Congregational Book Study, December 30, January 5, 2025, Chapter 20, paragraphs 8-12 and box on page 161. Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 20 paras. 8-12 and box on page. 161.

“Compelling arguments about the Kingdom” (Acts 18:23; 19:1-10)

8. What route did Paul take back to Ephesus, and why?

Paul returned to Ephesus following a route that was neither the shortest nor the easiest. Instead of taking a ship from Seleucia, near Antioch, he decided to walk through the inland regions.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The longer path Paul chose, although longer and more demanding, allowed him to visit and strengthen disciples in the congregations he had established during his previous travels. This shows his selfless love and willingness to make sacrifices for the spiritual well-being of others. His exemplary attitude is reminiscent of the work of circuit overseers today, who also dedicate time and effort to encourage and strengthen congregations.

Paul promised to return to Ephesus and he kept it, but he did not choose the easiest route. Instead of traveling directly by boat, I walk through the inland regions, covering perhaps 1600 km. 

Today, circuit overseers and their wives reflect the same spirit as they strive to visit and encourage the brothers. Without a doubt, we greatly appreciate your dedication and sacrifice.

This shows how much he valued spiritually strengthening the disciples he visited during his third missionary journey. Their example of sacrifice and dedication today encourages circuit overseers and their wives, who also strive to serve congregations with love. We are very grateful for your effort and spirit of sacrifice.

ANSWERS BASED ON THE BOX: EPHESUS, CAPITAL OF ASIA.

Ephesus, capital of Asia Minor, in Paul's time was one of the most important cities of the ancient world, with more than 250,000 inhabitants. Its wealth came from trade, facilitated by its strategic seaport and numerous trade routes. 

It was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, standing out for its wealth from commerce and religion, in addition to having a strategic port and trade routes.

In addition, it was a religious center with temples dedicated to various deities, highlighting the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This temple was not only a sacred place, but also the most important bank in the region, attracting people from all over the Mediterranean. The city is also home to buildings such as theaters and stadiums, which reflected its prosperity and sophistication. 

The temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Its large size, with about 100 marble columns and its importance as a sacred place and the most important bank in Asia, made it very prominent.

The port of Ephesus filled with deposits from the river, making it unusable. As a result, the city lost its commercial importance and was abandoned. Today, its ruins are a historical site that reflects its past.

In addition, Ephesus had other important buildings, such as a stadium, a theater, and public squares for political and commercial activities. However, the port filled with silt, leading to the city's decline and eventual abandonment. Today, the ruins of Ephesus allow visitors to learn about its rich past and ancient greatness.

9. Why were several disciples of John the Baptist rebaptized, and what is the lesson?

The disciples of John the Baptist were rebaptized because John's baptism had served its purpose and was no longer valid. The lesson we learn is that Jehovah Blesses those who accept the adjustments made by his organization, trusting in his direction. This teaches us to maintain a humble and flexible attitude in the face of changes in understanding in spiritual practices.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The disciples of John the Baptist understood that their previous baptism was no longer sufficient, because it did not include dedication to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. When Paul explained to them, they showed a humble attitude by accepting to be baptized again in the name of Jesus. This allowed them to receive the holy spirit and participate fully in the new stage of true worship.

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he found 12 disciples who had received only the baptism of John the Baptist. This baptism, although at the time it was a necessary step of repentance, ceased to be valid after the death and resurrection of Jesus, since now the Followers of Christ had to be baptized in his name. 

These disciples demonstrated a humble attitude and willingness to change, when Paul explained to them the meaning of Christian baptism. After their baptism in the name of Jesus, they received holy spirit and some miraculous gifts, confirming that their willingness to accept changes in Jehovah's organization was pleasing to God. 

The lesson is clear: Jehovah blesses those who humbly accept the adjustment updates that he makes to his people. 

10. Why did Paul leave the synagogue for a conference room, and how can we follow his example?

For three months, Paul preached boldly in the Ephesus synagogue, using compelling reasoning to teach about the Kingdom of God. However, some listeners refused to accept his message and even began to speak ill of the path by referring to Christianity. Instead of insisting on those who were not willing to listen, Paul decided to move his teachings to a conference room in a school. And there he continued preaching to sincere people who wanted to learn. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This change shows the wisdom of focusing on those who have a receptive attitude. Following their example, we can avoid fruitless discussions with those who reject the biblical message, and instead seek out those who are sincerely interested. This way we make better use of our time and energy in preaching. 

Paul moved from the synagogue to a conference room, because some were focusing on the message of the Kingdom and speaking evil of the way.

Paul decided to leave the synagogue because, despite having preached for three months courageously and using convincing reasoning about the Kingdom of God, some were not willing to listen and even turned against him. 

As a result, Paul wasted no time with those who spoke ill of the path and moved to a conference room where he could continue teaching those who sincerely desired to learn. 

Following their example, we can recognize when it is prudent to end a conversation with someone who has no genuine interest or is only looking to argue. This will allow us to focus on looking for sincere people who are willing to listen to the message of the Kingdom.

11, 12. a) How did Paul demonstrate that he was hardworking and adaptable? 

Pablo proved to be hardworking and adaptable by adjusting his schedule to teach during the quietest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., despite the intense heat of that period. This allowed us to make the most of the time available to reach more people, spending more than 3,000 hours teaching in the conference room over two years. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Furthermore, by preaching at that time, he managed to get everyone who lived in the province of Asia to hear the message, both Jews and Greeks. 

Despite the high temperatures, he adjusted his schedule to meet the needs of the territory, ensuring that his message reached every province in Asia. This demonstrates your commitment to seeking effective ways to convey Jehovah's message, no matter the circumstances.

Paul was a model of hard work and adaptability during his time in Ephesus. As already mentioned, he taught daily in the lecture hall, probably from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hottest hours of the day. This schedule, although difficult, was the most appropriate because many people rested from their work and were available to listen. 

By adjusting his efforts to local circumstances, Paul was able to preach effectively, reaching Jews and Greeks throughout the province of Asia. His dedication and flexibility contributing to the spread of the message, showing that he understood the importance of adapting to the needs of his territory to give a complete testimony. 

11, 12. b) How do Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrate that we are also hardworking and adaptable?

Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrate that we are hardworking and adaptable by preaching in places and times where people are most likely to be found, such as streets, shopping areas, or busy areas. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We also adjust our schedule to visit homes at times when we are most likely to find available residents, maximizing our witnessing efforts. 

Jehovah's Witnesses continue to be hardworking and adaptable by employing diverse methods to reach people, such as preaching in public places, markets and busy streets, where we can find many people in a short time. 

In addition, we use modern tools, such as the telephone and letters, to preach effectively even to those of us who cannot see face to face. 

We also show you adaptability by organizing our home visits at strategic times, ensuring that our work is more productive. This reflects our commitment to bringing the message to all people, adjusting to their circumstances and needs, just as Paul did in his ministry. 

Additionally, when home visits are not possible, we use alternative methods such as phone calls or letters. 

We also adjust our schedule to visit people at times when they are most likely to be home. This flexible approach allows us to fulfill our responsibility to preach to all kinds of people, regardless of cultural, technological or schedule barriers, demonstrating that we are hardworking and adapt to the needs of our territory. 

We adjust our schedule to visit homes at times when we are most likely to find available residents, maximizing our witnessing work.