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Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 14 paras. 11-20.
“They decided to choose some men […] and send them” (Acts 15:22-29)
11. How did you manage to inform the congregations of the decision?
The Apostles and elders of Jerusalem sent responsible men along with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, apart from this they wrote a letter that would be read in the congregations, this allowed the congregations to receive information in a clear and positive way, promoting unity among the brothers. .
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The unanimous decision made by the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem on the issue of circumcision was crucial to maintaining unity within the congregations of the time. The Apostles and elders not only made a decision, but also ensured To communicate adequately to the different congregations, they involved the entire congregation in the election of representatives who would take the decision to the congregations of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.
The chosen men were Judas and Silas, they were not simply messengers, but men with great responsibilities among the brothers, which ensured that they were respected and that their words had weight.
Furthermore, they not only relied on the oral transmission of information, but also wrote a letter to be read in the congregations, this letter was a means of ensuring that the message was conveyed accurately and without misunderstanding.
12, 13. a) What advantages did sending Judas and Silas have?
One of the advantages of sending Judas and Silas was that they were both respected and recognized as leaders within the congregation, which gave greater weight and credibility to the message they carried.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Judas and Silas were men with great responsibilities among the brothers, which gave them authority and credibility to represent the Governing Body in Jerusalem, their presence not only validated the message they carried, but also underlined the importance of the decision made regarding circumcision. .
Furthermore, by sending four brothers in total including Paul and Barnabas, it was clear that the communication was not simply a response to a query, but a direct and unified instruction of the body.
He also helped strengthen ties between Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and brothers of Gentile origin in the congregations of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. The decision to send Judas and Silas was therefore a wise and loving measure that helped reinforce peace and unity in the congregation.
12, 13. b) What did the letter of the group of apostles and elders achieve?
The letter managed to resolve the conflict related to circumcision, and also provided specific instructions so that Gentile Christians could receive the acceptance and blessing of Jehovah by making clear what divine expectations were, the letter promoted peace and unity in the people of God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The letter sent by the Governing Body not only clarified the issue of circumcision, but also provided vital guidance for Christians of Gentile origin as to what they should do to be accepted and blessed by Jehovah.
The letter stressed that under the guidance of the holy spirit, no burdens would be placed on them other than those necessary things such as abstaining from idolatry, blood, strangled animals, and sexual immorality. This message not only eased the concerns of the Gentiles regarding circumcision, but also provided them with practical and spiritual guidance that would help them live in a way that pleased God, thus ensuring that all Christians regardless of their
14. What makes it possible for Jehovah's servants to be so united in this divided world?
Another key reason for our unity is the willingness of each Jehovah's Witness to willingly follow the spiritual path provided to us. This disposition encourages us to apply Bible teachings in our daily lives and to participate in the same spiritual activities, such as preaching and meetings. This shared commitment strengthens our bond as brothers and keeps us united in Jehovah's prayer regardless of cultural or geographic differences.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Despite linguistic and national cultural differences, Jehovah's Witnesses maintain a consistent faith and practice. Because of our willingness to follow the direction provided by the governing body, through this guidance 8 million people in more than 100,000 congregations around the world believe and teach the same biblical truths.
This unity is also about the individual willingness of the members to willingly follow the instructions received, it is not just about receiving guidance, but about accepting and applying that guidance in our daily lives. This cooperative and humble attitude contributes greatly to the peace and harmony that characterize the worldwide community of Jehovah's Witnesses.
“They were happy because of the words of encouragement” (Acts 15:30-35)
15, 16. How did the congregations react to the governing body's instructions, and why?
The congregations showed a joyful and strengthened reaction upon receiving the instructions of the Governing Body, indicating that they willingly accepted the Divine Guidance in Antioch. Upon reading the letter sent, the congregation felt happy, which reflects the confidence they had that the decisions were well founded in the Bible and supported by the holy spirit.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The work of brothers like Judas and Silas, who helped strengthen others, was crucial, since clear and considered communication of decisions was a determining factor in the positive responses of the congregation.
When the four brothers sent from Jerusalem arrived in Antioch, gathered the entire congregation and gave them the letter with the instructions of the Governing Body, the reaction of the congregation was one of joy and gratitude.
Upon reading the letter, the brothers felt happy because of the words of encouragement. This joy reflected the confidence they had in the decisions made by the Governing Body.
In addition, Judas and Silas, who were also called prophets due to their role in proclaiming God's will, further strengthened the brothers with encouraging speeches, which helped consolidate unity and peace in the congregation.
The results were so positive because the instructions of the Governing Body were delivered clearly at the right time and based on the word of God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this combination of factors ensured that the decisions were understood and accepted cheerfully by the congregations. This thoughtful and loving approach strengthened the brothers' faith, promoted unity, and gave them confidence that they were following Jehovah's will.
17. How are circuit overseers like Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas?
Both the circuit overseers and Pablo Barnabas, Judas and Silas, show a great level of commitment and sacrifice. Paul and Barnabas traveled extensively to carry out their preaching and teaching work while Judas and Silas also dedicated their time to strengthening two brothers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Circuit overseers follow a similar pattern, as they travel from congregation to congregation, making personal sacrifices to fulfill their responsibility to convey instructions and encourage the brothers.
Circuit overseers are like Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, in that they follow the model of the Governing Body in providing clear and direct instructions to congregations. The governing body communicates effectively and in a timely manner, ensuring that decisions and guidance reach brothers around the world in an accurate and understandable manner.
Circuit overseers not only convey the instructions of the governing body, but also do important teaching and preaching work similar to that of Paul and Barnabas, who spent many hours teaching and preaching with many others the good news of the word of God. Jehovah, these overseers travel extensively visiting various congregations and make many sacrifices to carry out this task.
18. What do God's people have to do so that Jehovah continues to bless them?
Regarding this, James emphasizes that divine wisdom is pure, peaceful and reasonable and that the fruit of justice grows in a peaceful environment for those who seek peace. The story of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 shows that obedience to the instructions of leaders and the effort to maintain unity are essential to receive Jehovah's blessing, God's people must foster peace and unity so that Jehovah may continue blessing
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For Jehovah to continue blessing his people, it is crucial that they remain in peace and unity and obey the instructions of those who led them in the first century. The congregations enjoyed peace and unity because they accepted and followed the clear and loving instructions of the Governing Body. Similarly, today's congregations can continue to experience this peace and unity by acting in accordance with Jehovah's principles.
Therefore, for Jehovah to continue to bless congregations and maintain peace and unity in a divided world, it is essential that they adhere to biblical teachings, promote peace, and follow the directives of the Governing Body with an obedient and willing heart.
19, 20. a) How do we know that the brothers of Antioch were united and at peace again?
We can see that unity and peace were restored because Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch and were able to focus on continuing to push the preaching forward. The presence of these preachers and their dedication to the Antioch Ministry shows that the congregation was in a state of calm and cooperation allowing them to focus on their spiritual work.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Upon receiving the letter with the instructions, the brothers of Antioch did not get involved in disputes, but rather showed gratitude for the visit and the guidance offered to them.
Judas and Silas spent time with them and after being dismissed with good wishes they returned to Jerusalem, this behavior indicates that the congregation was in peace and harmony without resentments or divisions, the positive reception of the visit and the fact that the brothers said goodbye cordially show that the instruction of the Governing Body had had the desired effect of restoring and maintaining unity and peace in the congregation.
19, 20. b) What could Paul and Barnabas have focused on?
By staying in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas were able to focus on furthering the preaching work there, and today that is precisely what circuit overseers do in their visits to congregations.
After the visit of Judas and Silas, the brothers of Antioch felt strengthened and united, allowing Paul and Barnabas to focus on the hour of preaching and teaching without distractions.
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