Congregational Book Study, Week of January 27 to February 2, 2025, Chapter 21, paragraphs 14-22. Answers.

Congregational Book Study, January 27, February 2, 2025, Chapter 21, paragraphs 14-22. Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 21 paras. 14-22.

14. What did Paul say to the Ephesian elders when they gathered at Miletus?

When Paul met with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, he spoke truthfully to them and remembered their example of service. I mention to them how from the first day he was with them in Asia, he had served with humility, shedding tears and facing trials, especially due to the conspiracies of the Jews.

Despite the difficulties, he never stopped teaching them what they needed to know for their benefit, doing so both in public and at home. Paul stressed that his message was always consistent with the importance of repenting, turning to God, and having faith in Jesus. By speaking to them this way, Paul wanted the elders to understand the importance of being diligent, loving, and faithful in caring for the congregation and continuing to preach the Kingdom.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul told them that they knew how he had behaved among them from the first day he arrived in Asia. He reminded them that he had served Jehovah with humility, even in the midst of tears and difficult trials, such as the conspiracies of the Jews, as mentioned in Acts 20:18-19. This shows that Paul was an example of faithfulness and dedication, even in complicated circumstances.

Paul assured them that he had not hesitated to tell them everything that would be beneficial to them, teaching them both in public and from house to house, as Acts 20:20 indicates. This teaches us the importance of sharing Jehovah's message in different ways, always thinking about the benefit of others.

15. Why is the house-to-house preaching method so good?

House-to-house preaching is the main method that Jehovah's Witnesses use, because it ensures that all people have the opportunity to hear the message of the Kingdom. This method allows you to reach kind-hearted people who may not be found otherwise, and also gives you the opportunity to adapt the message to the specific needs of each family or individual.

It also strengthens those who participate in this activity, helping them increase their faith, and develop endurance, by sharing the good news no matter the circumstances. This method, along with other ways of preaching, such as in public places and commercial areas, highlights true Christians, as it demonstrates their dedication to fulfilling the preaching commission that Jesus left us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is good because it ensures that all people can hear the Kingdom message, which shows that Jehovah treats everyone fairly. It also allows you to find people with good hearts and help them according to their needs. It also strengthens our faith and resistance. It is a method that distinguishes true Christians.

According to Acts 20:20, Paul mentioned that he preached publicly and from house to house. This method is very effective because it ensures that everyone has the opportunity to hear the Kingdom message. As Romans 2:11 says, Jehovah does not show favoritism, so this type of preaching reflects his impartiality.

Acts 20:21 notes that Paul gave full testimony about the need to repent and turn to God, and to have faith in Jesus. This shows that house-to-house preaching not only helps to convey the message, but also to find people who sincerely seek God and need spiritual guidance.

16, 17. Why do we say that Paul was very brave, and how do we follow his example?

Paul demonstrated great courage in fulfilling his mission of preaching the good news, even in the face of persecution, health problems, and constant threats. When he spoke to the Ephesian elders, he expressed that he did not care about his own life, as long as he could finish the course Jesus had assigned him.

Today, Jehovah's Witnesses follow example by preaching regardless of the obstacles we face. Some live in places where the work is prohibited and face persecution. Others deal with health problems, emotional problems, or even social pressure, especially young people.

Despite these difficulties, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to demonstrate courage and perseverance, remaining steadfast in our mission to share the good news of the Kingdom with all people.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul was brave because he did not let trouble, persecution, or illness stop him from his mission to preach the Good News. Today, Jehovah's Witnesses imitate his courage in the face of difficulties such as persecution, health problems or pressures at school, and continue to walk as a witness to the Kingdom.

Paul's courage is reflected in his own words, as he said that he did not care about his own life in order to complete the work that Jesus had given him: to give a complete testimony of the Good News of God's undeserved Goodness, according to facts. 20:24. This example motivates us to be courageous and to put service to Jehovah as our priority, even in the midst of trials.

Similarly, many Christians today face difficulties, but, as mentioned in Philippians 4:13, they trust that Jehovah gives them the strength to continue forward. This faith and courage help us imitate Paul's example as we continue to preach.

18. Why was Paul clean of blood, and how could the elders of Ephesus follow his example?

Paul claimed to be clean from the blood of all men because he did not hesitate to teach all of God's will, even in difficult situations. This commitment to declare the complete message allowed him to fulfill his responsibility as a servant of God.

In his address to the elders of Ephesus, Paul encouraged them to follow his example, caring for both themselves and the flock entrusted to them. He reminded them that the sheep of the congregation are very valuable, since Jehovah purchased them with the blood of his Son.

Additionally, Paul warned them that “fierce wolves” would arise within the congregation who would try to lead the disciples astray. Therefore, he urged them to stay awake and be vigilant. I advise them to imitate his example of dedicating time and effort to care for each member, as he had done for three years.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul was clean of blood because he always taught everything God wanted them to know. The elders of Ephesus could follow his example by caring for themselves and the congregation, ensuring that no one with evil intentions harmed the flock. Paul asked them to be attentive and advise with love, just as he had done.

Paul claimed that he was clean from the blood of all men because he did not hesitate to declare to them all the will of God, as mentioned in Acts 20:26-27. This means that he was faithful in teaching them everything that Jehovah wanted them to know, and the elders could imitate him by being responsible in clearly teaching Bible truth.

Paul advised them to take care of themselves and the flock, since the Holy Spirit had appointed them overseers to shepherd the congregation that God purchased with the blood of his son, according to Acts 20:28. This reminded them of the importance of caring for Jehovah's sheep with love and dedication, following the example of Christ.

19. What appeared at the end of the first century, and what did this lead to in later centuries?

At the end of the first century, “bad wolves” began to emerge within the Christian congregation, as the apostle Paul predicted. The apostle John also confirmed this reality when speaking of many antichrists who had come from among true Christians, but who did not share their faith or values.

This beginning of apostasy developed over time, and by the third century, there was already a clerical class that separated itself from the teachings of Christ and his apostles.

In the 4th century, the Roman emperor Constantine gave official recognition to this false Christianity, marking the beginning of the fusion between apostate religion and political power. These religious leaders adopted pagan practices and beliefs, presenting them as Christian, which completely distorted true worship.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

People called “Big Bad Wolves” appeared and taught false things to alienate the disciples. Over time, this led to the formation of a clerical class in Christendom, which mixed pagan teachings and customs with Christianity. This false religion still exists today.

The apostle John explained that many antichrists had already appeared and that these people had come from among Christians, but in reality they were not true followers of Christ. This is mentioned in 1 John 2:18-19, and reminds us that even in the first century there were those who turned away from the truth.

What Paul warned in Acts 20:29-30 was fulfilled, where he said that after his departure “fierce wolves” would enter who would not treat the flock with tenderness and who would teach twisted things to drag away the disciples. Over time, this led to apostasy and the formation of the clerical class that mixed pagan teachings with Christianity, deviating from the teachings of Jesus.

20, 21. How did Paul demonstrate that he had a great spirit of sacrifice, and how do elders today imitate him?

Paul stood out for his spirit of sacrifice, not depending financially on the congregations. He worked hard to support himself, avoiding being a burden to his brothers. Furthermore, he encouraged the Ephesian elders to have the same attitude, reminding them of the words of Jesus, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” This marked a big difference with the “bad wolves” that would appear later, who would seek to take advantage of the flock.

Today, Christian elders emulate this example by serving with humility and selflessness. Their objective is not to obtain material benefits or personal recognition, but to shepherd the congregation with love and dedication, aware that it is God's property.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul worked to support himself and not be a burden on the congregation. He taught the elders to help the weaker and to enjoy giving, rather than receiving. Today, elders follow this example by serving humbly and without expecting rewards. Always putting the well-being of the congregation first.

Paul emphasized that he had worked with his own hands to meet his needs and those of those who accompanied him, as expressed in Acts 20:33-34. This shows that he did not want to be a burden on the congregations, but that he was willing to sacrifice himself to serve Jehovah and the brothers.

Paul reminded them that they should work hard to help the weak and quoted the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” according to Acts 20:35. Today's elders follow this example by giving of their time and energy to care for the congregation, without expecting anything in return.

22. Why did the elders of Ephesus love Paul so much?

The elders of Ephesus had a deep affection for Paul because of the genuine love he showed towards them. That is why their farewell, described in Acts 20:37,38, shows how strong the bond they had developed with him was. “Everyone burst into tears and hugged Pablo and kissed him lovingly.” Paul not only preached the message of the Kingdom with courage, but he also pastored with compassion, earning the respect and affection of his brothers.

Christians today value those who imitate their example, because they show a spirit of sacrifice and selfless love when caring for the sheep. Paul truly fulfilled the principle of being “clean from the blood of every man,” as he strove to help everyone within his reach.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

They loved Pablo very much because he sincerely loved them and went out of his way to help them. That's why, when they said goodbye, they cried, hugged him and kissed him lovingly. Today, Christians also value those who, like Paul, give their all to care for God's “sheep.”

The elders loved Paul very much because he sincerely cared for them and cared for them with love. When they said goodbye to him, everyone burst into tears and hugged him lovingly, as Acts 20:37 relates. This shows that the love and dedication that Paul showed deeply touched the hearts of the brothers.

Paul could say with confidence that he was clean from the blood of every man, since he always preached and taught everything that was important, as Acts 20:26 points out. This teaches us that when we do our best to care for others, they respond with love and sincere appreciation.