Congregational Book Study, Week of October 7-13, 2024, Chapter 16, paragraphs 6-9 and box on page 132, Answers.

Congregation Book Study, 7-13-Oct-2024, Chapter 16, paragraphs 6-9 and box on page 132, Answers.

(30 mins.) bt ch. 16 pars. 6-9 and box on p. 132.

6, 7. (a) What do we learn from what happened to Paul during his journey?

From what happened to Paul during his journey, we learn that the Holy Spirit intervened at key moments, but only after Paul took the initiative to go out and look for new opportunities to preach. This shows us that sometimes it is necessary to take steps toward our goals before receiving divine guidance.

Paul faced obstacles, such as closed doors, but he continued to look for other places to preach until he found an opportunity in Macedonia. This highlights the importance of perseverance and willingness to act, trusting that Jehovah will reward our efforts.

b) What can we be sure of?

We can be assured that, like Paul, if we continue to seek opportunities to serve and preach, Jehovah will reward our efforts. Even though we may face difficulties and obstacles along the way, it is important to keep moving and persevere in our spiritual goals. Paul's experience teaches us that divine guidance can come after we take the initiative and strive to advance in our spiritual lives.

8. a) What was Philippi like?

Philippi was a city in the district of Macedonia that was known for its pride in Roman citizenship. It resembled Rome so much that retired Roman soldiers living there considered it a “miniature Italy” in the middle of Macedonia. The city was situated near a narrow river, and in its vicinity there was a place that was thought to be a “place of prayer.”

b) What happened when Paul preached to some women who were in “a place to pray”?

When Paul arrived at the “place of prayer” and found several women gathered to worship God, he sat down to talk with them. Among them was Lydia, who was listening intently. The Bible says that “Jehovah opened her heart completely,” leading her to be so impressed with what she learned that she was baptized along with those in her household. After her baptism, Lydia insisted on hosting Paul and his companions, indicating that her home became a gathering place for the early Christians in Philippi.

ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BOX ON PAGE 132: LIDIA, THE PURPLE SELLER.

Lydia was a seller of purple cloth originally from the city of Thyatira in Asia Minor who moved to Philippi, a major city in Macedonia, to pursue her trade. The Bible describes her as a woman who “worshipped God,” suggesting that she was probably a Jewish proselyte. Lydia was noted for her receptivity to the message Paul preached to her, and she was one of the first people to convert to Christianity in Philippi, being baptized along with those in her household.

9. How have many imitated Paul’s example, and what blessings have they received?

Many have followed Paul’s example by moving to areas where help is needed to preach. Like Paul, these brothers and sisters have taken the initiative to serve in new territories, allowing them to grow spiritually and draw closer to Jehovah. The blessings they have received include the satisfaction of meeting people who accept the truth and the opportunity to actively participate in the preaching work.

For example, a brother named Aaron mentioned that serving in another country has helped him mature spiritually and lead several Bible courses, reflecting the joy and growth many experience in following Paul's example.