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Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 19 pars. 6-13.
6, 7. (a) How did Paul view his work, and how do we know that Aquila and Priscilla thought the same?
Paul did not see his work as the most important thing, he did it just to support himself and to be able to preach the good news without getting paid. We know that Aquila and Priscilla thought the same because, when Paul left Corinth, they decided to go with him to Ephesus, leaving everything behind. In Ephesus, they even used their house as a meeting place for Christians. This shows that for them, too, the most important thing was the Kingdom of God and helping others, not work or money.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Paul did not see work as the most important thing, but rather used it to be able to continue preaching. 2 Corinthians 11:7, Paul explains that preaching for free is a priority for him, and by doing so for free, he ensured that the message would not be an obstacle for the people who wanted to hear it. He preferred to do his secular work instead of asking for money for his teachings, because the main goal was to help people get to know God.
Aquila and Priscilla thought like Paul because, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:9, they also used their house in Ephesus for Christian meetings, and they were willing to leave everything for the work of God. Their love for the Kingdom of God was so great that they did not hesitate to join Paul in his mission, even when it meant moving their lives and changing their home. This experience shows us that they also considered their work only as a means to support their ministry.
Paul considered his work as a tentmaker to be a tool to support himself and avoid being a financial burden on others. This allowed him to preach the good news for free, as he himself expressed in 2 Corinthians 11:7. For their part, Aquila and Priscilla shared this vision and were willing to adjust their lives to collaborate with the work of the Kingdom.
When Paul left Corinth in 52, Aquila and Priscilla accompanied him to Ephesus and used their home to house the local congregation. Even later, when they returned to Rome and then to Ephesus, they continued to put the spiritual needs of others above their personal interests. Their example highlights a willingness to sacrifice material comfort and stability for the sake of the Kingdom, which earned them the appreciation of the congregations.
6, 7. b) In what sense are we servants of God like Paul, Aquila and Priscilla?
Today, like Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla, we try to put serving God above all else. Even though we have to work for a living, we do not ask for money to preach or to help others. Like them, many of us also welcome other servants of God, such as circuit overseers, into our homes. That is why we like to show hospitality and serve the congregation. For us, the most important thing is to do God's will and help others in their faith.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Today, Jehovah's servants, as pioneers, do the same thing as Paul: They work to support themselves, but they do not ask for money for their ministry. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 reminds us that, like Paul, many strive not to be a financial burden to anyone, working at other jobs, but always putting preaching as a priority. The most important thing is to help people get to know God, and not to earn money for this important work.
Like Aquila and Priscilla, we too are hospitable to our brothers, as mentioned in Romans 12:13. This gives us the opportunity to strengthen our faith and be encouraged by our brothers' visits. Showing hospitality is a way of putting God's Kingdom first, as it helps Jehovah's servants to continue their ministry and sets a good example of Christian love.
Jehovah's servants today imitate Paul's example, and that of this Christian couple, by balancing our work responsibilities with serving Jehovah. Many pioneers work part-time or seasonally to support themselves while devoting time and energy to the preaching work.
Like Paul, who worked so as not to be a financial burden on anyone, some Christians use their homes to host the circuit overseer or hold meetings, reflecting the hospitality of Aquila and Priscilla. This hospitable spirit strengthens congregations and fosters unity. Furthermore, by putting the Kingdom first, God’s servants show that our trust is in Jehovah, not in material wealth.
“Many of the Corinthians […] began to believe” (Acts 18:5-8)
8, 9. What did Paul do when the Jews turned against him, and where did he go to continue preaching?
When the Jews refused to listen to the message and turned against him, Paul told them that it was no longer his responsibility if they did not accept what he preached to them, and that from that moment on he would go and preach to the Gentiles. Afterwards he went to live in the house of Titius Justus, which was near the synagogue, and so he continued preaching. The house of Titius Justus became the place where new believers met.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When the Jews rejected Paul's message, he did not give up or get angry. Acts 18:6 shows that Paul told them that they would now be responsible for their own decision. This reflects Paul's patience. He did not get angry or shut the door on the Jews. Despite their rejection, he continued to preach to the Gentiles, because his love for the people was stronger than the rejection he faced.
Paul did not sit idly by after the Jews rejected him. He went to the home of Titius Justus, who was probably a Jewish proselyte. Acts 18:7 shows how this place became a preaching center for the new Christians in Corinth. Which is an example of how even when something doesn’t go as we expect, we can still look for ways to continue preaching and sharing the message.
Paul faced strong opposition from the Jews who did not accept the message of salvation through Christ. Realizing that they would not change their attitude, he performed a symbolic act by shaking his clothes, indicating that he no longer had responsibility for them since he had given them the opportunity to hear the message.
Then he told them firmly, “You are responsible for your own death.” This gesture marked a decision to direct his efforts to preaching to the people of the nations. After leaving the synagogue,
Paul was welcomed by a Jewish proselyte whose home was located next to the synagogue. From this location, Paul organized his preaching work, although he continued to live in the home of Aquila and Priscilla during his time in Corinth. This strategic shift demonstrates Paul's willingness to adapt his approach to advance the work of the Kingdom.
10. What shows that Paul did not stop preaching to the Jews?
Even though Paul said he would now preach to the Gentiles, that did not mean he would stop preaching to the Jews. In fact, Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his family believed Paul's message, and many other Jews did as well. This shows that even though he was going to preach to the Gentiles, if any Jews wanted to listen, Paul was willing to preach to them as well.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Even though Paul decided to go to the Gentiles, he did not close the door to the Jews who wanted to hear the message. Acts 18:18 says that many of the Corinthians who heard the message began to believe and were baptized. This shows that even though most of the Jews did not accept the message, some did. Paul continued to preach with flexibility, because he knew that some Jews might also be receptive.
Paul did not limit himself to preaching to the Gentiles; he had a desire for everyone to hear the good news, as shown in Romans 10:2, which mentions that some people have devotion to God, but do not fully know His will. Even when the Jews were opposed, Paul continued to seek out those who might be seeking the truth. He did not give up, and that is an example for us.
Paul was still open to teaching those who showed interest in the truth. It is also mentioned that many of the Corinthians who attended the synagogue began to believe and were baptized, which included Jews and proselytes. This example highlights Paul's flexibility and love for people, as he never closed the doors to those who wanted to know more about Christ.
11. Just as Paul did with the Jews in Corinth, what do we Witnesses do to help people who claim to be Christians?
Today, Jehovah's Witnesses try to do the same thing as Paul: help people who believe in other religions, even though it may be difficult at times. Many of these people have deep-rooted religious traditions and sometimes do not want to listen. But we do not give up, because we know that among these people there are those who are truly searching and want to learn more about God. For this reason, like Paul, we must continue preaching even if some do not accept it.Books of Jehovah
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Like Paul, we also try to help those who have good intentions, but are tied to traditions that are not correct. Romans 10:2 mentions that some people have devotion to God, but it is not based on accurate knowledge. This means that, although they are sincere in their belief, they need to learn the truth. Therefore, we must not give up, but must continue preaching, in the hope that these people will find the true teaching of the Bible.
Like Paul, modern-day servants do not give up even when people do not want to listen, because we know that in many places traditional churches have a lot of influence. But Acts 18:9-10 shows us that Jesus is with us in this effort. Just as he encouraged Paul to continue forward, he gives us the strength not to be discouraged even when people or religious leaders reject us.
Today, many people in Christendom are deeply influenced by religious traditions, just as the Jews in Corinth were in Paul's time. Therefore, Jehovah's Witnesses strive to reach out to them in a spirit of love and understanding, helping them compare what they have learned with Bible teachings.
Even though we may sometimes face rejection or persecution from religious leaders, we continue to seek out those who have a sincere heart and desire to know God. Romans 102 highlights that there are people who have devotion to God but lack accurate knowledge, and this text motivates us to persist in our work. Paul did not give up in Corinth, and neither do we in our Christian ministry.
“I have a large crowd in this city” (Acts 18:9-17)
12. What did Jesus assure Paul in a vision?
Jesus told Paul in a vision not to be afraid to continue preaching. Because He would be with him and protect him. Furthermore, Jesus assured him that there were still many people in Corinth who needed to hear the message. This gave Paul great confidence and, for a year and a half, he continued teaching about God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In the vision that Jesus gave to Paul, He told him not to be afraid because He would protect him. Acts 18:10 shows that Jesus assured Paul that no one would attack him and no one would harm him. This promise of protection gave Paul great confidence to continue working in Corinth without worrying about the dangers he might face.
The vision also reminded Paul that there were many people in Corinth who still needed to hear the message. Jesus told him that he had many people in that city. This shows that there are always people willing to listen, it's just that sometimes we need patience to find them. Jesus not only offered him protection, but also the motivation to keep preaching.
In a night vision, Jesus gave Paul clear instruction and encouragement. Paul was to continue preaching without fear because he would not be alone. Jesus guaranteed him personal protection, assuring him that no one would attack him to harm him. He also revealed to him that there were many people in Corinth who were ready to receive the good news of the Kingdom.
These words not only strengthened Paul’s faith and confidence, but also gave him the courage to stay in that city for a year and a half, teaching the word of God. This event highlights how Jesus guides and supports his servants in fulfilling their mission, even in the midst of challenging or uncertain circumstances.
13. What might Paul have remembered as he approached the court? Why was he sure that nothing similar would happen to him?
When Paul was brought to the court, he may have remembered how he had agreed to the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He might have been afraid that something similar would happen to him. But Paul was calm because Jesus had promised him that no one would harm him. He knew that since Jesus had protected him, the same thing that happened to Stephen would not happen to him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Paul may have remembered the sad event of the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, since he was present at the time. Acts 81 shows how Paul, formerly called Saul, agreed to Stephen's death. It is natural that when facing another court, he might fear for his life. But despite these memories, Paul knew that Jesus had promised to protect him, as stated in Acts 18:10. That promise gave him security.
Although Paul knew that the trial before the court could be dangerous, he was confident that nothing would happen to him because Jesus had protected him and had told him that no one would harm him. In Acts 18:10 Jesus assured him that He would accompany him and protect him, which gave him the peace of mind that he would not suffer the same as Stephen.
This event was significant, since at that time he, known as Saul, had approved the execution of Stephen. Now facing a hostile crowd in court, he might have wondered if he would share the same fate.
Paul had firm confidence in the promise Jesus had made him in a vision: no one would attack him or harm him while he was carrying out his ministry in Corinth. This divine support gave him absolute security, even in situations that seemed dangerous, reminding him that he was under the protection and guidance of Jesus.
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