CONGREGATION BIBLE STUDY, Week 14-20 October 202, Chapter 16, paragraphs 10-18, Answers.

CONGREGATION BIBLE STUDY, 10-14-20-2024, Chapter 16, paragraphs 10-18, Answers.

Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 16 pars. 10-18.

“The crowd rushed against them” (Acts 16:16-24)

10. What did the demons do to try to stop Paul and his companions?

The demons attempted to stop Paul and his companions by having a young servant girl, possessed by a demon, follow them and shout that they were “slaves of the Most High God” and that they were preaching the way of salvation. This act was intended to confuse people, making it seem as if Paul’s teachings were aligned with the young woman’s predictions, which might divert the attention of true Christians. However, Paul, realizing what was happening, freed her from the demon.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The demons tried to interfere with the work of Paul and his companions by using a young servant girl possessed by a demon. As Paul and the others were heading to the place of prayer, the girl began to follow them shouting that they were Slaves of the Most High God and preached the way of salvation. 

Demons tried to stop Paul and his companions by interfering with their work. For example, they used a young woman who had a demon to follow Paul and shout that he and his friends were servants of God. The demon probably wanted to confuse people by making it seem as if the young woman's predictions and Paul's teachings came from the same source. However, Paul cast out the demon and freed the young woman.

Acts 16:16-18, we see that the demon made the young woman predict the future and make money for her owners, but when Paul freed her from the demon, the owners became angry, because they could no longer make money from her. This shows that demons can try to confuse people by mixing lies with what seems like truth, but God is always in control.

James 4:7 tells us that if we stand firm against Satan and his demons, they will turn against us. This is exactly what Paul did when he cast the demon out of the young woman, proving that we can resist the influence of demons with God's help.

Although this statement seemed positive, the demon's purpose was probably to confuse people into believing that the girl's predictions and Paul's teachings came from the same source, thus attempting to divert attention from true Christian preaching. However, Paul cast out the demon, freeing the girl from this evil influence and preventing the demons from causing further confusion.

11. What happened to Paul and Silas after they cast out the demon?

After Paul cast the demon out of the young servant girl, her masters heard that they had lost their source of income and became extremely angry. They dragged Paul and Silas to the marketplace, where they were brought before the magistrates. There, they were accused of disturbing the peace and teaching customs that the Romans could not accept. As a result, the crowd turned against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be beaten with rods. After receiving many wounds, they were taken to prison, where the jailer put them in the inner dungeon and fastened their feet in the stocks.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

After the demon was cast out, the slave girl's owners, who depended on her for their income, became enraged at losing that source of income. They dragged Paul and Silas before the Roman magistrates. The slave girl's owners knew that these officials were prejudiced and very patriotic, so they accused Paul and Silas of being Jews who were disturbing the peace and teaching customs that the Romans could not accept. 

This caused the crowd to unite against them, and the magistrates, without investigating further, ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten with rods. They were wounded and taken to prison, where the jailer locked them in the inner dungeon and fastened their feet in stocks in a dark and uncomfortable place, but Jehovah was watching and caring for them.

In Acts 16:19-24, we see that after freeing the girl from the demon, Paul and Silas were arrested by the people and falsely accused. They were beaten and put in prison. This teaches us that sometimes when we do the right thing, we may face difficulties, but Jehovah never abandons us.

Psalm 139:12 reminds us that even though Paul and Silas were in a dark cell and suffering greatly, Jehovah saw everything and knew what was happening. This is a comfort to us because it means that God is always attentive to our difficulties, even when we seem to be alone.

12. a) How did Paul and his companions view the persecution, and why? 

Paul and his companions were not discouraged by persecution, because they were prepared to face it. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul and his companions also saw persecution as something to be expected and not as a sign of displeasure on the part of Jehovah. They remembered the words of Jesus, who had warned them that they would also be persecuted. Therefore, when they faced opposition in Macedonia, they understood that their suffering was a consequence of the fury of Satan, who was angry at the advancement of the Christian message. This perspective allowed them to maintain their faith and trust in God, knowing that they were fulfilling their mission despite the difficulties.

In John 15:20, we read how Jesus had already warned them that they would be persecuted for their faith, so when they came to Macedonia and faced opposition, they understood that the persecution was not a sign that Jehovah was displeased with them, but that Satan was enraged by their work. They saw the persecution as confirmation that they were on the right path in fulfilling their work of preaching the Good News.

In John 15:20, we see that Jesus had already warned them that they would be persecuted for following Him, so when Paul and his companions faced opposition, they knew it was not because God was angry with them, but because Satan was upset. This gave them strength to press on.

1 Peter 3:12. This text assures us that Jehovah sees those who do good and hears their prayers. So when Paul and his friends were persecuted, they knew that God was on their side, which helped them not to become discouraged.

12. b) What tactics do Satan and the people who act under his influence continue to use against us?

Satan and those acting under his influence continue to use tactics similar to those employed in the days of Paul and Silas. These tactics include spreading lies and accusations in public places, such as schools and courts, to stir up opposition against God’s servants. We are often accused of disturbing the peace or teaching customs that are unacceptable to society. In addition, they may resort to violence and physical persecution, such as beatings and imprisonment, in order to intimidate and silence the Christian message.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Satan continues to use similar tactics today to gain traction with Jehovah's servants. Through people under his influence, lies are spread in places such as schools and workplaces to generate opposition. In some cases, enemies of Jehovah's Witnesses accuse us in court, saying that we disturb the peace and teach customs that they cannot accept.

In some places, brothers are beaten and imprisoned for their faith. However, Jehovah's servants can be sure that he is watching everything, as First Peter 3:12 indicates, and that he will protect us and reward our loyalty.

In Acts 16:20, 21, we see that just as Paul's accusers lied about him, saying that he was disturbing the peace, today Satan uses people to tell lies about Jehovah's Witnesses, so that people will be against them, but as in the case of Paul, God knows the truth and protects us.

1 Peter 5:8 shows that Satan is still looking for someone to deceive and attack, like a roaring lion. For this reason, we must be alert and prepare ourselves so as not to fall into his traps, just as Paul and Silas did when they faced opposition without losing faith.

“Immediately […] they were baptized” (Acts 16:25-34)

13. What situation led the jailer to ask what he should do to be saved?

At midnight, while they were praying and praising God, an earthquake struck the prison, opening the doors and breaking the prisoners’ chains. When the jailer woke up and saw that the doors were open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped and, fearing the consequences of his negligence, was about to take his own life. At that moment, Paul called him and assured him that all the prisoners were there. Realizing the situation and the divine intervention, the distressed jailer asked them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

After a day full of suffering, Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to Jehovah at midnight when an earthquake shook the prison. The cell doors opened. 

The jailer found himself in a dire situation, and believing that the prisoners had escaped, he was about to commit suicide. Paul stopped him by shouting at him not to hurt himself, since all the prisoners were still there, which led the distraught jailer to ask them what he should do to be saved. Paul and Silas explained to him that his salvation depended on his faith in Jesus, inviting him to believe so that he and his family could be saved.

In Acts 16:25-31 it shows that the jailer, seeing the earthquake and thinking that the prisoners had escaped, was so desperate that he wanted to take his own life, but Paul stopped him and told him about salvation in Jesus. This shows how God can touch hearts, even in times of great distress.

1 John 3:16, We see that Paul and Silas explained to the jailer that their salvation did not depend on what he did, but on believing in Jesus. This is in harmony with John 3:16 which says that everyone who believes in Jesus can have eternal life.

14. a) How did Paul and Silas help the jailer? 

Paul and Silas preached the word of Jehovah to him, teaching him the fundamental truths of the Scriptures. Despite their own wounds and suffering, they focused on helping the jailer understand the message of salvation, which led to him and all those in his household being baptized.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul and Silas helped the jailer by preaching the word of Jehovah to him. Although the jailer was a Gentile and did not know the scriptures, Paul and Silas took the time to teach him the fundamental truths necessary to become a Christian. 

Despite their own wounds and the physical pain they were suffering from the beatings they had received, they did not hesitate to focus on preaching to the jailer and his family. The jailer, moved by their innocence and grateful for their help, not only listened to the message, but also cleansed Paul and Silas' wounds and they and his entire family were baptized.

Acts 16 3234, we see that Paul and Silas not only told the jailer what to do to be saved, but they also taught more about the word of God. This shows that it is not enough to have faith. We also need to learn and apply what the Bible teaches. 

Matthew 28:19-20 shows that Jesus commanded his disciples to do more than just preach, he told them to teach people to be his followers and baptize them. Paul and he followed this command when the jailer and his family learned and were baptized.

14. b) What blessing did Paul and Silas receive for enduring persecution without losing their joy?

Paul and Silas were blessed to see the jailer and his family converted to Christianity and baptized. Despite being persecuted and beaten, they maintained their joy and faith in God, which allowed them to be instruments in the salvation of others. This experience not only strengthened their own faith, but also gave them the satisfaction of having fulfilled their mission of preaching the message of salvation, which represents a great blessing in their ministry.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The blessing that Paul and Silas received for enduring persecution with joy was seeing the conversion and baptism of the jailer and his entire family.

Despite being unjustly beaten and imprisoned, they maintained their faith and joy, which allowed them to continue preaching and helping this family to know and accept the message of salvation. The baptism of an entire family was the beautiful result of their perseverance and faith.

James 1:12. This verse says that those who endure trials will receive a special blessing. Paul and he did receive the blessing of seeing the jailer and his family accept the truth and get baptized.

Romans 8:28. Despite the difficulties they faced, God made everything work out for the best. Being in prison could have seemed like a tragedy, but it became an opportunity for the jailer and his family to learn the truth.

15. a) In what ways have many Witnesses followed the example of Paul and Silas? 

Many Jehovah’s Witnesses have followed the example of Paul and Silas by preaching the message of good news even in difficult circumstances, such as imprisonment for their faith. Like Paul and Silas, they have maintained their joy and determination despite persecution and suffering. For example, in some places where their activities are prohibited, many Witnesses have continued to share their faith, and some have come to learn the truth while in prison. This commitment to their faith and their willingness to face opposition reflects the same spirit of perseverance and dedication that Paul and Silas displayed.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Over the years, in countries where the work of the Witnesses has been banned, many brothers have preached inside prisons and have achieved excellent results. 

In one particular case in a country where Jehovah's Witness activities were banned, it was reported that nearly half of the Witnesses living there had learned the truth while in prison. This example highlights the ability of Jehovah's servants to preach in any circumstance, even when facing persecution.

Isaiah 54:17. This verse says that no weapon formed against God's servants will succeed. Many of Jehovah's Witnesses who have been imprisoned for their faith have continued to preach, and many prisoners have come to know the truth through them.

Matthew 24:14. Jesus said that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached throughout the earth. This includes difficult situations, such as when the Witnesses are in prison. They continue to preach despite the difficulties, just as Paul and Silas did.

15. b) Why should we continue visiting the people in our territory?

We must continue to visit the people in our territory because, like the jailer who accepted the good news after experiencing an “earthquake” in his life, many people may be open to hearing the message in times of crisis or change. Consistent visits allow us to be available to offer support and help to those who may be seeking answers or comfort in difficult times.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Our consistency in preaching allows us to be available to help those people when they are ready for the message. This principle underscores the importance of being persistent in the Ministry since we never know when someone may be ready to receive the truth.

Acts 16:27-28. The jailer only listened to the message because Paul and Silas were there when he needed them most. Similarly, when we keep visiting people, we might arrive at the time when they are ready to accept the truth.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7. This verse reminds us that we plant and water, but it is God who makes it grow. We don't know when a person will be ready to accept the message, but if we keep visiting, we can help them when they need it.

“And now they are secretly putting us out?” (Acts 16:35-40)

16. What happened the morning after Paul and Silas were beaten?

The morning after Paul and Silas were beaten, the magistrates ordered their release. However, Paul protested, reminding them that they had been publicly beaten without being tried, despite being Roman citizens. He refused to leave the prison without the magistrates coming to personally remove them, which created fear in the magistrates as they realized that they had violated the rights of two Roman citizens. This resulted in the magistrates having to publicly apologize to them, which set a precedent for future treatment of Christians.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

After Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and imprisoned, the magistrates decided to release them; Paul, however, insisted that they not be secretly expelled, pointing out that they had been publicly mistreated despite being Roman citizens. 

This created fear among the magistrates, as they could face serious consequences for having violated Roman laws. Therefore, they publicly apologized to them. Although they were asked to leave Philippi, Paul and Silas first made sure to visit and strengthen the new disciples before leaving.

Acts 16:35-39. Paul demanded that the magistrates publicly acknowledge that they had acted wrongly by beating them without a trial. This shows that Paul was not seeking to prevent suffering, but rather he wanted to make sure that the truth was known and protected.

Acts 22:25,26. Paul used his Roman citizenship at other times to protect himself and his preaching. This teaches us that we can use our laws to defend our right to worship God freely.

17. What important lesson did the new disciples learn from Paul and Silas?

The new disciples learned an important lesson from Paul and Silas about perseverance and steadfastness in faith in the face of persecution. Seeing that Paul and Silas did not take advantage of their Roman citizenship to avoid suffering, but instead accepted punishment courageously, they understood that all Christians, regardless of their legal status, can remain steadfast in their faith. This attitude taught them that loyalty to God and willingness to suffer for Christ are fundamental to their Christian life.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

By also having the magistrates publicly acknowledge their error, Paul and Silas also showed them that it is possible to uphold the legal rights of Christians, which might offer some protection in the future.

They learned a valuable lesson about the importance of standing firm in the face of persecution, regardless of their legal rights or civic privileges. 

Paul and Silas demonstrated that they had to be willing to endure persecution with courage. If they had appealed to their citizenship before being punished, it might have given the impression that they were taking advantage of their legal status, which could have weakened the faith of those disciples who did not have such legal protection.

Furthermore, by revealing their citizenship they later forced the magistrates to publicly acknowledge their error, which set a precedent that might provide some legal protection for Christians in the future.

Acts 22:25-26. Although Paul and Silas could have used their Roman citizenship to avoid the beating, they chose not to in order to set a good example for the new disciples. This taught them that following Christ may bring suffering, but it is worth it.

2 Timothy 3:12. This verse says that all who want to live a godly life in Christ will suffer persecution. The new disciples learned from Paul and Silas that persecution is part of being a Christian, but God always supports us.

18. a) How do Christian overseers imitate Paul? 

Christian overseers imitate Paul by teaching by example and not expecting the brothers to do something they themselves are not willing to do. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This means that overseers strive to be role models in their conduct and dedication to ministry. And, like Paul, they carefully consider how and when to use their legal rights to receive protection and defend the faith.

Also like Paul, Christian overseers think carefully about how and when to use their legal rights to receive protection. Like Paul, overseers seek to serve in practical ways and lead from the front, showing that they are willing to endure the same hardships as the rest of the congregation.

1 Peter 5:2,3. This verse reminds us that Christian leaders are to lead by example, not taking advantage of their position. Overseers today follow Paul's example by not asking brothers to do things they are not willing to do.

Acts 20:35. Paul also taught that there is more happiness in giving than in receiving. Christian overseers today imitate him in being generous with their time and effort, helping their brothers with love.

18. b) How do we defend and legally establish the good news?

We defend and legally establish the good news by strategically and consciously using our legal rights. This means that, when necessary, we turn to local, national and international courts to protect our freedom of worship and our ability to preach. In doing so, we seek to ensure that our activities and beliefs are respected and that we can continue to share the message without fear of retaliation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In order to defend and legally establish the Good News, Jehovah's servants wisely use the legal resources available. Sometimes they resort to local, national and international courts to ensure that they can continue to worship God freely. They do not seek to make social reforms, but to defend the right to continue preaching and worshiping Jehovah, following the example of Paul who instructed the Philippians to defend and legally establish the good news.

Jehovah's Witnesses do everything necessary to ensure that the laws protect their right to worship, no matter what happens in court, they are determined to continue preaching where the Holy Spirit guides them.

Philippians 1:7. Paul spoke of defending and legally establishing the good news, which means using the legal rights available to continue preaching. Today Jehovah's Witnesses do the same when they defend in court their right to worship God freely.

Acts 16:10. When Paul and his companions received the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they continued preaching no matter what the obstacles were. This teaches us that even though we defend preaching legally, we always follow God's guidance to do His will.