Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) BT Chapter 28, paragraphs 16-22.
16, 17. What evidence does Acts provide that Jehovah blessed the work of the early Christians?
The book of Acts also indicates that Jehovah blessed the work through the positive response of people in various regions. In Antioch of Syria, for example, we are told that “the hand of Jehovah” was with them and a large number of people became believers.
Later, Acts 12:24 and 19:20 show that Jehovah’s word continued to grow and spread, and that it gained “power in a mighty way,” confirming that the success of the preaching work was evident and came from Jehovah’s support.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Acts provides various evidence that Jehovah blessed the work of the early Christians. It highlights the spread of God's word and the significant increase in the number of disciples in Jerusalem. Furthermore, in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, the congregation experienced peace and growth because they walked in the reverent fear of Jehovah and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
In Antioch, Syria, many courageous Christians preached to both Hebrews and Greeks, and Jehovah's hand was with them, leading many people to convert to the Lord. Afterward, Jehovah's word continued to grow and spread.
Acts 6:7 emphasizes that the expansion of the congregation was not solely the work of humans. The growth of the disciples in Jerusalem was a direct result of divine blessing. This underscores that, although the apostles and other Christians preached, it was Jehovah's hand that made the work grow, showing that His intervention is crucial to the success of Christian ministry.
In Acts 11:21, we see that the courageous witness of the Christians in Antioch resulted in a great conversion. The phrase "the hand of Jehovah was with them" reflects the importance of divine guidance in preaching. This text shows that the gospel is spread not only by human effort but also by Jehovah's intervention to make the message impactful.
18, 19. (a) Why are we confident that “the hand of Jehovah” is with us today?
We feel Jehovah's hand with us when he sustains us in difficult times. Many brothers continue to preach courageously, even in painful or dangerous circumstances. This shows that Jehovah not only directs the work but also protects and strengthens each faithful servant. As Deuteronomy 33:27 says: "His everlasting arm always sustains us."
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We are confident that “the hand of Jehovah” is with us today, because we see how the preaching work continues to grow despite opposition and persecution. Many people accept the truth, dedicate themselves to God, and are baptized. Like the first-century Christians, we too experience Jehovah’s help to continue preaching despite obstacles. Jehovah sustains us with his everlasting arms and, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:22, he will never abandon his people for the sake of his great name.
In Acts 14:19-21, the apostle Paul shows how, despite suffering persecution, Jehovah sustained him, allowing him to continue with the work. This is a clear sign that divine help is present today, since, even when we face difficulties, we are still capable of fulfilling our mission.
In Deuteronomy 33:27, it is mentioned that Jehovah upholds his people with “his everlasting arms.” This continual support is a promise that Jehovah will always be with us, regardless of the circumstances. This promise gives us confidence that, like first-century Christians, we are also under his protection today.
18, 19. b) What example do we have that Jehovah will never abandon his people?
The example of Elsa Abt, who was imprisoned during World War II, moves us deeply. Despite being separated from her family and suffering in concentration camps, Jehovah never abandoned her. She herself acknowledged that the Holy Spirit gave her serenity and strength beyond her imagination. This shows that, even in the most difficult trials, Jehovah remains close to his servants.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A clear example of how Jehovah never abandons his people is found in Elsa Abt's experience during World War II. She endured intense trials in the Nazi concentration camps, but despite the extreme circumstances, she experienced how the Holy Spirit gave her the strength to carry on. Through this experience, Elsa was able to understand how right the sister who had written to her was about how Jehovah gives serenity in the midst of difficult trials.
Elsa Abt's experience demonstrates that Jehovah does not abandon his servants, even in the most difficult times. As her testimony mentions, the Holy Spirit provides strength beyond human understanding, enabling Jehovah's servants to overcome the toughest trials, just as she experienced.
Elsa Abt's experience confirms that Jehovah keeps his promise not to abandon his people. Through her experience in the concentration camps, Elsa experienced the comfort and serenity provided by the Holy Spirit, a clear demonstration that Jehovah always provides support for his faithful, even in the most difficult circumstances.
20. What did Paul do during his house arrest, and how does his example encourage many Christians?
During his arrest, Paul didn't focus on his limitations, but instead took every opportunity to speak about the Kingdom of God. Today, many loyal servants who are homebound continue to demonstrate their faith by speaking with medical personnel, caregivers, or through letters and phone calls. Knowing that Paul also went through something similar comforts them and gives them strength to remain spiritually active.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
During his house arrest in Rome, Paul preached God's Kingdom to all who visited him. His example shows that even when you can't leave your home, you can always continue preaching and sharing Jehovah's message. Today, many Christians in similar situations—such as those who are sick or in nursing homes—continue to bear witness with the same love and desire.
Paul's example during his house arrest shows that there are no barriers to preaching the Kingdom of God. Despite being under arrest, he found ways to continue his mission. This inspires Christians today, especially those facing physical limitations, to remain active in their witness, even if their circumstances prevent them from preaching in a conventional manner.
The fact that, even in difficult situations, many Christians continue to seek ways to bear witness reflects the importance of a genuine desire to share Jehovah's message. Just as Paul did not allow his arrest to prevent him from preaching, these brothers and sisters also show that love for God and commitment to His work are not dependent on external conditions.
21. Why is it so urgent to preach?
The mandate to bear witness to the ends of the earth requires immediate action. We cannot remain inactive when so many people have yet to hear the good news. This urgency should compel us to dedicate time and effort to preaching at every possible moment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It is urgent to preach because we are living in the last days, and the sign of this is evident. Furthermore, we have the responsibility to take advantage of preaching opportunities, such as going from house to house and using other methods to spread the Kingdom testimony everywhere. We must not waste time, as it is crucial to be active in Jehovah's work.
Matthew 24:13-14 mentions that the signs of the end times are clear, reinforcing the urgent need to preach. This reminds us that time is limited and that preaching is a priority in these end times.
According to 1 Corinthians 15:58, we must be very busy in the Lord's work, which means we must not let go of our active work in the preaching work. The urgency of the situation demands that we be fully dedicated to Jehovah's ministry.
22. What are we determined to do while we wait for the day of Jehovah?
Our desire is to remain steadfast in preaching until the end. Just as the Bereans enthusiastically accepted the word, we want to find those people receptive. In the meantime, our goal is to fulfill Jesus' commission and feel the satisfaction of having fully witnessed to the Kingdom.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As we await Jehovah's day, we are determined to continue preaching faithfully and courageously, without stopping. We know that there are still many people willing to hear the message, like the Bereans of old. Therefore, we continue enthusiastically in our work, aiming to hear from Jehovah the words: "Well done, good and faithful slave."
Like the Bereans, who eagerly accepted the word, we are determined to continue preaching boldly, knowing that there are many people who want to hear the message. This highlights the importance of not giving up, as there are still those who are willing to learn.
Matthew 25:23 highlights the reward for those who remain faithful in their service to Jehovah. The satisfaction of having given a complete testimony about God's Kingdom becomes a constant motivation to continue with the ministry, knowing that our efforts will be rewarded by Jehovah in the future.
Comments
Post a Comment