâs people! How, though, did Jehovah further use and bless
these two zealous evangelizers? This we shall see in the next chapter.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 116 SECTION 6 Acts 15:36--18:22
</doctitle><p>âLet Us Return and Visit the Brothersâ (Acts 15:36)</p>
<p>What important role do traveling overseers have in the Christian
congregation? What blessings result when we accept theocratic assignments with
a willing spirit? How can we reason effectively from the Scriptures, and why do
we need to adapt to our audience? We will learn the answers to these and other
questions as we accompany the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 15 âStrengthening the Congregationsâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Traveling ministers assist the congregations to be
made firm in the faith</p>
<p>Based on Acts 15:36--16:5</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â Who is Paulâs new traveling companion,
and what is he like? (b)Â What will we learn in this chapter?</p>
<p>1 Page 117 As they make their way across the rugged terrain between towns,
the apostle Paul looks thoughtfully at the young man walking beside him. His
name is Timothy. Youthful and full of vigor, Timothy is perhaps in his late
teens or early 20âs. Each step of this new journey takes him farther from his
home. As the day fades, the region of Lystra and Iconium steadily recedes in
the distance behind them. What lies ahead? Paul has some idea, for this is his
second missionary journey. He knows that there will be hazards and problems
aplenty. How will the young man at his side fare?</p>
<p>2Â Paul has confidence in Timothy, perhaps more than this humble young man
has in himself. Recent events have made Paul more convinced than ever that he
needs to have the right traveling companion. Paul knows that the work
aheadâvisiting the congregations and strengthening themâwill require
unswerving determination and unity of thought on the part of the traveling
ministers. Why might Paul feel this way? One factor may be a disagreement that
earlier caused a split between Paul and Barnabas.</p>
<p>3Â In this chapter, we will learn much about the best way to handle
disagreements. We will also learn why Paul chose Timothy as a traveling
companion, and we will gain insight into the vital role of those who serve as
traveling overseers today.</p>
<p>âLet Us Return and Visit the Brothersâ (Acts 15:36)</p>
<p>Question 4. What did Paul intend to do during his second missionary
journey?</p>
<p>4Â In the preceding chapter, we saw how a delegation of four
brothersâPaul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silasâbuilt up the congregation at
Antioch with the decision of the governing body regarding circumcision. What
did Paul do next? He approached Barnabas with a new travel plan, saying:
âAbove all things, let us return and visit the brothers in </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page93">93</pagenum><p>Page 119 every one of the cities in
which we published the word of Jehovah to see how they are.â (Acts 15:36)
Paul was not suggesting a mere social visit to these newly converted
Christians. The book of Acts reveals the full purpose of Paulâs second
missionary journey. First, he would continue delivering the decrees that had
been issued by the governing body. (Acts 16:4) Second, as a traveling overseer,
Paul was determined to build up the congregations spiritually, helping them to
grow firm in the faith. (Rom. 1:11,12) How does the modern-day organization of
Jehovahâs Witnesses follow the pattern established by the apostles?</p>
<p>Question 5. How does the modern-day Governing Body impart direction and
encouragement to the congregations?</p>
<p>5Â Today, Christ uses the Governing Body of Jehovahâs Witnesses to direct
his congregation. Through letters, printed literature, meetings, and other
communication tools, these faithful anointed men impart guidance and
encouragement to all the congregations around the world. The Governing Body
also seeks to maintain close contact with each congregation. They thus use the
traveling-overseer arrangement. The Governing Body has directly appointed
thousands of qualified elders around the world to serve as traveling
ministers.</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. What are some of the responsibilities of traveling
overseers?</p>
<p>6Â Modern-day traveling overseers focus on giving personal attention and
spiritual encouragement to all in the congregations they visit. How? By
following the pattern set by such first-century Christians as Paul. He exhorted
his fellow overseer: âPreach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season,
in troublesome season, reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all long-suffering and
art of teaching. ... Do the work of an evangelizer.ââ2Â Tim. 4:2,5.</p>
<p>7Â In harmony with those words, the traveling ministerâalong with his wife
if he is marriedâjoins the local publishers in various aspects of the field
ministry. Such traveling preachers are zealous for the ministry and are
skillful teachersâqualities that have a positive effect on the flock. (Rom.
12:11; 2Â Tim. 2:15) Those in the traveling work are best known for their
self-sacrificing love. They give freely of themselves, traveling in unfavorable
weather and even in dangerous areas. (Phil. 2:3,4) Traveling overseers also
encourage, teach, and admonish each congregation by means of Bible-based talks.
All in the congregation benefit by contemplating the conduct of these traveling
ministers and imitating their faith.âHeb. 13:7.</p>
<p>âA Sharp Burst of Angerâ (Acts 15:37-41)</p>
<p>Question 8. How did Barnabas respond to Paulâs invitation?</p>
<p>8Â Barnabas welcomed Paulâs proposal to âvisit the brothers.â The two
had worked well as traveling partners and both were already Page 120 acquainted
with the regions and the peoples to be visited. (Acts 13:2--14:28) So the idea
of joining together for this assignment may have seemed sensible and practical.
But a complication arose. Acts 15:37 reports: âFor his part, Barnabas was
determined to take along also John, who was </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page94">94</pagenum><p>called Mark.â Barnabas was not simply offering a
suggestion. He âwas determinedâ to include his cousin Mark as a traveling
partner on this missionary journey.</p>
<p>Question 9. Why did Paul disagree with Barnabas?</p>
<p>9Â Paul did not agree. Why? The account says: âPaul did not think it
proper to be taking [Mark] along with them, seeing that he had departed from
them from Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.â (Acts 15:38)
Mark had traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary tour but had
not stayed the course. (Acts 12:25; 13:13) Early in the trip, while still in
Pamphylia, Mark had left his assignment and gone home to Jerusalem. The Bible
does not say why he left, but the apostle Paul evidently viewed Markâs action
as irresponsible. Paul might have had questions about Markâs
dependability.</p>
<p>Question 10. To what did the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas lead,
and with what result?</p>
<p>10Â Still, Barnabas was adamant about taking Mark along. Paul was just as
adamant about not doing so. âAt this there occurred a sharp burst of anger,
so that they separated from each other,â says Acts 15:39. Barnabas sailed
away to his home of islandCyprus, taking Mark along. Paul proceeded with his
plans. The account reads: âPaul selected Silas and went off after he had been
entrusted by the brothers to the undeserved kindness of Jehovah.â (Acts
15:40) Together they traveled âthrough Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the
congregations.ââActs 15:41.</p>
<p>Question 11. What qualities are essential to preventing a lasting rift from
developing between us and someone who has offended us?</p>
<p>11Â This account may remind us of our own imperfect nature. Paul and
Barnabas had been appointed as special representatives of the governing body.
Paul himself likely became a member of that body. Still, in this instance,
imperfect human tendencies got the better of Paul and Barnabas. Did they allow
this situation to create a lasting rift between them? Although imperfect, Paul
and Barnabas were humble men, having the mind of Christ. No doubt, in time they
manifested a spirit of Christian brotherhood and forgiveness. (Eph. 4:1-3)
Later, Paul and Mark worked together in other theocratic assignments. *
âCol. 4:10.</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âMark Enjoys Many Privileges,â on p118. End of
Footnote</p>
<p>Box, page 118.</p>
<p>Mark Enjoys Many Privileges</p>
<p>Page 118 Markâs Gospel relates that those who arrested Jesus also tried to
seize âa certain young manâ who escaped and âgot away naked.â (Mark
14:51,52) Since Mark, also known as John Mark, is the only one who records this
story, the young man may have been the writer himself. If so, Mark had at least
some personal contact with Jesus.</p>
<p>Some 11 years later, during Herod Agrippaâs persecution of the Christians,
âquite a fewâ members of the Jerusalem congregation gathered in the home of
Mary, Markâs </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page95">95</pagenum><p>mother, to
pray. It was to their home that the apostle Peter made his way when he was
miraculously freed from prison. (Acts 12:12) Thus, Mark may have grown up in a
house that was later used for Christian meetings. He no doubt knew Jesusâ
early disciples well, and they had a good influence on him.</p>
<p>Mark served side by side with a number of the overseers of early Christian
congregations. His first service privilege, as far as we know, was that of
working with his cousin Barnabas and the apostle Paul in their assignment at
Antioch of Syria. (Acts 12:25) When Barnabas and Paul embarked on their first
missionary journey, Mark traveled with them, first to Cyprus and then on to
Asia Minor. From there, Mark returned to Jerusalem for unspecified reasons.
(Acts 13:4,13) After a disagreement between Barnabas and Paul concerning Mark,
as described in Acts chapter 15, Mark and Barnabas continued their missionary
service in Cyprus.âActs 15:36-39.</p>
<p>All memories of that disagreement must have been long put behind them by 60
or 61Â C.E. when Mark was once again working alongside Paul, this time in Rome.
Paul, who was a prisoner in that city, wrote to the congregation in Colossae:
âAristarchus my fellow captive sends you his greetings, and so does Mark the
cousin of Barnabas, (concerning whom you received commands to welcome him if
ever he comes to you).â (Col. 4:10) So Paul was thinking of sending John Mark
from Rome to Colossae as his representative.</p>
<p>Sometime between 62 and 64Â C.E., Mark worked with the apostle Peter in
Babylon. As noted in Chapter 10 of this publication, they developed a close
relationship, for Peter referred to the younger man as âMark my son.ââ1Â
Pet. 5:13.</p>
<p>Finally, in about 65Â C.E. when the apostle Paul was imprisoned for a second
time in Rome, he wrote to his fellow worker Timothy, who was in Ephesus:
âTake Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministering.â
(2Â Tim. 4:11) Doubtless, Mark responded readily to that invitation and made
his way from Ephesus back to Rome. No wonder this man was highly appreciated by
Barnabas, Paul, and Peter!</p>
<p>The greatest of all Markâs privileges was his being inspired by Jehovah to
write a Gospel account. Tradition has it that Mark received much of his
information from the apostle Peter. The facts seem to support this view, for
Markâs account contains firsthand details that an eyewitness, such as Peter,
would have known. However, it would appear that Mark penned his Gospel in
Rome, not in Babylon when he was with Peter. Mark uses many Latin expressions
and translates Hebrew terms that would otherwise be difficult for non-Jews to
understand, so it seems that he wrote primarily for Gentile readers. End of
Box</p>
<p>Question 12. What should characterize modern-day overseers, in imitation of
Paul and Barnabas?</p>
<p>12Â Page 122 This one burst of anger was not characteristic of either
Barnabas or Paul. Barnabas was known to be a warmhearted and generous manâso
much so that rather than calling him by his given name, Joseph, the apostles
surnamed him Barnabas, which means âSon of Comfort.â Paul too was known for
his tenderness and gentle </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page96">96</pagenum><p>demeanor. (1Â Thess. 2:7,8) In imitation of Paul and
Barnabas, all Christian overseers today, including traveling ministers, should
always strive to show humility and to treat fellow elders as well as the entire
flock with tenderness.â1Â Pet. 5:2,3.</p>
<p>âHe Was Well Reported Onâ (Acts 16:1-3)</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. (a)Â Who was Timothy, and under what circumstances may Paul
have met him? (b)Â What led Paul to take special notice of Timothy? (c)Â What
assignment did Timothy receive?</p>
<p>13Â Paulâs second missionary journey took him to the Roman of
provinceGalatia, where a few congregations had been established. Eventually
âhe arrived at Derbe and also at Lystra.â âAnd, look!â says the
account, âa certain disciple was there by the name of Timothy, the son of a
believing Jewish woman but of a Greek father.ââActs 16:1. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âTimothy Slaves âin Furtherance of the Good
News,ââ on p121. End of Footnote</p>
<p>14Â Evidently, Paul had met Timothyâs family when first traveling to the
area about the year 47Â C.E. Now during his second visit two or three years
later, Paul took special notice of the young man Timothy. Why? Because Timothy
was âwell reported on by the brothers.â Not only was he well-liked by the
brothers in his hometown but his reputation extended beyond the boundaries of
his own congregation. The account explains that the brothers both in Lystra and
in Iconium, some 20Â miles away, had good things to say about him. (Acts 16:2)
Guided by holy spirit, the elders entrusted young Timothy with a weighty
responsibilityâto assist Paul and Silas as a traveling minister.âActs
16:3.</p>
<p>Box, page 121.</p>
<p>Page 121 Timothy Slaves âin Furtherance of the Good Newsâ</p>
<p>Timothy was a highly valued assistant to the apostle Paul. After the two men
had worked side by side for some 11 years, Paul could write concerning Timothy:
âI have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the
things pertaining to you. ... You know the proof he gave of himself, that like
a child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news.â
(Phil. 2:20,22) Timothy readily gave of himself in order to promote the
preaching work, thus endearing himself to Paul and setting a fine example for
us.</p>
<p>The son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, Timothy seems to have been
raised in Lystra. From infancy, Timothy had been taught the Scriptures by his
mother, Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. (Acts 16:1,3; 2Â Tim. 1:5; 3:14,15)
Along with them, Timothy likely accepted Christianity during Paulâs first
visit to Timothyâs hometown.</p>
<p>By the time Paul returned some years later, Timothy, then possibly in his
late teens or early 20âs, was already âwell reported on by the brothers in
Lystra and Iconium.â (Acts 16:2) Godâs spirit had inspired
âpredictionsâ about the young man, and in harmony with them, Paul and the
local elders recommended that Timothy undertake a special form of service. (1Â
Tim. 1:18; 4:14; 2Â Tim. 1:6) He was to accompany Paul as a missionary
companion. Timothy would have to leave his family, and in order to eliminate a
possible </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page97">97</pagenum><p>cause for
complaint among the Jews whom Timothy would be visiting, he had to submit to
circumcision.âActs 16:3.</p>
<p>Timothy traveled extensively. He preached with Paul and Silas in Philippi,
with Silas in beroea, then alone in Thessalonica. When he again met up with
Paul in Corinth, Timothy brought good news about the love and faithfulness
shown by the Thessalonians despite their tribulation. (Acts 16:6--17:14; 1Â
Thess. 3:2-6) On receiving disturbing news about the Corinthians, Paul, then
in Ephesus, considered sending Timothy back to Corinth. (1 Cor. 4:17) FromÂ
Ephesus, Paul later dispatched Timothy and ,]a/us to Macedonia. But when Paul
wrote to the Romans, Timothy was back with him in Corinth. (Acts 19:22; Rom.
16:21) These are just some of the journeys that Timothy undertook for the sake
of the good news.</p>
<p>That Timothy may have been somewhat hesitant in exercising his authority is
indicated by Paulâs encouragement: âLet no man ever look down on your
youth.â (1Â Tim. 4:12) But Paul could confidently dispatch Timothy to a
troubled congregation with the instructions: â<em>Command</em> certain ones
not to teach different doctrine.â (1Â Tim. 1:3) Paul also gave Timothy
authority to appoint overseers and ministerial servants in the
congregation.â1Â Tim. 5:22.</p>
<p>Timothyâs excellent qualities endeared him to Paul. The Scriptures reveal
that the younger man was a close, faithful, and affectionate companion, like a
son. Paul could write that he remembered Timothyâs tears, longed to see him,
and prayed for him. Like a concerned father, Paul also gave Timothy advice
about his âfrequent cases of sicknessââapparently stomach problems.â1Â
Tim. 5:23; 2Â Tim. 1:3,4.</p>
<p>During Paulâs first imprisonment in Rome, Timothy was by his side. At
least for a period, Timothy too endured prison bonds. (Philem. 1; Heb. 13:23)
The depth of feeling between these two men can be gauged by the fact that when
Paul perceived that his own death was near, he summoned Timothy: âDo your
utmost to come to me shortly.â (2Â Tim. 4:6-9) Whether Timothy arrived in
time to see his beloved mentor again is not revealed in the Scriptures. End of
Box</p>
<p>Question 15, 16. What was it about Timothy that earned him such a good
reputation?</p>
<p>15Â What earned Timothy such a good reputation at his young age? Was it his
intelligence, his physical appearance, or his natural abilities? Humans are
often impressed by such qualities. Even the prophet Samuel was once unduly
influenced by outward appearances. However, Jehovah reminded him: âNot the
way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the
eyes, but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.â (1Â Sam. 16:7) Rather
than any personal attributes, Timothy had inner qualities that earned him a
good name among his fellow Christians.</p>
<p>16Â Page 123 Years later, the apostle Paul made reference to some of
Timothyâs spiritual qualities. Paul described Timothyâs good disposition,
his self-sacrificing love, and his diligence in caring for theocratic
assignments. (Phil. 2:20-22) Timothy was also known for having faith âwithout
any hypocrisy.ââ2Â Tim. 1:5.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page98">98</pagenum><p>Question 17. How can
young ones today imitate Timothy?</p>
<p>17Â Today, many young ones imitate Timothy by cultivating godly qualities.
They thereby make a good name with Jehovah and his people, even at an early
age. (Prov. 22:1; 1Â Tim. 4:15) They display faith without hypocrisy, refusing
to lead a double life. (Ps. 26:4) As a result, many young ones can, likeÂ
Timothy, play an important role in the congregation. How they encourage all
lovers of Jehovah around them when they qualify as publishers of the good news
and in due time make a dedication to Jehovah and get baptized!</p>
<p>âMade Firm in the Faithâ (Acts 16:4,5)</p>
<p>Question 18. (a)Â What privileges did Paul and Timothy enjoy as traveling
ministers? (b)Â How were the congregations blessed?</p>
<p>18Â Paul and Timothy worked together for years. As traveling ministers, they
carried out various missions on behalf of the governing body. The Bible record
says: âAs they traveled on through the cities they would deliver to those
there for observance the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and
older men who were in Jerusalem.â (Acts 16:4) Evidently, the congregations
did follow the direction from the apostles and older men in Jerusalem. As a
result of such obedience, âthe congregations continued to be made firm in the
faith and to increase in number from day to day.ââActs 16:5.</p>
<p>Question 19, 20. Why should Christians be obedient to âthose who are
taking the leadâ?</p>
<p>19Â Similarly, Jehovahâs Witnesses today enjoy the blessings that come
from submissively obeying the direction received from âthose who are taking
the leadâ among them. (Heb. 13:17) Because the scene of the world is always
changing, it is vital that Christians keep pace with the spiritual food
provided by âthe faithful and discreet slave.â (Matt. 24:45; 1 Cor.
7:29-31) Doing so can prevent spiritual calamity and help us to remain without
spot from the world.âJas. 1:27.</p>
<p>20Â True, modern-day Christian overseers, including members of the Governing
Body, are imperfect, as were Paul, Barnabas, Mark, and other anointed elders in
the first century. (Rom. 5:12; Jas. 3:2) But because the Governing Body
strictly follows Godâs Word and sticks to the pattern set by the apostles,
they prove themselves trustworthy. (2Â Tim. 1:13,14) As a result, the
congregations are being strengthened and made firm in the faith.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 16 âStep Over Into Macedoniaâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Blessings result from accepting an assignment and
meeting persecution with joy</p>
<p>Based on Acts 16:6-40</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â How did Paul and his companions experience
the direction of the holy spirit? (b)Â What events will we consider?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page99">99</pagenum><p>1 Page 125 A group of
women leave the city of Philippi in Macedonia. Before long, they reach the
narrow river Gangites. As is their custom, they sit down at the river bank to
pray to the God of Israel. Jehovah observes them.â2Â Chron. 16:9; Ps.
65:2.</p>
<p>2Â Meanwhile, more than 500 miles east of Philippi, a group of men leave the
city of Lystra in southern Galatia. Days later, they reach a paved Roman
highway leading westward to the most populated region of the district of Asia.
The menâPaul, Silas, and Timothyâare eager to travel down that road so as
to visit Ephesus and other cities where thousands of people need to hear about
Christ. Yet, even before they can start the journey, the holy spirit stops them
in some undisclosed manner. They are forbidden to preach in Asia. Why?
Jesusâby means of Godâs spiritâwants to guide Paulâs party all the way
through Asia Minor, across the Aegean Sea, and onward to the banks of that
little river named Gangites.</p>
<p>3Â The way that Jesus guided Paul and his companions during that unusual
journey into Macedonia contains valuable lessons for us today. Therefore, let
us review some of the events that occurred during Paulâs second missionary
tour, which began in about 49Â C.E.</p>
<p>âGod Had Summoned Usâ (Acts 16:6-15)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. (a)Â What happened to Paulâs party near Bithynia? (b)Â What
decision did the disciples make, and with what result?</p>
<p>4Â Prevented from preaching in Asia, Paul and his companions turned
northward to preach in the cities of Bithynia. To get there, they may have
walked for days on unpaved trails between the sparsely populated regions of
Phrygia and Galatia. However, when they neared Bithynia, Jesus again used the
holy spirit to block them. (Acts 16:6,7) By then, the men must have been
puzzled. They knew <em>what</em> to preach and <em>how</em> to preach, but they
did not know <em>where</em> to preach. They had knocked, as it were, on the
door leading to Asiaâbut in vain. They had knocked Page 126 on the door
leading to Bithyniaâagain in vain. Still, Paul was determined to keep on
knocking until he found a door that would open. The men then made a decision
that might have seemed erratic. They turned west and walked for 350 miles,
bypassing city after city until they reached the port of Troas, the natural
gateway to Macedonia. (Acts 16:8) There, for the third time, Paul knocked on a
door, andâyes!âit swung wide open.</p>
<p>5Â The Gospel writer Luke, who joined Paulâs party at Troas, reports what
happened: âDuring the night a vision appeared to Paul: a certain Macedonian
man was standing and entreating him and saying: âStep over into Macedonia and
help us.â Now as soon as he had seen the vision, we sought to go forth into
Macedonia, drawing the conclusion that God had summoned us to declare the good
news to them.â *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âLukeâThe Writer of Acts,â on p128. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 16:9,10) Finally, Paul knew <em>where </em><em>to preach.
</em>How happy Paul must have felt that he had not given up halfway through the
journey! Immediately, the four men sailed for Macedonia.</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page100">100</pagenum><p>Box,
page 128.</p>
<p>LukeâThe Writer of Acts</p>
<p>Page 128 Up to chapter 16, verse 9, the book of Acts is narrated strictly
in the third person. That is, the writer limits himself to reporting what
others said and did. At Acts 16:10,11, however, there is a change in that
style. In verse 11, for instance, the writer says: â<em>We</em> put out to
sea from Troas and came with a straight run to Samothrace.â This is where
Luke, the writer, joined the action. But since Lukeâs name does not appear
anywhere in Acts of Apostles, how do we know that he was, in fact, the
writer?</p>
<p>The answer lies in the introductions to the book of Acts and Lukeâs
Gospel. Both introductions are addressed to a certain âTheophilus.â (Luke
1:1,3; Acts 1:1) The opening words of Acts read: âThe first account, O
Theophilus, IÂ composed about all the things Jesus started both to do and to
teach.â Since ancient authorities agree that âthe first account,â the
Gospel, was written by Luke, he must also have written Acts.</p>
<p>We do not know very much about Luke. His name appears only three times in
the Bible. The apostle Paul calls Luke âthe beloved physicianâ and one of
his own âfellow workers.â (Col. 4:14; Philem. 24) The âweâ sections of
the book of Actsâthose in which Luke includes himself in the
narrativeâindicate that Luke first accompanied the apostle Paul from Troas to
Philippi in about 50Â C.E. but that when Paul left Philippi, Luke was no longer
with him. The two men met up again in Philippi in about 56Â C.E. and traveled
with seven other brothers from Philippi to Jerusalem, where Paul was arrested.
Two years later, Luke accompanied Paul, who was still in chains, from Caesarea
to Rome. (Acts 16:10-17,40; 20:5--21:17; 24:27; 27:1--28:16) When Paul, who had
been jailed for a second time in Rome, perceived that his execution was near,
âLuke aloneâ was with him. (2Â Tim. 4:6,11) It is clear that Luke traveled
long distances and was willing to suffer hardships for the sake of the good
news.</p>
<p>Luke did not claim to have witnessed what he wrote about Jesus. On the
contrary, he said that he undertook âto compile a statement of the factsâ
based on the accounts of âeyewitnesses.â Moreover, he âtraced all things
from the start with accuracy, to write them in logical order.â (Luke 1:1-3)
The results of Lukeâs labors show that he was a careful researcher. Perhaps
he conducted interviews with Elizabeth, with Jesusâ mother, Mary, and with
others in order to collect his material. Much of what he wrote is unique among
the Gospel accounts.âLuke 1:5-80.</p>
<p>Paul stated that Luke was a physician, and a doctorâs interest in those
who suffer can be perceived in what he wrote. Just to mention a few examples:
Luke noted that when Jesus cured a demon-possessed man, âthe demon came out
of him without hurting himâ; that the apostle Peterâs mother-in-law was
distressed with âa high feverâ; and that a woman whom Jesus helped had been
afflicted with âa spirit of weakness for eighteen years, and she was bent
double and was unable to raise herself up at all.ââLuke 4:35,38; 13:11.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page101">101</pagenum><p>Clearly, Luke put
âthe work of the Lordâ first in his life. (1Â Cor. 15:58) His objective
was, not to pursue a secular career or prominence, but simply to help others
know and serve Jehovah. End of Box</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 124: âTherefore we put out to sea from
Troas.ââActs 16:11</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paul and Timothy are portrayed traveling aboard a Roman
merchant ship. A lighthouse can be seen in the distance.</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. (a)Â What lesson can we learn from what took place during
Paulâs journey? (b)Â What assurance can we derive from Paulâs
experience?</p>
<p>6Â What lesson can we learn from that account? Note this: Only
<em>after</em> Paul set out for Asia did Godâs spirit intervene, only
<em>after</em> Paul neared Bithynia did Jesus step in, and only <em>after</em>
Paul reached Troas did Jesus direct him to Macedonia. Jesus, as Head of the
congregation, Page 127 may deal with us in a similar way today. (Col. 1:18) For
instance, we may have been thinking for some time about serving as a pioneer or
moving to an area where the need for Kingdom publishers is greater. However, it
may well be only <em>after</em> we take definite steps to attain our goal that
Jesus, through Godâs spirit, will guide us. Why? Think of this example: A
driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving.
Similarly, Jesus directs us in expanding our ministry, but only if we are
movingâif we are putting forth real effort to do so.</p>
<p>7Â What, though, if our efforts do not bear fruit right away? Should we give
up, thinking that Godâs spirit is not guiding us? No. Remember that Paul too
encountered setbacks. Yet, he kept on searching until he found a door that
opened. We can be sure that our perseverance in searching for âa large door
that leads to activityâ will be similarly rewarded.â1Â Cor. 16:9.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 126: How can we âstep over into Macedoniaâ
today?</p>
<p>Question 8. (a)Â Describe the city of Philippi. (b)Â What joyful event
resulted from Paulâs preaching at âa place of prayerâ?</p>
<p>8Â After arriving in the district of Macedonia, Paulâs party traveled to
Philippiâa city whose inhabitants were proud to be Roman citizens. For the
retired Roman soldiers living there, the colony of Philippi was like a little
Italyâa miniature Rome planted in Macedonia. Outside the city gate, beside a
narrow river, the missionaries found an area where they thought there was âa
place of prayer.â *</p>
<p>Footnote Perhaps the Jews were forbidden to have a synagogue in the city
because of Philippiâs military character. Or the city might have lacked ten
Jewish malesâthe minimum number required for establishing a synagogue. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>On the Sabbath, they went down to that spot and found several
women who gathered there to worship God. The disciples sat down and spoke to
them. A woman named Lydia âwas listening, and Jehovah opened her heart
wide.â Lydia was so moved by what she learned from the missionaries that she
and her household got baptized. Then she made Paul and his traveling companions
come and stay at her home. * âActs 16:13-15.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Footnote See the box âLydiaâThe Seller of Purple,â on
p132. End of Footnote</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page102">102</pagenum><p>Box, page 132.</p>
<p>LydiaâThe Seller of Purple</p>
<p>Lydia lived in Philippi, a prominent city in Macedonia. She was originally
from Thyatira, a city in the region called Lydia in western Asia Minor. To ply
her trade as a seller of purple, Lydia had moved across the Aegean Sea. She
likely traded in purple goods of various kindsârugs, tapestries, fabrics, and
even dyes. An inscription found in Philippi testifies to the presence of a
guild of sellers of purple in that city.</p>
<p>Lydia is described as âa worshiper of God,â likely meaning that she was
a proselyte to Judaism. (Acts 16:14) She may have become acquainted with the
worship of Jehovah in her home city. In contrast with Philippi, it hosted a
Jewish meeting place. Some believe that Lydia was a nicknameâmeaning
âLydian Womanââgiven to her in Philippi. However, there is documentary
evidence to show that Lydia was also in use as a proper name.</p>
<p>The Lydians and their neighbors were famed for their skill in the dyeing of
purple since the days of Homer, in the ninth or eighth century B.C.E. Indeed,
Thyatiraâs water was reputed to produce âthe brightest and the most
permanent hues.â</p>
<p>Purple materials were luxury items, accessible only to the rich. Although
different sources for purple dye were known, the best and most expensiveâused
for treating fine linenâcame from Mediterranean shellfish. A single drop of
dye could be extracted from each mollusk, and some 8,000 shellfish had to be
processed to obtain just one gram of the precious liquid; thus, cloth of that
color was very costly.</p>
<p>Since Lydiaâs trade required substantial capital and she had a large house
capable of hosting four menâPaul, Silas, Timothy, and Lukeâin all
likelihood she was a successful and wealthy merchant. The reference to her
âhouseholdâ could mean that she lived with relatives, but it may also imply
that she had slaves and servants. (Acts 16:15) And the fact that before leaving
the city, Paul and Silas met with some brothers in this hospitable womanâs
home suggests that it became a meeting place for the first Christians in
Philippi.âActs 16:40.</p>
<p>When Paul wrote to the Philippian congregation some ten years later, he made
no mention of Lydia. So the details contained in Acts chapter 16 are all we
know about her. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 9. How have many today imitated Paulâs example, resulting in what
blessings?</p>
<p>9Â Imagine the joy occasioned by Lydiaâs baptism! How glad Paul must have
been that he had accepted the invitation to âstep over into Macedoniaâ and
that Jehovah had seen fit to use him and his companions to answer the prayers
of those God-fearing women! Today, numerous brothers and sistersâyoung and
old, single and marriedâlikewise move to areas where the need for Kingdom
publishers is greater. Granted, they cope with hardship, but this fades in
comparison with the satisfaction they feel as they find people like Lydia, who
embrace Bible Page 129 truths. Could you make adjustments </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page103">103</pagenum><p>that would enable you to âstep
overâ into a territory where the need is greater? Blessings await you. For
example, consider Aaron, a brother in his 20âs who moved to a Central
American country. He echoes the sentiments of many when he says: âServing
abroad has helped me to grow spiritually and to draw closer to Jehovah. And
field service is greatâIâm conducting eight Bible studies!â</p>
<p>âThe Crowd Rose Up ... Against Themâ (Acts 16:16-24)</p>
<p>Question 10. How was demon activity involved in causing a turn of events for
Paul and his companions?</p>
<p>10Â Satan was surely furious that the good news had gained a foothold in a
part of the world where he and his demons may have been unchallenged. No
wonder, then, that demonic activity was involved in causing a turn of events
for Paul and his companions! As they continued visiting the place of prayer, a
demon-possessed servant girl, who earned money for her masters by making
predictions, kept following Paulâs party, shouting: âThese men are slaves
of the Most High God, who are publishing to you the way of salvation.â The
demon may have made the girl cry out these words to make it appear that her
predictions and Paulâs teachings came from the same source. In that way,
onlookersâ attention could be distracted from Christâs true followers. But
Paul silenced the girl by expelling the demon.âActs 16:16-18.</p>
<p>Question 11. After the demon was expelled from the girl, what happened to
Paul and Silas?</p>
<p>11Â When the owners of the slave girl found out that their source of easy
income had vanished, they were enraged. They dragged Paul and Silas into the
marketplace, where magistratesâofficials representing Romeâheld court. The
owners appealed to the judgesâ prejudice and patriotism, saying, in effect:
âThese Jews are causing a disturbance by teaching customs that we Romans
cannot accept.â Their words had immediate results. âThe crowd [in the
marketplace] rose up together against them [Paul and Silas],â and the
magistrates gave the order âto beat them with rods.â After that, Paul and
Silas were dragged to prison. The jailer threw the injured men into the inner
prison and locked their feet in stocks. (Acts 16:19-24) When the jailer shut
the door, the darkness in that prison hole was so thick that Paul and Silas
could no doubt hardly see each other. Yet, Jehovah was watching.âPs.
139:12.</p>
<p>Question 12. (a)Â How did Christâs disciples view persecution, and why?
(b)Â What forms of opposition are still used by Satan and his agents?</p>
<p>12Â Years earlier, Jesus told his followers: âThey will persecute you.â
(John 15:20) Thus, when Paulâs party stepped over into Macedonia, Page 130
they were prepared to face opposition. When persecution struck, they viewed it,
not as a sign of Jehovahâs disapproval, but as an expression of Satanâs
anger. Today, Satanâs agents still employ methods similar to those used in
Philippi. Deceitful opposers misrepresent us at school and in the workplace,
fueling opposition. In some lands, religious opposers accuse us in court,
saying, in effect: âThese Witnesses cause a disturbance by teaching customs
that </p><pagenum page="normal" id="page104">104</pagenum><p>we âtraditional
believersâ cannot accept.â In some places, our fellow worshippers are
beaten and thrown into prison. Yet, Jehovah is watching.â1Â Pet. 3:12.</p>
<p>âBaptized Without Delayâ (Acts 16:25-34)</p>
<p>Question 13. What caused the jailer to ask: âWhat must I do to get
saved?â</p>
<p>13Â Paul and Silas must have needed some time to absorb the tumultuous
events of that day. By midnight, however, they had recovered from their beating
to the point that they âwere praying and praising God with song.â Then,
suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison! The jailer awoke, saw that the doors
were opened, and feared that the prisoners had run away. Knowing that he would
be punished for letting them escape, he âdrew his sword and was about to do
away with himself.â But Paul cried out: âDo not hurt yourself, for we are
all here!â The distressed jailer asked: âSirs, what must I do to get
saved?â Paul and Silas could not save him; only Jesus could. So they
answered: âBelieve on the Lord Jesus and you will get saved.ââActs
16:25-31.</p>
<p>Question 14. (a)Â What help did Paul and Silas give the jailer? (b)Â What
blessing did Paul and Silas receive for meeting persecution with joy?</p>
<p>14Â Was the jailerâs question heartfelt? Paul did not doubt the manâs
sincerity. The jailer was a Gentile, unfamiliar with the Scriptures. Before he
could become a Christian, he needed to learn and accept basic Scriptural
truths. So Paul and Silas took time to speak âthe word of Jehovah to him.â
While engrossed in teaching the Scriptures, the men perhaps forgot how they
ached from the blows they had received. The jailer, though, noticed the deep
cuts on their backs, and he cleansed their wounds. Then he and his household
âwere baptized without delay.â What a blessing Paul and Silas received for
meeting persecution with joy!âActs 16:32-34.</p>
<p>Question 15. (a)Â How have numerous Witnesses today followed the example of
Paul and Silas? (b)Â Why should we continue to revisit the homes of those
living in our territory?</p>
<p>15Â Like Paul and Silas, many Witnesses today have preached the good news
while imprisoned for their faith, with fine results. For example, in one land
where our activities were banned, at one time 40 percent of all Witnesses
living there had learned the truth about Jehovah while in prison! (Isa. 54:17)
Note, too, that the jailer asked for help only <em>after</em> the Page 131
earthquake struck. Similarly, some individuals today who have never responded
to the Kingdom message may do so after their personal world is suddenly shaken
by a distressing event. By faithfully visiting and revisiting those living in
our territory, we make sure that we are available to help them.</p>
<p>âAre They Now Throwing Us Out Secretly?â (Acts 16:35-40)</p>
<p>Question 16. On the day after Paul and Silas were flogged, how were the
tables turned?</p>
<p>16Â The morning after the flogging, the magistrates ordered the release of
Paul and Silas. But Paul said: âThey flogged us publicly uncondemned, men who
are Romans, and threw us into prison; and are they now throwing us out
secretly? No, indeed! but let them </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page105">105</pagenum><p>come themselves and bring us out.â Upon learning
that the two men were Roman citizens, the magistrates âgrew fearful,â for
they had violated the menâs rights. *</p>
<p>Footnote Roman law stated that a citizen was always entitled to a proper
trial and was never to be punished in public uncondemned. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>The tables were turned. The disciples had been beaten publicly;
now the magistrates had to apologize publicly. They entreated Paul and Silas to
leave Philippi. The two disciples complied, but first they took time to
encourage the growing group of new disciples. Only then did they depart.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 17. What important lesson would the new disciples
have learned by observing the endurance of Paul and Silas?</p>
<p>17Â If their rights as Roman citizens had been respected earlier, Paul and
Silas might well have been spared the flogging. (Acts 22:25,26) However, that
could have given the disciples in Philippi the impression that the men had used
their position to exempt themselves from suffering for Christâs sake. How
would that have affected the faith of disciples who were not Roman citizens?
After all, the law would not shield them from floggings. Hence, by enduring
punishment, Paul and his companion showed the new believers by example that
followers of Christ are able to stand firm under persecution. In addition, by
demanding that their citizenship be recognized, Paul and Silas forced the
magistrates to go on public record as having acted unlawfully. That, in turn,
might hold them back from mistreating Paulâs fellow believers and provide a
measure of legal protection from similar attacks in the future.</p>
<p>Question 18. (a)Â How do Christian overseers today imitate Paulâs example?
(b)Â How do we âdefend and legally establish the good newsâ in our day?</p>
<p>18Â Today, overseers in the Christian congregation also lead by example.
Whatever they expect their fellow believers to do, Christian shepherds are
willing to do. Similarly, like Paul, we weigh carefully how and Page 132 when
to use our legal rights to obtain protection. If needed, we appeal to local,
national, and even international judicial courts to gain legal protection to
carry out our worship. Our objective is, not social reform, but âthe
defending and legally establishing of the good news,â as Paul wrote to the
congregation in Philippi some ten years after his imprisonment there. (Phil.
1:7) Still, no matter what the outcome of such court cases may be, like Paul
and his companions, we are determined to continue âto declare the good
newsâ wherever Godâs spirit may lead us.âActs 16:10.</p>
<p>END OF VOLUME 3</p>
<p>329</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">âBEARING THOROUGH WITNESSâ ABOUT GODâS KINGDOM
</doctitle><doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 17 âHe Reasoned With Them From
the Scripturesâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>The basis of effective teaching; the beroeansâ
fine example</p>
<p>Based on Acts 17:1-15</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page106">106</pagenum><p>Question 1, 2. Who are journeying from Philippi to
Thessalonica, and what might be on their minds?</p>
<p>1 The Page 133 well-traveled road, built by skilled Roman engineers, cuts
through the rugged mountains. Sounds along that road occasionally mingleâthe
braying of donkeys, the clatter of chariot wheels on thick flagstone, and the
clamor of travelers of all sorts, likely including soldiers, merchants, and
craftsmen. Three companionsâPaul, Silas, and Timothyâare traveling more
than 80Â miles along this road, from Philippi to Thessalonica. The journey is
far from easy, particularly for Paul and Silas. They are nursing the wounds
they received in Philippi, where they were beaten with rods.âActs
16:22,23.</p>
<p>2Â How do these men keep their minds off the long miles that lie ahead?
Conversation surely helps. Still fresh in their minds is the thrilling
experience they had when that jailer back in Philippi and his family became
believers. That experience has made these travelers even more determined to
continue proclaiming the word of God. However, as they approach the coastal
city of Thessalonica, they may wonder how the Jews in that city will treat
them. Will they be attacked, even beaten, as they were in Philippi?</p>
<p>Question 3. How can Paulâs example in mustering up boldness to preach be
useful to us today?</p>
<p>3Â Paul later made his feelings known in a letter he wrote to Christians in
Thessalonica: âAfter we had first suffered and been insolently treated (just
as you know) in Philippi, we mustered up boldness by means of our God to speak
to you the good news of God with a great deal of struggling.â (1Â Thess. 2:2)
Paul thus seems to suggest that he had misgivings about entering the city of
Thessalonica, particularly after what happened in Philippi. Can you empathize
with Paul? Do you ever find it a struggle to proclaim the good news? Paul
relied on Jehovah to strengthen him, to help him muster up the boldness he
needed. Studying Paulâs example can help you to do the same.â1Â Cor.
4:16.</p>
<p>âHe Reasoned ... From the Scripturesâ (Acts 17:1-3)</p>
<p>Question 4. Why is it likely that Paul spent more than three weeks in
Thessalonica?</p>
<p>4Â Page 134 The account tells us that while in Thessalonica, Paul preached
in the synagogue for three Sabbaths. Does this mean that his visit to the city
lasted just three weeks? Not necessarily. We do not know how soon after his
arrival Paul first went to the synagogue. Further, Paulâs letters disclose
that while in Thessalonica, he and his companions worked to support themselves.
(1Â Thess. 2:9; 2Â Thess. 3:7,8) Also, during his stay, Paul twice received
provisions from the brothers in Philippi. (Phil. 4:16) So his stay in
Thessalonica was likely somewhat longer than three weeks.</p>
<p>Question 5. In what way did Paul seek to appeal to people?</p>
<p>5Â Having mustered up boldness to preach, Paul spoke to those assembled in
the synagogue. According to his custom, âhe reasoned with them from the
Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the
Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying: âThis is the Christ,
this Jesus whom I am publishing to </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page107">107</pagenum><p>you.ââ (Acts 17:2,3) Note that Paul did not
seek to stir up the emotions of his listeners; he appealed to their minds. He
knew that those who attended the synagogue were familiar with and respected the
Scriptures. What they lacked was understanding. Paul therefore reasoned,
explained, and proved from the Scriptures that Jesus of Nazareth was the
promised Messiah, or Christ.</p>
<p>Question 6. How did Jesus reason from the Scriptures, and with what
result?</p>
<p>6Â Paul followed the standard set by Jesus, who used the Scriptures as the
basis for his teaching. During his public ministry, for example, Jesus told his
followers that according to the Scriptures, the Son of man must suffer, die,
and be raised from the dead. (Matt. 16:21) After his resurrection, Jesus
appeared to his disciples. Surely that alone would show that he had spoken the
truth. Yet, Jesus gave them more. Concerning what he said to certain disciples,
we read: âCommencing at Moses and all the Prophets he interpreted to them
things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures.â With what result? The
disciples exclaimed: âWere not our hearts burning as he was speaking to us on
the road, as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us?ââLuke
24:13,27,32.</p>
<p>Question 7. Why is it important to base our teaching on the Scriptures?</p>
<p>7Â The message of Godâs Word has power. (Heb. 4:12) Christians today thus
base their teachings on that Word, as did Jesus, Paul, and the other apostles.
We too reason with people, explain what the Scriptures Page 135 mean, and
provide proof of what we teach by opening the Bible to show householders what
it says. After all, the message we bring is not ours. By using the Bible
liberally, we help people to discern that we proclaim, not our own ideas, but
the teachings of God. Additionally, we do well to keep in mind that the message
we preach is solidly founded on Godâs Word. It is completely reliable. Does
knowing that not give you confidence to share the message boldly, as Paul
did?</p>
<p>âSome ... Became Believersâ (Acts 17:4-9)</p>
<p>Question 8-10. (a)Â In what ways did people in Thessalonica respond to the
good news? (b)Â Why were some of the Jews jealous of Paul? (c)Â How did the
Jewish opposers act?</p>
<p>8Â Paul had already experienced the truthfulness of Jesusâ words: âA
slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will
persecute you also; if they have observed my word, they will observe yours
also.â (John 15:20) In Thessalonica, Paul met just such a mixed
responseâsome were eager to observe the word, while others resisted it.
Concerning those who reacted favorably, Luke writes: âSome of them [the Jews]
became believers [Christians] and associated themselves with Paul and Silas,
and a great multitude of the Greeks who worshiped God and not a few of the
principal women did so.â (Acts 17:4) Surely these new disciples rejoiced to
have the Scriptures opened to their understanding.</p>
<p>9Â Though some appreciated Paulâs words, others gnashed their teeth at
him. Some of the Jews in Thessalonica were jealous of Paulâs success at
winning over âa great </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page108">108</pagenum><p>multitude of the Greeks.â Those Jews, intent on
making Jewish proselytes, had instructed the Greek Gentiles in the teachings of
the Hebrew Scriptures and looked upon those Greeks as belonging to them.
Suddenly, though, it seemed that Paul was stealing these Greeks away, and right
at the synagogue! The Jews were furious.</p>
<p>10Â Luke tells us what happened next: âThe Jews, getting jealous, took
into their company certain wicked men of the marketplace idlers and formed a
mob and proceeded to throw the city into an uproar. And they assaulted the
house of Jason and went seeking to have [Paul and Silas] brought forth to the
rabble. When they did not find them they dragged Jason and certain brothers to
the city rulers, crying out: âThese men that have overturned the inhabited
earth are present here also, and Jason has received them with hospitality. And
all these men act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is
another king, Jesus.ââ (Acts 17:5-7) How would this mob action affect Paul
and his companions?</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 139: âThey ... went seeking to have them brought
forth to the rabble.ââActs 17:5</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paul and Silas are depicted in a gated courtyard,
escaping an angry mob.</p>
<p>Question 11. What charges were brought against Paul and his fellow Kingdom
proclaimers, and what decree might the accusers have had in mind? (See
footnote.)</p>
<p>11Â Page 136 A mob is an ugly thing. It rushes with the fury of a swollen
riverâviolent and uncontrolled. This was the weapon that the Jews employed to
try to rid themselves of Paul and Silas. Then, after the Jews had thrown the
city âinto an uproar,â they tried to convince the rulers that the charges
were weighty. The first charge was that Paul and his fellow Kingdom proclaimers
had âoverturned the inhabited earth,â though Paul and his companions had
not caused the uproar in Thessalonica! The second charge was far more serious.
The Jews argued that the missionaries proclaimed another King, Jesus, thereby
violating the decrees of the emperor. *</p>
<p>Footnote According to one scholar, there was at that time a decree of
Caesar forbidding the making of any prediction âof the coming of a new king
or kingdom, especially one that might be said to supplant or judge the existing
emperor.â Paulâs enemies might well have misrepresented the apostleâs
message as a violation of such a decree. See the box âThe Caesars and the
Book of Acts,â on p137. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Box, page 137.</p>
<p>The Caesars and the Book of Acts</p>
<p>All of the events recorded in the book of Actsâand for that matter, in
the entire Christian Greek Scripturesâtake place within the borders of the
Roman Empire. Thus, the supreme secular authority was always the Roman emperor.
He was the one to whom the Thessalonian Jews referred when they spoke of âthe
decrees of Caesar.â (Acts 17:7) Four emperors ruled during the period covered
by ActsâTiberius, Gaius, Claudius I, and Nero.</p>
<p><em>Tiberius</em> (14-37Â C.E.) was emperor during all of Jesusâ ministry
and during the first few years of the existence of the Christian congregation.
At Jesusâ trial, it was to Tiberius </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page109">109</pagenum><p>that the Jews were referring when they shouted:
âIf you [Pilate] release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. ... We
have no king but Caesar.ââJohn 19:12,15.</p>
<p><em>Gaius, </em>also known as <em>Caligula</em> (37-41Â C.E.), is not
mentioned in the Christian Greek Scriptures.</p>
<p><em>Claudius I</em> (41-54Â C.E.) is named twice in the book of Acts. As
foretold by the Christian prophet Agabus, âa great famine,â dated about 46Â
C.E., came âupon the entire inhabited earth ... in the time of Claudius.â
Moreover, in 49 or early 50Â C.E., Claudius âordered all the Jews to depart
from Rome,â a decree that prompted Aquila and Priscilla to move to Corinth,
where they met the apostle Paul.âActs 11:28; 18:1,2.</p>
<p><em>Nero</em> (54-68Â C.E.) was the Caesar to whom Paul appealed. (Acts
25:11) It is said that this emperor later blamed the Christians for the fire
that destroyed much of Rome in about 64Â C.E. Soon thereafter, in about 65Â
C.E., the apostle Paul suffered his second imprisonment in Rome and was
executed. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 12. What shows that the charges against Christians in Thessalonica
could have brought serious consequences?</p>
<p>12Â Recall that the religious leaders brought a similar charge against
Jesus. To Pilate they said: âThis man we found subverting our nation ... and
saying he himself is Christ a king.â (Luke 23:2) Possibly fearing that the
emperor might conclude that Pilate condoned high treason, he sent Jesus to His
death. Similarly, the charges against the Christians in Thessalonica could have
brought serious consequences. One reference work states: âIt is hard to
exaggerate the danger to which this exposed them, for âthe very suggestion of
treason against the Emperors often proved fatal to the accused.ââ Would
this hateful attack prove successful?</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. (a)Â Why did the mob fail in its attack? (b)Â How did Paul
demonstrate Christlike caution, and how can we imitate his example?</p>
<p>13Â The mob failed to put a stop to the preaching work in Thessalonica. Why?
For one thing, Paul and Silas could not be found. Furthermore, the city rulers
were evidently not convinced of the truthfulness of the charges. After
requiring âsufficient security,â perhaps in the form of bail, they released
Jason and the other brothers who had been brought before them. (Acts 17:8,9)
Following Jesusâ counsel to be âcautious as serpents and yet innocent as
doves,â Paul prudently kept out of harmâs way so that he could continue
preaching elsewhere. (Matt. 10:16) Clearly, the boldness that Paul mustered upÂ
did not mean recklessness. How can Christians today follow his example?</p>
<p>14Â In modern times, the clergy of Christendom have often incited mobs
against Jehovahâs Witnesses. With cries of sedition and Page 137 treason,
they have manipulated rulers to act against the Witnesses. Like those
first-century persecutors, modern-day opposers are driven by jealousy. At any
rate, true Christians do not court trouble. We avoid confrontations with such
angry, unreasonable people whenever possible, seeking rather to continue our
work in peace, perhaps returning later when things have calmed down.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page110">110</pagenum><p>They Were âMore
Noble-Mindedâ (Acts 17:10-15)</p>
<p>Question 15. How did the beroeans respond to the good news?</p>
<p>15Â For safetyâs sake, Paul and Silas were sent to Beroea, about 40Â miles
away. Upon arriving there, Paul went to the synagogue and spoke to those
assembled. What a delight to find a receptive audience! Luke wrote that the
Jews of beroea were âmore noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they
received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the
Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.â (Acts 17:10,11) Did
those words reflect unfavorably on the ones in Thessalonica who had embraced
the truth? Not at all. Paul later wrote to them: âWe also thank God
incessantly, because when you received Godâs word, which you heard from us,
you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the
word of God, which is also at work in you believers.â (1Â Thess. 2:13) What,
though, made those Jews in beroea so noble-minded?</p>
<p>Question 16. Why are the beroeans fittingly described as
ânoble-mindedâ?</p>
<p>16Â Though the beroeans were hearing something new, they were not suspicious
Page 138 or harshly critical; neither were they gullible. First, they listened
carefully to what Paul had to say. Then, they verified what they had learned by
turning to the Scriptures, which Paul had opened up to their understanding.
Moreover, they diligently studied the Word of God, not just on the Sabbath, but
daily. And they did so with great âeagerness of mind,â devoting themselves
to finding out what the Scriptures revealed in light of this new teaching.
Then, they proved humble enough to make changes, for âmany of them became
believers.â (Acts 17:12) No wonder Luke describes them as
ânoble-mindedâ!</p>
<p>Question 17. Why is the example of the beroeans so commendable, and how can
we continue to imitate it long after becoming believers?</p>
<p>17Â Little did those beroeans realize that the record of their reaction to
the good news would be preserved in Godâs Word as a shining example of
spiritual noble-mindedness. They did precisely what Paul had hoped they would
do and what Jehovah God wanted them to do. Likewise, it is what we encourage
people to doâto examine the Bible carefully so that their faith is solidly
based on Godâs Word. After we become believers, though, does the need to be
noble-minded come to an end? On the contrary, it becomes ever more important
that we be eager to learn from Jehovah and quick to apply his teachings. In
that way, we allow Jehovah to mold us and train us according to his will. (Isa.
64:8) We thus remain useful and fully pleasing to our heavenly Father.</p>
<p>Question 18, 19. (a)Â Why did Paul leave beroea, yet how did he show
perseverance that is worthy of imitation? (b)Â Whom was Paul to address next,
and where?</p>
<p>18Â Paul did not stay in beroea for long. We read: âWhen the Jews from
Thessalonica learned that the word of God was published also in beroea by Paul,
they came there also to incite and agitate the masses. Then the brothers
immediately sent Paul off to go as far as the sea; but both Silas and Timothy
remained behind there. However, those conducting Paul brought him as far as
Athens and, after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page111">111</pagenum><p>to come to him as quickly as
possible, they departed.â (Acts 17:13-15) How persistent those enemies of the
good news were! It was not enough to chase Paul out of Thessalonica; they
traveled to Beroea and tried to stir up the same sort of trouble thereâall to
no avail. Paul knew that his territory was vast; he simply moved on to preach
elsewhere. May we today prove equally determined to frustrate the efforts of
those who want to stop the preaching work!</p>
<p>19Â Having borne thorough witness to the Jews in Thessalonica and beroea,
Paul had surely learned much about the importance of witnessing with boldness
and reasoning from the Scriptures. We have too. Now, though, Paul was to face a
different audienceâthe Gentiles of Athens. How would he fare in that city? In
the next chapter, we will see.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 18 âSeek God, ... and Really Find Himâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul establishes common ground and adapts to his
audience</p>
<p>Based on Acts 17:16-34</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â Why is the apostle Paul greatly disturbed
in Athens? (b)Â What can we learn by studying Paulâs example?</p>
<p>1 Paul is greatly disturbed. He is in , AthensGreece, the center of learning
where Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle once taught. Athens is a most religious
city. All around himâin temples, in public squares, and on the streetsâPaul
sees an array of idols, for Athenians worship a pantheon of gods. Paul knows
how Jehovah, the true God, views idolatry. (Ex. 20:4,5) The faithful apostle
shares Jehovahâs viewâhe abhors idols!</p>
<p>2Â What Paul sees upon entering the agora, or marketplace, is especially
shocking. A large number of phallic statues of the god Hermes line the
northwest corner, near the principal entrance. The marketplace is filled with
shrines. How will the zealous apostle preach in this deeply idolatrous climate?
Will he control his emotions and find common ground with his audience? Will he
succeed in helping any to seek the true God and really find Him?</p>
<p>3Â Paulâs speech to the learned men of Athens, as recorded at Acts
17:22-31, is a model of eloquence, tact, and discernment. By studying Paulâs
example, we can learn much about how to establish common ground, helping our
listeners to reason.</p>
<p>Teaching âin the Marketplaceâ (Acts 17:16-21)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. Where did Paul preach in Athens, and what challenging
audience awaited him?</p>
<p>4Â Paul visited Athens on his second missionary journey, in about 50Â C.E.Â
*</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âAthensâCultural Capital of the Ancient World,â
on p142. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>While waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive from beroea, Paul
âbegan to reason in the synagogue with the Jews,â as was his custom. He
also sought out a territory where he could reach Athensâ non-Jewish
citizensââin the marketplace,â or agora. (Acts 17:17) Located northwest
of the Acropolis, Athensâ agora covered 12 acres or so. The marketplace was
much more than a location for buying and selling; it was the cityâs
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page112">112</pagenum><p>public square. One
reference work notes that this place was âthe economic, political and
cultural heart of the city.â Athenians delighted to convene there and engage
in intellectual discussion.</p>
</blockquote ><p>5Â Paul faced a challenging audience at the marketplace. Among
his listeners were Epicureans and Stoics, members of rival schools of
philosophy. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âEpicureans and Stoics,â on p144. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>The Epicureans believed that life came into existence by
accident. Their view of life was summed up as follows: âNothing to fear in
God; Nothing to feel in death; Good can be achieved; Evil can be endured.â
The Stoics stressed reason and logic and did not believe God to be a Person.
Neither the Epicureans nor the Stoics believed in the resurrection as taught by
Christâs disciples. Clearly, the philosophical views of these two groups were
incompatible with the elevated truths of genuine Christianity, which Paul was
preaching.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 142.</p>
<p>AthensâCultural Capital of the Ancient World</p>
<p>The Acropolis of Athens was a strongly fortified citadel well before the
cityâs history began to be recorded in the seventh century B.C.E. Athens
became the chief city of the district of Attica and dominated an area of some
1,000 square miles, bounded by mountains and sea. The cityâs name seems to be
related to that of its patron goddess, Athena.</p>
<p>In the sixth century B.C.E., an Athenian legislator named Solon reformed the
social, political, juridical, and economic structures of the city. He improved
the lot of the poor and laid the basis for a democratic form of government. It
was a democracy only for the free, however, and a large part of the cityâs
population was made up of slaves.</p>
<p>Following Greek victories over the Persians in the fifth century B.C.E.,
Athens became the capital of a small empire that extended its maritime trade
from Italy and Sicily in the west to Cyprus and Syria in the east. At the
height of its splendor, Athens was the cultural center of the ancient world,
excelling in art, drama, philosophy, rhetoric, and science. Many public
buildings and temples adorned the city. Its skyline was dominated by the
Acropolis, a commanding hill on which stood the Parthenon and its 40-foot gold
and ivory statue of Athena.</p>
<p>Athens was conquered first by the Spartans, then by the Macedonians, and
finally by the Romans, who stripped the city of its wealth. Even so, in the
time of the apostle Paul, Athens still enjoyed a privileged status because of
its illustrious past. In fact, the city was never incorporated into any Roman
province but was granted juridical authority over its own citizens and
exemption from Roman taxes. Though its greatest glories were gone, Athens
remained a university city, where the sons of the wealthy were sent to study.
End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 144.</p>
<p>Epicureans and Stoics</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page113">113</pagenum><p>The Epicureans and
Stoics were followers of two separate schools of philosophy. Neither believed
in a resurrection.</p>
<p>The Epicureans believed in the existence of gods but thought that the gods
had no interest in men and would neither reward nor punish them, so prayer or
sacrifice was useless. Epicureans held pleasure to be the supreme good in life.
Their thinking and actions were devoid of moral principle. Moderation was
urged, however, on the grounds that it prevented the negative consequences of
overindulgence. Knowledge was sought only to rid a person of religious fears
and superstition.</p>
<p>The Stoics, on the other hand, believed that all things were part of an
impersonal deity and that the human soul emanated from such a source. Some
Stoics held that the soul would eventually be destroyed along with the
universe. Other Stoics believed that the soul would ultimately be reabsorbed by
this deity. According to Stoic philosophers, happiness was to be obtained by
following nature. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. How did some of the Greek intellectuals react to Paulâs
teaching, and what similar reaction may we encounter today?</p>
<p>6Â How did the Greek intellectuals react to Paulâs teaching? Some used a
word that means âchatterer,â or âseed picker.â (Acts 17:18; ftn.)
Regarding this Greek term, one scholar states: âThe word was originally used
of a small bird that went around picking up grain, and later was applied to
persons who picked up food scraps and other odds and ends in the market place.
Still later it came to be used figuratively of any person who picked up odd
bits of information, and especially of one who was unable to put them together
properly.â In effect, those learned men were saying that Paul was an ignorant
plagiarist. Yet, as we will see, Paul was not intimidated by such
name-calling.</p>
<p>7Â It is no different today. As Jehovahâs Witnesses, we have often beenÂ
the target of name-calling because of our Bible-based beliefs. For example,
some educators teach that evolution is a fact and insist that if you are
intelligent, you must accept it. They, in effect, label as ignorant those who
refuse to believe in it. Such learned men would have people think that we are
âseed pickersâ when we present what the Bible says and point to the
evidence of design in nature. But we are not intimidated. On the contrary, we
speak with confidence when defending our belief that life on earth is the
product of an intelligent Designer, Jehovah God.âRev. 4:11.</p>
<p>Question 8. (a)Â Some who heard Paulâs preaching had what reaction? (b)Â
What might it mean that Paul was led to the Areopagus? (See footnote.)</p>
<p>8Â Others who heard Paulâs preaching in the marketplace had a different
reaction. âHe seems to be a publisher of foreign deities,â they concluded.
(Acts 17:18) Was Paul really introducing new gods to the Athenians? This was a
serious matter, echoing one of the charges for which Page 142 Socrates had been
tried and condemned to death centuries earlier. Not surprisingly, Paul was led
to the Areopagus and asked to explain the teachings that sounded strange to
the Athenians. *</p>
<p>Footnote Located northwest of the Acropolis, the Areopagus was the
traditional meeting place of the chief council of Athens. The term
âAreopagusâ may refer either to the council or to the actual hill. Hence,
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page114">114</pagenum><p>there are differences
of opinion among scholars as to whether Paul was brought to or near this hill
or to a meeting of the council elsewhere, perhaps in the agora. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>How would Paul defend his message to individuals who had no
background in the Scriptures?</p>
</blockquote ><p>âMen of Athens, I Beholdâ (Acts 17:22,23)</p>
<p>Question 9-11. (a)Â How did Paul endeavor to establish common ground with
his audience? (b)Â How can we imitate Paulâs example in our ministry?</p>
<p>9Â Recall that Paul was greatly disturbed by all the idolatry he had seen.
Rather than unleash an unbridled attack on idol worship, however, he maintained
his composure. With the utmost tact, he endeavored to win over his audience by
establishing common ground. He began: âMen of Athens, I behold that in all
things you seem to be more Page 143 given to the fear of the deities than
others are.â (Acts 17:22) In a sense, Paul was saying, âI see that you are
very religious.â Wisely, Paul commended them for being religiously inclined.
He recognized that some who are blinded by false beliefs may have receptive
hearts. After all, Paul knew that he himself was once âignorant and acted
with a lack of faith.ââ1Â Tim. 1:13.</p>
<p>10Â Building on common ground, Paul mentioned that he had observed tangible
evidence of the Atheniansâ religiousnessâan altar dedicated âTo an
Unknown God.â According to one source, âit was customary for Greeks and
others to dedicate altars to âunknown gods,â for fear that in their worship
they had omitted some god who might otherwise be offended.â By means of such
an altar, the Athenians admitted the existence of a God who was unknown to
them. Paul used the presence of this altar to make a transition into the good
news that he was preaching. He explained: âWhat you are unknowingly giving
godly devotion to, this I am publishing to you.â (Acts 17:23) Paulâs
reasoning was subtle but powerful. He was not preaching a new or strange god,
as some had charged. He was explaining the God that was unknown to themâthe
true God.</p>
<p>11Â How can we imitate Paulâs example in our ministry? If we are
observant, we may see evidence that a person is religiously devout, perhaps by
noting some religious item that he is wearing or that is displayed on his home
or in the yard. We might say: âI see that you are a religious person. I was
hoping to talk to someone who is religiously inclined.â By tactfully
acknowledging the personâs religious feelings, we may establish common ground
on which to build. Remember that it is not our aim to prejudge others based on
their religious convictions. Among our fellow worshippers are many who at one
time sincerely embraced false religious beliefs.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 145: Seek to establish common ground on which to
build</p>
<p>God âIs Not Far Off From Each One of Usâ (Acts 17:24-28)</p>
<p>Question 12. How did Paul adapt his approach to his listeners?</p>
<p>12Â Paul had established common ground but could he maintain it when giving
a witness? Knowing that his listeners were educated in Greek philosophy and
unfamiliar with the Scriptures, he adapted his approach in several ways.
First, he presented Biblical </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page115">115</pagenum><p>teachings without directly quoting from the
Scriptures. Second, he identified himself with his listeners, at times using
the words âusâ and âwe.â Third, he quoted from Greek literature to show
that certain things he was teaching were expressed in their own writings. Let
us now examine Paulâs powerful speech. What important truths did he convey
about the God who was unknown to the Athenians?</p>
<p>Question 13. What did Paul explain about the origin of the universe, and
what was the implication of his words?</p>
<p>13 Page 144 <em>God created the universe</em><em>.</em> Said Paul: âThe
God that made the world and all the things in it, being, as this One is, Lord
of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples.â *</p>
<p>Footnote The Greek word rendered âworldâ is ko-smos, which the Greeks
applied to the material universe. It is possible that Paul, who was trying to
maintain common ground with his Grecian audience, here used the term in that
sense. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 17:24) The universe did not come about by accident. The
true God is the Creator of all things. (Ps. 146:6) Unlike Athena or the other
deities whose glory depended on temples, shrines, and altars, the Sovereign
Lord of heaven and earth cannot be contained in temples built by human hands.
(1Â Ki. 8:27) The implication of Paulâs words was clear: The true God is
grander than any man-made idols found in man-made temples.âIsa. 40:18-26.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 14. How did Paul show that God is not dependent on
humans?</p>
<p>14 <em>God is not dependent on humans</em><em>.</em> Idolaters were
accustomed to clothing their images with lavish garments, showering them with
expensive gifts, or bringing them food and drinkâas if the idols needed such
things! However, some of the Greek philosophers in Paulâs audience may have
believed that a god would need nothing from humans. If so, they no doubt agreed
with Paulâs statement that God is not âattended to by human hands as if he
needed anything.â Indeed, there is nothing material that humans can give to
the Creator! Rather, he gives humans what they needââlife and breath and
all things,â including the sun, the rain, and fruitful soil. (Acts 17:25;
Gen. 2:7) So God, the Giver, is not dependent on humans, the receivers.</p>
<p>Question 15. How did Paul address the Atheniansâ belief that they were
superior to non-Greeks, and what important lesson can we learn from his
example?</p>
<p>15 <em>God made man</em><em>.</em> The Athenians believed that they were
superior to non-Greeks. But pride of nationality or race goes against Bible
truth. (Deut. 10:17) Paul addressed this delicate matter with tact and skill.
Page 145 When he said, â[God] made out of one man every nation of men,â
Paulâs words no doubt gave his listeners pause. (Acts 17:26) He was referring
to the Genesis account of Adam, the progenitor of the human race. (Gen.
1:26-28) Since all humans have a common ancestor, no race or nationality is
superior to another. How could any of Paulâs listeners miss the point? We
learn an important lesson from his example. While we want to be tactful and
reasonable in our witnessing work, we do not want to water down Bible truth so
as to make it more acceptable to others.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page116">116</pagenum><p>Question 16. What is
the Creatorâs purpose for humans?</p>
<p>16 <em>God purposed that humans be close to him</em><em>.</em> Even if the
philosophers in Paulâs audience had long debated the purpose of human
existence, they could never have explained it satisfactorily. Paul, however,
clearly revealed the Creatorâs purpose for humans, namely âfor them to seek
God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although, in fact, he is
not far off from each one of us.â (Acts 17:27) The God who was unknown to the
Athenians is by no means unknowable. On the contrary, he is not far off from
those who truly want to find him and learn about him. (Ps. 145:18) Notice that
Paul used the term âus,â thus including himself among those who needed
âto seekâ and âgrope forâ God.</p>
<p>Question 17, 18. Why should humans feel drawn to God, and what can we learn
from the way Paul appealed to his audience?</p>
<p>17 <em>Humans should feel drawn to God</em><em>.</em> Because of Him, Paul
said, âwe have life and move and exist.â Some scholars say that Paul was
Page 146 alluding to the words of Epimenides, a Cretan poet of the sixth
century B.C.E. and âa figure significant in Athenian religious tradition.â
Paul gave another reason why humans should feel drawn to God: âCertain ones
of the poets among you have said, âFor we are also his progeny.ââ (Acts
17:28) Humans should feel a kinship with God; he created the one man from whom
all humans descend. To appeal to his audience, Paul wisely quoted directly from
Greek writings that his listeners no doubt respected. *</p>
<p>Footnote Paul quoted from the astronomical poem <em>Phaenomena, </em><em>by
the </em>Stoic poet Aratus. Similar words are found in other Greek writings,
including <em>Hymn to Zeus,</em> by the Stoic writer Cleanthes. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>In harmony with Paulâs example, we may at times make limited
use of quotations from secular history, encyclopedias, or other accepted
reference works. For example, an appropriate quote from a respected source
might help to convince a non-Witness about the origin of certain false
religious practices or observances.</p>
</blockquote ><p>18Â Up to this point in his speech, Paul conveyed key truths
about God, skillfully tailoring his words to his audience. What did the apostle
want his Athenian listeners to do with this vital information? Without delay,
he went on to tell them as he continued his speech.</p>
<p>âThey Should All Everywhere Repentâ (Acts 17:29-31)</p>
<p>Question 19, 20. (a)Â How did Paul tactfully expose the folly of worshipping
man-made idols? (b)Â What action did Paulâs listeners need to take?</p>
<p>19Â Paul was ready to exhort his listeners to act. Referring back to the
quote from Greek writings, he said: âSeeing, therefore, that we are the
progeny of God, we ought not to imagine that the Divine Being is like gold or
silver or stone, like something sculptured by the art and contrivance of
man.â (Acts 17:29) Indeed, if humans are a product of God, then how could God
take the form of idols, which are a product of men? Paulâs tactful reasoning
exposed the folly of worshipping man-made idols. (Ps. 115:4-8; Isa. 44:9-20)
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page117">117</pagenum><p>By saying
â<em>we</em> ought not to ...,â Paul no doubt removed some of the sting
from his rebuke.</p>
<p>20Â The apostle made it clear that action was needed: âGod has overlooked
the times of such ignorance [of imagining that God could be pleased with humans
who worshipped idols], yet now he is telling mankind that they should all
everywhere repent.â (Acts 17:30) Some of Paulâs listeners might have been
shocked to hear this call for repentance. But his powerful speech plainly
showed that they owed their life to God and were thus accountable to Him. They
needed to seek God, learn the truth about him, and bring their whole way of
life into harmony with that truth. For the Athenians, that meant recognizing
and turning away from the sin of idolatry.</p>
<p>Question 21, 22. Paul ended his speech with what forceful words, and what
meaning do his words have for us today?</p>
<p>21 Page 147 Paul ended his speech with forceful words: â[God] has set a
day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man
whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he
has resurrected him from the dead.â (Acts 17:31) A coming Judgment Dayâwhat
a sobering reason to seek and find the true God! Paul did not name the
appointed Judge. Rather, Paul said something startling about this Judge: He had
lived as a man, died, and been raised from the dead by God!</p>
<p>22Â That rousing conclusion is filled with meaning for us today. We know
that the Judge appointed by God is the resurrected Jesus Christ. (John 5:22) We
also know that Judgment Day will be a thousand years long and is fast
approaching. (Rev. 20:4,6) We do not fear Judgment Day, for we understand that
it will bring untold blessings to those judged faithful. The fulfillment of our
hope for a glorious future is guaranteed by the greatest of miraclesâthe
resurrection of Jesus Christ!</p>
<p>âSome ... Became Believersâ (Acts 17:32-34)</p>
<p>Question 23. What were the mixed reactions to Paulâs speech?</p>
<p>23Â There were mixed reactions to Paulâs speech. âSome began to mockâ
when they heard of a resurrection. Others were polite but noncommittal, saying:
âWe will hear you about this even another time.â (Acts 17:32) A few,
however, responded positively: âSome men joined themselves to him and became
believers, among whom also were Dionysius, a judge of the court of the
Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and others besides them.â (Acts 17:34)
We experience similar reactions in our ministry. Some people may deride us,
while others respond with polite indifference. However, we are thrilled when
some accept the Kingdom message and become believers.</p>
<p>Question 24. What can we learn from the speech that Paul gave as he stood in
the midst of the Areopagus?</p>
<p>24Â As we reflect on Paulâs speech, we can learn much about logical
development and convincing argumentation as well as how to adapt to our
audience. In addition, we can learn about the need to be patient and tactful
with those who are blinded by false religious </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page118">118</pagenum><p>beliefs. We can also learn this important lesson:
We must never compromise Bible truth just to appease our listeners. Yet, by
imitating the example of the apostle Paul, we can become more effective
teachers in the field ministry. Furthermore, overseers can thereby become
better qualified teachers in the congregation. We will thus be well-equipped to
help others to âseek God ... and really find him.ââActs 17:27.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 19 âKeep On Speaking and Do Not Keep
Silentâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul supports himself yet puts his ministry first</p>
<p>Based on Acts 18:1-22</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. Why has the apostle Paul come to Corinth, and
what challenges does he face?</p>
<p>1 Page 148 It is the latter part of 50Â C.E. The apostle Paul is in Corinth,
a wealthy trade center that hosts a large population of Greeks, Romans, and
Jews. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âCorinthâMaster of Two Seas,â on p149. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Paul has not come here to buy or sell goods or to look for
secular work. He has come to Corinth for a far more important reasonâto bear
witness about Godâs Kingdom. Still, Paul needs a place to stay, and he is
determined not to be a financial burden on others. He does not want to give
anyone the impression that he is living off the word of God. What will he
do?</p>
</blockquote ><p>2Â Paul knows a tradeâtentmaking. Making tents is not easy,
but he is willing to work with his hands to support himself. Will he find
employment here in this bustling city? Will he locate a suitable place to stay?
Although faced with these challenges, Paul does not lose sight of his main
work, the ministry.</p>
<p>3Â As matters turned out, Paul stayed in Corinth for some time, and his
ministry there bore much fruit. What can we learn from Paulâs activities in
Corinth that will help us to bear thorough witness about Godâs Kingdom in our
territory?</p>
<p>Box, page 149.</p>
<p>CorinthâMaster of TwoSeas</p>
<p>Ancient Corinth lay on an isthmus between the Greek mainland and the
southern peninsula, the Peloponnese. The isthmus was less than four miles wide
at its narrowest point, so Corinth had two ports. On the Gulf of Corinth was
Lechaeum, serving sea routes heading westward to Italy, Sicily, and Spain. On
the Saronic Gulf, Cenchreae served maritime traffic to and from the Aegean
region, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt.</p>
<p>Since the capes at the southern extremity of the Peloponnese were windswept
and dangerous for shipping, navigators often preferred to anchor at one of
Corinthâs two ports, have their cargo transported overland, and reload it at
the other port. Lightweight ships could even be hauled over the isthmus on a
platform that ran along a grooved pavement from sea to sea. The cityâs
position thus allowed it to dominate east-west maritime commerce and also
north-south overland trade. Lively commerce brought to Corinth not only wealth
but also vices common to many ports.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page119">119</pagenum><p>In the apostle
Paulâs day, Corinth was the capital of the Roman of provinceAchaia and an
important administrative center. The religious diversity of the city is
attested to by the presence of a temple for the imperial cult, shrines and
temples dedicated to numerous Greek and Egyptian divinities, and a Jewish
synagogue.âActs 18:4.</p>
<p>The athletic competitions held every two years at nearby Isthmia were second
in importance only to the Olympic Games. The apostle Paul would have been in
Corinth during the games of 51Â C.E. Hence, comments one Bible dictionary,
âit can hardly be coincidental that his first use of athletic imagery appears
in a letter to Corinth.ââ1Â Cor. 9:24-27. End of Box</p>
<p>âThey Were Tentmakers by Tradeâ (Acts 18:1-4)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. (a)Â Where did Paul stay while in Corinth, and what secular
work did he do? (b)Â How may Paul have come to be a tentmaker?</p>
<p>4Â Some time after arriving in Corinth, Paul met a hospitable coupleâa
natural Jew named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, or Prisca. The couple took up
residence in Corinth because of a decree by Emperor Claudius ordering âall
the Jews to depart from Rome.â (Acts 18:1,2) Aquila and Priscilla welcomed
Paul not only into their home but also into their business. We read: âOn
account of being of the same trade [Paul] stayed at their home, and they
worked, for they were Page 149 tentmakers by trade.â (Acts 18:3) The home of
this warmhearted couple remained Paulâs place of dwelling during his ministry
in Corinth. While he was staying with Aquila and Priscilla, Paul may have
written some of the letters that later became part of the Bible canon. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âInspired Letters That Provided Encouragement,â
on p150. End of Footnote</p>
<p>5 How is it that Paul, a man who had been educated âat the feet of
Gamaliel,â was also a tentmaker by trade? (Acts 22:3) The Jews of the first
century apparently did not consider it beneath their dignity to teach their
children a trade, even though such children may have received additional
education as well. Having come from Tarsus in Cilicia, the area famous for a
cloth named cilicium from which tents were made, Paul likely learned the trade
during his youth. What did tentmaking involve? The trade could involve weaving
the tent cloth or cutting and sewing the coarse, stiff material in order to
make the tents. Either way, it was hard work.</p>
<p>Box, page 150.</p>
<p>Inspired Letters That Provided Encouragement</p>
<p>During his 18-month stay in Corinth, about 50-52Â C.E., the apostle Paul
wrote at least two letters that became part of the Christian Greek
ScripturesâFirst and Second Thessalonians. He wrote his letter to the
Galatians either during the same period or shortly afterward.</p>
<p><em>First Thessalonians</em> is the earliest of Paulâs inspired writings.
Paul visited Thessalonica in about 50Â C.E., during his second preaching tour.
The congregation that was formed there soon had to contend with opposition,
which forced Paul and Silas to leave the city. (Acts 17:1-10,14) Concerned
about the welfare of the fledgling </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page120">120</pagenum><p>congregation, Paul twice attempted to return, but
âSatan cut across [his] path.â Paul therefore sent Timothy to comfort and
strengthen the brothers. Likely late in the year 50Â C.E., Timothy rejoined
Paul in Corinth and brought a good report about the Thessalonian congregation.
Thereafter, Paul penned this letter.â1Â Thess. 2:17â3:7.</p>
<p><em>Second Thessalonians</em> was probably written soon after the first
letter, perhaps in 51Â C.E. In both letters, Timothy and Silvanus (called Silas
in Acts) joined Paul in sending greetings, but we have no record of these three
being together again after Paulâs stay in Corinth. (Acts 18:5,18; 1Â Thess.
1:1; 2Â Thess. 1:1) Why did Paul write this second letter? He had apparently
received more news about the congregation, perhaps via the person who had
delivered his first letter. This report moved Paul not only to praise the
brothers for their love and endurance but also to correct the idea of some in
Thessalonica that the Lordâs presence was imminent.â2Â Thess. 1:3-12;
2:1,2.</p>
<p>Paulâs letter to the <em>Galatians</em> implies that he had visited them
at least twice before writing to them. In 47-48 C.E., Paul and Barnabas
visited Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, all of which lay within
the Roman of provinceGalatia. In 49Â C.E., Paul returned to the same area with
Silas. (Acts 13:1--14:23; 16:1-6) Paul penned this letter because Judaizers,
who followed quickly on his heels, were teaching that circumcision and
observance of the Law of Moses were necessary for Christians. Doubtless Paul
wrote to the Galatians as soon as he heard of this false teaching. He may well
have written from Corinth, but it is also possible that he wrote either from
Ephesus, during a brief stopover on his journey back to Syrian Antioch, or from
Antioch itself.âActs 18:18-23. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. (a)Â How did Paul view tentmaking, and what indicates that
Aquila and Priscilla had a similar view? (b)Â How do Christians today follow
the example of Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla?</p>
<p>6 Paul did not consider tentmaking his vocation, or career. He worked at
this trade only to support himself in the ministry, declaring the good news
âwithout cost.â (2Â Cor. 11:7) How did Aquila and Priscilla view their
trade? As Christians, they no doubt viewed secular work as Paul did. In fact,
when Paul left Corinth in 52Â C.E., Aquila and Priscilla pulled up stakes and
followed him to Ephesus, where their home was used as the meeting place for the
local congregation. (1Â Cor. 16:19) Later, they returned Page 150 to Rome and
then went back again to Ephesus. This zealous couple put Kingdom interests
first and willingly expended themselves in the service of others, thereby
earning the gratitude of âall the congregations of the nations.ââRom.
16:3-5; 2Â Tim. 4:19.</p>
<p>7Â Present-day Christians follow the example of Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla.
Zealous ministers today work hard âso as not to put an expensive burden
uponâ others. (1Â Thess. 2:9) Commendably, many full-time Kingdom proclaimers
work part-time or do seasonal work to support themselves in their vocation, the
Christian ministry. Like Aquila and Priscilla, many warmhearted servants of
Jehovah open their homes to traveling overseers. Those who thus âfollow the
course of hospitalityâ know how encouraging and upbuilding doing so can
be.âRom. 12:13.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page121">121</pagenum><p>âMany of the
Corinthians ... Began to Believeâ (Acts 18:5-8)</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. How did Paul respond when his intense witnessing to the Jews
met with opposition, and where did he then go to preach?</p>
<p>8Â Page 151 That Paul viewed secular work as a means to an end became
obvious when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia with generous gifts. (2Â
Cor. 11:9) Immediately, Paul âbegan to be intensely occupied with the word
[âdevoted all his time to preaching,â <em>The </em>Jerusalem<em>
Bible</em>].â (Acts 18:5) However, this intense witnessing to the Jews met
with considerable opposition. Disclaiming any further responsibility for their
refusal to accept the lifesaving message about the Christ, Paul shook out his
garments and told his Jewish opposers: âLet your blood be upon your own
heads. I am clean. From now on I will go to people of the nations.ââActs
18:6; Ezek. 3:18,19.</p>
<p>9Â Where, then, would Paul now preach? A man named Titius Justus, likely a
Jewish proselyte whose house was adjacent to the synagogue, opened up his home
to Paul. So Paul transferred from the synagogue to the house of Justus. (Acts
18:7) The home of Aquila and Priscilla remained Paulâs residence while he was
in Corinth, but the house of Justus became the center from which the apostle
carried on his preaching activity.</p>
<p>Question 10. What shows that Paul was not determined to preach only to
people of the nations?</p>
<p>10Â Did Paulâs statement that he would henceforth go to people of the
nations mean that he completely turned his attention away from all Jews and
Jewish proselytes, even responsive ones? That could hardly have been the case.
For example, âCrispus the presiding officer of the synagogue became aÂ
believer in the Lord, and so did all his household.â Evidently, a number of
those associated with the synagogue joined Crispus, for the Bible says:
âMany of the Corinthians that heard began to believe and be baptized.â
(Acts 18:8) The house of Titius Justus thus became the location where the newly
formed Christian congregation of Corinth met. If the Acts account is presented
in Lukeâs characteristic styleâthat is, chronologicallyâthen the
conversion of those Jews or proselytes took place <em>after</em> Paul shook out
his garments. The incident would then speak volumes about the apostleâs
flexibility.</p>
<p>Question 11. How do Jehovahâs Witnesses today imitate Paul as they reach
out to those in Christendom?</p>
<p>11Â In many lands today, the churches of Christendom are well-established
and have a strong hold on their members. In some countries and islands of the
sea, the missionaries of Christendom have done a great deal of proselytizing.
People claiming to be Christian are often bound by tradition, as were the Jews
in first-century Corinth. Still, like Paul, we as Jehovahâs Witnesses
zealously reach out to such Page 152 people, building on whatever knowledge of
the Scriptures they may have. Even when they oppose us or their religious
leaders persecute us, we do not lose hope. Among those who âhave a zeal for
God; but not according to accurate knowledge,â there may be many meek ones
who need to be searched for and found.âRom. 10:2.</p>
<p>âI Have Many People in This Cityâ (Acts 18:9-17)</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page122">122</pagenum><p>Question 12. What
assurance does Paul receive in a vision?</p>
<p>12Â If Paul had any doubt about continuing his ministry in Corinth, it must
have disappeared on the night when the Lord Jesus appeared to him in a vision
and told him: âHave no fear, but keep on speaking and do not keep silent,
because I am with you and no man will assault you so as to do you injury; for I
have many people in this city.â (Acts 18:9,10) What an encouraging vision!
The Lord himself assured Paul that he would be protected from injury and that
there were many deserving ones in the city. How did Paul respond to the vision?
We read: âHe stayed set there a year and six months, teaching among them the
word of God.ââActs 18:11.</p>
<p>Question 13. What incident might Paul have thought of as he approached the
judgment seat, but what reason did he have to expect a different outcome?</p>
<p>13Â After spending about a year in Corinth, Paul received further proof of
the Lordâs support. âThe Jews rose up with one accord against Paul and led
him to the judgment seat,â called the be-ma. (Acts 18:12) Thought by some to
be a raised platform of blue and white marble full of decorative carvings, the
be-ma may have been situated near the center of Corinthâs marketplace. The
open area in front of the be-ma was large enough for a sizable crowd to gather.
Archaeological discoveries suggest that the judgment seat may have been only a
few steps from the synagogue and, therefore, from Justusâ house. As Paul
approached the be-ma, he may have thought about the stoning of Stephen, who is
Page 153 sometimes referred to as the first Christian martyr. Paul, known then
as Saul, had approved of âthe murder of him.â (Acts 8:1) Would something
similar now happen to Paul? No, for he had been promised: âNo one shall ...
injure you.ââActs 18:10, <em>An American Translation</em><em>.</em></p>
<p>Question 14, 15. (a)Â What accusation did the Jews launch against Paul, and
why did Gallio dismiss the case? (b)Â What happened to Sosthenes, and what
might have become of him?</p>
<p>14Â What happened when Paul got to the judgment seat? The magistrate
occupying it was the proconsul of Achaia, named Gallioâthe older brother of
the Roman philosopher Seneca. The Jews launched this accusation against Paul:
âContrary to the law this person leads men to another persuasion in
worshiping God.â (Acts 18:13) The Jews implied that Paul had been
proselytizing illegally. However, Gallio saw that Paul had committed no
âwrongâ and was not guilty of any âwicked act of villainy.â (Acts
18:14) Gallio had no intention of getting involved in the controversies of the
Jews. Why, before Paul uttered even a word in his own defense, Gallio dismissed
the case! The accusers were enraged. They vented their anger on Sosthenes, who
had perhaps replaced Crispus as the presiding officer of the synagogue. They
seized Sosthenes âand went to beating him in front of the judgment
seat.ââActs 18:17.</p>
<p>15Â Why did Gallio not prevent the crowd from thrashing Sosthenes? Perhaps
Gallio thought that Sosthenes was the leader of the mob action against Paul and
was therefore getting what he deserved. Whether that was the case or not, the
incident possibly had a good outcome. In his first letter to the Corinthian
congregation, written several years </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page123">123</pagenum><p>later, Paul referred to a certain Sosthenes as a
brother. (1Â Cor. 1:1,2) Was this the same Sosthenes who had been beaten in
Corinth? If so, the painful experience may have helped Sosthenes to embrace
Christianity.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 155: âWith that he drove them away from the judgment
seat.ââActs 18:16</p>
<p>Picture Description: Gallio chastises Paulâs accusers. He wears clothing
befitting his position: a white imperial toga with a broad purple stripe
andcalcei, a type of shoe.</p>
<p>Question 16. What bearing do the Lordâs words, âKeep on speaking and do
not keep silent, because I am with you,â have on our ministry?</p>
<p>16Â Recall that it was after the Jews had rejected Paulâs preaching that
the Lord Jesus assured Paul: âHave no fear, but keep on speaking and do not
keep silent, because I am with you.â (Acts 18:9,10) We do well to keep those
words in mind, especially when our message is rejected. Never forget that
Jehovah reads hearts and draws honesthearted ones to himself. (1Â Sam. 16:7;
John 6:44) What an encouragement that is for us to keep busy in the ministry!
Each year hundreds of thousands are getting baptizedâhundreds every day. To
those who heed the command to âmake disciples of people of all the
nations,â Jesus offers this reassurance: âI am with you all the days until
the conclusion of the system of things.ââMatt. 28:19,20.</p>
<p>âIf Jehovah Is Willingâ (Acts 18:18-22)</p>
<p>Question 17, 18. What might Paul have reflected on as he sailed to
Ephesus?</p>
<p>17Â Page 154 Whether Gallioâs stance toward Paulâs accusers resulted in
a period of peace for the fledgling Christian congregation in Corinth cannot
be ascertained. However, Paul stayed âquite some days longerâ before saying
good-bye to his Corinthian brothers. In the spring of 52Â C.E., he made plans
to sail away to Syria from the port of Cenchreae, about seven miles east of
Corinth. Before leaving Cenchreae, though, Paul âhad the hair of his head
clipped short ..., for he had a vow.â *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âPaulâs Vow,â on p152. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 18:18) Afterward, he took Aquila and Priscilla with him
and sailed across the Aegean Sea to Ephesus in Asia Minor.</p>
</blockquote ><p>18Â As Paul sailed from Cenchreae, he likely reflected on his
time in Corinth. He had many fine memories and a basis for deep satisfaction.
His 18-month ministry there had borne fruit. The first congregation in Corinth
had been established, with the house of Justus as its meeting place. Among
those who became believers were Justus, Crispus and his household, and many
others. Those new believers were dear to Paul, for he had helped them to become
Christians. He would later write to them and describe them as a letter of
recommendation inscribed on his heart. We too feel a closeness to those whom we
have had the privilege of helping to embrace true worship. How satisfying it is
to see such living âletters of recommendationâ!â2Â Cor. 3:1-3.</p>
<p>Box, page 152.</p>
<p>Paulâs Vow</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page124">124</pagenum><p>Acts 18:18 states
that while Paul was in Cenchreae, âhe had the hair of his head clipped short
..., for he had a vow.â What kind of vow was it?</p>
<p>Generally, a vow is a solemn promise voluntarily made to God to perform some
act, make some offering, or enter some condition. Some suppose that Paul had
his hair cut to fulfill a Nazirite vow. Yet, it should be noted that according
to the Scriptures, on completing a period of special service to Jehovah, a
Nazirite was to have his head shaved âat the entrance of the tent of
meeting.â It would seem that such a requirement could be carried out only in
Jerusalem and thus not in Cenchreae.âNum. 6:5,18.</p>
<p>The Acts account says nothing regarding when Paul made his vow. It could
conceivably have been made even before he became a Christian. The account is
equally silent concerning whether Paul made any specific request of Jehovah.
One reference work suggests that Paulâs having his hair clipped short could
have been âan expression of thanksgiving to God for his protection, which had
enabled [Paul] to complete his ministry at Corinth.â End of Box</p>
<p>Question 19, 20. What did Paul do upon arriving in Ephesus, and what do we
learn from him about pursuing spiritual goals?</p>
<p>19Â Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul immediately went about his work. He
âentered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.â (Acts 18:19) Paul
stayed in Ephesus for only a short time on that occasion. Although asked to
stay longer, âhe would not consent.â When saying good-bye, he told the
Ephesians: âI will return to you again, if Jehovah is willing.â (Acts
18:20,21) Paul no doubt recognized that there was much preaching to be done in
Ephesus. The apostle planned on returning, but he chose to leave matters in
Jehovahâs hands. Is that not a good example for us to keep in mind? In
pursuing spiritual goals, we need to take the initiative. However, we must
always rely on Jehovahâs direction and seek to act in harmony with his
will.âJas. 4:15.</p>
<p>20Â Leaving Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus, Paul put out to sea and came
down to Caesarea. He apparently âwent upâ to Jerusalem and greeted the
congregation there. (Acts 18:22; ftn.) Then Paul went to his home baseâSyrian
Antioch. His second missionary journey had come to a successful conclusion.
What awaited him on his final missionary journey?</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 156 SECTION 7 Acts 18:23--21:17
</doctitle><p>âTeaching ... Publicly and From House to Houseâ (Acts
20:20)</p>
<p>Why do we need to be humble as well as adaptable in teaching others? What is
the primary method of preaching the good news? How can we show that the doing
of Godâs will is more important than our own personal pursuits? The thrilling
record of Paulâs third and final missionary journey can help us to answer
these vital questions.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 20 âGrowing and Prevailingâ Despite
Opposition
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>How Apollos and Paul contribute toward the continued
victory of the good news</p>
<p>Based on Acts 18:23--19:41</p>
</blockquote ><p></p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page125">125</pagenum><p>Question 1, 2. (a)Â Paul and his companions face
what danger in Ephesus? (b)Â What will we discuss in this chapter?</p>
<p>1 The streets of Ephesus resound with shouts, cries, and the thunder of
crowds running. A mob has formed, and a full-blown riot is under way! Two of
the apostle Paulâs traveling companions are seized and dragged along. The
wide, colonnaded street where the shops are located empties quickly as the
rabid crowd swells and storms into the cityâs huge amphitheater, which could
accommodate 25,000 spectators. Most of the people do not even know what has
caused the uproar, but they have a faint idea that their temple and their
beloved goddess Artemis are being threatened. So they begin to chant
frantically: âGreat is Artemis of the Ephesians!ââActs 19:34.</p>
<p>2Â Once again, we see Satan trying to use mob violence to stop the spread of
the good news of Godâs Kingdom. Of course, the threat of violence is not
Satanâs only tactic. In this chapter, we will discuss a number of Satanâs
schemes to undermine the work and unity of those first-century Christians. More
important, we will see that all his tactics failed, for âin a mighty way the
word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.â (Acts 19:20) Why did those
Christians prove victorious? For the same reasons that we do today. Of course,
the victory is Jehovahâs, not ours. However, like the first-century
Christians, we must do our part. With the aid of Jehovahâs spirit, we can
acquire qualities that will help to ensure the success of our ministry. Let us
first consider the example of Apollos.</p>
<p>âHe Was Well Versed in the Scripturesâ (Acts 18:24-28)</p>
<p>Question 3, 4. What lack did Aquila and Priscilla perceive in Apollos, and
how did they address it?</p>
<p>3Â While Paul was on his way to Ephesus during his third missionary tour, a
Jew named Apollos arrived in the city. He was from the famed city of
Alexandria, Egypt. Apollos had some outstanding qualities. He Page 159 spoke
very well. In addition to his eloquence, âhe was well versed in the
Scriptures.â Furthermore, he was âaglow with the spirit.â Full of zeal,
Apollos spoke boldly before Jewish audiences in the synagogue.âActs
18:24,25.</p>
<p>4Â Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos speak. No doubt they were thrilled to
hear him teach âwith correctness the things about Jesus.â What he said
about Jesus was accurate. However, before long that Christian couple detected
an important gap in Apollosâ knowledge. He was âacquainted with only the
baptism of John.â This humble couple, tentmakers by trade, were not
intimidated by the eloquence or education of Apollos. Rather, âthey took him
into their company and expounded the way of God more correctly to him.â (Acts
18:25,26) And how did this well-spoken, learned man respond? Evidently, he
showed one of the most important qualities that a Christian can
cultivateâhumility.</p>
<p>Question 5, 6. What enabled Apollos to become more useful to Jehovah, and
what may we learn from Apollosâ example?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page126">126</pagenum><p>5Â Because Apollos
accepted the assistance of Aquila and Priscilla, he became a more effective
servant of Jehovah. He traveled on to Achaia, where he âgreatly helpedâ the
believers. His preaching also proved effective against those Jews in that
region who insisted that Jesus was not the foretold Messiah. Luke reports:
âWith intensity he thoroughly proved the Jews to be wrong publicly, while he
demonstrated by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.â (Acts 18:27,28)
What a blessing Apollos became! In effect, he was another reason why âthe
word of Jehovahâ went on prevailing. What can we learn from Apollosâ
example?</p>
<p>6Â Cultivating humility is absolutely essential for Christians. Each of us
is blessed with various giftsâwhether these have to do with natural
abilities, experience, or knowledge that we have acquired. However, our
humility must exceed our gifts. Otherwise, our assets may become liabilities.
We may become fertile ground for the growth of that poisonous weed haughtiness.
(1Â Cor. 4:7; Jas. 4:6) If we are truly humble, we will endeavor to see others
as superior to us. (Phil. 2:3) We will neither resent correction nor resist
being taught by others. We will certainly not cling proudly to our own ideas
when we learn that these are out of harmony with the present leadings of the
holy spirit. As long as we remain humble, we are useful to Jehovah and his
Son.âLuke 1:51,52.</p>
<p>Question 7. How did Paul and Apollos set an example of humility?</p>
<p>7Â Humility also defuses rivalry. Can you imagine how eager Satan was to
create divisions among those early Christians? How delighted Page 160 he would
have been if two such dynamic personalities as Apollos and the apostle Paul had
allowed themselves to become rivals, perhaps jealously vying for influence
among the congregations! It would have been easy for them to do so. In Corinth,
some Christians began saying, âI belong to Paul,â while others said, âBut
I to Apollos.â Did Paul and Apollos encourage such divisive sentiments? No!
And Paul humbly acknowledged Apollosâ contribution to the work, granting him
privileges of service. For his part, Apollos followed Paulâs direction. (1Â
Cor. 1:10-12; 3:6,9; Titus 3:12,13) What a fine example of humble cooperation
for us today!</p>
<p>âUsing Persuasion Concerning the Kingdomâ (Acts 18:23; 19:1-10)</p>
<p>Question 8. By what route did Paul return to Ephesus, and why?</p>
<p>8 Paul had promised to return to Ephesus, and he kept his word. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âEphesusâCapital of Asia,â on p161. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 18:20,21) Note, though, <em>how</em> he returned. We last
saw him in , AntiochSyria. To reach Ephesus, he could have made the short trip
to Seleucia, boarded a ship, and sailed directly to his destination. Instead,
he traveled âthrough the inland parts.â By one estimate, Paulâs journey
as traced out in Acts 18:23 and 19:1 encompassed about a thousand miles! Why
did Paul choose such an arduous route? Because he had as his aim,
âstrengthening all the disciples.â (Acts 18:23) His third missionary
journey, like the previous two, would demand much of him, but he considered it
all worthwhile. Traveling </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page127">127</pagenum><p>ministers and their wives today display a like
spirit. Do we not appreciate their self-sacrificing love?</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 161.</p>
<p>EphesusâCapital of Asia</p>
<p>Ephesus was the largest city in western Asia Minor. In the apostle Paulâs
day, its population probably exceeded 250,000. As the capital of the Roman
province of Asia, it proudly bore the title âFirst and Greatest Metropolis of
Asia.â</p>
<p>Ephesus derived great wealth from commerce and religion. Located close to
the mouth of a navigable river, its seaport stood at the intersection of trade
routes. Ephesus was home not only to the famous of templeArtemis but also to
the shrines and temples of numerous other Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and Anatolian
deities.</p>
<p>The of templeArtemis, lauded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient
world, measured approximately 350 feet by 160 feet. It contained some 100
marble pillars, each about 6Â feet in diameter at the base and almost 55 feet
high. The temple was considered sacrosanct throughout the ancient Mediterranean
area, and huge sums of money were entrusted to the safekeeping of Artemis; so
the temple also became the most important banking center in Asia.</p>
<p>Other important buildings in Ephesus were a stadium for athletic contests
and possibly even gladiatorial combat, a theater, civic and commercial squares,
and colonnades housing shops.</p>
<p>The Greek geographer Strabo reports that the of harborEphesus suffered from
silting. In time, the city therefore ceased to function as a port and was
abandoned. Since no modern city stands on the same site, present-day visitors
to the extensive ruins of Ephesus can, in effect, step back into the ancient
world. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 9. Why did a group of disciples need to be rebaptized, and what
lesson may we learn from their course?</p>
<p>9Â Upon his arrival at Ephesus, Paul found a group of about a dozen
disciples of John the Baptizer. They had been baptized under an arrangement
that was no longer valid. Furthermore, they seemed to know little or nothing
about the holy spirit. Paul brought them up-to-date, and like Apollos, they
proved to be humble and eager to learn. After being baptized in the name of
Jesus, they received holy spirit and some miraculous gifts. Clearly, then,
keeping up with Jehovahâs advancing theocratic organization brings
blessings.âActs 19:1-7.</p>
<p>Question 10. Why did Paul move from the synagogue to an auditorium, setting
what example for us in our ministry?</p>
<p>10Â Another example of progress soon followed. Paul preached boldly in the
synagogue for three months. Although he was âusing persuasion concerning the
of kingdomGod,â some hardened themselves and became real opposers. Rather
than wasting time with those who Page 161 were âspeaking injuriously about
The Way,â Paul made </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page128">128</pagenum><p>arrangements to speak in a school auditorium.
(Acts 19:8,9) Those who wanted to make spiritual progress needed to make a move
from the synagogue to the auditorium. Like Paul, we may withdraw from some
conversations when we recognize that the householder is unwilling to listen or
only wants to argue. There are still plenty of sheeplike people who need to
hear our encouraging message!</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. (a)Â How did Paul set an example in being industrious and
adaptable? (b)Â How have Jehovahâs Witnesses endeavored to be industrious and
adaptable in their public ministry?</p>
<p>11Â Paul may have spoken in that school auditorium daily from about 11:00Â
a.m. until about 4:00Â p.m. (Acts 19:9, ftn.) Those were likely the quietest
but hottest hours of the day when many stopped their work to eat and rest.
Imagine if Paul followed that rigorous schedule for two full years, he would
have spent well over 3,000 hours teaching. *</p>
<p>Footnote Paul also wrote <em>1 Corinthians</em> while in Ephesus. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Here, then, is another reason why the word of Jehovah kept
growing and prevailing. Paul was industrious and adaptable. He adjusted his
schedule so that his ministry met the needs of the people in that community.
The result? âAll those inhabiting the district of Asia heard the word of the
Lord, both Jews and Greeks.â (Acts 19:10) What a thorough witness he gave!</p>
</blockquote ><p>12Â Jehovahâs Witnesses in modern times have likewise proved
to be industrious and adaptable. We endeavor to reach people wherever and
whenever they can be found. We witness on the streets, at the marketplaces, and
in parking lots. We may contact people by telephone or by letter. And in the
house-to-house work, we make efforts to reach people at times when we are most
likely to find them at home.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 162: We endeavor to reach people wherever they can be
found</p>
<p>âGrowing and Prevailingâ Despite Wicked Spirits (Acts 19:11-22)</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. (a)Â Jehovah enabled Paul to do what? (b)Â What mistake did
the sons of Sceva make, and how do many in Christendom today err in a similar
way?</p>
<p>13Â Page 162 Luke informs us that a remarkable period ensued, with Jehovah
enabling Paul to perform âextraordinary works of power.â Even cloths and
aprons that Paul wore were taken to sick people, who were cured. Wicked spirits
were driven out by these means too. *</p>
<p>Footnote The cloths may have been handkerchiefs worn by Paul around the
forehead to keep perspiration from running into the eyes. That Paul also wore
aprons at this time suggests that he may have been plying his trade of
tentmaking during his free hours, perhaps in the early mornings.âActs
20:34,35. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 19:11,12) Such outstanding victories over Satanâs
forces drew much attention, not all of it positive.</p>
</blockquote ><p>14Â Some âroving Jews who practiced the casting out of
demonsâ sought to duplicate Paulâs miracles. Certain ones of those Jews
tried to expel demons by invoking the names of Jesus and Paul. Luke gives the
example of the seven sons of Scevaâmembers of a </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page129">129</pagenum><p>priestly familyâwho sought to do this. The demon
said to them: âI know Jesus and I am acquainted with Paul; but who are
you?â The possessed man then attacked those charlatans, leaping upon them
like a wild beast, sending them scurrying off, wounded and naked. (Acts
19:13-16) This was a resounding victory for âthe word of Jehovah,â as the
contrast between the power given to Paul and the powerlessness of those false
religionists could not have been plainer. There are millions today who wrongly
assume that simply calling on the name of Jesus or labeling oneself
âChristianâ is enough. As Jesus indicated, though, only those actually
doing the will of his Father have a real hope for the future.âMatt.
7:21-23.</p>
<p>Question 15. When it comes to spiritism and objects connected with
spiritistic practices, how can we follow the example of the Ephesians?</p>
<p>15Â The humiliation of the sons of Sceva led to a widespread godly fear,
which influenced many to become believers and abandon spiritistic practices.
Ephesian culture was steeped in the magical arts. Spells and amulets were
commonplace, as were incantations, often in written form. Many Ephesians were
now moved to bring out their Page 163 books on magical arts and burn them
publiclyâthough these were evidently worth tens of thousands of dollars by
present standards. *</p>
<p>Footnote Luke cites a value of 50,000 silver pieces. If he meant the
denarius, it would have taken a worker back then 50,000 daysâabout 137Â
yearsâto earn that amount of money if he worked seven days a week. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Luke reports: âThus in a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept
growing and prevailing.â (Acts 19:17-20) What a marvelous victory of truth
over falsehood and demonism! Those faithful people set a good example for us
today. We likewise live in a world steeped in spiritism. Should we find that we
own something connected to spiritism, we would do as the Ephesians didâget
rid of it promptly! Let us keep far away from such disgusting practices,
whatever the cost.</p>
</blockquote ><p>âThere Arose No Little Disturbanceâ (Acts 19:23-41)</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. (a)Â Describe how Demetrius got the riot started in
Ephesus. (b)Â How did the Ephesians show their fanaticism?</p>
<p>16Â We come now to the tactic of Satan described by Luke when he wrote that
âthere arose no little disturbance concerning The Way.â He was hardly
overstating matters. *</p>
<p>Footnote Some say that Paul referred to this incident when he told the
Corinthians that âwe were very uncertain even of our lives.â (2Â Cor. 1:8)
However, he may have had in mind a more dangerous occasion. When Paul wrote
that he âfought with wild beasts at Ephesus,â he could have been referring
to an experience with ferocious animals in an arena or to human opposition. (1Â
Cor. 15:32) Both the literal and the figurative interpretations are possible.
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 19:23) A silversmith named Demetrius started the trouble.
He got the attention of his fellow craftsmen by first reminding them that their
prosperity came from selling idols. He went on to suggest that the message Paul
preached was bad for business, since the Christians did not worship idols. Then
he appealed to the civic pride and nationalism of </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page130">130</pagenum><p>his audience, warning them that their goddess
Artemis and their world-famous temple to her were in danger of being âbrought
down to nothing.ââActs 19:24-27.</p>
</blockquote ><p>17Â Demetriusâ speech had the desired effect. The
silversmiths began chanting âGreat is Artemis of the Ephesians,â and the
city became filled with confusion, leading to the fanatic mob scene described
at the outset of this chapter. *</p>
<p>Footnote Such guilds, or unions, of craftsmen could be quite powerful.
About a century later, for example, the bakersâ guild incited a similar riot
in Ephesus. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Paul, self-sacrificing soul that he was, wanted to go into the
amphitheater to address the crowd, but the disciples insisted that he stay out
of danger. A certain Alexander stood before the crowd and attempted to speak.
Since he was a Jew, he may have been eager to explain the difference between
Jews and these Christians. Such explanations would have been lost on that
crowd. When they recognized him as a Jew, they shouted him down, repeating the
chant âGreat is Artemis of the Ephesiansâ for about two hours. Religious
fanaticism has not changed since then. It still makes people completely
unreasonable.âActs 19:28-34.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Picture Caption, page 158: âMen, you well know that from
this business we have our prosperity.ââActs 19:25</p>
<p>Picture Description: Demetrius addresses workers in a silversmithâs shop
in Ephesus. The silver shrines of Artemis are sold as souvenirs.</p>
<p>Question 18, 19. (a)Â How did the city recorder quiet the mob in Ephesus?
(b)Â How have Jehovahâs people at times been protected by secular
authorities, and what role may we play in such protection?</p>
<p>18Â Finally, the city recorder quieted the crowd. A capable man with
presence of mind, this official assured the mob that their temple and goddess
were in no danger from these Christians, that Paul and his companions had
committed no crime against the of templeArtemis, and that there was a due
process in place for raising such issues. Perhaps most tellingly, he reminded
the mob that they were in danger of incurring the wrath of Rome for this
unlawful and unruly gathering. With that, he dismissed the crowd. As quickly as
their rage had erupted, it now subsided because of these rational and practical
words.âActs 19:35-41.</p>
<p>19Â This was not the first time that a levelheaded man in a position of
secular authority had acted to protect Jesusâ followers, nor would it be the
last. In fact, the apostle John foresaw in a vision that during these last
days, the stable elements of this world, pictured by the earth, would swallow
up a veritable flood of satanic persecution against Jesusâ followers. (Rev.
12:15,16) That has proved true. In many cases, fair-minded judges have moved to
protect the rights of Jehovahâs Witnesses to meet for worship and to share
the good news with others. Of course, our own conduct may play a role in such
victories. Paulâs conduct had apparently won him the friendly respect of some
governmental officials in Ephesus, so they were eager to see him safe. (Acts
19:31) May our honest and respectful conduct make a favorable impression on
those we meet as well. We never know how far-reaching the effects may be.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page131">131</pagenum><p>Question 20. (a)Â
How do you feel about the way Jehovahâs word prevailed in the first century
and is prevailing today? (b)Â What is your resolve regarding Jehovahâs
victories in our time?</p>
<p>20Â Is it not thrilling to contemplate how âthe word of Jehovah kept
growing and prevailingâ in the first century? It is equally thrilling to see
how Jehovah has been behind similar victories in our time. Would you like to
have the privilege of playing a part, however small, in such victories? Then
learn from the examples we have considered. Stay humble, keep up with
Jehovahâs progressive organization, keep working hard, repudiate spiritism,
and do your utmost to give a good witness through your honest and respectful
conduct.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 21 âI Am Clean From the Blood of All Menâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paulâs zeal in the ministry and his counsel to
elders</p>
<p>Based on Acts 20:1-38</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-3. (a)Â Describe the circumstances surrounding the
death of Eutychus. (b)Â What does Paul do, and what does this incident show
about Paul?</p>
<p>1 Page 165 Paul is in a crowded upper chamber in Troas. He speaks at length
to the brothers, since this is the last evening he will be with them. It is now
midnight. There are quite a few lamps burning in the room, adding to the heat
and perhaps contributing to a smoky atmosphere. Seated at one of the windows is
a young man named Eutychus. As Paul is speaking, Eutychus falls asleep and
tumbles out of the third-story window!</p>
<p>2Â As a physician, Luke is likely among the first to rush outside and
examine the young man. There is no question about his condition. Eutychus is
âpicked up dead.â (Acts 20:9) But then a miracle occurs. Paul throws
himself upon the young man and says to the crowd: âStop raising a clamor, for
his soul is in him.â Paul has raised Eutychus back to life!âActs 20:10.</p>
<p>3Â That incident demonstrates the power of Godâs holy spirit. Paul could
not rightly be blamed for the death of Eutychus. Still, he did not want the
young manâs death to mar this important occasion or to stumble anyone
spiritually. By resurrecting Eutychus, Paul left the congregation comforted and
fully invigorated to carry on their ministry. Clearly, Paul took a very
responsible view of the lives of others. We are reminded of his words: âI am
clean from the blood of all men.â (Acts 20:26) Let us consider how Paulâs
example can help us in this regard.</p>
<p>âHe Went Forth to Journey Into Macedoniaâ (Acts 20:1,2)</p>
<p>Question 4. What harrowing ordeal had Paul been through?</p>
<p>4Â As discussed in the preceding chapter, Paul had been through a harrowing
ordeal. His ministry in Ephesus had stirred up quite a commotion. Indeed, the
silversmiths whose livelihood depended on the worship of Artemis had taken part
in a riot! âAfter the uproar had subsided,â Acts 20:1 relates, âPaul sent
for the disciples, and when he had Page 166 encouraged them and bidden them
farewell, he went forth to journey into Macedonia.â</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page132">132</pagenum><p>Question 5, 6. (a)Â
How long may Paul have been in Macedonia, and what did he do for the brothers
there? (b)Â What attitude did Paul maintain toward his fellow believers?</p>
<p>5Â On the way to Macedonia, Paul stopped in the seaport of Troas and spent
time there. Paul hoped that Titus, who had been sent to Corinth, would join him
there. (2Â Cor. 2:12,13) However, when it became evident that Titus was not
coming, Paul went on to Macedonia, perhaps spending a year or so âencouraging
the ones there with many a word.â *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âPaulâs Letters From Macedonia,â on this page.
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 20:2) Titus finally joined Paul in Macedonia, bringing
good news regarding the Corinthiansâ response to Paulâs first letter. (2Â
Cor. 7:5-7) This moved Paul to write another letter to them, which we now know
as 2Â Corinthians.</p>
</blockquote ><p>6Â It is noteworthy that Luke uses the words âencouragedâ
and âencouragingâ to describe Paulâs visits to the brothers in Ephesus
and Macedonia. How well those words express Paulâs attitude toward fellow
believers! In contrast with the Pharisees, who looked upon others with
contempt, Paul viewed the sheep as fellow workers. (John 7:47-49; Page 167 1Â
Cor. 3:9) Paul maintained that attitude even when he had to give them strong
counsel.â2Â Cor. 2:4.</p>
<p>Box, page 166.</p>
<p>Paulâs Letters From Macedonia</p>
<p>In his second letter to the <em>Corinthians</em>, Paul says that when he
arrived in Macedonia, he was anxious about his brothers in Corinth. However,
Titus brought him good news from Corinth, and Paul was comforted. It was then,
in about 55Â C.E., that Paul wrote 2Â Corinthians in which he indicates that he
was still in Macedonia. (2Â Cor. 7:5-7; 9:2-4) One of the things on Paulâs
mind during this period was the completing of the collection for the holy ones
in Judea. (2Â Cor. 8:18-21) He was also worried about the presence in Corinth
of âfalse apostles, deceitful workers.ââ2Â Cor. 11:5,13,14.</p>
<p>It is possible that Paulâs letter to <em>Titus</em> was written from
Macedonia. Sometime during the years 61 to 64Â C.E., after being released from
his first Roman captivity, Paul visited the of islandCrete. He left Titus
there to correct certain problems and make congregation appointments. (Titus
1:5) Paul asked Titus to meet him in Nicopolis. There were a number of cities
of this name in the ancient Mediterranean area, but it seems most likely that
Paul was referring to the Nicopolis in northwest Greece. The apostle was
probably working in that general area when he wrote to Titus.âTitus 3:12.</p>
<p>Paulâs first letter to <em>Timothy</em> also belongs to the period between
his two imprisonments in Rome, from 61 to 64Â C.E. In the introduction to this
letter, Paul indicates that he asked Timothy to remain in Ephesus, while he
himself went to Macedonia. (1Â Tim. 1:3) From there, it seems, Paul wrote this
letter to give Timothy fatherly advice, encouragement, and direction on certain
procedures to be followed in the congregations. End of Box</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page133">133</pagenum><p>Question 7. How can
Christian overseers today imitate Paulâs example?</p>
<p>7Â Today, congregation elders and traveling overseers strive to imitate
Paulâs example. Even when giving reproof, they have the goal of strengthening
those needing assistance. Overseers empathetically seek to encourage rather
than condemn. One experienced traveling overseer put it this way: âMost of
our brothers and sisters want to do what is right, but they often struggle with
frustrations, fears, and the feeling that they are powerless to help
themselves.â Overseers can be a source of strength to such fellow
believers.âHeb. 12:12,13.</p>
<p>âA Plot Was Hatched Against Himâ (Acts 20:3,4)</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. (a)Â What interrupted Paulâs plans to sail to Syria? (b)Â
Why might the Jews have harbored animosity toward Paul?</p>
<p>8 From Macedonia, Paul went to Corinth. *</p>
<p>Footnote It was likely during this visit to Corinth that Paul wrote his
letter to the <em>Romans</em>. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>After spending three months there, he was eager to move on to
Cenchreae, where he planned to board a boat to Syria. From there, he would
be able to go to Jerusalem and deliver the contributions to the needy brothers
there. *</p>
</blockquote ><p>Footnote See the box âPaul Delivers Relief
Contributions,â on p169. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:25,26) However, an unexpected turn of
events changed Paulâs plans. Acts 20:3 reports: âA plot was hatched against
him by the Jewsâ!</p>
</blockquote ><p>9Â It is not surprising that the Jews harbored animosity
toward Paul, for they considered him to be an apostate. Earlier, his ministry
had led to the conversion of Crispusâa prominent figure in the Corinthian
synagogue. (Acts 18:7,8; 1Â Cor. 1:14) On another occasion, the Jews in Corinth
had brought charges against Paul before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia. Yet,
Gallio had dismissed those charges as baselessâa decision that infuriated
Paulâs enemies. (Acts 18:12-17) The Jews in Corinth may have known or assumed
that Paul would soon set sail from nearby Cenchreae, so they devised a scheme
to ambush him there. What would Paul do?</p>
<p>Box, page 169.</p>
<p>Paul Delivers Relief Contributions</p>
<p>In the years that followed Pentecost 33Â C.E., Christians in Jerusalem
suffered many hardshipsâfamine, persecution, and the plundering of their
belongings. As a consequence, some of them were in need. (Acts 11:27--12:1;
Heb. 10:32-34) Hence, in about 49Â C.E. when the elders in Jerusalem directed
Paul to concentrate his preaching activities among the Gentiles, they urged him
to âkeep the poor in mind.â That is just what Paul did by supervising the
collection of relief funds in the congregations.âGal. 2:10.</p>
<p>In 55Â C.E., Paul told the Corinthians: âJust as I gave orders to the
congregations of Galatia, do that way also yourselves. Every first day of the
week let each of you at his </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page134">134</pagenum><p>own house set something aside in store as he may
be prospering, so that when I arrive collections will not take place then. But
when I get there, whatever men you approve of by letters, these I shall send
to carry your kind gift to Jerusalem.â (1Â Cor. 16:1-3) Shortly thereafter,
when Paul wrote his second inspired letter to the Corinthians, he urged them
to get their gift ready, and he mentioned that the Macedonians too were
contributing.â2Â Cor. 8:1--9:15.</p>
<p>Thus it was that in 56Â C.E., representatives of various congregations met
with Paul to deliver the proceeds of the collection. Nine men traveling
together not only provided a certain degree of security but also shielded Paul
from any possible accusation of impropriety in the handling of donated funds.
(2Â Cor. 8:20) The delivery of these contributions was the main purpose of
Paulâs journey to Jerusalem. (Rom. 15:25,26) Paul later remarked to Governor
Felix: âAfter quite a number of years I arrived to bring gifts of mercy to my
nation, and offerings.ââActs 24:17. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 10. Was it cowardly of Paul to avoid Cenchreae? Explain.</p>
<p>10Â In the interests of personal safetyâand to protect the funds with
which he had been entrustedâPaul opted to stay away from Cenchreae and to
retrace his steps through Macedonia. Granted, traveling on land would have its
own dangers. Bandits often lurked along ancient roads. Even the inns could be
unsafe. Still, Paul chose the risks on land over those that awaited him atÂ
Cenchreae. Thankfully, he was not traveling Page 168 alone. Paulâs companions
for this part of his missionary tour included Aristarchus, Gaius, Secundus,
Sopater, Timothy, Trophimus, and Tychicus.âActs 20:3,4.</p>
<p>Question 11. How do Christians today take reasonable measures to protect
themselves, and what example did Jesus set in this regard?</p>
<p>11Â Like Paul, Christians today take measures to protect themselves while in
the ministry. In some areas, they travel in groupsâor at least in
pairsârather than alone. What about persecution? Christians realize that it
is inevitable. (John 15:20; 2Â Tim. 3:12) Still, they do not deliberately put
themselves in harmâs way. Consider the example of Jesus. On one occasion,
when opposers in Jerusalem began picking up stones to hurl at him, âJesus hid
and went out of the temple.â (John 8:59) Later, when the Jews were plotting
to kill him, âJesus no longer walked about publicly among the Jews, but he
departed from there to the country near the wilderness.â (John 11:54) Jesus
took reasonable measures to protect himself when doing so did not conflict
with Godâs will for him. Christians today do the same.âMatt. 10:16.</p>
<p>They Were âComforted Beyond Measureâ (Acts 20:5-12)</p>
<p>Question 12, 13. (a)Â What effect did the resurrection of Eutychus have on
the congregation? (b)Â What Bible-based hope comforts those today who have lost
loved ones in death?</p>
<p>12Â Paul and his companions traveled through Macedonia together and then
apparently split up. Evidently, the group reunited at Troas. *</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page135">135</pagenum><p>Footnote Lukeâs
use of the first person at Acts 20:5,6 seems to indicate that he rejoined Paul
at Philippi after having been left there by him some time earlier.âActs
16:10-17,40. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>The account says: âWe came to them in Troas within five
days.â *</p>
</blockquote ><p>Footnote The journey from Philippi to Troas took five days.
There may have been adverse winds, for previously the same trip was made in
just two days.âActs 16:11. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 20:6) It is here that the young man Eutychus was
resurrected, as discussed at the outset of this chapter. Imagine how the
brothers felt to see their companion Eutychus raised back to life! As the
account reports, they were âcomforted beyond measure.ââActs 20:12.</p>
</blockquote ><p>13Â Of course, miracles of that sort do not occur today.
Still, those who have lost loved ones in death are âcomforted beyond
measureâ by the Bible-based hope of the resurrection. (John 5:28,29)
Consider: Because he was imperfect, Eutychus eventually died again. (Rom.
6:23) But those who are resurrected in Godâs new world have the prospect of
living forever! Moreover, those who are raised to rule with Jesus in heaven
are clothed with immortality. (1Â Cor. 15:51-53) Christians todayâwhether of
the anointed or of the âother sheepââhave good reason to be âcomforted
beyond measure.ââJohn 10:16.</p>
<p>âPublicly and From House to Houseâ (Acts 20:13-24)</p>
<p>Question 14. What did Paul tell the Ephesian elders when he met with them at
Miletus?</p>
<p>14Â Page 169 Paul and his group traveled from Troas to Assos, then to
Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus. Paulâs goal was to reach Jerusalem in
time for the Festival of Pentecost. His haste to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost
explains why he selected a vessel that bypassed Ephesus on this return trip.
Since Paul wanted to talk to the Ephesian elders, however, he requested that
they meet him at Miletus. (Acts 20:13-17) When they arrived, Paul said to them:
âYou well know how from the first day that I stepped into the district of
Asia I was with you the whole time, slaving for the Lord with the greatest
lowliness of mind and tears and trials that befell me by the plots of the Jews;
while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were
profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. But I
thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God
and faith in our Lord Jesus.ââActs 20:18-21.</p>
<p>Question 15. What are some advantages of house-to-house witnessing?</p>
<p>15Â There are many ways to reach people with the good news today. Like Paul,
we strive to go where the people are, whether at bus stops, Page 170 on busy
streets, or in marketplaces. Yet, going from house to house remains the primary
preaching method used by Jehovahâs Witnesses. Why? For one thing,
house-to-house preaching gives all an adequate opportunity to hear the Kingdom
message on a regular basis, thus demonstrating Godâs impartiality. It also
allows honesthearted ones to receive personal assistance according to their
needs. In addition, the house-to-house ministry builds the faith and endurance
of those who engage in it. Indeed, a trademark of true Christians today is
their zeal in witnessing âpublicly and from house to house.â</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page136">136</pagenum><p>Question 16, 17. How
did Paul show himself to be fearless, and how do Christians today imitate his
example?</p>
<p>16Â Paul explained to the Ephesian elders that he did not know what dangers
would await him upon his return to Jerusalem. âNevertheless, I do not make my
soul of any account as dear to me,â he told them, âif only I may finish my
course and the ministry that I received of the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough
witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.â (Acts 20:24)
Fearlessly, Paul refused to let any circumstanceâwhether poor health or
bitter oppositionâprevent him from completing his assignment.</p>
<p>17Â Christians today likewise endure a variety of negative circumstances.
Some face governmental ban and persecution. Others courageously battle
debilitating physical or emotional illnesses. Christian youths deal with peer
pressure at school. In whatever circumstances they find themselves, Jehovahâs
Witnesses display steadfastness, as did Paul. They are determined to âbear
thorough witness to the good news.â</p>
<p>âPay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flockâ (Acts 20:25-38)</p>
<p>Question 18. How did Paul keep himself free from bloodguilt, and how could
the Ephesian elders do the same?</p>
<p>18Â Paul next gave straightforward admonition to the Ephesian elders, using
his own course as an example. First he informed them that this was likely the
last time they would see him. Then he stated: âI am clean from the blood of
all men, for I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God.â
How could the Ephesian elders imitate Paul, thus keeping themselves free from
bloodguilt? He told them: âPay 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.â (Acts
20:26-28) Paul warned that âoppressive wolvesâ would infiltrate the flock
and would âspeak twisted things to draw away the disciples after
themselves.â What should the elders do? âKeep awake,â Paul warned, âand
bear in Page 172 mind that for three years, night and day, I did not quit
admonishing each one with tears.ââActs 20:29-31.</p>
<p>Question 19. What apostasy developed by the end of the first century, and
what did this lead to in later centuries?</p>
<p>19Â âOppressive wolvesâ made their appearance by the end of the first
century. About 98Â C.E., the apostle John wrote: âThere have come to be many
antichrists; ... They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if
they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us.â (1Â John
2:18,19) By the third century, apostasy had led to the development of the
clergy class of Christendom, and in the fourth century, Emperor Constantine
gave official recognition to this corrupt form of âChristianity.â By
adopting pagan rituals and giving them a âChristianâ veneer, religious
leaders did indeed âspeak twisted things.â The effects of that apostasy are
still seen in the teachings and customs of Christendom.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page137">137</pagenum><p>Question 20, 21. How
did Paul show a self-sacrificing spirit, and how can Christian elders today do
the same?</p>
<p>20Â Paulâs life course was in stark contrast to that of those who would in
later times take advantage of the flock. He worked to support himself so as not
to impose a burden on the congregation. His efforts in behalf of fellow
believers were not for personal gain. Paul urged the Ephesian elders to display
a self-sacrificing spirit. âYou must assist those who are weak,â he told
them, âand must bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself
said, âThere is more happiness in giving than there is in
receiving.âââActs 20:35.</p>
<p>21Â Like Paul, Christian elders today are self-sacrificing. In contrast with
the clergy of Christendom, who fleece their flocks, those who are entrusted
with the responsibility to âshepherd the congregation of Godâ perform their
duties unselfishly. Pride and ambition have no place in the Christian
congregation, for those who âsearch out their own gloryâ will fail in the
long run. (Prov. 25:27) Presumptuousness can only lead to dishonor.âProv.
11:2.</p>
<p>Question 22. What endeared Paul to the elders of Ephesus?</p>
<p>22Â Paulâs genuine love for his brothers endeared him to them. Indeed,
when it was time for him to depart, âquite a bit of weeping broke out among
them all, and they fell upon Paulâs neck and tenderly kissed him.â (Acts
20:37,38) Christians truly appreciate and love those who, like Paul, give of
themselves unselfishly in behalf of the flock. After considering Paulâs
sterling example, would you not agree that he was neither boasting nor
exaggerating when he stated: âI am clean from the blood of all menâ?âActs
20:26.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 171: âQuite a bit of weeping broke out among them
all.ââActs 20:37</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paul and his companions board a ship. The
GreatHarborMonument, built in the first century B.C.E., is shown in the
background.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Chapter 22 âLet the Will of Jehovah Take Placeâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Determined to do Godâs will, Paul goes to
Jerusalem</p>
<p>Based on Acts 21:1-17</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1-4. Why is Paul going to Jerusalem, and what awaits
him there?</p>
<p>1 Page 173 The parting at Miletus is an emotional one. How difficult it is
for Paul and Luke to tear themselves away from the Ephesian elders, whom they
have come to love! The two missionaries stand on the deck of the boat. Their
baggage is packed with supplies needed for the journey. They are also carrying
the funds collected for needy Christians in Judea and are eager to see the
delivery of this gift through to its completion.</p>
<p>2Â A gentle breeze fills the sails, and the ship leaves the clamor of the
quay. The two men, along with their seven traveling companions, gaze at their
sad-faced brothers on the shore. (Acts 20:4,14,15) The travelers keep waving
farewell until their friends fade into the distance.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page138">138</pagenum><p>3Â For about three
years, Paul has worked closely with the elders in Ephesus. But now, directed by
holy spirit, he is on his way to Jerusalem. To some extent, he knows what
awaits him. Earlier, he told those elders: âBound in the spirit, I am
journeying to Jerusalem, although not knowing the things that will happen to me
in it, except that from city to city the holy spirit repeatedly bears witness
to me as it says that bonds and tribulations are waiting for me.â (Acts
20:22,23) Despite the danger, Paul feels âbound in the spiritââboth
obligated and willing to follow the spiritâs direction to go to Jerusalem. He
values his life, but the doing of Godâs will is the most important thing to
him.</p>
<p>4Â Is that how you feel? When we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah, we solemnly
promise to make the doing of his will the most important thing in our life. We
can benefit by considering the faithful example of the apostle Paul.</p>
<p>Passing âthe of IslandCyprusâ (Acts 21:1-3)</p>
<p>Question 5. By what course did Paul and his companions travel to Tyre?</p>
<p>5Â The boat that Paul and his companions boarded âran with a straight
course.â That is, it sailed before the wind, without tacking, and Page 174
under fair winds until they reached Cos later that same day. (Acts 21:1) It
seems that the boat anchored there overnight before sailing on to Rhodes and
Patara. At Patara, on the southern coast of Asia Minor, the brothers boarded a
large cargo ship, which carried them directly to Tyre, in Phoenicia. On the
way, they passed âthe of islandCyprus ... on the left [port] side.â (Acts
21:3) Why did Luke, the writer of Acts, mention that detail?</p>
<p>Question 6. (a)Â Why might the sight of Cyprus have been encouraging to
Paul? (b)Â As you reflect on how Jehovah has blessed and helped you, what
conclusion do you reach?</p>
<p>6Â Perhaps Paul pointed out the island and told of his experiences there. On
his first missionary journey about nine years earlier, Paul, along with
Barnabas and John Mark, had encountered the sorcerer Elymas, who opposed their
preaching. (Acts 13:4-12) Seeing that island and reflecting on what had
occurred there may have encouraged Paul and strengthened him for what lay
ahead. We too can profit by reflecting on how God has blessed us and helped us
to endure trials. Such reflection may help us to echo the words of David, who
wrote: âMany are Page 175 the calamities of the righteous one, but out of
them all Jehovah delivers him.ââPs. 34:19.</p>
<p>âWe Found the Disciplesâ (Acts 21:4-9)</p>
<p>Question 7. What did the travelers do upon arriving at Tyre?</p>
<p>7Â Paul appreciated the value of Christian association and was eager to be
with those of like faith. Upon arriving at Tyre, Luke writes, âby a search we
found the disciples.â (Acts 21:4) Knowing there were fellow Christians in
Tyre, the travelers sought them out and probably stayed with them. One of the
great blessings of having the truth is that no matter where we go, we can find
like-minded believers who will welcome us. Those who love God and who practice
true worship have friends all over the world.</p>
<p>Question 8. How are we to understand Acts 21:4?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page139">139</pagenum><p>8Â In describing the
seven days they stayed in Tyre, Luke records something that may at first seem
puzzling: âThrough the spirit [the brothers in Tyre] repeatedly told Paul not
to set foot in Jerusalem.â (Acts 21:4) Had Jehovah changed his mind? Was he
now directing Paul not to go to Jerusalem? No. The spirit had indicated that
Paul would be mistreated in Jerusalem, not that he should avoid the city. It
seems that by means of holy spirit, the brothers in Tyre correctly concluded
that Paul would have trouble in Jerusalem. Therefore, out of concern for Paul,
they urged him not to go up to the city. Their desire to protect Paul from
impending danger was understandable. Nevertheless, determined to do Jehovahâs
will, Paul continued on his way to Jerusalem.âActs 21:12.</p>
<p>Question 9, 10. (a)Â Upon hearing the concerns of the brothers in Tyre, Paul
might have recalled what similar situation? (b)Â What idea is common in the
world today, and how does it contrast with the words of Jesus?</p>
<p>9Â Upon hearing the concerns of the brothers, perhaps Paul recalled that
Jesus had met a similar objection after telling his disciples that he would go
to Jerusalem, suffer many things, and be killed. Moved by sentimentality,
Peter had said to Jesus: âBe kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this
destiny at all.â Jesus replied: âGet behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling
block to me, because you think, not Godâs thoughts, but those of men.â
(Matt. 16:21-23) Jesus was determined to accept the self-sacrificing course
that God had assigned to him. Paul felt the same way. The brothers in Tyre,
like the apostle Peter, undoubtedly had good intentions, but they did not
discern Godâs will.</p>
<p>10Â The idea of being kind to yourself or following the course of least
resistance appeals to many today. People in general tend to seek a religion
that is comfortable and requires little of its members. In contrast, Page 176
Jesus urged a far different mental attitude. He told his disciples: âIf
anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture
stake and continually follow me.â (Matt. 16:24) To follow Jesus is the wise
course, the right course, but it is not the easy course.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 176: Following Jesus requires a self-sacrificing
spirit</p>
<p>Question 11. How did the disciples in Tyre show their affection and support
for Paul?</p>
<p>11Â Soon it was time for Paul, Luke, and the others who were with them to
continue on their way. The description of their departure is touching. It shows
the affection the Tyrian brothers had for Paul as well as their strong support
for his ministry. The men, women, and children accompanied Paul and those with
him to the beach. As a group, they kneeled and prayed together and then said
farewell. Afterward, Paul, Luke, and their traveling companions boarded another
boat and continued on to Ptolemais, where they met the brothers and stayed with
them for one day.âActs 21:5-7.</p>
<p>Question 12, 13. (a)Â What record of faithful service did Philip have? (b)Â
How is Philip a good example for Christian fathers today?</p>
<p>12Â Next, Luke reports, Paul and those traveling with him set out for
Caesarea. Once there, they âentered into the house of Philip the
evangelizer.â *</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page140">140</pagenum><p>Footnote See the
box âCaesareaâRoman Provincial Capital of Judea,â on p174. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 21:8) They must have rejoiced to see Philip. Some 20
years earlier in Jerusalem, he had been appointed by the apostles to help care
for the distribution of food in the infant Christian congregation. Philip had a
long record of zealous preaching. Remember that when persecution scattered the
disciples, Philip went to Samaria and began to preach. Later, he preached to
and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 6:2-6; 8:4-13, 26-38) What a record
of faithful service!</p>
</blockquote ><p>13Â Philip had not lost his zeal for the ministry. Based now
in Caesarea, he was still busy in the preaching work, as Luke shows by calling
him âthe evangelizer.â We also learn that he now had four daughters who
prophesied, which suggests that they followed in their fatherâs footsteps.Â
*</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âCould Women Be Christian Ministers?â on p177. End
of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 21:9) Philip, then, must have done much to build up the
spirituality of his household. Christian fathers today do well to follow his
example, taking the lead in the ministry and helping their children to develop
a love for the evangelizing work.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 174.</p>
<p>CaesareaâRoman Provincial Capital of Judea</p>
<p>During the period covered by Acts, Caesarea was the provincial capital of
the Roman of provinceJudea, the seat of its governor and the headquarters of
its military contingent. Herod the Great built the city and named it in honor
of Caesar Augustus. Caesarea contained all the elements common to pagan
Hellenistic cities of the dayâa temple dedicated to the âdivineâ Caesar,
a theater, a hippodrome, and an amphitheater. The population was predominantly
Gentile.</p>
<p>Caesarea was a fortified port city. Herodâs ambition was that his new
harbor complex called Sebastos (Greek for Augustus), equipped with a huge
breakwater on a coast otherwise inhospitable to shipping, would rival
Alexandria as the emporium of the eastern Mediterranean. Although it never
surpassed Alexandria, Caesarea did achieve international importance because of
its strategic position on major trade routes.</p>
<p>The evangelizer Philip preached the good news in Caesarea, and it seems that
he raised his family there. (Acts 8:40; 21:8,9) It was the city where the Roman
centurion Cornelius was stationed and was the scene of his conversion.âActs
10:1.</p>
<p>The apostle Paul visited Caesarea a number of times. Shortly after his
conversion, when enemies plotted to kill him, the disciples hurried their new
brother the 55Â miles from Jerusalem to Caesarea in order to send him off by
boat to Tarsus. Paul passed through Caesareaâs port when heading for
Jerusalem at the end of his second and his third missionary journeys. (Acts
9:28-30; 18:21,22; 21:7,8) He was held for two years in Herodâs palace in
Caesarea. Paul there conversed with Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, and from there
he finally sailed to Rome.âActs 23:33-35; 24:27â25:4; 27:1. End of Box</p>
<p>Box, page 177.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page141">141</pagenum><p>Could Women Be
Christian Ministers?</p>
<p>What was the role of women in the first-century Christian congregation?
Could women be ministers?</p>
<p>Jesus instructed his followers to preach the good news of the Kingdom and to
make disciples. (Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 1:8) This commission to be ministers of
the good news applies to all Christians, whether men, women, boys, or girls.
That this is so can be seen from the prophecy found at Joel 2:28,29, which the
apostle Peter showed had a fulfillment at Pentecost 33 C.E.: ââIn the
last days,â God says, âI shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort
of flesh, and your sons and your <em>daughters</em> will prophesy ... and even
upon my men slaves and upon my <em>women</em> slaves I will pour out some of my
spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.ââ (Acts 2:17,18) As we have
noted, the evangelizer Philip had four daughters who prophesied. âActs
21:8,9.</p>
<p>When it came to teaching within the congregation, however, Godâs Word
limited the appointment of Christian overseers and ministerial servants to men.
(1Â Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) Paul, in fact, stated: âI do not permit a woman
to teach, or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence.ââ1Â
Tim. 2:12. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 14. What no doubt resulted from Paulâs visits with fellow
believers, and what similar opportunities exist today?</p>
<p>14Â In one place after another, Paul sought out fellow believers and spent
time with them. Surely the local brothers were eager to extend hospitality to
this traveling missionary and his companions. Such visits no doubt resulted in
âan interchange of encouragement.â (Rom. 1:11,12) Similar opportunities
exist today. Great benefits result from opening your home, however humble, to a
traveling overseer and his wife.âRom. 12:13.</p>
<p>âI Am Ready ... to Dieâ (Acts 21:10-14)</p>
<p>Question 15, 16. What message did Agabus bring, and what effect did it have
on those who heard it?</p>
<p>15Â During Paulâs stay with Philip, another respected visitor
arrivedâAgabus. Those gathered at Philipâs home knew Agabus to be a
prophet; he had foretold a great famine during the reign of Claudius. (Acts
11:27,28) Perhaps they wondered: âWhy has Agabus come? What message does he
bring?â As they watched intently, he took Paulâs girdleâa long beltlike
strip of cloth that could hold money and other items and was worn around the
waist. With it, Agabus bound his own feet and hands. Then he spoke. The message
was sobering: âThus says the holy spirit, âThe man to whom this girdle
belongs the Jews will bind in this manner in Jerusalem and deliver into the
hands of people of the nations.âââActs 21:11.</p>
<p>16Â The prophecy confirmed that Paul would go to Jerusalem. It also
indicated that his dealings with the Jews there would result in his being
delivered âinto the hands of people of the nations.â The prophecy had a
profound effect on those who were present. Luke writes: âNow Page 178 when we
heard this, both we and those of that place began </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page142">142</pagenum><p>entreating him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then
Paul answered: âWhat are you doing by weeping and making me weak at heart?
Rest assured, I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for
the name of the Lord Jesus.âââActs 21:12,13.</p>
<p>Question 17, 18. How did Paul demonstrate his firm resolve, and how did the
brothers react?</p>
<p>17Â Imagine the scene. The brothers, including Luke, entreat Paul not to
proceed. Some are weeping. Moved by the loving concern they show for him, Paul
tenderly says that they are making him âweak at heart,â or as some
translations render the Greek, they are âbreaking [his] heart.â Still, his
resolve is firm, and as was the case when he met with the brothers in Tyre, he
will not allow entreaties or tears to cause him to waver. Instead, he explains
to them why he must proceed. What courage and determination he showed! Like
Jesus before him, Paul set his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem. (Heb. 12:2)
Paul was not seeking to be a martyr, but if that happened, he would consider it
an honor to die as a follower of Christ Jesus.</p>
<p>18Â How did the brothers react? In a word, respectfully. We read: âWhen he
would not be dissuaded, we acquiesced with the words: âLet the will of
Jehovah take place.ââ (Acts 21:14) Those who tried to convince Paul to
avoid going to Jerusalem did not insist on having their way. They listened to
Paul and yielded, recognizing and accepting the will of Jehovah, even though
doing so was difficult for them. Paul had embarked on a course that would
eventually lead to his death. It would be easier for Paul if those who loved
him did not try to dissuade him.</p>
<p>Question 19. What valuable lesson do we learn from what happened to Paul?</p>
<p>19Â We learn a valuable lesson from what happened to Paul: We never want to
try to dissuade others from pursuing a self-sacrificing course in serving God.
We can apply this lesson to many situations, not just those that involve life
and death. For example, while many Christian parents have found it difficult to
see their children leave home to serve Jehovah in distant assignments, they are
determined not to discourage them. Phyllis, who lives in England, recalls how
she felt when her only daughter took up missionary service in Africa. âIt was
an emotional time,â said Phyllis. âIt was hard for me to know that she
would be so far away. I felt sad and proud at the same time. I prayed a lot
about it. But it was her decision, and I never tried to alter that. After all,
I had always taught her to put Kingdom interests first! She has served in
foreign assignments for the past 30 years, and I thank Jehovah every day for
her faithfulness.â How fine it is when we encourage self-sacrificing fellow
believers!</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 179: It is good to encourage self-sacrificing fellow
believers</p>
<p>âThe Brothers Received Us Gladlyâ (Acts 21:15-17)</p>
<p>Question 20, 21. What illustrates Paulâs desire to be with the brothers,
and why did he want to be with those of like faith?</p>
<p>20Â Page 179 Preparations were made, and Paul continued on his way,
accompanied by brothers who thus gave evidence of their wholehearted support.
At every stage of the </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page143">143</pagenum><p>journey to Jerusalem, Paul and those accompanying
him sought the companionship of their Christian brothers and sisters. At Tyre,
they had found disciples and had remained with them seven days. In Ptolemais,
they had greeted their sisters and brothers and had spent one day with them. At
Caesarea, they had stayed for a number of days at the home of Philip. Next,
some of the disciples from Caesarea escorted Paul and his companions to
Jerusalem, where they were entertained by Mnason, an early disciple. Finally,
upon the travelersâ arrival in Jerusalem, Luke reports that âthe brothers
received us gladly.ââActs 21:17.</p>
<p>21Â Clearly, Paul wanted to be with those of like faith. The apostle drew
encouragement from his brothers and sisters, just as we do today. Doubtless,
that encouragement strengthened Paul to face the angry opposers who would seek
to put him to death.</p>
<p>END OF VOLUME 4</p>
<p>451</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 180 âBEARING THOROUGH WITNESSâ ABOUT
GODâS KINGDOM
</doctitle><p>SECTION 8 Acts 21:18--28:31</p>
<p>âPreaching the of KingdomGod ... Without Hindranceâ (Acts 28:31)</p>
<p>In this section, we will follow Paul as he faces angry mobs, endures
imprisonments, and appears before the court of one Roman official after
another. Through it all, the apostle continues bearing witness about Godâs
Kingdom. As you consider the exciting conclusion to the book of Acts, ask
yourself, âHow can I imitate this bold and zealous evangelizer?â</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 180 Bottom: During the 1940âs literature ban in
Canada, a young Witness smuggles Bible literature. (Reenactment.)</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 181 Chapter 23 âHear My Defenseâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul defends the truth before angry mobs and the
Sanhedrin</p>
<p>Based on Acts 21:18--23:10</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. What brings the apostle Paul to Jerusalem, and
what challenges will he face there?</p>
<p>1 Jerusalem! Once again, Paul is walking along its narrow, bustling streets.
No city on earth is so steeped in the history of Jehovahâs dealings with his
people. By and large, its inhabitants revel in that glorious past. Paul knows
that many Christians here are putting too much stock in the past, failing to
progress with Jehovahâs advancing purposes. Paul thus sees a case of
spiritual need in addition to the material need that moved himâback when he
was still in Ephesusâto decide to revisit this great city. (Acts 19:21)
Despite the prospect of danger, he has held fast to his purpose.</p>
<p>2Â What, now, will Paul face in Jerusalem? One challenge will come from
Christâs followers, some of whom are troubled by rumors about Paul. Greater
challenges will come from Christâs enemies. They will launch false
accusations against Paul, beat him, </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page144">144</pagenum><p>and threaten to kill him. These tumultuous events
will also give Paul an opportunity to make a defense. His humility, courage,
and faith in handling such challenges provide a sterling example for Christians
today. Let us see how.</p>
<p>âThey Began to Glorify Godâ (Acts 21:18-20a)</p>
<p>Question 3-5. (a)Â What meeting did Paul attend in Jerusalem, and what was
discussed? (b)Â What lessons may we draw from Paulâs meeting with the elders
in Jerusalem?</p>
<p>3Â The day after their arrival in Jerusalem, Paul and his companions went to
see the responsible older men of the congregation. None of the surviving
apostles are mentioned in the account; perhaps by then they had all left to
serve in other parts of the world. However, James the brother of Jesus was
still there. (Gal. 2:9) Likely, James presided at the meeting when âall the
older men were presentâ with Paul.âActs 21:18.</p>
<p>4Â Paul greeted the older men âand began giving in detail an account of
the things God did among the nations through his ministry.â (Acts 21:19) We
can only imagine how encouraging that was. We today are likewise thrilled to
hear of the progress of the work in other lands.âProv. 25:25.</p>
<p>5Â At Page 182 some point, Paul likely mentioned the contributions he had
brought from Europe. The concern manifested by the brothers in far-flung places
must have warmed the hearts of Paulâs listeners. Why, in response to Paulâs
report, the record says: âThey [the older men] began to glorify Godâ! (Acts
21:20a) Similarly, the hearts of many today who endure disasters or grievous
sicknesses are deeply moved when fellow believers offer timely help and words
of encouragement.</p>
<p>Many Still âZealous for the Lawâ (Acts 21:20b,21)</p>
<p>Question 6. What problem did Paul learn about?</p>
<p>6Â The elders then revealed to Paul that there was a problem in Judea that
involved him personally. They said: âYou behold, brother, how many thousands
of believers there are among the Jews; and they are all zealous for the Law.
But they have heard it rumored about you that you have been teaching all the
Jews among the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them neither to
circumcise their children nor to walk in the solemn customs.â * âActs
21:20b,21.</p>
<p>Footnote There must have been many congregations meeting in private homes
in order to care for the spiritual needs of such a large number of Jewish
Christians. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Question 7, 8. (a)Â What mistaken view did many Christians in Judea have?
(b)Â Why did the mistaken thinking of some Jewish Christians not amount to
apostasy?</p>
<p>7Â Why were so many Christians still zealous for the Mosaic Law, well over
20Â years after it had been abolished? (Col. 2:14) In 49Â C.E. the apostles and
older men meeting in Jerusalem had sent a letter to the congregations
explaining that believers from among the nations did not need to submit to
circumcision and come under the Mosaic Law. (Acts 15:23-29) However, that
letter had not mentioned <em>Jewish</em> believers, Page 183 many of whom did
not understand that the Mosaic Law no longer applied.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page145">145</pagenum><p>8Â Did that mistaken
thinking disqualify such Jewish believers from being Christians? No. It was not
as if they had once been worshippers of pagan gods and were now continuing to
follow the religious customs of their former faith. The Law that was so
important to those Jewish believers had originally been given by Jehovah.
Nothing in it was demonic or wrong in itself. But that Law had to do with the
old covenant, whereas Christians were now under the new covenant. The
observances of the Law covenant were now obsolete as far as pure worship was
concerned. Hebrew Christians who were zealous for the Law lacked understanding
and confidence in the Christian congregation. They needed to bring their
thinking into line with the progressive revelation of truth. *</p>
<p>Footnote A few years later, the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the
Hebrews, in which he proved the superiority of the new covenant. In that
letter, he clearly demonstrated that the new covenant made the old covenant
obsolete. In addition to providing convincing arguments that Jewish Christians
could use to answer their Jewish detractors, Paulâs powerful reasoning
doubtless strengthened the faith of some Christians who were putting too much
emphasis on the Mosaic Law.âHeb. 8:7-13. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>âJer. 31:31-34; Luke 22:20.</p>
</blockquote ><p>âThere Is Nothing to the Rumorsâ (Acts 21:22-26)</p>
<p>Question 9. What did Paul teach regarding the Mosaic Law?</p>
<p>9Â What about the rumors stating that Paul was teaching Jews among the
nations âneither to circumcise their children nor to walk in the solemn
customsâ? Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, and to them he upheld the
decision that Gentiles did not have to submit to the Law. He also exposed the
error of any who tried to persuade Gentile believers Page 184 to undergo
circumcision as a sign of submission to the Mosaic Law. (Gal. 5:1-7) Paul also
preached the good news to Jews in the cities he visited. He certainly would
have explained to responsive ones that Jesusâ death had made the Law obsolete
and that righteousness was attained by faith, not by works of Law.âRom.
2:28,29; 3:21-26.</p>
<p>Question 10. What balanced attitude did Paul have in matters pertaining to
the Law and circumcision?</p>
<p>10Â Nevertheless, Paul showed understanding toward those who felt
comfortable observing some Jewish customs, such as abstaining from work on the
Sabbath or avoiding certain foods. (Rom. 14:1-6) And he did not set down rules
about circumcision. Indeed, Paul had Timothy circumcised so that the Jews would
not be suspicious of Timothy, whose father was a Greek. (Acts 16:3)
Circumcision was a matter for personal decision. Paul told the Galatians:
âNeither circumcision is of any value nor is uncircumcision, but faith
operating through love is.â (Gal. 5:6) However, to get circumcised so as to
come under the Law or to present the practice as being necessary in order to
obtain Jehovahâs approval would betray a lack of faith.</p>
<p>Question 11. What counsel did the elders give Paul, and what would have been
involved in carrying it out? (See also footnote.)</p>
<p>11Â Hence, although the rumors were gross distortions, Jewish believers were
still disturbed by them. For that reason, the older men offered Paul this
direction: âWe have </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page146">146</pagenum><p>four men with a vow upon themselves. Take these
men along and cleanse yourself ceremonially with them and take care of their
expenses, that they may have their heads shaved. And so everybody will know
that there is nothing to the rumors they were told about Page 185 you, but that
you are walking orderly, you yourself also keeping the Law.â * âActs
21:23,24.</p>
<p>Footnote Scholars suggest that the men had made a Nazirite vow. (Num.
6:1-21) True, the Mosaic Law, under which such a vow would have been made, was
now obsolete. Still, Paul might have reasoned that it would not be wrong for
the men to fulfill a vow made to Jehovah. Therefore, it would not be wrong for
him to pay their expenses and accompany them. We do not know exactly what type
of vow was involved, but whatever it was, it is unlikely that Paul would have
supported the offering of an animal sacrifice (as Nazirites did), believing
that it would cleanse the men of sin. The perfect sacrifice of Christ had
stripped such sacrifices of any sin-atoning value. Whatever he did, we can be
sure that Paul would not have agreed to anything that would have violated his
conscience. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Question 12. How did Paul show a flexible and cooperative spirit in his
response to the counsel of the Jerusalem elders?</p>
<p>12Â Paul could have objected that the real problem was, not the rumors about
him, but the zeal of those Jewish believers for the Mosaic Law. But he was
willing to be flexible, as long as he did not have to compromise godly
principles. Earlier he had written: âTo those under law I became as under
law, though I myself am not under law, that I might gain those under law.â
(1Â Cor. 9:20) On this occasion, Paul cooperated with the Jerusalem elders and
became âas under law.â In so doing, he set a fine example for us today to
cooperate with the elders and not insist on doing things our own way.âHeb.
13:17.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 183: When no Scriptural principles were violated, Paul
yielded. Do you?</p>
<p>Picture Description, page 182: Paul yields to the eldersâ request. Luke
and Timothy are sitting in the background, assisting with the delivery of the
contributions.</p>
<p>âHe Was Not Fit to Live!â (Acts 21:27â22:30)</p>
<p>Question 13. (a)Â Why did some Jews cause a tumult in the temple? (b)Â How
was Paulâs life saved?</p>
<p>13Â Things did not go well at the temple. As the days for the completion of
the vows drew to a close, Jews from Asia caught sight of Paul, falsely accused
him of bringing Gentiles into the temple, and incited a riot. If the Roman
military commander had not intervened, Paul would have been beaten to death. As
it was, the Roman commander took him into custody. From that day, it would take
more than four years for Paul to regain his freedom. And the immediate danger
to Paul was not yet over. When the commander asked the Jews why they were
attacking Paul, they shouted different accusations. In the tumult, the
commander could understand nothing. Eventually, Paul had to be physically
carried away from the scene. When Paul and the Roman soldiers were about to
enter the soldiersâ quarters, Paul said to the commander: âI beg you,
permit me to speak to the people.â (Acts 21:39) The commander consented, and
Paul went on to defend his faith courageously.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page147">147</pagenum><p>Question 14, 15.
(a)Â What did Paul explain to the Jews? (b)Â What steps did the Roman commander
take to learn the reason for the Jewsâ anger?</p>
<p>14Â âHear my defense,â Paul began. (Acts 22:1) Paul addressed the crowd
in Hebrew, which quieted them down. He gave a forthright Page 186 explanation
of why he was now a follower of Christ. In doing so, Paul skillfully mentioned
points that the Jews could verify if they wished. Paul had studied at the feet
of the famous Gamaliel and had persecuted the followers of Christ, as some
present likely knew. However, on his way to Damascus, he had a vision of the
resurrected Christ, who spoke to him. Paulâs traveling companions saw a
bright light and heard a voice, but they did not âhear understandinglyâ the
words. (Acts 9:7; 22:9, ftn.) Afterward, the companions had to lead Paul, who
was blinded by the vision, into Damascus. There Ananias, a man known to the
Jews of that region, miraculously restored Paulâs sight.</p>
<p>15Â Paul went on to relate that after his return to Jerusalem, Jesus
appeared to him in the temple. At this point, the Jews became very disturbed,
and they clamored: âTake such a man away from the earth, for he was not fit
to live!â (Acts 22:22) To save Paul, the commander had him taken into the
soldiersâ quarters. Determined to discover the reason for the Jewsâ anger
at Paul, the commander ordered him to be prepared for interrogation under
scourging. Paul, though, took advantage of a legal protection at his disposal
and revealed that he was a Roman citizen. Jehovahâs worshippers today have
similarly used legal protections available to them to defend the faith. (See
the boxes âRoman Law and Roman Citizens,â on page 184, and âModern-Day
Legal Battles,â below.) On hearing of Paulâs Roman citizenship, the
commander realized Page 187 that he would have to find another way to get more
information. The next day, he brought Paul before a specially convened meeting
of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of the Jews.</p>
<p>Box, page 184.</p>
<p>Roman Law and Roman Citizens</p>
<p>Roman authorities usually interfered little in local government. Generally
speaking, Jewish law governed Jewish affairs. The Romans got involved in
Paulâs case only because the riot that erupted upon his appearing in the
temple was a threat to public order.</p>
<p>The Roman authorities had considerable power over ordinary provincial
subjects. Things were different, however, when the authorities dealt with Roman
citizens. *</p>
<p>Footnote In the first century C.E., not many Roman citizens would have
lived in Judea. Only in the third century were all provincial subjects given
Roman citizenship. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Citizenship afforded a person certain privileges that were
recognized and honored throughout the empire. It was illegal, for example, to
bind or beat an uncondemned Roman, since such treatment was considered fit for
slaves only. Roman citizens also had the right to appeal the decisions of a
provincial governor to the emperor, in Rome.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Roman citizenship could be obtained in a number of ways. The
first was by inheritance. Emperors occasionally awarded citizenship to
individuals or to the free </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page148">148</pagenum><p>populations of whole cities or districts for
services rendered. A slave who bought his freedom from a Roman citizen, a slave
who was set free by a Roman, or a veteran of the auxiliary forces who was
discharged from the Roman army would himself become a Roman. Apparently, under
certain circumstances it was also possible to purchase citizenship. The
military commander Claudius Lysias thus told Paul: âI purchased these rights
as a citizen for a large sum of money.â Paul responded: âI was even born in
them.â (Acts 22:28) Hence, one of Paulâs male ancestors must somehow have
acquired Roman citizenship, although the circumstances remain unknown. End of
Box</p>
<p>Box, page 186.</p>
<p>Modern-Day Legal Battles</p>
<p>Like the apostle Paul, Jehovahâs modern-day Witnesses have sought every
legal recourse open to them to combat restrictions imposed on their preaching
work. They have been zealous in âthe defending and legally establishing of
the good news.ââPhil. 1:7.</p>
<p>During the 1920âs and 1930âs, hundreds were arrested for distributing
Bible literature. For instance, by 1926, there were 897 cases pending in German
courts. So much litigation was involved that it became necessary to establish a
Legal Department at the Germany branch. During the 1930âs, arrests for
house-to-house preaching in the United States alone ran into the hundreds every
year. In 1936, that number rose to 1,149. To provide needed counsel, a Legal
Department was also established in the United States. From 1933 to 1939,
Witnesses in Romania faced 530 lawsuits. However, appeals to the Romanian High
Court won many favorable decisions. Similar situations have developed in many
other lands.</p>
<p>Legal challenges have arisen when Christians could not conscientiously agree
to take part in activities that would violate their neutrality. (Isa. 2:2-4;
John 17:14) Opposers have falsely accused them of sedition, which has sometimes
resulted in a complete ban on their activities. Over the years, however, many
governments have acknowledged that Jehovahâs Witnesses present no threat to
them. *</p>
<p>Footnote For a discussion of the legal victories of Jehovahâs Witnesses
in various lands, see chapter 30 of the book Jehovahâs
WitnessesâProclaimers of Godâs <em>Kingdom</em>. End of Footnote</p>
<p> End of Box</p>
<p>âI Am a Phariseeâ (Acts 23:1-10)</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. (a)Â Describe what happened when Paul addressed the
Sanhedrin. (b)Â When he was struck, how did Paul set an example of humility?</p>
<p>16Â Beginning his defense before the Sanhedrin, Paul said: âMen, brothers,
I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this
day.â (Acts 23:1) He got no further. The record says: âAt this the high
priest Ananias ordered those standing by him to strike him on the mouth.â
(Acts 23:2) What an insult! And what a revelation of prejudice, to brand Paul a
liar before any evidence was heard! No wonder Paul responded: âGod is going
to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Do you at one and the </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page149">149</pagenum><p>same time sit to judge me in accord
with the Law and, transgressing the Law, command me to be struck?ââActs
23:3.</p>
<p>17Â Some standing by professed shockânot at the one who struck Paul but at
Paulâs reaction! They demanded: âAre you reviling the high priest of
God?â In answer, Paul gave them a lesson in humility and in respect for the
Law. He said: âBrothers, I did not know he was high priest. For it is
written, âYou must not speak injuriously of a ruler of your people.ââÂ
*</p>
<p>Footnote Some have suggested that Paul had weak eyesight that prevented him
from recognizing the high priest. Or perhaps he had been absent from Jerusalem
for so long that he could not identify the current high priest. Or maybe Paul
just could not see through the crowd who it was that gave the order to strike
him. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 23:4,5; Ex. 22:28) Paul now adopted a different strategy.
Taking note that the Sanhedrin was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, he said:
âMen, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the
resurrection of the dead I am being judged.ââActs 23:6.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 18. Why did Paul call himself a Pharisee, and how
might we use similar reasoning in certain circumstances?</p>
<p>18Â Why did Paul call himself a Pharisee? Because he was âa son of
Phariseesâ from a family belonging to that sect. Hence, many would Page 188
still view him as such. *</p>
<p>Footnote In 49Â C.E., when the apostles and older men were discussing
whether Gentiles had to submit to the Mosaic Law, some among the Christians
present were identified as âthose of the sect of the Pharisees that had
believed.â (Acts 15:5) Evidently, those believers were still identified in
some sense with their Pharisaic background. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>How, though, could Paul associate himself with the
Phariseesâ belief in a resurrection? Reportedly, the Pharisees believed that
a conscious soul survived death and that the souls of the righteous would live
again in human bodies. Paul did not believe such notions. He believed in the
resurrection as taught by Jesus. (John 5:25-29) Still, Paul did agree with the
Pharisees that there was a hope of life beyond deathâas opposed to the
Sadducees, who did not believe in a future life. We might use similar reasoning
when discussing matters with Catholics or Protestants. We could say that like
them, we believe in God. Granted, they may believe in the Trinity while we
believe in the God of the Bible. Still, we do share the belief that there is a
God.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Picture Caption, page 187: Like Paul, we seek common ground
when speaking to those of a different religious background</p>
<p>Question 19. Why did the meeting of the Sanhedrin break up in disorder?</p>
<p>19Â Paulâs statement split the Sanhedrin. The record says: âThere broke
out a loud screaming, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees
rose and began contending fiercely, saying: âWe find nothing wrong in this
man; but if a spirit or an angel spoke to him,â.ââ (Acts 23:9) The very
suggestion that an angel might have spoken to Paul was anathema to the
Sadducees, who did not believe in angels! (See the box âThe Sadducees and the
Pharisees,â below. ) The tumult became so great that the </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page150">150</pagenum><p>Roman military commander once again
rescued the apostle. (Acts 23:10) Still, Paul was hardly out of danger. What
would happen to the apostle now? We will learn more in the following
chapter.</p>
<p>Box, page 188.</p>
<p>The Sadducees and the Pharisees</p>
<p>The Sanhedrin, the national administrative council and high court of the
Jews, was dominated by two rival sectsâthe Sadducees and the Pharisees.
According to first-century historian Flavius Josephus, the main difference
between these parties was that the Pharisees sought to impose a great number of
traditional observances on the people, whereas the Sadducees considered
obligatory only what was found in the Law of Moses. Both schools of thought
were united in their opposition to Jesus.</p>
<p>It appears that the Sadducees, who were basically conservative, had close
ties to the priesthood and that Annas and Caiaphas, both of whom had served as
the high priest, belonged to this powerful sect. (Acts 5:17) Josephus says,
however, that its teachings could âpersuade none but the rich.â</p>
<p>The Pharisees, on the other hand, had great influence over the masses. Yet,
their views, which included insistence on extreme ceremonial purity, made
observing the Law burdensome for the people. In contrast with the Sadducees,
the Pharisees attributed great importance to fate and believed that a soul
survived death, after which it received a just reward or punishment for its
virtues or its vices. End of Box</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 189 Chapter 24 âBe of Good Courage!â
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul escapes a plot on his life and makes his
defense before Felix</p>
<p>Based on Acts 23:11--24:27</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. Why is Paul not surprised by the persecution he
is facing in Jerusalem?</p>
<p>1 Snatched from an angry mob in Jerusalem, Paul is in custody once again.
The zealous apostle is not surprised by the persecution he is facing here in
Jerusalem. He was told to expect âbonds and tribulationsâ in this city.
(Acts 20:22,23) And while not exactly certain of what may lie ahead, Paul knows
that he will continue to suffer for Jesusâ name.âActs 9:16.</p>
<p>2Â Even Christian prophets warned Paul that he would be bound and delivered
âinto the hands of people of the nations.â (Acts 21:4,10,11) Recently, a
Jewish crowd sought to kill him, and shortly thereafter, it seemed as if he
âwould be pulled to piecesâ by the members of the Sanhedrin as they argued
over him. Now the apostle is a prisoner in the custody of Roman soldiers and
facing more trials and accusations. (Acts 21:31; 23:10) Indeed, the apostle
Paul needs encouragement!</p>
<p>Question 3. From where do we receive encouragement to press on in our
preaching work?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page151">151</pagenum><p>3Â In this time of
the end, we know that âall those desiring to live with godly devotion in
association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.â (2Â Tim. 3:12) From
time to time, we too need encouragement to press on in our preaching work. How
grateful we are for the timely, heartening words we receive through the
publications and the meetings arranged by âthe faithful and discreet
slaveâ! (Matt. 24:45) Jehovah has assured us that no enemies of the good news
will succeed. They will neither destroy his servants as a group nor stop their
preaching work. (Isa. 54:17; Jer. 1:19) What, though, about the apostle Paul?
Did he receive encouragement to continue bearing thorough witness despite
opposition? If so, what was it, and how did he respond?</p>
<p>Foiling an âOath-Bound Conspiracyâ (Acts 23:11-34)</p>
<p>Question 4, 5. What encouragement did Paul receive, and why was it
timely?</p>
<p>4Â The apostle Paul received much-needed encouragement on the night
following his rescue from the Sanhedrin. The inspired account tells us: âThe
Lord stood by him and said: âBe of good courage! For as Page 191 you have
been giving a thorough witness on the things about me in Jerusalem, so you must
also bear witness in Rome.ââ (Acts 23:11) With those encouraging words from
Jesus, Paul was assured of deliverance. He knew that he would survive to reach
Rome and have the privilege of bearing witness to Jesus there.</p>
<p>5Â The encouragement given Paul was timely. The very next day, over 40
Jewish men âformed a conspiracy and bound themselves with a curse, saying
they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.â This
âoath-bound conspiracyâ showed just how determined those Jews were to
murder the apostle. If they did not succeed in carrying out their plot, the end
result, they believed, would be a curse, or an evil, to them. (Acts 23:12-15)
Their plan, sanctioned by the chief priests and older men, was to have Paul
brought back to the Sanhedrin for further questioning, as if to ascertain
matters concerning him more accurately. But en route, the conspirators would
be lying in wait to pounce on Paul and kill him.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 190: âMore than forty men of theirs are lying in
wait.ââActs 23:21</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paulâs nephew speaks to Claudius Lysias in the of
TowerAntonia, possible location of Paulâs custody. Herodâs temple shown in
the background.</p>
<p>Question 6. How was the plot to kill Paul uncovered, and what example may
young people today find in this account?</p>
<p>6Â Paulâs nephew, however, heard of this plot and reported it to Paul. In
turn, Paul had the young man report it to the Roman military commander Claudius
Lysias. (Acts 23:16-22) Surely Jehovah loves young ones who, like this unnamed
nephew of Paul, courageously put the welfare of Godâs people ahead of their
own and faithfully do whatever they can to promote Kingdom interests.</p>
<p>Question 7, 8. What arrangements did Claudius Lysias make for Paulâs
safety?</p>
<p>7Â Immediately upon being informed about the plot against Paul, Claudius
Lysias, who commanded 1,000 men, ordered that a military guard of
470âsoldiers, spearmen, </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page152">152</pagenum><p>and horsemenâbe formed to leave Jerusalem that
night and safely conduct Paul to Caesarea. Once there, he was to be turned over
to Governor Felix. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âFelixâProcurator of Judea,â on p193. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Although Caesarea, the Roman administrative capital of Judea,
had a substantial number of Jewish residents, it was populated mainly by
Gentiles. The orderly conditions existing there contrasted with the situation
that prevailed in Jerusalem, where many displayed emotional religious prejudice
and were involved in riots. Caesarea was also the main headquarters of the
Roman military forces in Judea.</p>
</blockquote ><p>8Â Complying with Roman law, Lysias sent a letter to Felix
outlining the case. Lysias mentioned that upon learning that Paul was a Roman
citizen, he had rescued Paul from being âdone away withâ by the Jews.Â
Lysias stated that he did not find Paul guilty of anything âdeserving of Page
192 death or bonds,â but because of a plot against Paul, he was turning him
over to Felix so that the governor could hear the accusers and render judgment
on the matter.âActs 23:25-30.</p>
<p>Box, page 193.</p>
<p>FelixâProcurator of Judea</p>
<p>In about 52Â C.E., Roman Emperor Claudius appointed one of his favorites,
Antonius Felix, as procurator, or governor, of Judea. Like his brother Pallas,
Felix was a freed slave of the emperorâs family. The appointment of a
freedman to the post of procurator with a military command was
unprecedented.</p>
<p>Because of his brotherâs influence with the emperor, Felix âbelieved
that he could commit all kinds of enormities with impunity,â states Roman
historian Tacitus. As procurator, Felix âpractised every kind of cruelty and
lust, wielding the power of king with all the instincts of a slave.â During
his tenure as procurator, Felix married Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa I,
after seducing her away from her husband. Felix treated the apostle Paul in a
corrupt and illegal manner, considering him a likely source of a bribe.</p>
<p>Felixâs administration was so corrupt and oppressive that Emperor Nero
recalled him in 58Â C.E. A deputation of Jews followed Felix to Rome to accuse
him of misgovernment, but Pallas reportedly saved his brother from punishment.
End of Box</p>
<p>Question 9. (a)Â How were Paulâs rights as a Roman citizen violated? (b)Â
Why might we take advantage of our rights as citizens of a country?</p>
<p>9Â Was Lysias truthful in what he wrote? Not entirely. It seems that he was
trying to present himself in the most favorable light. He really had not come
to Paulâs rescue because he found out that the apostle was a Roman citizen.
Additionally, Lysias failed to mention that he had had Paul âbound with two
chainsâ and had later given the order that he âbe examined under
scourging.â (Acts 21:30-34; 22:24-29) Lysias had thereby violated Paulâs
rights as a Roman citizen. Today, Satan uses the religious fanaticism of
opposers to fan the flames of persecution, and we may find our civil liberties
violated. But like Paul, Godâs people can often take advantage of the rights
accorded them as citizens of a country and seek protection under the law.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page153">153</pagenum><p>âI Readily Speak
in My Defenseâ (Acts 23:35â24:21)</p>
<p>Question 10. What serious accusations were leveled against Paul?</p>
<p>10Â In Caesarea, Paul was âkept under guard in the praetorian palace of
Herodâ to await the arrival of the accusers from Jerusalem. (Acts 23:35) Five
days later, they cameâHigh Priest Ananias, a public speaker named Tertullus,
and a group of older men. Tertullus first praised Felix for what he was doing
for the Jews, evidently to flatter him and gain his favor. *</p>
<p>Footnote Tertullus thanked Felix for the âgreat peaceâ he brought to
the nation. However, the truth was that less peace prevailed in Judea during
the time that Felix was governor than during any other administration up until
the revolt against Rome. Also far from the truth was the mention of âthe
greatest thankfulnessâ of the Jews for reforms that Felix had made. In
reality, Felix was despised by most Jews for making their lives miserable and
for his brutality in crushing their insurrections.âActs 24:2,3. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Then, getting to the matter at hand, Tertullus referred to Paul
as âa pestilent fellow and stirring up seditions among all the Jews
throughout the inhabited earth and a spearhead of the sect of the Nazarenes,
one who also tried to profane the temple and whom we seized.â The other Jews
âjoined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.â (Acts
24:5,6,9) Stirring up sedition, spearheading a dangerous sect, and profaning
the templeâthese were serious charges that could result in a sentence of
death.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 11, 12. How did Paul refute the charges against
him?</p>
<p>11Â Paul was then allowed to speak. âI readily speak in my defense,â he
began. He flatly denied the accusations. The apostle had not profaned the
temple, nor had he tried to stir up sedition. He pointed out that Page 193 he
had actually been absent from Jerusalem for âquite a number of yearsâ and
had come with âgifts of mercyââcontributions for Christians whose poverty
may have resulted from famine and persecution. Paul insisted that before he
entered the temple, he had been âceremonially cleansedâ and that he had
conscientiously striven to commit âno offense against God and men.ââActs
24:10-13,16-18.</p>
<p>12Â Paul did admit, however, that he rendered sacred service to the God of
his forefathers âaccording to the way that they call a âsect.ââ But he
insisted that he believed âall the things set forth in the Law and written in
the Prophets.â And as did his accusers, he held to the hope of âa
resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.â Paul then challenged
his accusers: âLet the men here say for themselves what wrong they found as I
stood before the Sanhedrin, except with respect to this one utterance which I
cried out while standing among them, âOver the resurrection of the dead I am
today being judged before you!âââActs 24:14,15,20,21.</p>
<p>Question 13-15. Why can we look to Paul as a good example of giving a bold
witness before secular authorities?</p>
<p>13Â Paul set a good example for us to follow if we are ever brought before
secular authorities because of our worship and are falsely accused of such
things as being rabble-rousers, seditionists, or members of a âdangerous
sect.â Paul did not fawn over the </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page154">154</pagenum><p>governor, uttering words of flattery as did
Tertullus. Paul stayed calm and respectful. Tactfully, he gave clear and
truthful testimony. Paul mentioned that the âJews from Page 194 the district
of Asiaâ who had accused him of defiling the temple were not present and that
legally, he should be able to face them and hear their accusations.âActs
24:18,19.</p>
<p>14Â Most strikingly, Paul did not hold back from giving testimony regarding
his beliefs. Boldly, the apostle reiterated his belief in the resurrection,
the issue that had created such turmoil when he was before the Sanhedrin. (Acts
23:6-10) In his defense, Paul emphasized the resurrection hope. Why? Because
Paul was bearing witness to Jesus and to His resurrection from the
deadâsomething those opposers would not accept. (Acts 26:6-8,22,23) Yes, it
was the issue of the resurrectionâand more precisely, belief in Jesus and in
his resurrectionâon which the controversy was centered.</p>
<p>15Â Like Paul, we can give a bold witness and can draw strength from what
Jesus told his disciples: âYou will be objects of hatred by all people on
account of my name. But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be
saved.â Must we worry about what we should say? No, for Jesus gave this
assurance: âWhen they are leading you along to deliver you up, do not be
anxious beforehand about what to speak; but whatever is given you in that hour,
speak this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit
is.ââMark 13:9-13.</p>
<p>âFelix Became Frightenedâ (Acts 24:22-27)</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. (a)Â How did Felix handle Paulâs trial? (b)Â Why may
Felix have become frightened, yet for what reason did he continue to see
Paul?</p>
<p>16Â This was not the first time that Governor Felix had heard about
Christian beliefs. The account states: âFelix, knowing quite accurately the
matters concerning this Way [the term used to describe early Christianity],
began to put the men off and said: âWhenever Lysias the military commander
comes down, I shall decide upon these matters involving you.â And he ordered
the army officer that the man be kept and have some relaxation of custody, and
that he forbid no one of his people to wait upon him.ââActs 24:22,23.</p>
<p>17Â Some days later, Felix, with his wife Drusilla, a Jewess, sent for Paul
and âlistened to him on the belief in Christ Jesus.â (Acts 24:24) However,
when Paul spoke about ârighteousness and self-control and the judgment to
come, Felix became frightened,â possibly because such things troubled his
conscience on account of the wicked course he had pursued in his own life. So
he dismissed Paul, saying: âFor the present go your way, but when I get an
opportune time I shall send for you again.â Felix did see Paul many times
after that, not because he wanted to learn the truth, but because he hoped that
Paul would give him a bribe.âActs 24:25,26.</p>
<p>Question 18. Why did Paul speak to Felix and his wife about ârighteousness
and self-control and the judgment to comeâ?</p>
<p>18Â Why did Paul speak to Felix and his wife about ârighteousness and
self-control and the judgment to comeâ? Remember, they wanted to know what
âbelief in Christ </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page155">155</pagenum><p>Jesusâ entailed. Paul, who knew their background
of immorality, cruelty, and injustice, was making plain what was required of
all who would become Jesusâ followers. What Paul said showed the stark
contrast between Godâs standards of righteousness and the life course that
Felix and his wife pursued. This should have helped them to see that all humans
are accountable to God for what they think, say, and do and that more important
than the judgment to be rendered with respect to Paul was the judgment that
they faced before God. No wonder Felix âbecame frightenedâ!</p>
<p>Question 19, 20. (a)Â In our ministry, how should we deal with people who
appear to be interested but who are really seeking their own selfish course?
(b)Â How do we know that Felix was no friend to Paul?</p>
<p>19Â In our ministry, we may find people who are like Felix. At first they
might appear to show interest in the truth, but they are really seeking their
own selfish course. We rightfully remain wary of such ones. Yet, like Paul, we
can tactfully tell them of Godâs righteous standards. Perhaps the truth will
touch their hearts. However, if it becomes evident that they have no intention
of abandoning a sinful course, we leave them alone and search out those who
really are seeking the truth.</p>
<p>20Â In the case of Felix, his true heart condition was revealed in these
words: âWhen two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus;
and because Felix desired to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul bound.â
(Acts 24:27) Felix was no real friend to Paul. Felix knew that followers of
âThe Wayâ were neither seditionists nor revolutionaries. (Acts 19:23) He
also knew that Paul had not violated any Roman law. Yet, Felix kept the apostle
in custody in order to âgain favor with the Jews.â</p>
<p>Question 21. What happened to Paul after Porcius Festus became governor, and
from what did Paul no doubt continue to draw strength?</p>
<p>21 As shown in the last verse of Acts chapter 24, Paul was still a
prisoner when Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor. Thus began a series
of hearings, and Paul was handed over from one official to another. Truly, this
courageous apostle was âhaled before kings and governors.â (Luke 21:12) As
we will see, he would later give a witness to the most powerful ruler of his
day. Through it all, Paul never wavered in his faith. No doubt he continued to
draw strength from Jesusâ words: âBe of good courage!â</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 196 Chapter 25 âI Appeal to Caesar!â
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul sets an example in defending the good news</p>
<p>Based on Acts 25:1â26:32</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. (a)Â In what circumstances does Paul find
himself? (b)Â What question arises regarding Paulâs appeal to Caesar?</p>
<p>1 Paul remains under heavy guard in Caesarea. Two years earlier when he had
returned to Judea, within days the Jews had tried to kill him at least three
times. (Acts 21:27-36; 23:10,12-15,27) Till now, his enemies have been
unsuccessful, but they do not give up. When Paul sees that he may yet fall into
their hands, he tells Roman Governor Festus: âI appeal to Caesar!ââActs
25:11.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page156">156</pagenum><p>2Â Did Jehovah
support Paulâs decision to appeal to the emperor of Rome? The answer is
important to us, who are bearing thorough witness about Godâs Kingdom in this
time of the end. We need to know whether Paul set a pattern for us to follow
âin the defending and legally establishing of the good news.ââPhil.
1:7.</p>
<p>âStanding Before the Judgment Seatâ (Acts 25:1-12)</p>
<p>Question 3, 4. (a)Â What was behind the Jewsâ request to have Paul brought
to Jerusalem, and how did he escape death? (b)Â How does Jehovah sustain his
modern-day servants, as he did Paul?</p>
<p>3Â Three days after taking office, Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea,
went to Jerusalem. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âRoman Procurator Porcius Festus,â on p199. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>There he listened as the chief priests and the principal men of
the Jews accused Paul of serious crimes. They knew that the new governor was
under pressure to keep peace with them and all the Jews. So they asked a favor
of Festus: Bring Paul to Jerusalem, and try him there. However, there was a
dark plan behind this request. Those enemies were scheming to kill Paul on the
road from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Festus turned them down, saying: âLet those
who are in power among you ... come down with me [to Caesarea] and accuse him,
if there is anything out of the way about the man.â (Acts 25:5) Therefore,
Paul escaped death yet another time.</p>
</blockquote ><p>4Â During all of Paulâs trials, Jehovah through the Lord
Jesus Christ sustained him. Recall that in a vision, Jesus told his apostle:
âBe of good courage!â (Acts 23:11) Today, Godâs servants also face
obstacles Page 197 and threats. Jehovah does not shield us from every
difficulty, but he gives us the wisdom and strength to endure. We can always
count on âthe power beyond what is normalâ that our loving God
provides.â2Â Cor. 4:7.</p>
<p>Box, page 199.</p>
<p>Roman Procurator Porcius Festus</p>
<p>Our only firsthand information about Porcius Festus comes from Acts of
Apostles and the writings of Flavius Josephus. Festus succeeded Felix as
procurator of Judea in about 58Â C.E. and evidently died in office after
governing just two or three years.</p>
<p>For the most part, Festus appears to have been a prudent and capable
procurator, in contrast with his predecessor, Felix, and his successor,
Albinus. At the beginning of Festusâ time in office, Judea was plagued by
bandits. According to Josephus, âFestus ... made it his business to correct
those that made disturbances in the country. So he caught the greatest part of
the robbers, and destroyed a great many of them.â During his tenure, the Jews
built a wall to prevent King Agrippa from observing what took place in the
temple area. Festus initially ordered them to dismantle it. At the Jewsâ
request, however, he later allowed them to present the matter to the Roman
Emperor Nero.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page157">157</pagenum><p>Festus appears to
have taken a firm stand against criminals and insurgents. But in his desire to
maintain good relations with the Jews, he was willing to set aside justiceâat
least in his dealings with the apostle Paul. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 5. How did Festus deal with Paul?</p>
<p>5Â Some days later, Festus âsat down on the judgment seatâ in Caesarea.Â
*</p>
<p>Footnote âThe judgment seatâ was a chair placed on a dais. The elevated
position was viewed as giving weight and finality to the judgeâs rulings.
Pilate sat on a judgment seat when he weighed the charges against Jesus. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Before him stood Paul and Paulâs accusers. In answer to their
baseless charges, Paul countered: âNeither against the Law of the Jews nor
against the temple nor against Caesar have I committed any sin.â The apostle
was innocent and deserved to be freed. How would Festus decide? Wanting to gain
favor with the Jews, he asked Paul: âDo you wish to go up to Jerusalem and be
judged there before me concerning these things?â (Acts 25:6-9) What an absurd
proposal! If Paul were remanded to Jerusalem, his accusers would become his
judges and he would face certain death. In this instance, Festus was choosing
political expediency over true justice. An earlier governor, Pontius Pilate,
had acted similarly in a case involving an even more important prisoner. (John
19:12-16) Modern-day judges may also give in to political pressure. Therefore,
we should not be surprised when courts decide contrary to evidence in cases
involving Godâs people.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 6, 7. Why did Paul appeal to Caesar, and what
precedent did he thereby set for true Christians today?</p>
<p>6Â Festusâ desire to indulge the Jews could have put Paul in mortal
danger. Therefore, Paul used a right he possessed as a Roman citizen. He told
Festus: âI am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to
be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also are finding out quite
well. ... I appeal to Caesar!â Once made, such an appeal was usually
irrevocable. Festus emphasized this, saying: âTo Caesar you have appealed; to
Caesar you shall go.â (Acts 25:10-12) By appealing to a higher legal
authority, Paul set a precedent for true Christians today. When opposers try to
frame âtrouble by decree,â Jehovahâs Witnesses avail themselves of legal
provisions to defend the good news. * âPs. 94:20.</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âAppealing on Behalf of True Worship in Modern
Times,â on p200. End of Footnote</p>
<p>7Â Thus, after over two years of incarceration for crimes he did not commit,
Paul was granted the opportunity to present his case in Rome. Before his
departure, however, another ruler wanted to see him.</p>
<p>Box, page 200.</p>
<p>Appealing on Behalf of True Worship in Modern Times</p>
<p>Jehovahâs Witnesses have at times appealed to high courts in hopes of
removing obstacles to the preaching of the good news of Godâs Kingdom. Here
are two examples.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page158">158</pagenum><p>On March 28, 1938,
the U.S. Supreme Court overturned state court decisions and exonerated a group
of Witnesses who had been arrested for distributing Bible literature in
Griffin, Georgia, U.S.A. This was the first of many appeals made to that high
court regarding the right of the Witnesses to preach the good news. *</p>
<p>Footnote For a more recent example, see the account of the U.S. Supreme
Courtâs decision regarding free speech, which was published in
<em>Awake</em><em>!</em> January 8, 2003, p3-11. End of Footnote</p>
<p>Another case involved a Witness in Greece named Minos Kokkinakis. Over a
period of 48 years, he was arrested more than 60 times for âproselytism.â
On 18 occasions, he faced prosecution in court. He spent years in prison and in
exile on remote islands in the Aegean Sea. After his last conviction in 1986,
Brother Kokkinakis lost his appeals to the higher courts of Greece. He then
sought relief through the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). On May 25,
1993, that Court ruled that Greece had violated Brother Kokkinakisâ freedom
of religion.</p>
<p>Jehovahâs Witnesses have appealed to the ECHR for relief in dozens of
cases, prevailing in most of them. No other organization, religious or
otherwise, has had such success in defending basic human rights before the
ECHR.</p>
<p>Do others benefit from the legal victories of Jehovahâs Witnesses? Scholar
Charles C. Haynes wrote: âWe all owe the Jehovahâs Witnesses a debt of
gratitude. No matter how many times theyâre insulted, run out of town or even
physically attacked, they keep on fighting for their (and thus our) freedom of
religion. And when they win, we all win.â End of Box</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 197: We appeal unfavorable legal decisions</p>
<p>âI Did Not Become Disobedientâ (Acts 25:13â26:23)</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. Why did King Agrippa visit Caesarea?</p>
<p>8Â Some days after Festus heard Paulâs appeal to Caesar, King Agrippa and
his sister Bernice paid âa visit of courtesyâ to the new governor. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âKing Herod Agrippa II,â on p201. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>In Roman times, it was customary for officials to make such
visits to newly appointed governors. By congratulating Festus on his
appointment, Agrippa was undoubtedly trying to cement political and personal
ties that could be useful in the future.âActs 25:13.</p>
</blockquote ><p>9Â Festus told the king about Paul, and Agrippa was intrigued.
The next day, the two rulers sat down on the judgment seat. But their power and
pomp were by no means more impressive than the words that the prisoner before
them was about to speak.âActs 25:22-27.</p>
<p>Box, page 201.</p>
<p>King Herod Agrippa II</p>
<p>The Agrippa referred to in Acts chapter 25 was King Herod Agrippa II,
great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of the Herod who had attacked the
Jerusalem congregation 14Â years earlier. (Acts 12:1) Agrippa was the last of
the Herodian princes.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page159">159</pagenum><p>At the death of his
father in 44Â C.E., 17-year-old Agrippa was in Rome, where he was being
educated at the court of Roman Emperor Claudius. The emperorâs advisers
considered Agrippa too young to inherit his fatherâs domain; thus, a Roman
governor was appointed instead. Even so, according to Flavius Josephus, while
Agrippa was still in Rome, he intervened for the Jews and represented their
interests.</p>
<p>In about 50Â C.E., Claudius assigned Agrippa kingship over Chalcis and in
53Â C.E., over Ituraea, Trachonitis, and Abilene. Agrippa was also given
oversight of Jerusalemâs temple, with authority to appoint the Jewish high
priests. Claudiusâ successor Nero extended Agrippaâs realm to include parts
of Galilee and Perea. At the time of his meeting Paul, Agrippa was in Caesarea
with his sister Bernice, who had left her husband, the king of Cilicia.âActs
25:13.</p>
<p>In 66Â C.E., when Agrippaâs efforts failed to calm the Jewish rebellion
against Rome, he himself became a target of the rebels, and he was left no
choice but to join the Romans. After the Jewish revolt was crushed, a new
emperor, Vespasian, gave Agrippa further territories as a reward. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 10, 11. How did Paul accord Agrippa respect, and what details about
Paulâs own past did the apostle reveal to the king?</p>
<p>10Â Paul respectfully thanked King Agrippa for the opportunity to present a
defense to him, acknowledging that the king was an expert on all the customs as
well as the controversies among Jews. Paul then described his past life:
âAccording to the strictest sect of our form of worship I lived a
Pharisee.â (Acts 26:5) As a Pharisee, Paul had hoped in the coming of the
Messiah. Now, as a Christian, he boldly identified Jesus Christ as that
long-awaited one. A belief that he and his accusers had in commonâthat is,
the hope of the fulfillment of Godâs promise Page 199 to their
forefathersâwas the reason that Paul was on trial that day. This situation
left Agrippa even more interested in what Paul had to say. *</p>
<p>Footnote As a Christian, Paul accepted Jesus as the Messiah. The Jews, who
rejected Jesus, viewed Paul as an apostate.âActs 21:21,27,28. End of
Footnote</p>
<p>11Â Recalling his past outrageous treatment of Christians, Paul said: âI,
for one, really thought within myself I ought to commit many acts of opposition
against the name of Jesus the Nazarene ... Since I was extremely mad against
them [the followers of Christ], I went so far as to persecuting them even in
outside cities.â (Acts 26:9-11) Paul was not exaggerating. Many people knew
of the violence he had done to the Christians. (Gal. 1:13,23) âWhat could
have changed such a man?â Agrippa may have wondered.</p>
<p>Question 12, 13. (a)Â How did Paul describe his conversion? (b)Â How had
Paul been âkicking against the goadsâ?</p>
<p>12Â Paulâs next words provided the answer: âAs I was journeying to
Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, I saw at
midday on the road, O king, a light beyond the brilliance of the sun flash from
heaven about me and about those journeying with me. And when we had all fallen
to the ground I heard a voice say to me in the Hebrew language, âSaul, Saul,
why are you persecuting me? To keep kicking </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page160">160</pagenum><p>against the goads makes it hard for you.â But I
said, âWho are Page 200 you, Lord?â And the Lord said, âI am Jesus, whom
you are persecuting.ââ * âActs 26:12-15.</p>
<p>Footnote Regarding Paulâs words that he was journeying âat midday,â
one Bible scholar noted: âUnless a traveller was in a really desperate hurry
he rested during the midday heat. So we see how Paul was driving himself on
this mission of persecution.â End of Footnote</p>
<p>13Â Before this supernatural event, Paul had figuratively been âkicking
against the goads.â Just as a beast of burden would injure itself
unnecessarily by kicking against the sharp end of an oxgoad, Paul had hurt
himself spiritually by resisting the will of God. By appearing to Paul on the
road to Damascus, the resurrected Jesus caused this sincere but clearly
misguided man to change his thinking.âJohn 16:1,2.</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. What did Paul say regarding the changes that he had made in
his life?</p>
<p>14Â Paul did indeed make drastic changes in his life. Addressing Agrippa, he
said: âI did not become disobedient to the heavenly sight, but both to those
in Damascus first and to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Judea,
and to the nations I went bringing the message that they should repent and turn
to God by doing works that befit repentance.â (Acts 26:19,20) For years, Paul
had been fulfilling the commission that Jesus Christ had given him in that
midday vision. With what results? Those who responded to the good news that
Paul preached repented of their immoral, dishonest conduct and turned to God.
Such ones became good citizens, contributing to and showing respect for law and
order.</p>
<p>15Â Those benefits, however, meant nothing to Paulâs Jewish opposers. Paul
said: âOn account of these things Jews seized Page 201 me in the temple and
attempted to slay me. However, because I have obtained the help that is from
God I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great.ââActs
26:21,22.</p>
<p>Question 16. How may we imitate Paul when speaking to judges and rulers
about our beliefs?</p>
<p>16Â As true Christians, we must be âalways ready to make a defenseâ of
our faith. (1Â Pet. 3:15) When speaking to judges and rulers about our beliefs,
we may find it helpful to imitate the method Paul used in speaking to Agrippa
and Festus. By respectfully telling them how Bible truths have changed lives
for the betterâour own life as well as the lives of those who respond to our
messageâwe may touch the hearts of these high officials.</p>
<p>âYou Would Persuade Me to Become a Christianâ (Acts 26:24-32)</p>
<p>Question 17. How did Festus react to Paulâs defense, and what similar
attitude is seen today?</p>
<p>17Â As they listened to Paulâs persuasive testimony, the two rulers could
not remain detached. Note what took place: âNow as [Paul] was Page 202 saying
these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: âYou are going mad,
Paul! Great learning is driving you into madness!ââ (Acts 26:24) Festusâ
outburst may have betrayed an attitude seen even today. To many people, those
who teach what the Bible really says are fanatics. </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page161">161</pagenum><p>Worldly-wise ones often find it hard to accept the
Bible teaching of the resurrection of the dead.</p>
<p>Question 18. How did Paul respond to Festus, leading to what response from
Agrippa?</p>
<p>18Â But Paul had a reply for the governor: âI am not going mad, Your
Excellency Festus, but I am uttering sayings of truth and of soundness of mind.
In reality, the king to whom I am speaking with freeness of speech well knows
about these things ... Do you, King Agrippa, believe the Prophets? I know you
believe.â Agrippa responded: âIn a short time you would persuade me to
become a Christian.â (Acts 26:25-28) These words, sincere or not, show that
Paulâs witness had a profound effect on the king.</p>
<p>Question 19. What decision did Festus and Agrippa make regarding Paul?</p>
<p>19Â Then Agrippa and Festus stood, signaling an end to the audience. âAs
they withdrew they began talking with one another, saying: âThis man
practices nothing deserving death or bonds.â Moreover, Agrippa said to
Festus: âThis man could have been released if he had not appealed to
Caesar.ââ (Acts 26:31,32) They knew that an innocent man had stood before
them. Perhaps they would now look with greater favor on Christians.</p>
<p>Question 20. What results did Paulâs witness to high officials produce?</p>
<p>20Â Neither of the powerful rulers in this account seems to have accepted
the good news of Godâs Kingdom. Was there wisdom in the apostle Paulâs
appearing before those men? The answer is yes. Paulâs âbeing haled before
kings and governorsâ in Judea resulted in a witness reaching areas of the
Roman government that might then have been inaccessible. (Luke 21:12,13) Also,
his experiences and faithfulness under trial encouraged his brothers and
sisters in the faith.âPhil. 1:12-14.</p>
<p>Question 21. By pressing on with the Kingdom work, what positive results may
we see?</p>
<p>21Â The same is true today. By pressing on with the Kingdom work despite
trials and opposition, we may see a number of positive results. We may give a
witness to officials who might otherwise be difficult to reach. Our faithful
endurance may be a source of encouragement to our Christian brothers and
sisters, moving them to show even greater boldness in the work of bearing
thorough witness about Godâs Kingdom.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 203 Chapter 26 âNot a Soul of You Will Be
Lostâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Paul faces shipwreck, showing great faith and love
for people</p>
<p>Based on Acts 27:1--28:10</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1, 2. What kind of voyage is Paul facing, and what
might be some of his concerns?</p>
<p>1 Paul turns the words over in his mind, for they will have a great bearing
on his future. âTo Caesar you shall go,â Governor Festus had said. Paul has
spent two years cooped up in prison, so the long trip to Rome will, at the
least, bring a change of scenery. </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page162">162</pagenum><p>(Acts 25:12) However, Paulâs many vivid memories
of sea voyages involve far more than refreshing breezes and open horizons. The
prospect of this voyage to appear before Caesar may also raise a number of
grave questions in Paulâs mind.</p>
<p>2Â Paul has been âin dangers at seaâ many times, having survived three
shipwrecks, even spending a night and a day in the open sea. (2Â Cor. 11:25,26)
Furthermore, this trip will be quite unlike the missionary journeys he has
taken as a free man. Paul will be traveling as a prisoner and over a tremendous
distanceâsome 2,000 miles from Caesarea to Rome. Can he survive such a voyage
unscathed? Even if he can, is he sailing toward his own doom? Remember, he
faces the judgment of the mightiest secular power in Satanâs world at that
time.</p>
<p>Question 3. What was Paulâs determination, and what will we discuss in
this chapter?</p>
<p>3Â After all that you have read about Paul, do you think that he gave in to
hopelessness and despair over the prospect before him? Hardly! He knew that
hardships lay ahead, but he did not know what form his troubles would take. Why
should he bury the joy of his ministry under a load of anxiety about things he
could not control? (Matt. 6:27,34) Paul knew that Jehovahâs will for him was
that he use every occasion to preach the good news of Godâs Kingdom, even to
secular rulers. (Acts 9:15) Paul was determined to live up to his commission,
come what may. Is that not our determination as well? So let us follow Paul on
this historic voyage as we weigh the practical value of his example.</p>
<p>âThe Winds Were Contraryâ (Acts 27:1-7a)</p>
<p>Question 4. On what kind of vessel did Paul begin his voyage, and who were
his companions?</p>
<p>4Â Paul and some other prisoners were entrusted to the care of a Roman
officer named Julius, who chose to board a merchant ship that had arrived at
Caesarea. The ship had come from Adramyttium, a port Page 204 on the west coast
of Asia Minor, across from the city of Mitylene on the of islandLesbos. This
ship would sail north and then westward, making stops to unload and take on
cargo. Such vessels were not outfitted for passenger comfort, especially not
for prisoners. (See the box âSea Travel and Trade Routes.â ) Thankfully,
Paul would not be the only Christian among a group of criminals. At least two
fellow believers accompanied himâAristarchus and Luke. It was Luke, of
course, who penned the account. We do not know whether these two loyal
companions paid for their passage or acted as servants to Paul.âActs
27:1,2.</p>
<p>Box, page 204.</p>
<p>Sea Travel and Trade Routes</p>
<p>In the ancient world, ships were principally used to transport cargo, not to
accommodate passengers. Travelers who wanted to make a voyage had to look for a
merchant vessel that was about to sail in the desired direction, haggle over
the price of passage, and then wait until the ship sailed.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page163">163</pagenum><p>Thousands of vessels
crisscrossed the Mediterranean to transport foodstuffs and other merchandise.
Many who secured passage on such ships would have to sleep on deck, perhaps
under a tentlike shelter that they themselves erected at night and dismantled
each morning. They would also have to take with them all that they needed for
the journey, including food and bedding.</p>
<p>The duration of voyages depended entirely on the winds. Because of inclement
weather during the winter, navigation was generally considered closed from
mid-November to midMarch. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 5. What fellowship was Paul able to enjoy at Sidon, and what may we
learn from this?</p>
<p>5Â After spending one day at sea and traveling about 70Â miles north, the
ship docked at Sidon, on the Syrian coast. Apparently Julius did not treat Paul
as an ordinary criminal, possibly because Paul was a Roman citizen who had not
been proved guilty. (Acts 22:27,28; 26:31,32) Julius let Paul go ashore to see
fellow Christians. How the brothers and sisters must have enjoyed caring for
the apostle after his long imprisonment! Can you think of occasions when you
might be able to provide similar loving hospitality and be upbuilt in
return?âActs 27:3.</p>
<p>Question 6-8. How did Paulâs journey progress from Sidon to Cnidus, and
what opportunities did Paul likely seize with regard to preaching?</p>
<p>6Â Putting out to sea from Sidon, the ship then continued up the coast and
past Cilicia, near Paulâs hometown, Tarsus. Luke does not mention other
stops, although he includes the ominous detail that âthe winds were
contrary.â (Acts 27:4,5) Still, we can envision Paul seizing every
opportunity to share the good news. Surely he witnessed to fellow prisoners and
others on board, including the crew and the soldiers, as well as to people at
any of the ports where the ship docked. Do we today likewise make good use of
the opportunities to preach that are open to us?</p>
<p>7Â In Page 205 time, the ship reached Myra, a port on the southern coast of
Asia Minor. There Paul and others had to change to another vessel, which would
take them to Rome, their final destination. (Acts 27:6) In those days, Egypt
was a granary for Rome, and Egyptian grain ships docked at Myra. Julius located
such a ship and had the soldiers and prisoners board. This vessel must have
been much larger than the first ship. It carried a valuable cargo of wheat as
well as 276Â peopleâthe crew, the soldiers, the prisoners, and likely others
heading to Rome. Clearly, with this change of ships, Paulâs witnessing
territory expanded, and he undoubtedly took advantage of that situation.</p>
<p>8Â The next stop was Cnidus, on the southwest corner of Asia Minor. With
favorable winds, a ship could cover that distance in about a day. Yet, Luke
reports that they were âsailing on slowly quite a number of days and coming
to Cnidus with difficulty.â (Acts 27:7a) Sailing conditions had deteriorated.
(See the box âThe Contrary Winds of the Mediterranean,â on page 208. )
Think of the people on board as the ship bucked the strong winds and rough
waters.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page164">164</pagenum><p>Box, page 208.</p>
<p>The Contrary Winds of the Mediterranean</p>
<p>The wind and the season greatly affected where and when ancient merchant
ships sailed the Mediterranean, or the GreatSea. On the seaâs eastern end,
the wind usually blew from west to east during midyear. This made sailing
eastward easier, as Paul experienced while returning from his third missionary
tour. He and his companions were on a ship that left Miletus, passed Rhodes,
and docked at Patara. It was almost a straight run from there to Tyre, on the
coast of Phoenicia. Luke writes that they passed Cyprus on their left, meaning
that they sailed to the south of Cyprus.âActs 21:1-3.</p>
<p>What about sailing in the opposite direction, going westward? Ships might
move westward along a similar route if the wind permitted. But sometimes that
was virtually impossible. âIn winter,â states <em>The International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia</em>, âthe atmosphere is much less stable and
powerful cyclones move eastward across the Mediterranean bringing with them
strong winds, sometimes of gale force, and often torrential rain or even
snow.â Under such conditions, the hazards were great.</p>
<p>In almost any season, vessels close to shore could move northward up the
coast of Palestine and continue westward by Pamphylia. On the latter stretch,
breezes from the mainland and west-flowing currents could help ships. That was
the case with the vessel on which prisoner Paul made the first leg of his trip
to Rome. Yet, the winds could turn âcontrary.â (Acts 27:4) The grain ship
that figured prominently in Lukeâs account may have sailed north from Egypt
and then around into the protected waters between Cyprus and Asia Minor. From
Myra, the captain intended to keep going westwardâaround the tip of Greece
and up the west coast of Italy. (Acts 27:5,6) However, the wind and the season
held something else in store for that voyage! End of Box</p>
<p>âViolently Tossed With the Tempestâ (Acts 27:7b-26)</p>
<p>Question 9, 10. What difficulties arose in the vicinity of Crete?</p>
<p>9Â The shipâs captain planned to continue westward from Cnidus, but
eyewitness Luke says that âthe wind did not let us.â (Acts 27:7b) As the
ship moved away from the mainland, it lost the shore current, and then a
powerful adverse wind from the northwest pushed it southward, perhaps at great
speed. Just as the island of Cyprus had earlier sheltered the coastal vessel
from contrary winds, this time, the of islandCrete did so. Once the ship
passed the promontory of Salmone at the east end of Crete, things improved a
bit. Why? The ship came to be on the lee, or southern, side of the island, so
there was some protection from the powerful winds. Imagine the relief that
those on board must have feltâat first! But as long as the ship was at sea,
the crew could not ignore the approach of winter. They had cause for
concern.</p>
<p>10Â Luke states with precision: âCoasting along [Crete] <em>with</em>
<em>difficulty</em> we came to a certain place called Fair Havens.â Even in
the shelter of the landmass, it was hard to control the ship. At last, though,
they found an anchorage in a small bay that is thought to lie in the region
just before the coast turns northward. How long did they remain there?
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page165">165</pagenum><p>Luke says a
âconsiderable time,â but time was not in their favor. In September/October,
navigation was more hazardous.âActs 27:8,9.</p>
<p>Question 11. Paul gave his shipmates what advice, yet what decision was
made?</p>
<p>11Â Some passengers may have sought Paulâs advice because of his
experience in traveling the Mediterranean. He recommended that the Page 207
ship not sail on. If it did, there would be âdamage and great loss,â maybe
even loss of life. However, the pilot and the shipowner wanted to keep going,
possibly feeling it urgent to find a safer location. They convinced Julius, and
the majority felt that they should try to reach Phoenix, a port farther along
the coast. It may have had a larger and better harbor in which to spend the
winter. So when a deceptively soft breeze from the south blew, the ship
departed.âActs 27:10-13.</p>
<p>Question 12. After leaving Crete, the ship faced what dangers, and how did
the crew attempt to stave off disaster?</p>
<p>12Â Then came more trouble: a âtempestuous windâ from the northeast. For
a time, they found shelter behind a âsmall island called Caudaâ some 40Â
miles from Fair Havens. Still, the ship was in danger of being driven southward
until it would crash on the sandbanks off the coast of Africa. Frantic to avoid
that end, the sailors pulled in the small boat that the ship was towing. They
struggled to perform the task, for the skiff was likely full of water. Then
they labored to undergird the large ship, passing ropes or chains under it to
hold its planks together. And they lowered its gear, the mainsail or rigging,
and strained to keep the ship headed into the wind to weather the storm.
Imagine how terrifying this experience must have been! Even these measures were
not enough, as the ship continued to be âviolently tossed with the
tempest.â On the third day, they heaved the tackling overboard, probably to
recover buoyancy.âActs 27:14-19.</p>
<p>Question 13. What must life have been like aboard Paulâs ship during the
storm?</p>
<p>13Â Terror must have reigned. But Paul and his companions were of good
courage. The Lord had previously assured Paul that the apostle would bear
witness in Rome, and an angel later confirmed this promise. (Acts 19:21; 23:11)
Nevertheless, night and day for two weeks, the driving storm kept on. Because
of unrelenting rain and a thick cloud cover that blocked out the sun and stars,
the pilot could not make sightings to determine the shipâs location or
heading. Even a normal meal would have been out of the question. How could
anyone think of eating, given the cold, rain, seasickness, and fear?</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. (a)Â In speaking to his shipmates, why did Paul mention his
earlier warning? (b)Â What may we learn from the hopeful message that Paul
delivered?</p>
<p>14Â Paul stood up. He mentioned his earlier warning but not as if to say,
âI told you so.â Rather, the unfolding of events was proof that his words
were well worth heeding. Then he said: âNow I recommend to you to be of good
cheer, for not a soul of you will be lost, only the boat will.â (Acts
27:21,22) How those words must have warmed the hearts of his listeners! Paul
would have been intensely pleased, too, that Jehovah had given him such a
hopeful message to share. It is vital that we remember that Jehovah cares about
</p><pagenum page="normal" id="page166">166</pagenum><p>every human life. Each
person matters Page 208 to him. The apostle Peter wrote: âJehovah ... does
not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.â (2Â
Pet. 3:9) How urgent it is, then, that we endeavor to share Jehovahâs message
of hope with as many people as possible! Precious lives are at stake.</p>
<p>15Â Likely Paul had been witnessing to many on the ship about âthe hope of
the promise that was made by God.â (Acts 26:6; Col. 1:5) Now, with shipwreck
probable, Paul could offer a powerful basis for a more immediate hope. He said:
âThis night there stood near me an angel ..., saying, âHave no fear, Paul.
You must stand before Caesar, and, look! God has freely given you all those
sailing with you.ââ Paul urged them: âTherefore be of good cheer, men;
for I believe God that it will be exactly as it has been told me. However, we
must be cast ashore on a certain island.ââActs 27:23-26.</p>
<p>âAll Were Brought Safely to Landâ (Acts 27:27-44)</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. (a)Â Paul took what occasion to pray, and with what effect?
(b)Â How did Paulâs warning come to be fulfilled?</p>
<p>16Â After two frightful weeks, during which the ship was driven some 540Â
miles, the sailors sensed a change, maybe hearing breakers. They Page 209 let
out anchors from the stern to prevent drift and to direct the bow toward land
in case they could beach the ship. At that point, they attempted to leave the
ship but were prevented from doing so by the soldiers. Paul told the army
officer and the soldiers: âUnless these men remain in the boat, you cannot be
saved.â With the ship now a bit steadier, Paul urged all to take a meal,
assuring them again that they would survive. Paul then âgave thanks to God
before them all.â (Acts 27:31,35) In offering this appreciative prayer, he
set an example for Luke, Aristarchus, and Christians today. Are your public
prayers a source of encouragement and comfort to others?</p>
<p>17Â Following Paulâs prayer, âthey all became cheerful and themselves
began taking some food.â (Acts 27:36) They further lightened the ship by
jettisoning the cargo of wheat, thus giving the ship a shallower draft for its
approach to the shore. When day arrived, the crew cut away the anchors,
unlashed the rudder oars at the stern, and hoisted a small foresail so that
they would have some maneuverability as they ran the ship aground. Then the
front of the ship got stuck, perhaps on a sandbar or in mud, and the stern
started to break apart under the crashing waves. Some soldiers wanted to kill
the prisoners so that none would escape, but Julius intervened to prevent this.
He urged all to swim or float to shore. What Paul had foretold came trueâall
276 survived. Yes, âall were brought safely to land.â But where were
they?âActs 27:44.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 206: âHe ... gave thanks to God before them
all.ââActs 27:35</p>
<p>Picture Description: Paul prays for weary travelers in the hold of a cargo
ship.</p>
<p>âExtraordinary Human Kindnessâ (Acts 28:1-10)</p>
<p>Question 18-20. How did the people of Malta show âextraordinary human
kindness,â and what miracle did God perform through Paul?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page167">167</pagenum><p>18Â It turned out
that the survivors were on the island of Malta, south of Sicily. (See the box
âMaltaâWhere?â) The foreign-speaking people of the island showed them
âextraordinary human kindness.â (Acts 28:2) They made a fire for these
strangers who had reached their shore Page 210 drenched and shivering. The fire
helped them to get warm despite the cold and rain. It also gave rise to a
miracle.</p>
<p>19Â Paul lent a hand for the general good. He collected some sticks, which
he put on the fire. As he did so, a poisonous viper emerged and bit him,
fastening onto his hand. The Maltese people thought this was some sort of
divine punishment. *</p>
<p>Footnote That the people knew of such snakes indicates that vipers existed
on the island back then. In modern times, vipers are not found on Malta. That
difference might well be the result of changes in the habitat over the
centuries. Or the increase in human population on the island may have
eradicated vipers. End of Footnote</p>
<p>20Â The local people who saw that Paul had been bitten thought that he would
âswell up with inflammation.â The original-language word found here is âa
medical term,â according to one reference work. It is not surprising that
such an expression might readily come to the mind of âLuke the beloved
physician.â (Acts 28:6; Col. 4:14) At any rate, Paul shook off the venomous
serpent and was unharmed.</p>
<p>Box, page 209.</p>
<p>MaltaâWhere?</p>
<p>Various islands have at times been suggested as the âMaltaâ where Paul
was shipwrecked. One theory singled out an island near Corfu, off the western
coast of Greece. Another suggestion is based on the word for âMaltaâ used
in Acts. That Greek word is <em>Me-li-te.</em> Therefore, some have pointed to
Melite Illyrica, now known as Mljet, located off the coast of Croatia, in the
Adriatic Sea.</p>
<p>Granted, Acts 27:27 does mention âthe sea of Adria,â but in Paulâs day
âAdriaâ applied to an area larger than the present Adriatic Sea. It
included the Ionian Sea and waters east of Sicily and west of Crete, thus
encompassing the sea near modern-day Malta.</p>
<p>The ship on which Paul traveled was forced southward from Cnidus to below
Crete. In view of the prevailing winds in that storm, it is hardly likely that
the ship then turned and sailed as far northward as Mljet or an island near
Corfu. So a more likely location for Malta would be farther to the west. That
makes the island of Malta, south of Sicily, the probable location where the
shipwreck occurred. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 21. (a)Â What are some examples of exactness, or accuracy, that we
find in this portion of Lukeâs account? (b)Â What miracles did Paul perform,
and with what effect on the Maltese people?</p>
<p>21Â The wealthy landowner Publius lived in the area. He may have been the
leading Roman officer on Malta. Luke described him as âthe <em>principal</em>
<em>man</em> of the island,â employing the exact title that has been found on
two Maltese inscriptions. He hospitably entertained Paul and his companions for
three days. However, Publiusâ father was ill. </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page168">168</pagenum><p>Again Luke described a condition with accuracy. He
wrote that the man âwas lying down distressed with fever and dysentery,â
citing the precise medical nature of the illness. Paul prayed and laid his
hands on the man, and he was healed. Deeply impressed by this miracle, the
local people brought other sick ones to be healed, and they brought gifts to
fill the needs of Paul and his companions.âActs 28:7-10.</p>
<p>Question 22. (a)Â How has one professor praised Lukeâs account of the
voyage to Rome? (b)Â What will we consider in the next chapter?</p>
<p>22Â The portion of Paulâs voyage that we have considered so far resounds
with accuracy and truth. One professor said: âLukeâs account ... stands out
as one of the most vivid pieces of descriptive writing in the whole Bible. Its
details regarding first-century seamanship are so precise and its portrayal of
conditions on the eastern Mediterranean so accurateâ that it must have been
based on a written journal. Luke may well have made such notes as he traveled
with the apostle. If so, the next leg of the trip gave him plenty to write
about as well. What would happen to Paul when they finally arrived in Rome? Let
us see.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 211 Chapter 27 âBearing Thorough Witnessâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Imprisoned in Rome, Paul continues to preach</p>
<p>Based on Acts 28:11-31</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1. What confidence do Paul and his companions have,
and why?</p>
<p>1 A vessel bearing the figurehead âSons of Zeus,â likely a large grain
carrier, is sailing from the Mediterranean island of Malta to Italy. The year
is about 59Â C.E. On board are the apostle Paulâa prisoner under escortâand
fellow Christians Luke and Aristarchus. (Acts 27:2) Unlike the shipâs crew,
these evangelizers seek no protection from the sons of the Greek god Zeusâthe
twin brothers Castor and Pollux. (Acts 28:11, ftn.) Rather, Paul and his
companions serve Jehovah, who made known that Paul would bear witness to the
truth in Rome and stand before Caesar.âActs 23:11; 27:24.</p>
<p>Question 2, 3. What route does Paulâs ship take, and what support has Paul
enjoyed from the start?</p>
<p>2Â Three days after docking at Syracuse, a beautiful Sicilian city rivaling
Athens and Rome, the ship sails to Rhegium on the toe of the Italian peninsula.
Then, aided by a south wind, the vessel makes the 175-nautical-mile trip to the
Italian port of Puteoli (near modern-day Naples) in optimum time, arriving on
the second day.âActs 28:12,13.</p>
<p>3Â Paul is now on the final leg of his trip to Rome, where he will appear
before Emperor Nero. From start to finish, âthe God of all comfortâ has
been with Paul. (2Â Cor. 1:3) As we shall see, that support does not diminish;
nor does Paul lose his zeal as a missionary.</p>
<p>âPaul Thanked God and Took Courageâ (Acts 28:14,15)</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page169">169</pagenum><p>Question 4, 5. (a)Â
What hospitality did Paul and his companions receive at Puteoli, and why may he
have been granted so much liberty? (b)Â Even when in prison, how may Christians
benefit from their good conduct?</p>
<p>4Â At Puteoli, Paul and his companions âfound brothers and were entreated
to remain with them seven days.â (Acts 28:14) What a wonderful example of
Christian hospitality! No doubt those hospitable brothers were repaid many
times over by the spiritual encouragement they received from Paul and his
companions. Why, though, would a prisoner under watch be granted so much
liberty? Possibly because the apostle had won the full trust of his Roman
guards.</p>
<p>5Â Likewise Page 212 today, Jehovahâs servants, while in prisons and
concentration camps, have often been granted special freedoms and privileges
because of their Christian conduct. In Romania, for example, a man serving 75Â
years for robbery began to study Godâs Word and underwent a remarkable change
in personality. In response, the prison authorities assigned him to go into
townâunescortedâto purchase items for the prison! Above all, of course, our
good conduct glorifies Jehovah.â1Â Pet. 2:12.</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. How did the Roman brothers show extraordinary love?</p>
<p>6Â From Puteoli, Paul and his companions likely walked some 30Â miles to
Capua on the Appian Way, which led to Rome. Paved with large, flat blocks of
lava, this famous road offered splendid views of the Italian countryside and,
at certain points along its course, of the Mediterranean Sea. The road also
took travelers through the Pontine Marshes, a swampy area some 40Â miles from
Rome and the location of the Marketplace of Appius. When the brothers in Rome
âheard the news about us,â wrote Luke, some came as far as the Marketplace,
while others waited at Three Taverns, a rest stop about 30 miles from Rome.
What extraordinary love!âActs 28:15.</p>
<p>7Â The Marketplace of Appius provided little comfort for the traveler
needing a respite from the rigors of his journey. Roman poet and satirist
Horace describes the Marketplace as âcrowded with sailors and surly
inn-keepers.â He wrote that âthe water was most execrable,â or foul. And
he even refused to dine there! Despite all the discomforts, however, the
delegation from Rome happily waited for Paul and his companions in order to
escort them safely along the final leg of their journey.</p>
<p>Question 8. Why did Paul thank God âupon catching sight ofâ his
brothers?</p>
<p>8Â âUpon catching sight ofâ his brothers, the account says, âPaul
thanked God and took courage.â (Acts 28:15) Yes, at the mere sight of these
dear ones, some of whom the apostle may have known personally, he felt
strengthened and comforted. Why did Paul thank God? He knew that unselfish love
is an aspect of the spiritâs fruitage. (Gal. 5:22) Today, too, holy spirit
moves Christians to put themselves out for one another and to comfort those in
need.â1Â Thess. 5:11,14.</p>
<p>Question 9. How can we reflect the spirit that was shown by the brothers who
met Paul?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page170">170</pagenum><p>9Â For example, holy
spirit impels responsive ones to extend hospitality to traveling overseers,
visiting missionaries, and other full-time servants, many of whom have made
great sacrifices in order to serve Jehovah more fully. Ask yourself: âCan I
do more to support the visit of the circuit overseer, perhaps showing
hospitality to him and his wife if he is married? Can I arrange to work along
with them in the ministry?â In return, you may receive a rich blessing. For
example, imagine the joy the Roman brothers felt as they listened to Paul and
his companions relate some of their many upbuilding experiences.âActs
15:3,4.</p>
<p>âEverywhere It Is Spoken Againstâ (Acts 28:16-22)</p>
<p>Question 10. What were Paulâs circumstances in Rome, and what did the
apostle do soon after his arrival?</p>
<p>10Â When the band of travelers finally entered into Rome, âPaul was
permitted to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.â (Acts 28:16) For
those in light custody, security against escape usually called for a chain that
bound the prisoner to his guard. Even so, Paul was a Kingdom proclaimer, and a
chain certainly could not silence him. Hence, after giving himself just three
days to recover from the journey, he called together the principal men of the
Jews in Rome in order to introduce himself and give a witness.</p>
<p>Question 11, 12. When speaking to his fellow Jews, how did Paul attempt to
break down any prejudice they may have had?</p>
<p>11Â âMen, brothers,â said Paul, âalthough I had done nothing contrary
to the people or the customs of our forefathers, I was delivered over as a
prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. And these, after making
an examination, were desirous of releasing me, as there was no cause for death
in me. But when the Jews kept speaking against it, I was compelled to appeal to
Caesar, but not as though I had anything of which to accuse my
nation.ââActs 28:17-19.</p>
<p>12Â By addressing his Jewish listeners as âbrothers,â Paul tried to
establish common ground with them and break down any prejudice they may have
had. (1Â Cor. 9:20) Also, he made it clear that he was there, not Page 214 to
point an accusing finger at his fellow Jews, but to appeal to Caesar. Paulâs
appeal, however, was news to the local Jewish community. (Acts 28:21) Why this
apparent lapse in communication on the part of the Jews in Judea? One reference
work states: âPaulâs ship must have been among the first that arrived in
Italy after the winter, and representatives of the Jewish authorities in
Jerusalem could not have arrived, nor could a letter about the case.â</p>
<p>Question 13, 14. How did Paul introduce the Kingdom theme, and how can we
imitate his example?</p>
<p>13Â Paul now introduced the Kingdom theme by way of a statement that was
sure to arouse the curiosity of his Jewish guests. He said: âReally on this
account I entreated to see and speak to you, for because of the hope of Israel
this chain I have around me.â (Acts 28:20) That hope, of course, was bound
up in the Messiah and his Kingdom, as proclaimed by the Christian
congregation. âWe think it proper to hear from you what </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page171">171</pagenum><p>your thoughts are,â replied the
Jewish elders, âfor truly as regards this sect it is known to us that
everywhere it is spoken against.ââActs 28:22.</p>
<p>14Â When we have the opportunity to share the good news, we can imitate Paul
by using thought-provoking statements or questions to arouse the interest of
our listeners. Excellent suggestions can be found in such publications as
<em>Reasoning From the Scriptures</em> and Page 215 <em>Benefit From </em>
TheocraticMinistrySchool<em> Education</em><em>.</em> Are you making good use
of these Bible study aids?</p>
<p>âBearing Thorough WitnessââA Model for Us (Acts 28:23-29)</p>
<p>Question 15. What four things stand out concerning Paulâs witness?</p>
<p>15Â On the chosen day, the local Jews âcame in greater numbersâ to
Paulâs lodging place. Paul explained matters to them âby bearing thorough
witness concerning the of kingdomGod and by using persuasion with them
concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till
evening.â (Acts 28:23) Four things stand out in regard to Paulâs witness.
First, he focused on Godâs Kingdom. Second, he tried to appeal to his
listeners âby using persuasion.â Third, he reasoned from the Scriptures.
Fourth, he showed a selfless attitude, witnessing âfrom morning till
evening.â What a fine example for us! The result? âSome began to
believe,â while others would not. Dissension ensued, and the people âbegan
to depart,â reports Luke.âActs 28:24,25a.</p>
<p>Question 16-18. Why was the negative response of the Roman Jews no surprise
to Paul, and how should we feel when our message is rejected?</p>
<p>16Â This response was no surprise to Paul, for it harmonized with Bible
prophecy and followed a pattern with which he was familiar. (Acts 13:42-47;
18:5,6; 19:8,9) Hence, to his unreceptive departing guests, Paul said:Â âThe
holy spirit aptly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your forefathers, saying,
âGo to this people and say: âBy hearing, you will hear but by no means
understand; and, looking, you will look but by no means see. For the heart of
this people has grown unreceptive.âââ (Acts 28:25b-27) The
original-language term rendered âunreceptiveâ indicates a heart that was
âthickened,â or âfattened,â thus preventing the Kingdom message from
penetrating it. (Acts 28:27, ftn.) What a tragic situation!</p>
<p>17Â Unlike his Jewish listeners, âthe nations ... will certainly
listen,â said Paul in closing. (Acts 28:28; Ps. 67:2; Isa. 11:10) Indeed, the
apostle could speak with authority on that subject, for he had personally seen
many Gentiles respond to the Kingdom message!âActs 13:48; 14:27.</p>
<p>18Â Like Paul, let us not take it personally when people reject the good
news. After all, we know that comparatively few will find the road to life.
(Matt. 7:13,14) Moreover, when rightly disposed ones do take a stand for true
worship, let us rejoice and welcome them with an open heart.âLuke 15:7.</p>
<p>âPreaching the of KingdomGodâ (Acts 28:30,31)</p>
<p>Question 19. How did Paul make the most of his circumstances?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page172">172</pagenum><p>19Â Luke concludes
his narrative on a truly positive and warm note, saying: â[Paul] remained for
an entire two years in his own hired house, Page 216 and he would kindly
receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them and
teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness
of speech, without hindrance.â (Acts 28:30,31) What an outstanding example of
hospitality, faith, and zeal!</p>
<p>Question 20, 21. Mention some examples of those who benefited from Paulâs
ministry in Rome.</p>
<p>20Â One of those whom Paul kindly received was a man namedOnesimus, a
runaway slave from Colossae. Paul helped Onesimus to become a Christian,
andOnesimus, in turn, became a âfaithful and beloved brotherâ to Paul. In
fact, Paul described him as âmy child, to whom I became a father.â (Col.
4:9; Philem. 10-12) How Onesimus must have lifted Paulâs spirits! *</p>
<p>Footnote Paul wanted to keep Onesimus there with him, but this would have
violated Roman law and infringed on the rights ofOnesimusâ master, the
Christian Philemon. Hence, Onesimus returned to Philemon, taking along a letter
from Paul that encouraged Philemon to receive his slave kindly, as a spiritual
brother.âPhilem. 13-19. End of Footnote</p>
<p>21Â Others too benefited from Paulâs fine example. To the Philippians, he
wrote: âMy affairs have turned out for the advancement of the good news
rather than otherwise, so that my bonds have become public knowledge in
association with Christ among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest; and
most of the brothers in the Lord, feeling confidence by reason of my prison
bonds, are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God
fearlessly.ââPhil. 1:12-14.</p>
<p>Question 22. How did Paul take advantage of his confinement in Rome?</p>
<p>22Â Paul took advantage of his confinement in Rome to write important
letters that are now part of the Christian Greek Scriptures. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âThe Five Letters of Paulâs First Roman
Captivity,â on p212. End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>Interestingly, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul used Roman
armor to illustrate a Christianâs spiritual armor. (Eph. 6:11-17) Perhaps the
idea came to him while he was looking at his soldier guard. (Acts 28:16) What
is the lesson for us? If we are observant, we can often find good
illustrations in our surroundings.</p>
</blockquote ><p>Box, page 212.</p>
<p>The Five Letters of Paulâs First Roman Captivity</p>
<p>Five of the apostle Paulâs letters were written about 60-61Â C.E., during
his first captivity in Rome. In the letter to <em>Philemon,</em> a fellow
believer, Paul explains that Philemonâs runaway slave Onesimus had become a
Christian. Paul was Onesimusâ spiritual father and was sending the
âformerly uselessâ slave back to his owner as a Christian
brother.âPhilem. 10-12,16.</p>
<p>In his letter to the <em>Colossians, </em>Paul indicates that Onesimus was
âfrom amongâ them. (Col. 4:9) Onesimus and fellow Christian Tychicus had
the privilege of delivering both of </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page173">173</pagenum><p>the aforementioned letters as well as the one that
Paul wrote to the <em>Ephesians</em><em>.</em>âEph. 6:21.</p>
<p>When writing to the <em>Philippians,</em> Paul mentions his âprison
bondsâ and again speaks of the situation of the letter carrierâthis time,
Epaphroditus. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to assist Paul. But
Epaphroditus had become ill almost to the point of death. He had also become
depressed because the Philippians âheard he had fallen sick.â Hence, Paul
told them to treasure âmen of that sort.ââPhil. 1:7; 2:25-30.</p>
<p>The letter to the <em>Hebrews</em> was addressed to the Hebrew Christians in
Judea. Although the letter does not specifically identify the writer, evidence
suggests that it was Paul. The writing is in his style. Paul sends greetings
from Italy, and he mentions Timothy, who was with him in Rome.âPhil. 1:1;
Col. 1:1; Philem. 1; Heb. 13:23,24. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 23, 24. Like Paul, how have many modern-day Christians demonstrated
a positive attitude despite being unjustly confined?</p>
<p>23Â By the time of his release, which is not mentioned in Acts, Paul had
been in custody for some four yearsâtwo in Caesarea and two in Rome. *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âPaulâs Life After 61Â C.E.,â on p214. End of
Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Acts 23:35; 24:27) But he maintained a positive outlook, doing
all that he could in Godâs service. Likewise, many of Jehovahâs servants
today, though unjustly imprisoned because of their faith, have retained their
joy and kept preaching. Consider the example of Adolfo, who was imprisoned in
Spain because of his Christian neutrality. âWe are amazed at you,â said one
officer. âWe have been making life impossible for you, and the worse we made
it, the more you smiled and had a kind word.â</p>
</blockquote ><p>24Â In time, Adolfo was trusted to the point that his cell
door was left open. Soldiers would visit to ask about the Bible. One of the
guards would even go into Adolfoâs cell to read the Bible, while Adolfo would
keep a lookout. So the prisoner âguardedâ the sentry! May the fine example
of such faithful Witnesses move us to show âall the more courage to speak the
word of God fearlessly,â even under difficult circumstances.</p>
<p>Box, page 214.</p>
<p>Paulâs Life After 61Â C.E.</p>
<p>Likely in about 61Â C.E., Paul appeared before Emperor Nero, who apparently
pronounced him innocent. We do not know much about the apostleâs activities
thereafter. If he made his planned trip to Spain, it would have been during
this time. (Rom. 15:28) Paul traveled âto the extreme limit of the
,W[est],â wrote Clement of Rome in about 95Â C.E.</p>
<p>From Paulâs three letters dated to the period after his releaseâ1 and 2Â
Timothy and Titusâwe learn that Paul visited Crete, Macedonia, Nicopolis, and
Troas. (1Â Tim. 1:3; 2Â Tim. 4:13; Titus 1:5; 3:12) Perhaps it was in ,
NicopolisGreece, that he was again arrested. Whatever the case, in
approximately 65Â C.E., he was back in prison in Rome. This time, however, Nero
would show no mercy. Indeed, when a fire devastated the city in 64Â C.E.,
Neroâaccording to Roman historian Tacitusâhad falsely blamed the Christians
and initiated a brutal campaign of persecution.</p>
<p>In his second letter to Timothy, Paul, expecting imminent death, asked him
and Mark to come quickly. Noteworthy is the courage of Luke and Onesiphorus,
who risked their lives to comfort Paul. (2 Tim. 1:16,17; 4:6-9,11) Indeed, to
profess Christianity publicly was to risk arrest and death by torture. Paul
likely suffered martyrdom soon after writing his final letter to Timothy in
about 65Â C.E. Nero himself reportedly came to a violent end about three years
after Paulâs martyrdom. End of Box</p>
<p>Question 25, 26. In a little less than 30Â years, what amazing prophecy had
Paul seen fulfilled, and how does this compare with our time?</p>
<p>25Â An apostle of Christ under house arrest âpreaching the of
kingdomGodâ to all who visited himâwhat a heartwarming conclusion to the
dynamic book of Acts! In the first chapter, we read the commission that Jesus
gave his followers when he said: âYou will receive power when the holy spirit
arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all
Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.â (Acts 1:8) Now,
less than 30Â years later, the Kingdom message had been âpreached in all
creation that is under heaven.â *</p>
<p>Footnote See the box âThe Good News âPreached in All Creation.ââ
End of Footnote</p>
<blockquote ><p>(Col. 1:23) What a testimony to the power of Godâs
spirit!âZech. 4:6.</p>
</blockquote ><p>26Â Today, that same spirit has empowered the remaining ones
of Christâs brothers, along with their companions of the âother sheep,â
to continue âbearing thorough witness concerning the of kingdomGodâ in
more than 230Â lands! (John 10:16; Acts 28:23) Are you having a full share in
that work?</p>
<p>Box, page 217.</p>
<p>The Good News âPreached in All Creationâ</p>
<p>In about 61Â C.E., while the apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he wrote
that the âgood newsâ had been âpreached in all creation that is under
heaven.â (Col. 1:23) How should we understand that statement?</p>
<p>It appears that Paul was describing in broad terms how far the âgood
newsâ had reached. For example, Alexander the Great had penetrated Asia to
the borders of India in the fourth century B.C.E. Julius Caesar had invaded
Britain in 55Â B.C.E., and Claudius had subjugated the southern part of that
island, making it part of the Roman Empire in 43Â C.E. The Far East was also
known, for it was a source of fine silk.</p>
<p>Had the good news been preached in Britain, China, and the Far East? That
seems unlikely. Indeed, when Paul wrote to the Colossians, he still had not
realized his own goal, stated in about 56Â C.E., of preaching in the then
âuntouched territoryâ of Spain. (Rom. 15:20,23,24) Still, by about 61Â
C.E., the Kingdom message was widely known. At the very least, it had spread as
far as to the homelands of the Jews and proselytes who </p><pagenum
page="normal" id="page174">174</pagenum><p>were baptized at Pentecost 33Â C.E.
as well as to the lands visited by Jesusâ apostles.âActs 2:1,8-11,41,42.
End of Box</p>
<p>The maps on the inside covers of the ink-print edition titled: âModern
Lands, Ancient Citiesâ and â AncientLands and Citiesâ (showing Paulâs
missionary trips), have not been reproduced in Braille. However, the map legend
has been retained and appears as a list in the following box.</p>
<p>Starting Point of Paulâs Missionary Trips: Antioch (of Syria)</p>
<p>c. 47-48 C.E. First Missionary Trip (Acts 13:1--14:28)</p>
<p>c. 49-52 C.E. Second Missionary Trip (Acts 15:36--18:22)</p>
<p>c. 52-56 C.E. Third Missionary Trip (Acts 18:22--21:19)</p>
<p>c. 58-59 C.E. Trip to Rome (Acts 23:11--28:31) End of Box</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 218 Chapter 28 âTo the Most Distant Part of
the Earthâ
</doctitle><blockquote ><p>Jehovahâs Witnesses continue a work that had its
start with the followers of Jesus Christ in the first century of our Common
Era</p>
</blockquote ><p>Question 1. What parallels are there between the early
Christians and Jehovahâs Witnesses today?</p>
<p>1 They zealously bore witness. Their hearts impelled them to accept the help
and guidance of the holy spirit. Persecution did not still their lips. And the
rich blessing of God was upon them. All of this was true of the early
Christians, just as it is true of Jehovahâs Witnesses today.</p>
<p>Question 2, 3. What is especially noteworthy about the book of Acts?</p>
<p>2Â Surely you have been encouraged by the faith-strengthening accounts found
in the action-packed Bible book Acts of Apostles! It is unique, for it is the
only divinely inspired history of early Christianity.</p>
<p>3Â The book of Acts names 95Â individuals from 32Â lands, 54Â cities, and 9Â
islands. It is a thrilling story about peopleâcommon folk, haughty
religionists, vain politicians, rabid persecutors. But most of all, it is about
your first-century brothers and sisters, who not only met the usual challenges
of life but also preached the good news with zeal.</p>
<p>Question 4. Why do we enjoy a special bond with such individuals as the
apostle Paul, Dorcas, and other faithful witnesses of old?</p>
<p>4Â Almost 2,000 years now separate us from the activities of the zealous
apostles Peter and Paul, the beloved physician Luke, generous Barnabas,
courageous Stephen, kindhearted Dorcas, hospitable Lydia, and so many other
faithful witnesses. Yet, we enjoy a special bond with them. Why? Because we
have the same disciple-making commission. (Matt. 28:19,20) How blessed we are
to share in it!</p>
<p>Question 5. Where did Jesusâ early followers begin to carry out their
commission?</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page175">175</pagenum><p>5Â Reflect on the
commission Jesus gave his followers. âYou will receive power when the holy
spirit arrives upon you,â he said, âand you will be witnesses of me both in
Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the
earth.â (Acts 1:8) First, the holy spirit empowered the disciples to be
witnesses â<em>in </em>Jerusalem<em>.</em><em>â</em> (Acts 1:1--8:3) Next,
under the spiritâs direction, they witnessed â<em>in all Judea and
</em>Samaria<em>.</em><em>â</em> Page 219 (Acts 8:4--13:3) Then they began to
take the good news â<em>to the most distant part of the
earth</em><em>.</em><em>â</em>âActs 13:4--28:31.</p>
<p>Picture Caption, page 222: Â â... to the most distant part of the
earth.ââActs 1:8</p>
<p>Picture Description: The prisoner Paul, chained to a Roman soldier, viewing
part of the city of Rome.</p>
<p>Question 6, 7. In performing our ministry, what advantage do we have over
our first-century fellow believers?</p>
<p>6Â Your fellow believers of the first century did not have the entire Bible
for use in their work of bearing witness. Matthewâs Gospel was not available
until at least 41Â C.E. Some of Paulâs letters were written before Acts was
completed, in about 61Â C.E. But the early Christians had neither personal
copies of the complete Holy Scriptures nor a variety of publications to leave
with interested people. Before becoming Jesusâ disciples, Jewish Christians
had heard the Hebrew Scriptures read in the synagogue. (2Â Cor. 3:14-16) But
even they needed to be diligent students, since they probably had to quote
texts from memory.</p>
<p>7Â Today, most of us have a personal copy of the Bible and an abundance of
Bible literature. We are making disciples by declaring the good news in more
than 230Â lands and in many languages.</p>
<p>Empowered by Holy Spirit</p>
<p>Question 8, 9. (a)Â The holy spirit enabled Jesusâ disciples to do what?
(b)Â What is the faithful slave class producing with the help of Godâs
spirit?</p>
<p>8Â When Jesus commissioned his disciples to be witnesses, he told them:
âYou will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you.â Under the
direction of Godâs spirit, or active force, Jesusâ followers would
ultimately serve as witnesses in all the earth. By holy spirit, Peter and Paul
effected cures, expelled demons, even raised the dead! However, the power
received through holy spirit had a more important purpose. It enabled the
apostles and other disciples to impart accurate knowledge that means
everlasting life.âJohn 17:3.</p>
<p>9Â On the day of Pentecost 33Â C.E., Jesusâ disciples spoke âwith
different tongues, just as the <em>spirit</em> was granting them to make
utterance.â They thus bore witness regarding âthe magnificent things of
God.â (Acts 2:1-4,11) We do not miraculously speak in tongues today. With the
help of Godâs spirit, however, the faithful slave class is producing Bible
literature in many languages. For example, millions of copies of <em>The
Watchtower</em> and <em>Awake</em><em>!</em> are printed every month. All of
this enables us to declare âthe magnificent things of Godâ to people of all
nations, tribes, and tongues.âRev. 7:9.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page176">176</pagenum><p>Question 10. Since
1989, what has been done with regard to Bible translation?</p>
<p>10Â Since 1989 the slave class has placed emphasis on making the <em>New
World Translation of the Holy Scriptures</em> available in many languages. This
Bible has already been translated into scores of tongues, and tens of millions
of copies have been printedâwith many more to come. Only God and his spirit
could have made these efforts successful.</p>
<p>Question 11. What has been done with respect to the translation of Witness
publications?</p>
<p>11Â Publications of Jehovahâs Witnesses have been translated into more
than 470Â languages. Translation work is being done by hundreds of Christian
volunteers in over 130Â countries. This should not surprise us, for no other
organization on earth is led by holy spirit in âbearing thorough witnessâ
worldwide regarding Jehovah God, his Messianic King, and the established
heavenly Kingdom!âActs 28:23.</p>
<p>Question 12. How were Paul and other Christians able to do the work of
bearing witness?</p>
<p>12Â When Paul bore witness to Jews and Gentiles at Antioch in Pisidia,
âthose who were rightly disposed for everlasting life became believers.â
(Acts 13:48) As Luke concludes the book of Acts, Paul is âpreaching the of
kingdomGod ... with the greatest freeness of speech, without hindrance.â
(Acts 28:31) Where is the apostle witnessing? Why, in Romeâthe capital of a
world power! Whether through discourses or by other means, Jesusâ early
followers did all their witnessing work with the help and guidance of holy
spirit.</p>
<p>Persevering Despite Persecution</p>
<p>Question 13. Why should we pray when we experience persecution?</p>
<p>13Â When Jesusâ early disciples experienced persecution, they petitioned
Jehovah for boldness. The result? They were filled with holy spirit and
empowered to speak Godâs word with boldness. (Acts 4:18-31) We too pray for
wisdom and strength to keep on witnessing despite persecution. (Jas. 1:2-8)
Because we are blessed by God and helped by his spirit, we press on in Kingdom
service. Nothing stops the work of bearing witnessâneither intense opposition
nor brutal persecution. When we are being persecuted, we certainly need to pray
for holy spirit and for wisdom and courage to declare the good news.âLuke
11:13.</p>
<p>Question 14, 15. (a)Â What happened as a result of âthe tribulation that
arose over Stephenâ? (b)Â In our time, how did many people in Siberia come to
learn the truth?</p>
<p>14Â Stephen gave a bold witness before he met his death at enemy hands.
(Acts 6:5; 7:54-60) In the âgreat persecutionâ that arose at that time, all
the disciples except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
But that did not stop the work of bearing witness. Philip went to Samaria
âto preach the Christâ and did so with excellent results. (Acts
8:1-8,14,15,25) Moreover, we are told: âThose who had been scattered by the
tribulation that arose over Stephen went through as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus
and Antioch, but speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. However, out
of them there were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene that came to Antioch and began
talking to the Greek-speaking people, declaring the good news of the Lord
Jesus.â (Acts 11:19,20) At that time, persecution spread the Kingdom
message.</p>
<p>15Â In Page 221 our time, something similar occurred in the former Soviet
Union. Especially in the 1950âs, thousands of Jehovahâs Witnesses were
exiled to Siberia. Because they were scattered in various settlements, the good
news was constantly spreading in that vast land. In no way could so many
Witnesses have found the money needed to travel perhaps as much as 6,000 miles
to proclaim the good news! However, the government itself sent them across the
country. âAs it turned out,â said one brother, âthe authorities
themselves enabled thousands of sincere people in Siberia to come to know the
truth.â</p>
<p>Richly Blessed by Jehovah</p>
<p>Question 16, 17. The book of Acts gives us what evidence of Jehovahâs
blessing on the work of bearing witness?</p>
<p>16Â Jehovahâs blessing was unquestionably upon the early Christians. Paul
and others planted and watered, âbut God kept making it grow.â (1Â Cor.
3:5,6) Reports in the book of Acts provide evidence of such growth because of
Jehovahâs blessing on the work of bearing witness. For instance, âthe word
of God went on growing, and the number of the disciples kept multiplying in
Jerusalem very much.â (Acts 6:7) As the witness work spread, âthe
congregation throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria entered into
a period of peace, being built up; and as it walked in the [reverential] fear
of Jehovah and in the comfort of the holy spirit it kept on
multiplying.ââActs 9:31.</p>
<p>17Â In Syrian Antioch, both Jews and Greek-speaking people heard the truth
from courageous witnesses. âFurthermore,â says the account, âthe hand of
Jehovah was with them, and a great number that became believers turned to the
Lord.â (Acts 11:21) Regarding further progress in that city, we read: âThe
word of Jehovah went on growing and spreading.â (Acts 12:24) And with the
witnessing work of Paul and others in full swing among Gentiles, âin a mighty
way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.ââActs 19:20.</p>
<p>Question 18, 19. (a)Â Why do we know that âthe hand of Jehovahâ is with
us? (b)Â Give an example showing that Jehovah supports his people.</p>
<p>18Â âThe hand of Jehovahâ is unquestionably with us today too. That is
why so many are becoming believers and are symbolizing their dedication to God
by being baptized. Moreover, it is only with Godâs help and blessing that we
are able to endure stiff oppositionâat times, intense persecutionâand
successfully carry out our ministry, even as Paul and other early Christians
did. (Acts 14:19-21) Jehovah God is always there for us. His âindefinitely
lasting armsâ unfailingly support us in all our trials. (Deut. 33:27) Let us
also remember that for the sake of his great name, Jehovah never deserts his
people.â1Â Sam. 12:22; Ps. 94:14.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page177">177</pagenum><p>19Â To illustrate:
Page 223 Because Brother Harald Abt kept on bearing witness, the Nazis sent him
to Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II. In May 1942 the
Gestapo went to the home of his wife, Elsa, took away their little girl, and
arrested Elsa. She was sent to various camps. âMy years in German
concentration camps taught me an outstanding lesson,â said Sister Abt. âIt
is, how greatly Jehovahâs spirit can strengthen you when you are under
extreme trial! Before I was arrested, I had read a sisterâs letter that said
that under severe trial Jehovahâs spirit causes a calmness to come over you.
I thought that she must have been exaggerating a bit. But when I went through
trials myself, I knew that what she had said was true. It really happens that
way. Itâs hard to imagine it, if you have not experienced it. Yet it really
happened to me.â</p>
<p>Keep On Bearing Thorough Witness!</p>
<p>Question 20. What did Paul do while under house arrest, and of what
encouragement can this be to some of our brothers and sisters?</p>
<p>20Â The book of Acts ends with Paul zealously âpreaching the of
kingdomGod.â (Acts 28:31) Because he was under house arrest, he was not free
to witness from house to house in Rome. Nevertheless, he kept on witnessing to
all who came to him. Today, some of our dear brothers and sisters are
housebound, perhaps bedfast, or are living in nursing homes because of advanced
age, illness, or infirmity. Yet, their love for God and their desire to bear
witness are as strong as ever. We pray for them and can well ask that our
heavenly Father bring them in touch with those yearning to learn about him and
his wonderful purposes.</p>
<p>Question 21. Why should we bear witness with a sense of urgency?</p>
<p>21Â Most of us can engage in the house-to-house ministry and other features
of the disciple-making work. So let each of us do everything possible to
fulfill our role as Kingdom proclaimers, sharing in bearing witness âto the
most distant part of the earth.â This work must be done with a sense of
urgency, for âthe signâ of Christâs presence is clearly in evidence.
(Matt. 24:3-14) There is no time to lose. Right now, we have âplenty to do in
the work of the Lord.ââ1Â Cor. 15:58.</p>
<p>Question 22. What should we be determined to do as we await Jehovahâs
day?</p>
<p>22Â As we await âthe coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of
Jehovah,â let us be determined to continue giving a bold and faithful
witness. (Joel 2:31) We will yet find many people like the beroeans who
âreceived the word with the greatest eagerness of mind.â (Acts 17:10,11)
May we therefore bear witness until, in effect, we hear the words: âWell
done, good and faithful slave!â (Matt. 25:23) If we zealously do our part in
the disciple-making work today and are ever faithful to Jehovah, we will surely
rejoice throughout eternity that we had a blessed share in âbearing thorough
witnessâ about Godâs Kingdom!</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">Page 224 Image Index Referenced by Page Number
</doctitle><p>The Image Index provides a brief description of many of the
illustrations in this book. In the following list, the first number given is
the ink-print page number on which </p><pagenum page="normal"
id="page178">178</pagenum><p>the illustration appears. The numbers in brackets
refer to the corresponding Braille volume and Braille page number.</p>
<p>Covers [v1 introductory p3] Paul, Dorcas, Gallio, Luke, a temple officer
with the apostles, a Sadducee, Paul being escorted to Caesarea, and modern-day
witnessing with a sound car and a phonograph.</p>
<p>1 [v1 introductory p4] Paul, in chains, and Luke aboard a cargo ship on its
way to Rome.</p>
<p>2, 3 [v1 p3] Brothers J. E. Barr and T. Jaracz of the Governing Body at a
world map.</p>
<p>11 [v1 p9] Jesus commissions the 11 faithful apostles and other followers on
a mountain in Galilee.</p>
<p>14 [v1 p23] Jesus ascends into the sky. The apostles gaze after him.</p>
<p>20 [v1 p53] At Pentecost, the disciples begin speaking to visitors in their
own languages.</p>
<p>36 [v1 p91] The apostles stand before a raging Caiaphas. The temple officers
are at the disposal of the Sanhedrin to make arrests.</p>
<p>44 Bottom [v2 p103] After World War II, an East German court wrongfully
convicted Jehovahâs Witnesses as American spies.âPeriodical Neue Berliner
Illustrierte, October 3, 1950.</p>
<p>46 [v2 p117] Stephen stands accused before the Sanhedrin. Wealthy Sadducees
are in the background, and ultraorthodox Pharisees, in the foreground.</p>
<p>54 [v2 p132] Peter lays his hands on a new disciple; Simon is shown with a
coin purse.</p>
<p>75 [v2 p175] Peter and his traveling companions enter Corneliusâ home.
Cornelius wears a special cloak draped over his left shoulder to mark his rank
as a centurion.</p>
<p>83 [v2 p195] Peter is led by an angel; the of TowerAntonia is the possible
location of Peterâs imprisonment.</p>
<p>84 Bottom [v3 p203] Mob violence near , MontrealQuebec, in
1945.âPeriodical <em>Weekend Magazine</em><em>,</em> July 1956.</p>
<p>91 [v3 p222] Paul and Barnabas are thrown out of Pisidian Antioch. The
cityâs new aqueduct is shown in the background, likely built during the early
first century C.E.</p>
<p>94 [v3 p238] Paul and Barnabas resist adulation in Lystra. Public sacrifices
were usually colorful and noisy occasions with lots of music.</p>
<p>100 Top [v3 p243] Silas and Judas encourage the congregation in Syrian
Antioch. (Acts 15:30-32) Bottom: A circuit overseer speaks to a congregation in
Uganda.</p>
<p>107 [v3 p259] The Jerusalem congregation meets in a private home.</p>
<p>110 [v3 p277] Front row, left to right: Gerrit Lösch, David Splane, John
Barr, Theodore Jaracz; back row, left to right: Stephen Lett, Anthony Morris,
Guy Pierce, Samuel Herd, Geoffrey Jackson.</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page179">179</pagenum><p>124 [v3 p313] Paul
and Timothy are portrayed traveling aboard a Roman merchant ship. A lighthouse
can be seen in the distance.</p>
<p>139 [v4 p336] Paul and Silas are depicted in a gated courtyard, escaping an
angry mob.</p>
<p>155 [v4 p384] Gallio chastises Paulâs accusers. He wears clothing
befitting his position: a white imperial toga with a broad purple stripe and
<em>calcei</em><em>,</em> a type of shoe.</p>
<p>158 [v4 p408] Demetrius addresses workers in a silversmithâs shop in
Ephesus. The silver shrines of Artemis are sold as souvenirs.</p>
<p>171 [v4 p430] Paul and his companions board a ship. The
GreatHarborMonument, built in the first century B.C.E., is shown in the
background.</p>
<p>180 Bottom [v5 p451] During the 1940âs literature ban in Canada, a young
Witness smuggles Bible literature. (Reenactment.)</p>
<p>182 [v5 p461] Paul yields to the eldersâ request. Luke and Timothy are
sitting in the background, assisting with the delivery of the contributions.</p>
<p>190 [v5 p477] Paulâs nephew speaks to Claudius Lysias in the of
TowerAntonia, possible location of Paulâs custody. Herodâs temple shown in
the background.</p>
<p>206 [v5 p526] Paul prays for weary travelers in the hold of a cargo ship.</p>
<p>222 [v5 p555] The prisoner Paul, chained to a Roman soldier, viewing part of
the city of Rome.</p>
<doctitle xml:lang="en-US">People Profiles
</doctitle><p>People Profiles are presented in boxes throughout the ink-print
edition. In the following list, the first number given is the ink-print page
number of a profile box. The numbers in brackets refer to the corresponding
Braille volume and Braille page number.</p>
<p>27 [v1 p47] Proselytes</p>
<p>30 [v1 p62] Peter</p>
<p>33 [v1 p66] John</p>
<p>34 [v1 p74] Priests</p>
<p>41 [v1 p93] Gamaliel</p>
<p>53 [v2 p124] Philip</p>
<p>57 [v2 p137] Ethiopian eunuch</p>
<p>62 [v2 p143] Saul</p>
<p>67 [v2 p161] Dorcas</p>
<p>70 [v2 p169] Cornelius</p>
<p>79 [v2 p188] Herod Agrippa I</p>
<p>86 [v3 p205] Barnabas</p>
<p></p><pagenum page="normal" id="page180">180</pagenum><p>112 [v3 p266]
James</p>
<p>118 [v3 p293] Mark</p>
<p>121 [v3 p299] Timothy</p>
<p>128 [v3 p310] Luke</p>
<p>132 [v3 p316] Lydia</p>
<p>137 [v4 p338] Caesars</p>
<p>144 [v4 p351] Epicureans and Stoics</p>
<p>188 [v5 p473] Sadducees and Pharisees</p>
<p>193 [v5 p480] Felix </p>
<p>199 [v5 p494] Porcius Festus </p>
<p>201 [v5 p501] Herod Agrippa II</p>
<p>Box United States of America: 25Â Columbia Heights, , BrooklynNY11201-2483.
Attention:Â BRAILLE DESK.</p>
<p> End of Box</p>
<p>THE END</p>
<p></p>
</level1></bodymatter></book></dtbook>
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