Congregation Book Study, Week 5-11 August 2024, Chapter 13, paragraphs 17-24, Responses.

Congregation Book Study, August 5-11, 2024, Chapter 13, paragraphs 17-24, Responses.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 13 paras. 17-24.

17. Who made up the governing body, and why were “the elders” of Jerusalem included?

The governing body consisted of the apostles and elders of Jerusalem. The elders were included in this body because, in a context where some apostles faced persecution and could be arrested or executed, having other anointed men guaranteed that there would always be brothers capable of directing the work. This ensured continuity in leadership and decision-making on behalf of the entire Christian congregation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The inclusion of the Elders in the Governing Body had a practical and strategic reason.

The apostle James had been executed and Peter had been imprisoned, these events made it necessary to have a robust and diversified leadership, if other Apostles also faced persecution or restrictions, the presence of trained and Anointed Elders ensured continuity and skill in leading the congregation .

Therefore, the ruling body in Jerusalem composed of Apostles and elders was like an example of how the Christian congregation could maintain cohesion and proper direction even in times of adversity, this structure also prefigures the model followed by the Governing Body in the present.

18, 19. What was Peter's argument, and what conclusion was his listeners expected to reach?

Peter's argument focused on reminding listeners that God had chosen for him, as an apostle, to bring the message of good news to the Gentiles, demonstrating that God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Peter emphasized that, just as God had given the holy spirit to the Gentiles, he had also done so to the Jews, indicating that salvation was by faith and not by obedience to the Law of Moses.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The conclusion his hearers were expected to draw was that they should not impose a yoke on the disciples that neither they nor their ancestors had been able to bear, and that salvation was based on the undeserved kindness of God.

Peter's argument has a very solid basis, he highlighted that Jehovah, knowing the hearts, demonstrated his approval by giving the holy spirit to the Gentiles, just as he did with the Jews, he did not make any difference between them.

Recalling his experience with Cornelius and his household, Peter reaffirms that Jehovah makes no distinctions between Jews and Cornelius, an uncircumcised Gentile and his family received the holy spirit, indicating that Faith in Christ is what truly matters for salvation, this point being crucia,l since it emphasizes that divine acceptance is based on faith not on adherence to the Mosaic law.

Recalling his experience with Cornelius and his household, Peter reaffirms that Jehovah makes no distinctions between Jews and Cornelius, an uncircumcised Gentile and his family received the holy spirit, indicating that Faith in Christ is what truly matters for salvation, this point being crucia,l since it emphasizes that divine acceptance is based on faith not on adherence to the Mosaic law.

The expected conclusion of the listeners was clear, accepting that Gentiles could be part of the Christian community, without needing to submit to the Mosaic law, Peter's words supported by the evidence of the Holy Spirit and the scriptures led the congregation to recognize that faith in Jesus Christ is the unifying and essential factor for all believers. This not only reinforced the unity of the first century congregation, but also established a precedent for inclusivity and openness in the congregation.

20. Why did Peter say that circumcision advocates were testing God?

Peter stated that the defenders of circumcision were putting God to the test because they were trying to impose on Christians of Gentile origin a yoke that neither they nor their ancestors had been able to bear, that is, the obligation to fulfill the Law of Moses. In doing so, they were defying God's decision to accept Gentiles without the need to comply with that law, which implied a failure to recognize the undeserved kindness that God had shown through Jesus. In essence, they were testing God's patience by insisting on requirements that were not necessary for salvation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Peter affirms that the defenders of circumcision were testing God, by attempting to impose this yoke on the Gentile Christians, they were defying the work and will of Jehovah who had already clearly shown through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, that faith in Jesus was sufficient for salvation.

Therefore, by attempting to impose the law of Moses on the Gentiles, the advocates of circumcision, rather than thanking Jehovah for undeserved kindness, were showing a lack of faith in the new covenant established through Jesus. Hence Peter says that they were testing God.

21. How did Barnabas and Paul help make a decision?

Barnabas and Paul helped make a decision by sharing with the group the miracles and amazing things that God had done through them among the nations. By recounting their experiences and the positive results of their ministry among the Gentiles, they helped the apostles and elders evaluate all the information presented and consider God's view of circumcision.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This not only validated Peter's argument, but also made clear that Jehovah's work was not limited by traditional Jewish practices, allowing first-century congregational leaders to make an informed, spiritually guided decision about the question of circumcision.

After Peter presented his argument against imposing circumcision on the Gentiles, Barnabas and Paul significantly helped lead to a decision by sharing their experiences and the miracles God had performed among the Gentiles.

This not only validated Peter's argument, but also made clear that Jehovah's work was not limited by traditional Jewish practices, allowing first-century congregational leaders to make an informed, spiritually guided decision about the question of circumcision.

22-24. a) How does the Governing Body imitate the apostles and elders of the first century?

The Governing Body imitates the apostles and elders of the first century by seeking guidance from God's Word and praying to Jehovah for his holy spirit to make decisions that reflect his views. Before meetings, all members receive a list of points to be discussed in advance, allowing them to pray and meditate on them. During meetings, the anointed brothers frequently consult the Bible and express their opinions frankly and respectfully, thus following the example of the apostles and elders in their decision-making process.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses follows the example of the Apostles and elders of the first century in several ways by first seeking the guidance of God's word in all their decisions.

They also pray to Jehovah for his Holy Spirit to ensure that their decisions reflect their point of view. Before meeting, members of the Governing Body receive a list of points to discuss well in advance.

This allows them to pray and meditate on those topics. And finally, during the meetings they frequently consult the Bible and express their opinions with frankness and respect.

b) How do elders demonstrate that they respect the order that God has established?

Elders demonstrate that they respect the order that God has established by imitating the example of the Governing Body in their decision-making process. If they cannot agree on an important issue at one of their meetings, they have the option of consulting the branch office or one of its representatives, such as circuit overseers.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Additionally, if the branch deems it necessary, it may contact the Governing Body for guidance. This approach of seeking counsel and acting with humility, loyalty, and patience reflects a respect for divine order and the organizational structure that God has established.

The elders of the congregations imitate the example of the Governing Body by seeking the guidance of the word of God and praying for the holy spirit in their decisions, if they cannot agree on an important issue, they demonstrate humility and respect for the theocratic order consulting with the branch office or representatives such as circuit overseers. This shows your willingness to seek additional advice and guidance.