Congregational Book Study, Week of December 16-22, 2024, Chapter 19, paragraphs 14-20 and box on page 152. Answers.

Congregational Book Study, December 16-22, 2024, Chapter 19, paragraphs 14-20  and box on page 152. Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 19 pars. 14-20 and box on p. 152.

14, 15. (a) What did the Jews accuse Paul of, and why did Gallio decide that there would be no trial? 

The Jews accused Paul of teaching people to worship God in a way contrary to the law. Gallio decided not to prosecute Paul because he saw that Paul had not committed any serious crime or injustice. Furthermore, he did not want to get involved in the religious problems of the Jews.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Jews brought Paul before Gallio, who was a prominent official, a Roman philosopher, and also the Proconsul of Achaia. They accused Paul of persuading people to worship God in a way contrary to the law. 

Gallio determined that this was a matter related to his own religious laws, and not a transgression of the Roman legal system. Therefore, he considered that Paul had not committed any injustice or serious crime, and he did not want to be involved in any enjoyment related to the Jewish religion. Consequently, he did not consider a trial necessary and dismissed the case.

The Jews accused Paul of teaching things that were not in accordance with the law of Moses, but Gallio, the judge, realized that this was not a crime, because it was a religious issue and not something against the government's law. It was not a legal issue, but a disagreement between religions.

Galeon decided not to try Paul because he did not see that he had committed a serious crime. To him, it did not matter that the Jews disagreed with Paul's teachings. If the problem was just a religious dispute, it was not something for the government to solve. 

14, 15. b) What happened to Sosthenes, and what might he have done later?

Sosthenes, who was probably the leader of the synagogue, was beaten by the Jews in front of the court. Later, Sosthenes may have become a Christian, because Paul mentions a Sosthenes as his brother in faith in 1 Corinthians 1:1, 2.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Jews were so angry with Paul that, unable to punish Paul, they beat Sosthenes, who was probably the new leader of the synagogue. They may have thought that he was responsible for the problems with Paul.

It is possible that after this incident, Sosthenes changed his attitude and became a Christian. Paul refers to him as “Brother,” which indicates that he joined the Christian faith, and this shows that sometimes even bad experiences can lead people to draw closer to Jehovah.

16. Why is the promise Jesus made to Paul an incentive for us?

Jesus told Paul not to be afraid and to keep preaching, because he would be with him. This encourages us because it reminds us that even if some people don't want to listen to us, Jesus and Jehovah always support us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Furthermore, many sincere people continue to draw closer to Jehovah, as evidenced by the number of people baptized each year. This motivates us to continue preaching with confidence, knowing that Jesus is with us.

This promise is important for us, as we may also feel fear or uncertainty when we preach, but we must remember that Jesus is always with us and gives us strength.

Jesus also promised to be with his followers until the end of the system. This is a great incentive to continue preaching and teaching, because we know that we are not alone, Jesus is with us at all times, guiding us and supporting us.

 “If the Lord wills” (Acts 18:18-22)

17, 18. What was Paul likely thinking about during the trip to Ephesus?

Paul probably looked back with joy on the 18 months he spent preaching in Corinth, and felt satisfied that he had helped many people, such as Titius Justus, Crispus, and their families, become Christians. The first congregation in Corinth was also formed and met in the home of Titius Justus.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul had spent 18 months in Corinth, and he must have been very happy with all he had accomplished there. He had seen many people become Christians, and he was grateful for all the work that had been done in that city. It was a good reminder of his ministry.

Paul compared the Christians he had helped teach the truth to letters of recommendation. This shows how important the work he did in Corinth was to him. The brothers in that congregation were proof of his effort and love for the work Jehovah had entrusted to him.

19, 20. What did Paul do when he arrived in Ephesus, and how can we imitate his example?

Paul began preaching in the synagogue as soon as he arrived in Ephesus. Although the Ephesians wanted him to stay longer, he said goodbye, saying, “If the Lord is willing, I will see you again.” We can imitate Paul by setting spiritual goals and working to achieve them, but always trusting in Jehovah’s guidance and adjusting our plans according to his will.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When he arrived in Ephesus, Paul wasted no time and began preaching in the synagogue. Even though the people asked him to stay longer, he said that he would only return if Jehovah wanted him to. This shows his humility and willingness to follow Jehovah's will.

Paul gives us an example of how to plan our lives, but always leaving room for Jehovah to decide what is best. We can make our own plans, but we must remember that Jehovah is in control and trust him to guide our decisions and actions. 

ANALYSIS AND ANSWERS BASED ON THE BOX: PAUL'S VOTE

Paul cut his hair as part of a vow he made to God, probably a covenant of gratitude. This was not a Nazirite vow, because that required a person to shave in Jerusalem, but Paul was in Cenchreae.

 Although we do not know when or why exactly Paul made this vow, it could have been to thank God for protecting him during his time in Corinth. This type of vow shows how simple promises can be made to express gratitude to God.

Vows made to God are not always grand requests. Sometimes, as in Paul's case, they can be a way of thanking Him for His help. Paul probably cut his hair as a symbolic act of thanksgiving for God's protection. This act reminds us that we can also make promises to Jehovah as a sign of our gratitude.

Paul's vow reflects how people can make promises to God at important times in their lives. Although the exact reason for the vow is not known for certain, his action of cutting his hair may have been a way of showing his gratitude for the protection God gave him.