Watchtower Study, Week of May 5-11, 2025, Do not delay your baptism, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, May 5-11, 2025, Do not delay your baptism, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

 "What are you waiting for? Get up, get baptized" (ACTS 22:16).

1. What are some good reasons to get baptized?

Do you LOVE Jehovah, who has given you all the good things you enjoy, including life? Do you want to show your love? The best way to do this is to dedicate your life to it and get baptized. When you take those steps, you will become part of Jehovah's family. You will belong to him, and that is why your Father and friend will guide you and take care of you. (Sal. 73:24; Is. 43:1, 2). Furthermore, thanks to dedication and baptism, you will have the hope of living forever (1 Ped. 3:21).

2. What are we going to analyze in this article?

2 Now, perhaps there is something that is holding you back from taking the step of getting baptized. Don't worry; He is not the first to find himself in that situation. Millions of people before you have had to make changes in their behavior and thinking in order to be baptized, and now they are serving Jehovah with joy and enthusiasm. In this article, we will talk about some people who were baptized in the first century. We'll see what obstacles they faced and what helped them overcome them. Try to notice what you, young or old, can learn from their example.

THE SAMARITANS WERE BAPTIZED

3. What obstacles did some Samaritans likely face in being baptized?

3 In the time of Jesus, the Samaritans were members of a religious group who lived around ancient Shechem and Samaria, north of Judea. In order to be baptized, they had to come to know the Word of God better, since they believed that only the first five books of the Bible—that is, Genesis to Deuteronomy—and possibly the book of Joshua came from God. However, they knew the promise of God found in Deuteronomy 18:18, 19, and that is why they did expect the coming of the Messiah (Juan 4:25). To be baptized, they had to accept that Jesus was the promised Messiah. And “many Samaritans” did it (Juan 4:39). Others may have had to overcome deep prejudices against Jews. (Luc. 9:52-54).

4. According to Acts 8:5, 6, 14, what did some Samaritans do when Philip preached to them?

4 What helped the Samaritans get baptized? When Philip the evangelizer preached to them “about the Christ,” some accepted “the word of God.” (read Acts 8:5, 6, 14). Although Philip was of Jewish origin, the Samaritans listened to him. Maybe some verses came to mind that say God is not partial. (Deut. 10:17-19). Be that as it may, they paid “close attention to what Philip said” about the Christ. They recognized that Philip had been sent by God, since he also performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and expelling demons. (Num. 8:7).

5. What lessons do you learn from the Samaritans?

5 In the case of those Samaritans, prejudice or lack of knowledge could have been an obstacle to their progress. But they didn't let that happen. Once they were convinced that Philip was teaching them the truth, they were immediately baptized. The Bible explains: “When Philip told them the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they believed him and both men and women were baptized.” (Acts 8:12). And you? Are you convinced that God's Word is truth? And are you sure that Jehovah's Witnesses strive to show each other nonjudgmental love, the kind of love Jesus said his true disciples would have? (John 13:35). So, don't delay your baptism. Have no doubt that Jehovah will bless you.

6. What does Ruben's example teach you?

6 Ruben, from Germany, grew up in a Witness family, but as a young man he had doubts about the existence of God. What helped you overcome those doubts? He realized that he lacked knowledge, so he decided to get to work. He says: "I did not remain with my doubts. I took advantage of my personal study to resolve them. I had to study the topic of evolution several times." He read the book Is There a Creator Who Cares About Us?, which greatly strengthened his faith. He says: “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, Jehovah really exists.’” Additionally, Ruben visited the world headquarters and was very impressed to see the extraordinary unity that exists among God's servants around the world. When he returned to Germany he was baptized at the age of 17. If you have questions about what you have learned in the Bible, look for information in our publications. “Exact knowledge” can overcome any doubt (Eph. 4:13, 14). And you will feel closer to our global brotherhood as you hear about the love and unity that Jehovah's servants have for each other in other parts of the world and as you see it firsthand in your congregation.

SAUL OF TARSO WAS BAPTIZED

7. What did Saul have to correct?

7 Consider the example of Saul of Tarsus, a full-blooded Jew who had a promising future in Judaism (Gal. 1:13, 14; Philip. 3:5). At that time, many Jews considered Christians to be apostates. For that reason, Saul persecuted them mercilessly. He mistakenly believed that this was the will of God. (Num. 8:3; 9:1, 2; 26:9-11). So if you put your faith in Jesus and were baptized as a Christian, you had to be willing to suffer persecution.

8. a) What helped Saul get baptized? b) According to Acts 22:12-16, how did Ananias help Saul? (See also the image).

8 What helped Saul get baptized? When Jesus spoke to him from heaven, a bright light blinded Saul (Acts 9:3-9). For three days he did not eat anything and must have been meditating on what had happened to him. He became convinced that Jesus was the Messiah and that Christians were the true religion. He must also have felt very guilty for having been an accomplice in Stephen's murder (Acts 22:20). At the end of those three days, a disciple named Ananias went to see Saul, spoke kindly to him, restored his sight, and encouraged him to be baptized immediately. (read Acts 22:12-16). Saul was humble, accepted the help of Ananias and gave a new direction to his life (Num. 9:17, 18).

ILLUSTRATION

Saul entering the water to be baptized. A few people watch him smiling.

Ananias encouraged Saul to be baptized, and he accepted. Will you follow Saul's example? (See paragraph 8).

9. What lessons does Saul's example teach you?

9 Saul's example teaches us several lessons. He could have let pride or fear keep him from being baptized. But he didn't let anything stop him. When he understood the truth about the Christ, he showed humility and was willing to make changes in his life. (Num. 26:14, 19). He made the decision to become a Christian even though he knew he would be persecuted. (Num. 9:15, 16; 20:22, 23). After his baptism, he continued to rely on Jehovah for help as he faced all kinds of trials. (2 Cor. 4:7-10). When you are baptized as a Jehovah's Witness, you may experience trials or some opposition, but you will not be alone. Jehovah and Jesus will always be at your side to support you (Phil. 4:13).

10. How does Anna's example help you?

10 Let's look at the case of Anna, who lives in Eastern Europe and grew up in a Kurdish family. After her mother was baptized, Anna began studying the Bible at the age of 9, with her father's permission. She lived with all her relatives in the same house, and when they found out that Anna was studying the Bible with the Witnesses, they turned against her. It seemed to them a disgrace for someone to abandon the religion of their ancestors. When she was 12 years old, Anna spoke to her father because she wanted to be baptized. He asked her if she wanted to take that step on her own or if someone was pressuring her. She answered: “I love Jehovah.” So it seemed good to his father that he should be baptized. After her baptism, Anna's relatives continued to mock her and treat her badly. One of them told him: “You would be better off leading an immoral life and smoking than being a Jehovah's Witness.” How did Anna manage to endure that situation? She says: "Jehovah gave me strength. And mom and dad also supported me a lot." Anna keeps a list of times she has seen Jehovah's hand in her life, and she reviews them from time to time so she doesn't forget them. If you are afraid of opposition or persecution, remember that Jehovah will help you too (Heb. 13:6).

CORNELIUS WAS BAPTIZED

11. What could have been an obstacle to Cornelius' baptism?

11 Another example is that of Cornelius. He was “a centurion”, that is, an officer in the Roman army who had about 100 soldiers under his command. (Num. 10:1, note). So it is possible that he was a prominent man in his community and in the military. The Bible also says that Cornelius “helped those in need greatly” (Acts 10:2). Jehovah sent the apostle Peter to tell him the good news. How did Cornelius react? Did you delay your baptism because of your social position?

12. What helped Cornelius get baptized?

12 What helped Cornelius get baptized? The story says that “he feared God, as did his entire household” and that “he prayed to God constantly.” (Hebrews 10:2). When Peter told him the good news, Cornelius and his family put their faith in Christ and were immediately baptized. (Num. 10:47, 48). Surely Cornelius was willing to make all the necessary changes to be able to worship Jehovah together with his family (Jos. 24:15; Gen. 10:24, 33).

13. What does Cornelius' example teach you?

13 Just like Saul, Cornelius had a good social position that could have prevented him from becoming a Christian. But he didn't let that happen. And you? Do you have to make big changes in your life to be baptized? Well, rest assured that Jehovah will help you. He will bless your efforts to put Bible principles into practice in your life.

14. How does Tsuyoshi's example help you?

14 Tsuyoshi, from Japan, had to make some changes in his job in order to be baptized. He was the assistant director of the Ikenobo school of flower arranging. The director often went to funerals to bring flowers and participate in Buddhist rituals. When he couldn't go, Tsuyoshi would often go and do those things instead. But when he learned what the Bible says about death, he realized that he could not be baptized if he continued to participate in those rituals. So he decided to stop doing it (2 Cor. 6:15, 16). He spoke to the director about the issue, and he allowed him to keep his job without having to participate in those rituals. Tsuyoshi was baptized about a year after he began studying the Bible. If you have to make changes in your work to please God, rest assured that he will ensure that you and your family do not lack what is necessary. (Ps. 127:2; Matt. 6:33).

THE CORINTHIANS WERE BAPTIZED

15. What obstacles might have prevented the Corinthians from being baptized?

15 The inhabitants of the ancient city of Corinth had a reputation for being materialistic and leading immoral lives. Many of them practiced things that went against Jehovah's standards. So in that environment it would be very difficult for anyone to accept the truth. But when the apostle Paul arrived in that city and preached the good news about the Christ, “many of the Corinthians who heard the message began to believe and be baptized.” (Num. 18:7-11). Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Paul in a vision and said, “I have many people in this city.” Then, the apostle stayed preaching there for a year and a half.

16. What helped the Corinthians get baptized? (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).

16 What helped the Corinthians get baptized? (Read 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5). God used His Word and His powerful Holy Spirit to help them completely change their lives. (Heb. 4:12). The Corinthians who accepted the good news managed to leave behind practices such as drunkenness, theft and homosexuality. (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

17. What does the example of the Corinthians teach you?

17 It is true that some Corinthians had to make big changes in their lives to be baptized, but they did not think that they would not be able to achieve it.  They did their best to begin walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life. (Matt. 7:13, 14). And you? Are you struggling to overcome some vice or bad practice? Don't give up! Ask Jehovah to help you with his holy spirit to resist temptation.

18. How does Monika's example help you?

18 Monika, who lives in the country of Georgia, worked hard when she was young to leave behind inappropriate entertainment and the habit of swearing because she wanted to be baptized. She says: "Prayer gave me the strength I needed. Jehovah knew I wanted to do the right thing and was always there to help and guide me." Monika was baptized when she was 16 years old. Do you also have to stop doing something to please Jehovah and serve him? Be sure to ask for his spirit to make the necessary changes, and he will give it to you generously. (Juan 3:34).

YOUR FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS

19. What will help you overcome obstacles as big as mountains? (See also the image).

19 Whatever obstacles you may have to overcome to be baptized, never doubt that Jehovah loves you and wants you to be part of his family. Jesus told several of his disciples: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain ‘Move over there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20). Those disciples had been with Jesus only a few years, so their faith had yet to continue growing. Still, Jesus promised them that if they developed strong faith, Jehovah would help them move obstacles as big as mountains. And it will help you too!

ILLUSTRATION

At an assembly, a group of very happy brothers and sisters applaud as the newly baptized pass by them.

Never doubt that Jehovah loves you and wants you to be part of his family. (See paragraph 19).

20. What effect have the examples we have seen in this article had on you?

20 If you see that there is an obstacle that you need to overcome in order to be baptized, don't wait another minute and get to work. As we have seen, there are many examples of Christians from the first century and today that can give you comfort and strength. Meditate on them and you will see how you feel encouraged and motivated to take the step of dedicating yourself to Jehovah and being baptized. It will be the best decision of your life!

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE EXAMPLE OF THE FOLLOWING CHRISTIANS OF THE FIRST CENTURY?

The Samaritans

Prejudice or lack of knowledge could have been an obstacle to your progress. But they didn't let that happen. Once they were convinced that Philip was teaching them the truth, they were immediately baptized. The Bible explains: “When Philip told them the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they believed him and both men and women were baptized.”

Saul of Tarsus and Cornelius

Saul and Cornelius were well off in society, which may have prevented them from becoming Christians. However, both of them did not allow that to happen. When they understood the truth about Christ, they demonstrated humility and were willing to make changes in their lives. They made the decision to become Christians, even though they knew they would be persecuted.

The Corinthians

Some Corinthians had to make big changes in their lives to be baptized, but they didn't think they wouldn't be able to get it. They did their best to begin walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life.