Study of the Congregation Book, Week of February 5 to 11, 2024, Chapter 5, paragraphs 9 to 15 and box on page. 41, “We must obey God as ruler”, Answers.

Study of the Congregation Book, February 5-11, 2024, Chapter 5, paragraphs 9 to 15 and box on page. 41, “We must obey God as ruler”, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 5 paras. 9-15 and box on p. 41.

“We must obey God as ruler”

9-11. What did the apostles do when they were ordered to stop preaching, and what example did they set for us?

The leaders ordered the apostles to stop preaching, but they boldly responded that they should obey God as ruler rather than men, so the apostles gave us the example that, although we must obey higher authorities, they They do not have the authority to prohibit us from doing what God commands or to command us to do what God prohibits.

Furthermore, this example teaches us that we must be faithful to God and his commandments, even if that means facing persecution or opposition from authorities or society in general.

12, 13. a) What suggestion did Gamaliel give to the other judges, and what did they decide?

Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the Law, suggested to the other judges that they be patient and not try to stop the apostles, as he argued that if the apostles' project was of human origin, it would fail, but if it came from God, they could not make it fail. The judges decided to follow his advice and not arrest the apostles, despite ordering them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus and whipping them.

b) How can Jehovah intervene on behalf of his people? What can we be sure of if Jehovah allows us to suffer “for the sake of righteousness”?

Jehovah can intervene on behalf of his people through influential people, such as Gamaliel, who can be influenced by his spirit to do what he wishes. If Jehovah allows us to suffer “for the sake of righteousness,” we can be sure that he will give us the strength to endure and that our enemies will not be able to stop the work. This example teaches us that, despite trials and persecution, we can trust that Jehovah will strengthen us and that his purpose will be fulfilled.

14, 15. a) What did the apostles do when they were whipped, and why?

When the apostles received lashes, they went out before the Sanhedrin happy. Although they did not like being threatened, harassed, or put in prison, they found satisfaction in remaining upright and loyal to Jehovah. Through their courage and dignity in enduring mistreatment, they demonstrated their fidelity to God and their commitment to following in the footsteps of Jesus. This example teaches us that it is possible to find happiness and satisfaction by facing trials and persecutions with courage and loyalty to our beliefs.

b) What experience shows that it is possible to be happy by enduring trials?

Paragraph 15 mentions the experience of a brother named Henryk Dornik, who endured mistreatment for years under totalitarian governments. Despite the difficulties, his persecutors noticed that staying upright and faithful to his beliefs made him happy, demonstrating that it is possible to find happiness by enduring trials with courage and dignity. This example illustrates how loyalty to Jehovah and integrity can bring satisfaction and happiness even in the midst of adversity.

ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BOX ON PAGE 41.

Gamaliel was a highly respected rabbi, as it is believed that Gamaliel of the book of Acts is also Gamaliel the elder. He was the Grandson of Gail, a historical figure, who created the most liberal school of thought of the Pharisees. 

Gamaliel also held an important position in the Sanhedrin, as the rabbis or teachers respected him so much that he was the first to receive the honorary title of rabban.

A compilation of Jewish oral traditions and laws, also called "The Minsa", explains that, when Gamaliel the elder died, "the glory of Torah ceased and purity and abstinence died." Since it is said that in many of his decisions he proved to be a compassionate person.

A reference work also highlights that he pointed out that for a woman to remarry, it was enough for a single witness to confirm the death of her husband (Encyclopaedia Judaica). 

Furthermore, we can say that he created laws to protect women and defend them from shameless husbands, and widows from shameless children. And among the things that he also did, he defended the poor Gentiles by giving them the opportunity or the right to participate in the gleaning just like the poor Jews.