Watchtower Study, "Article 21," Week of July 28 to August 3, 2025, Let's Seek the City That Will Be Permanent, Answers.

Watchtower Study, "Article 21", July 28-August 3, 2025, Let's Seek the City That Will Be Permanent, Answers.

“We are earnestly seeking the [city] that is to come” (Heb. 13:14).

1. What did Jesus predict would happen to Jerusalem in the first century?

Jesus spoke this prophecy shortly before his death, and it was fulfilled in 66 AD, when the Roman general Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusalem. That was the pivotal moment when Christians heeded Jesus' warning and fled.

Obedience saved lives, and this becomes a lesson for us today, making us understand that even if something seems secure or stable, if Jehovah warns us that it is about to change, we must act. This prophecy also reminds us that Jesus' words always come true.

2. What did the apostle Paul say to the Christians of Judea and Jerusalem?

Paul wanted them to look beyond the present moment and place their faith in what Jehovah has in store. Therefore, the letter to the Hebrews was key to strengthening the faith of Jewish Christians just before the judgment on Jerusalem.

Many Christians felt attached to the city, the temple, and Jewish customs. But Paul, with great love and firmness, reminded them that these things were temporary, saying, “We eagerly seek the coming of Christ.”

That message also applies today, as we live in a world that seems stable, with homes, jobs, and projects. But, like Jerusalem in the first century, this system will not last forever. If we cling too tightly to material things, we could lose sight of our loyalty to the Kingdom.

3. What is the city “that is to come,” and why do we seek it?

The expression “the city that is to come” appears several times in the Letter to the Hebrews, especially in chapter 11. It refers to a sure hope: the Kingdom of God, which will be the only organization that will endure after the end of the current system.

Abraham and other men of faith looked forward to that city because they knew that nothing in this world is eternal. Today, we also live in difficult times, where trusting in the Kingdom may seem irrational to some. But true Christians don't wait for human governments to solve problems, because we are focused on a higher hope.

LET US TRUST THAT JEHOVAH WILL NEVER ABANDON US

4. Why was Jerusalem important to Christians?

Jerusalem held great significance for early Christians. Christian preaching began there, and decisions affecting the entire congregation were made from there. Therefore, many believers felt a strong emotional, religious, and material attachment to the city.

But when Jesus commanded them to flee, he was preparing his disciples for a very important transition, so obeying this instruction required detaching themselves from even things that seemed good or necessary. This remains a lesson for us today: we should not place our hopes in any human structure, no matter how helpful or familiar it may seem.

5. What did Paul do to help Christians be prepared?

The Letter to the Hebrews was the tool Paul used to change the mindset of Jewish Christians. In it, he made it clear that the covenant that included the temple, sacrifices, and the priesthood was no longer in effect. This letter helped the brothers emotionally disconnect from the Jewish religious system, which was vital to being prepared when the time came to flee.

Paul also appealed to their emotions: he made them see that the temple was no longer approved by God, and that remaining there out of nostalgia or tradition would be a fatal mistake. Just as Jesus had said in Luke 13:34, 35, Jerusalem had rejected the Son of God, and therefore would be abandoned. Understanding this, Christians were able to make difficult decisions with clarity and faith.

6. Why was Paul's reminder in Hebrews 13:5, 6 so timely?

Paul knew that, for many Christians, leaving Jerusalem would be an emotional and financial blow. Jerusalem was more than a holy city; it was a place full of opportunities. Many Christians had businesses in the city, possibly related to the visitors who arrived during the Jewish festivals.

However, Paul helped them not to become attached to that temporary prosperity. He reminded them that the love of money can distance us from true faith. And, most importantly, he cited clear promises from Jehovah, such as Deuteronomy 31:6, where Jehovah assures them that he will never abandon his people. This would give them courage to let go of material things and trust in divine support.

7. Why should we strengthen our trust in Jehovah from now on?

The Bible and first-century Christian history teach us that those who truly trust in Jehovah are willing to act boldly when a crisis comes, just as the Christians in Jerusalem did, who unhesitatingly obeyed the instruction to flee.

Today, we too must prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually for future events, since those who develop strong faith before trials are the ones who manage to remain faithful when things get complicated.

The Great Tribulation will bring unprecedented situations, and we won't know exactly what will happen, but we do know that Jehovah will guide us. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen our trust in Him now.

LET US BE OBEDIENT TO THOSE WHO LEAD US

8. What instruction had Jesus given to his disciples?

Jesus had given his disciples a very clear instruction: when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they were to flee to the mountains. This was not a symbolic warning, but a direct instruction to save their lives, as that would be the sign that the city was about to be destroyed.

Although Jesus didn't specify which mountain they were to go to, he did make it clear that they weren't to stay or try to protect their material possessions. The important thing was the urgency of leaving Jerusalem as soon as they saw the armies surrounding it.

Jesus didn't tell them "which mountain," because the essential thing wasn't the destination, but immediate obedience. Their safety and their lives depended on obeying without delay.

9. Why might Christians have wondered where to flee? (See also map.)

First-century Christians may have wondered where to flee, as there were many mountainous options near Jerusalem. These included the mountains of Samaria, Galilee, Mount Hermon, Lebanon, and even the mountains of Gilead, which were across the Jordan River.

Some cities located in these areas, such as Gamala, seemed safe due to their strategic location atop a steep mountain. Therefore, many Jews thought it would be a good refuge. However, the Romans attacked it in 67 and destroyed it, causing many deaths.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Because there were many mountains near Jerusalem, such as those in Galilee and Samaria, and cities like Gamala, which seemed safe due to their location and difficult access. But the Christians, faced with so many possible destinations, didn't know exactly where to flee.

ILLUSTRATION

A map marking some of the mountains and cities of first-century Israel. North of Jerusalem are the mountains of Lebanon, Galilee, Samaria, and Gilead, Mount Hermon and Mount Tabor, and also the cities of Gamala, Caesarea, and Pella. South of Jerusalem are the mountains of Judea and Abarim, and the city of Masada. The map also shows the routes followed by the Romans in their military campaigns and the areas lost to the Jews between 67 and 73.

The Christians could have fled to many mountains, but not all of them proved safe. (See paragraph 9.)

10, 11. (a) How was it possible for Jehovah to guide his people? (Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Jehovah does not always use miraculous methods to guide his people, but rather through organized human authorities he has appointed. In the case of first-century Christians, many were attentive to the instructions of the governing body in Jerusalem, and this willingness to obey was vital.

According to Eusebius, they did not flee simply by intuition or common sense, but rather received a clear command, the fruit of a divine revelation to the "nobles," possibly the elders or overseers of the congregation. This also reminds us of what Jesus said in Matthew 24:45-47 about the faithful slave who would feed God's people at the appropriate time.

10, 11. b) What was the result for those who obeyed? (See also the image.)

The outcome for the Christians who obeyed the instruction to flee to Pella was their physical and spiritual survival. They trusted the guidance of those who led them in the congregation. The key to success was immediate obedience. They did not wait for further trials or seek other, seemingly safer refuges, such as Gamala.

This demonstrates the practical fulfillment of Hebrews 13:7, 17, which encourages us to obey and follow the faith of those who spiritually lead us. Those who did this in the first century survived a catastrophe that destroyed the city and its temple.

ILLUSTRATION

A group of first-century Christians travel through a mountainous region with their belongings.

Pela was a close and safe option. (See paragraphs 10 and 11.)

12, 13. How has Jehovah guided his people in especially difficult times?

Since ancient times, Jehovah has shown that he never leaves his people without direction. Jehovah faithfully guided his people in the past and will continue to do so.

Today we see that guidance through the Governing Body. For example, during the pandemic, we received not only spiritual instruction, but also practical and loving instruction.

This included the use of technology to reach the brothers and sisters, regardless of geographic or language barriers. The organization demonstrated its readiness and willingness to act quickly, which strengthens our confidence in Jehovah's guidance.

LET US SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE AND HOSPITALITY

14. According to Hebrews 13:1-3, what qualities were Christians to display as the destruction of Jerusalem drew near?

Hebrews 13:1-3 contains a very powerful message. Paul knew that a very difficult situation would soon come for the Christians in Jerusalem, so he reminded them that their love for one another should not weaken, but rather strengthen.

Brotherly love was not optional, but vital to emotional and spiritual survival. Hospitality, on the other hand, included opening one's home, sharing resources, and being willing to sacrifice for others.

This would be especially necessary when many were displaced or in danger. Today, that same spirit must be present in our congregations, as we will soon face unprecedented tribulation.

15. Why did the Hebrew Christians have to show brotherly love and hospitality to each other?

Christians could not stay in Jerusalem if they wanted to save their lives, but fleeing meant losing many comforts, property, and even their economic stability.

At that moment, brotherly love ceased to be just a principle and became something practical and vital, which meant sharing food, shelter, clothing, and emotional support.

This kind of love strengthened the bonds between them and ensured that neither felt alone or abandoned. Thus, love and hospitality not only helped them survive physically but also kept them spiritually united.

16. How can we show love to our siblings? (See also the image.)

Today, love is demonstrated through actions. It's not enough to say "I love you, brother" if we're not willing to open our doors, share what we have, or offer emotional comfort.

Hospitality, generosity, and sincere support reflect that Christian love is alive within us. Furthermore, by doing so, we not only help our brothers and sisters in need, but we also feel the blessing of being used by Jehovah to fulfill his will.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

We can show love by helping our brothers and sisters when they face difficulties—for example, by welcoming them into our homes, giving them emotional support, or meeting their material needs. In this way, we become tools that Jehovah uses to care for them.

ILLUSTRATION

An elderly couple lovingly welcomes a family of siblings who have had to leave their home. The family is carrying a single suitcase and a few bags.

Christians who have to leave their homes need our help. (See paragraph 16.)

17. Why is it essential that we cultivate brotherly love and hospitality now?

Brotherly love and hospitality are not just feelings, but concrete actions that reflect Christian unity and a willingness to help. In the near future, when difficulties are greater, these values will be indispensable for the spiritual and physical survival of the congregation.

Habakkuk 3:16-18 shows that even in times of hardship and suffering, trust in Jehovah and mutual support can fill the heart with joy. So Jehovah is preparing us for those times now, teaching us to be true brothers in love and hospitality, which strengthens the congregation and ensures that no one is left behind.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE?

18. How can we imitate the example of the Hebrew Christians?

The Hebrew Christians acted with faith, obedience, and trust in Jehovah. Today we can do the same by applying biblical counsel and trusting in God's promises.

Paul's letter to the Hebrews remains a source of encouragement and spiritual direction, reminding us that our true home is in the Kingdom of God, not in the temporal things of this world.

Jesus warned us to be prepared to act when the time comes, and Jehovah assures us that he will never abandon us. Imitating this example means having an active faith, living with hope, and being ready to make the right decisions, even when the outlook is uncertain. This way, we can ensure a life filled with eternal blessings.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why do we need to strengthen our trust in Jehovah now?

Because the great tribulation will bring difficult trials, and even though it has not yet begun, we must demonstrate our trust in Jehovah to be prepared and not depend on money or human solutions.

Why will obedience be so important during the “great tribulation”?

Because at that time we will have to act quickly and make difficult decisions, trusting in the instructions Jehovah gives us through those who lead us, just as first-century Christians did to save themselves.

Why is it essential that we cultivate brotherly love and hospitality now?

Because during the Great Tribulation, we will need to support one another greatly, and these qualities will help us care for our brothers and sisters and stay united in difficult times.