DAILY TEXT, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. When he ascended on high, he gave men as gifts (Eph. 4:8).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

When he ascended on high, he gave men as gifts (Eph. 4:8).

Jesus gave the congregations “men as gifts.” In the first century, under Jesus’ direction, the elders in Jerusalem sent Paul, Barnabas, and others “men as gifts” to serve as traveling overseers (Acts 11:22). For what purpose? To do the same thing as the ministerial servants and the elders: strengthen the congregations. Those men made many sacrifices and even risked their lives to teach and encourage others (read 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8) (Acts 15:40, 41).

Circuit overseers are always traveling. Some travel hundreds of miles to get from one congregation to another. Each week they give several talks, make shepherding visits, and conduct the pioneer meeting, the elders' meeting, and the field ministry meetings. They also prepare talks and organize circuit and regional conventions. In addition, they manage pioneer schools, organize the special meeting with the pioneers in their circuit, and handle other important—sometimes urgent—matters assigned to them by the branch office. w24.10 21, 22 pars. 12, 13.

What are some of the reasons why we appreciate the work of circuit overseers?

How do congregations benefit from the good work of traveling overseers? A brother in Turkey says: “All their visits motivate me to spend more time with my brothers and help them. I have met many circuit overseers, but none ever gave me the impression that he was too busy or that he didn’t want to talk to me.” Johanna, mentioned in paragraph 10, went out in the ministry with a circuit overseer, but they didn’t find anyone home. She explains: “Even so, I will always remember that day. My two sisters had just moved away, and I missed them terribly. The circuit overseer lovingly encouraged me and helped me to see that now the distances are temporary, but in the new world we will have countless opportunities to spend time together.” Without a doubt, circuit overseers have won the hearts of many brothers and sisters they visit. (Acts 20:37-21:1)

How can we apply what 3 John 5-8 says and show that we value circuit overseers?

The apostle John encouraged Gaius to be hospitable to the brothers who were visiting the congregations and asked him: “Help them with whatever they need for their journey and do it in a way that pleases God.” (Read 3 John 5-8.) How can we do the same? By inviting the circuit overseer to a meal and supporting the preaching plans made during the week of the visit. Consider what Leslie, mentioned in paragraph 6, does to show her gratitude. She says: “I pray to Jehovah to give them what they need. My husband and I also write them letters telling them how much their visits have encouraged us.” Let us not forget that circuit overseers are not supermen. At times they get sick, face worries, and even become discouraged. You can be the answer to their prayers if you say a few kind words to them or give them a small gift. (Prov. 12:25)

What is good for brothers to ask themselves? (Proverbs 3:27).

Worldwide, congregations need more brothers who are “men like gifts.” If you are baptized, is it within your reach to become one? (Read Proverbs 3:27.) Are you striving to become a ministerial servant? And if you already are one, have you set the goal of becoming an elder? Can you make changes in your life so that you can apply to attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers? Through that school, Jesus could use you more fully. If you feel that these things are beyond your reach, talk to Jehovah. Ask him to help you by means of his holy spirit to handle well any responsibilities assigned to you. (Luke 11:13; Acts 20:28)

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