Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb Introduction to section 14 and lessons 94, 95.
Introduction to section 14
In this section, we will see how the early Christians fulfilled Jesus’ commission to take the good news of the Kingdom to the most distant parts of the earth. We will also see how Jesus miraculously guided and equipped them to teach the truth in the various languages spoken by the people, and how Jehovah gave them the strength and courage to endure the intense persecution they faced.
Furthermore, we will see how Jesus gave the apostle John a vision in which the Kingdom of Heaven defeats Satan and puts an end to his rule forever. In that vision, John saw Jesus as King, with 144,000 ruling alongside him. He also saw the entire earth transformed into a paradise and mankind worship Jehovah in peace and perfect unity.
Analysis of Lesson 94: The disciples receive the holy spirit
What happened at the Feast of Pentecost in the year 33?
On the Feast of Pentecost in the year 33, about 120 of Jesus' disciples were gathered in the upper room of a house when, suddenly, something amazing happened. Something like a flame of fire appeared above each disciple's head, and they all began to speak in different languages. In addition, the sound of a strong wind was heard throughout the house.
Why were so many people baptized?
So many people were baptized because they were amazed to hear the disciples speaking in other languages. Then Peter told them that although Jesus had been killed, Jehovah had resurrected him and that he was now in heaven at God’s right hand. He explained that Jesus had given them the holy spirit he had promised, and that was why they had seen and heard those miracles.
These words of Peter touched their hearts and they were deeply impressed. Then they asked: “What should we do?” Peter answered them: “Repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Afterward, you will also receive the gift of the holy spirit.” As a result, some 3,000 people were baptized that day.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah always keeps his promises. Just as Jesus had foretold, Jehovah gave his holy spirit to the disciples at Pentecost in 33 C.E.
We see that Jehovah provides his holy spirit to empower his servants and help them to accomplish his will. Thanks to his holy spirit, the disciples were able to speak in different languages and teach the good news to people of many nations.
It teaches us that Jehovah wants people to draw close to him. That is why he allowed many to hear the message about Jesus and have the opportunity to repent and become disciples.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn the importance of trusting in Jehovah and in the power of his holy spirit. Just as he helped the early Christians to preach and teach, he can also help us today to fulfill our spiritual responsibilities.
We learn that we must be willing to trust in Jehovah’s promises. After the disciples received the holy spirit, those who listened to Peter allowed the message to reach their hearts, repented, and acted immediately by getting baptized.
We learn the importance of participating in preaching and teaching the message of God's Word. In this way, we follow the example of the early Christians, who took every opportunity to share Jesus' teachings and help others become disciples.
Analysis of Lesson 95: Nothing Stops Them
Why didn't the disciples stop preaching?
The disciples did not stop preaching because, even though the religious leaders forbade them to speak about Jesus, they said: “We have to talk about him. We are not going to be silent.” Furthermore, they all prayed together to Jehovah, asking him to help them be courageous to keep speaking about him. Jehovah gave them holy spirit and the strength they needed to keep preaching and performing healings. They also had the firm conviction that they should obey God as ruler rather than men.
How did Jehovah help them?
Jehovah helped them by giving them his holy spirit so they could continue preaching. Also, when the Sadducees, out of envy, put the apostles in prison, Jehovah sent an angel to open the prison doors for them and told them: “Go back to the temple and preach there.”
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah cares for his faithful servants and gives them the help they need to do his will. When the apostles suffered persecution for continuing to preach, Jehovah gave them holy spirit and the help they needed to persevere.
It teaches us that Jehovah can protect and support his servants, as when he sent an angel to free the apostles from prison. Furthermore, Jehovah blesses those who obey him and supports the preaching of the Kingdom message.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we must obey God above all human pressure. Like the apostles, we must continue to speak our faith with courage, even if we face opposition.
We learn the importance of praying to Jehovah when we need strength and courage, trusting that he will help us through his holy spirit.
The example of the apostles teaches us to persevere and not give up in the face of difficulties, remembering that Jehovah always supports those who serve him faithfully.
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