Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-30-09 WT Study (June 15, 2009, pages 21-24)(FAITHFUL STEWARD)
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THE FAITHFUL STEWARD AND ITS GOVERNING BODY "Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?" -LUKE 12:42.
OPENING COMMENTS
Considering the yearly increase of partakers over the last several years, the WTS has to reign in those people, from 8524 in 2005 to 9985 in 2008, 461 individuals.
Who was the governing body from 1879 to 2009?
Suggested Reading: http://www.captivesofaconcept.com/Interview.html
http://www.amazon.com/Captives-Concept-Anatomy-Illusion-Cameron/dp/1411622103
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/faithful-discreet-slave.php
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/directed-by-holy-spirit.php
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. What important question did Jesus raise while giving the composite sign of the last days?
WHILE giving the composite sign of the last days, Jesus raised this question: "Who really is the faithful and discreet
slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?" Jesus then went on
to say that this slave would be rewarded for his faithfulness by being appointed over all of the Master's
belongings.--Matt. 24:45-47.
2. Several months earlier, Jesus had asked a similar question. (Read Luke 12:42-44.) He called the slave a "steward"
and referred to the "domestics" as “his body of attendants." A steward is a house manager or administrator who is
placed over servants. Yet, the steward is also a servant. Who is this slave, or steward, and how does he provide "food
at the proper time"? It is vital for all of us to recognize the channel that is used to dispense spiritual food.
COMMENTSWhy does the WTS most often use the Matthew 24:45-47 reference and not Luke 12:42-44? Why is the WTS focusing on the Luke account now?The key word the WTS uses is "channel." Is that a word from the bible? Consider too if "governing body" is a phrase from the bible. Is a doctrine false if the word does not appear in the bible (consider the WTS comment about the word "trinity" not being in the bible making that doctrine invalid)?
QUOTE
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian
Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to
understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through
Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.
Q 3. (a) How have Christendom's commentators tried to explain Jesus' statements about the "slave"? (b) Who is the
"steward," or "slave," and who are the "attendants," or "domestics"?
3. Christendom's commentators often view these words of Jesus as referring to those who have positions of
responsibility among professed Christians. But Jesus, the "master" in the illustration, did not say that there would be a
multitude of slaves scattered throughout the various sects of Christendom. Instead, he clearly stated that there would
be only one "steward," or "slave," whom he would appoint over all his belongings. So as this journal has often
explained, the steward must represent the "little flock" of anointed disciples as a collective body, or group. In the
context of Luke's Gospel, Jesus had just referred to these ones. (Luke 12:32) The "body of attendants," or
"domestics," refers to this same group but highlights their role as individuals. An intriguing question arises, Does each
individual member of this slave class play a part in providing spiritual food at the proper time? The answer becomes
evident when we closely examine what the Scriptures say.
COMMENTS So who are Christendom's commentators? Any quotes?
PROFESSED Christians--false Christians, people who claim to be Christians but aren't; only jws are TRUE Christians
Russell did believe though that the anointed were scattered throughout Christendom.
What has the WT stated from 1879 to 1935 about the slave/steward? If it were so clear that the little flock were the
steward, why was Russell himself referred to as the slave and why was the WT unclear about that in its publications?
What has the WTS taught in the past regarding individual members of the "anointed" "providing spiritual food at the
proper time"? The concept: the faithful slave through the governing body provides the food, just a small subset of the
anointed.
QUOTES
***Thousand Years Has Approached book chap. 17 pp. 346-347 par. 32 The “Slave” Who Lived to See the “Sign” ***Since the “slave” of Jesus’ illustration is not just one Christian man but is the anointed congregation of Christ’s
disciples, the “faithful and discreet slave” class continued to serve on after the death of C. T. Russell. However, the
sense of appreciation and indebtedness toward Russell moved many of his associates to view him as the fulfillment of
the “faithful and discreet slave.” This view was prominently featured in the book published in July of 1917 by People’s
Pulpit Association of Brooklyn, New York. This book was called “The Finished Mystery” and furnished a commentary of
the Bible books of Revelation and Ezekiel and The Song of Solomon. On its Publishers page the book was called the
“Posthumous Work of Pastor Russell.” Such a book and religious attitude tended to establish a religious sect centered
around a man. Such a drift toward sectarianism was halted, however, by the publication early in 1927 of the articles
“The Son and Servant” and “Servant—Good and Evil,” in The Watch Tower under date of February 1 and 15, 1927.
These articles showed that the “servant” of Matthew 24:45 was a composite one.—Isaiah 43:10-12.
*** w02 10/1 p. 19 par. 6 Cultivate Obedience as the End Draws Near ***Likewise in modern times, the faithful slave through its Governing Body has clarified such important issues as Christian
neutrality, the sanctity of blood, and the use of drugs and tobacco.
*** w97 6/1 p. 10 par. 13 Jehovah—A God Who Reveals Secrets ***Today, anointed Christians continue to serve as such, making up a faithful and discreet slave class that through its
Governing Body provides spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47)
*** w71 2/1 p. 81 par. 26 Proclaiming Good News World Wide ***Today the organization that God has raised up for preaching the good news of the Kingdom also has a governing body.
It represents the “faithful and discreet slave” class of anointed Christians that Jesus spoke about in an illustration at
Matthew 24:45 to 47. These fulfill their responsibility to provide spiritual food “at the proper time,” doing so through the
governing body. This governing body is closely associated with the board of anointed directors of the Watch Tower
Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Jehovah's Servant in Times Past
Q 4. How did Jehovah refer to the ancient nation of Israel, and what is it important to note about that nation?
4. Jehovah spoke of his people, the ancient nation of Israel, as a collective servant. "'You [plural] are my witnesses
[plural],' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'even my servant [singular] whom I have chosen.'" (Isa. 43:10) All members of the
nation were included in that one servant class. However, it is important to note that only the priests together with the
non-priestly Levites were responsible for teaching the nation. --2 Chron. 35:3; Mal. 2:7.
COMMENTSThe WTS compares only anointed jws as being spiritual Israelites, applying Isaiah 43:10-12. Where does the great
crowd or other sheep fit in since they are viewed as spiritual Gentiles? Only the anointed are viewed as priests in the
NT, so where does the great crowd or other sheep fit into that. If only the priests and non-priestly Levites teach, are
they saying then that those who don't give out the spiritual food are not priests? Gettin confused.........
Q 5. According to Jesus, what major change was to occur?
5. Was the nation of Israel the slave about whom Jesus spoke? No. We know that because of what Jesus said to the
Jews of his day: "The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits." (Matt. 21:43)
Clearly, a change was to occur. Jehovah would use a new nation. Nevertheless, when it comes to spiritual instruction,
the work of the slave in Jesus' illustration does follow a pattern similar to that of God's "servant" in ancient Israel.
COMMENTSIt is evident that Christians were not meant to be only literal Israelites the first time Peter went to Cornelius and his
family and holy spirit came upon them. Did the WTS at one point think that the literal Israel had a special place in God's
plan? Read the book from the WTS, Comfort for the Jews:
QUOTES
*** w66 2/15 pp. 117-118 pars. 9-11 Identifying the Present-Day Beneficiaries ***At that time Bible Students thought that the new covenant as foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-34 did not apply to the 144,000
spiritual Israelites but was to be made with the natural Jews after the battle of Armageddon. Lectures were given to
large public audiences on “Jews Returning to Palestine,” and in October of 1925 the book Comfort for the Jews was
published. Under the subheading “The New Covenant,” pages 97-103 discussed this covenant and reserved it for the
natural Jews regathered to Palestine. The third paragraph from the end of the book said: “The day of jubilee is come;
the good news must be given to the people of Israel and then to all the peoples of the earth.—See Psalm 89:15.”
Later the material of Comfort for the Jews was embodied in a large clothbound book entitled “Life,” and on July 15,
1929, this book was released to us, to circulate mainly among the Jews. On page 331, under the subheading “All
Nations,” it said:
Not only will the Jews be favored with restitution under the terms of the new covenant, but that favor will be extended to
all the peoples and nations of the earth. God’s unchangeable promise is, ‘In thy seed shall all the peoples and nations
of the earth be blessed.’ That seed is The Christ. (Gal. 3:16, 27-29) This is another reason why the “remnant” of the
Christians now on earth have the keenest interest in restitution.
Farther along in the last chapter, pages 340, 341 said:
God promised the land of Palestine to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . . . They must be resurrected in order that the
promise of God may hold good. . . . Jesus declared that these men should be in the kingdom as representatives
thereof on earth.—Matt. 8:11, 12. The Scriptures warrant the conclusion that Jerusalem will be the city of first
importance on the earth. Long ago God chose to put his name there. When he has restored his faithful men of old, who
at all times were loyal and true to him, and has brought them into the land of Palestine, it would be the most reasonable
thing that Jerusalem would be made the earthly seat of the government.
The Faithful Slave Appears
Q 6. What new nation came into existence at Pentecost 33 C.E., and who became part of it?
6. The new nation, "the Israel of God," is made up of spiritual Israelites. (Gal. 6:16; Rom. 2:28, 29; 9:6) It came into
existence with the outpouring of God's spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E. Thereafter, all spirit-anointed Christians became part
of the nation that now served as the slave class appointed by the Master, Jesus Christ. Each member of that nation was
given the commission to preach the good news and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) But was every member of that
group to be involved with providing spiritual food at the proper time? Let us see how the Scriptures answer this
question.
COMMENTSGalatians 6:16 is the only scripture that the WTS uses to label anointed jws as spiritual Israel. Notice that they are
starting to make 2 groups in the anointed, those who teach and those who don't, priest and non-priests, but aren't all the
144,000 considered priests?
Q 7. Initially, what was the primary work of the apostles, and how was that work later expanded?
7. When Jesus appointed his 12 apostles, their primary work involved being sent out to preach the good news to
others. (Read Mark 3:13-15.) This assignment was in harmony with the basic meaning of the Greek word apostolos/
which is derived from a verb meaning simply "send forth." However, as time went on and the Christian congregation
was about to be established, the role of an apostle became an "office of oversight."--Acts 1:20-26.
COMMENTSDoes the WTS teach that any of their members are apostles today (or that any are prophets)? Will the WTS refer to
this scripture to make all but the governing body, second rate anointed?
Q 8, 9. (a) What was the primary concern of the 12 apostles? (b) Who else were given extra responsibilities, as
confirmed by the governing body?
8. What was the primary concern of the 12 apostles? The answer can be seen in the events following the day of
Pentecost. When a dispute arose about the daily distribution of food to widows, the 12 apostles gathered the disciples
and said: "It is not pleasing for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables." (Read Acts 6:1-6.) The
apostles then appointed other spiritually qualified brothers to care for this "necessary business" so that the apostles
could devote themselves "to the ministry of the word." This arrangement resulted in Jehovah's blessing as "the word of
God went on growing, and the number of the disciples kept multiplying in Jerusalem very much." (Acts 6:7) So the
primary responsibility for the spiritual feeding work rested with the apostles.--Acts 2:42.
COMMENTSHow many of us have known COs, DOs, and elders who felt their administrative duties took higher place than preaching
and teaching to non-jws? Elders in 2 congregations I was in were put out that there were not enough "qualified"
brothers to do the microphones. When the CO refused to let sisters do it, he told the elders that they would have to do
the "lowly" work. That griped those elders to no end. So if the apostles were applying themselves to the "ministry of
the word" who were they ministering to?
Does that mean that no elders should be part of the quick build program? Hmmmm..........
9 In time, others were entrusted with weighty responsibilities. Paul and Barnabas, under the direction of holy spirit, were
sent out as missionaries by the Antioch congre¬gation. They also became known as apos-tles, although they were not
included in the original 12. (Acts 13:1-3; 14:14; Gal. 1:19) Their appointment was confirmed by the governing body in
Jerusalem. (Gal. 2:7-10) Shortly after that, Paul had a part in dispensing spiritual food. He wrote his first inspired letter.
Q 10. In the first century, were all spirit-anointed Christians involved in preparing spiritual food? Explain.
10. However, were all spirit-anointed Christians involved in overseeing the preaching work and in preparing spiritual
food? No. The apostle Paul tells us: "Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers,
are they? Not all perform powerful works, do they?" (1 Cor. 12:29) Although all spirit-begotten Christians engaged in
the preaching work, only a very limited number--just eight different men-were used to write the 27 books of the Christian
Greek Scriptures.
COMMENTSActually this is not a new idea. I grew up around several of the anointed in my home congregations (you tell how old I
am) and knew several of the GB members. None contributed material to the writing committee. Remember that the 8
different men were considered inspired by holy spirit when they wrote that material, by people in the first century and by
people at the WTS. BUT the material written by the WTS is not considered inspired by the holy spirit per the WTS
itself. Consider this too, those eight men also wrote other material that never got into the bible; why not?
The Faithful Slave in Modern Times
Q 11. Over what "belongings" was the slave appointed?
11. Jesus' words recorded at Matthew 24:45 clearly indicate that there would still be a faithful and discreet slave class
living on earth during the time of the end. Revelation 12:17 refers to these ones as "the remaining ones" of the seed of
the woman. As a group, this remnant has been appointed over all of Christ's belongings here on earth. The
"belongings" that the faithful steward is appointed to care for are the Master's royal interests on earth, which include the
Kingdom's earthly subjects and the material facilities used in preaching the good news.
COMMENTSThe WTS says that CLEARLY there would still be (assuming that there was one in the first century) but gives no proof.
AS A GROUP, has been appointed over...but only the GB dispenses, but not even then because as far as I know no
GB contributes to the talks or publications and all this work is done by non-anointed jws.
Q 12, 13. How does a Christian know that he or she has the heavenly calling?
12. How does a Christian know if he or she has the heavenly hope and is included in this remnant of spiritual Israelites?
The answer is found in the apostle Paul's words to those who were sharers with him in the same heavenly hope: "AlI
who are led by God's spirit, these are God's sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you
received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: 'Abba Father!' The spirit itself bears witness with our
spirit that we are God's children. If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with
Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together."--Rom. 8:14-17.
COMMENTSa Christian--in this case only anointed jws (at least they admit in writing some are women...he or she)
spirit bears witness--not appointed by the elders or GB or CO or DO but by God directly. This does not stop individual
jws from questioning their calling.
Q 13. Simply stated, these individuals are anointed by God's holy spirit and receive a heavenly "calling" or "invitation."
(Heb. 3:1; ftn.) This personal invitation is from God. They, in turn, respond at once without question or doubt or fear in
accepting this begetting as God's sons. (Read 1 John 2:20, 21.) So they do not select this hope for themselves, but
Jehovah puts his seal, or holy spirit, upon them.--2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 1 Pet. 1:3, 4.
COMMENTSWhile the WTS says it is from God, they have devoted articles to "questioning" their calling.
QUOTE
*** w75 2/15 p. 107 Anointing to a Heavenly Hope—How Is It Manifest? ***A possible cause of a person’s mistakenly assuming that he or she had such heavenly calling might be strong
emotional pressure owing to severe problems in life—marital problems, perhaps even divorce or the death of a mate,
or some other tragedy or great disappointment. These things can cause one to lose interest in life as it is now lived on
earth, in effect causing one to become “sour” on such life. If this happens, the person might be moved to feel that life
in heaven is what he or she wants. But this is not God’s way of calling persons and giving them the ‘spirit of sonship.’
Such ones should realize that Jehovah God will soon transform life on this earth under his Son’s kingdom and will see
to it that “the creation itself also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the
children of God.” So, even though “all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now,” this
will not go on forever. It would show a lack of appreciation for God’s purpose regarding the earth to view life on it as no
longer desirable and—on that basis—entertain hopes of life in heaven.—Rom. 8:20-22.
EXAMINING VALIDITY OF ONE’S HOPES
We can therefore examine ourselves in the light of these points. Has one perhaps been influenced by others to
entertain the idea of such heavenly calling? This would not be proper, for God has not assigned persons to “recruit”
others through suggestive influence, thus trying to instill in others a hope that God himself has not placed there. Has
one, as is the case with many young persons today, had experience with drugs before learning the truth of God’s
Word? An introverted tendency toward fantasy or dreaminess or abstract thinking is no sign of anointing by God, nor
even of true spirituality. Nor does God employ methods that cause persons to think they hear voices, at times
accompanied by music, or similar messages, to convey his anointing of Christian heirs to the Kingdom, though some in
recent years have allowed such things to cause them to think they had received a heavenly call.
Finally, one may ask oneself in all honesty, Do I have a tendency toward desiring attention or prominence? Am I
anxious for a position of authority, or ambitious to be one of the “kings and priests” associated with Christ Jesus? It is
good to remember that in the first century when a general invitation was going out to seek entrance into the heavenly
kingdom, not all the anointed Christians held positions of responsibility, not all were elders or ministerial servants of
congregations. Nor does such anointing of itself bring exceptional understanding of God’s Word, as can be seen by
the way the apostle Paul found it necessary to write certain anointed Christians in his day. (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:11-14) It
is noteworthy also of persons today who have long years of service as anointed Christians that they do not view
themselves as distinctive or make it a habit to draw attention to their being anointed. They manifest the humility that is to
be expected of those who “have Christ’s spirit.” They recognize that the vast majority of requirements that God has set
for those gaining life in heaven and those gaining eternal life on earth are the same.
The Correct Viewpoint
Q 14. How should these anointed ones view themselves as they await their heavenly reward?
They realize that although they have received a wonderful invitation, it is only that--an invitation. They must remain faithful
until death in order to obtain this prize. In humility, they echo the words of Paul: "Brothers, I do not yet consider myself
as having laid hold on it; but there is one thing about it: Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things
ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus." (Phil
3:13, 14) The anointed remnant must do their utmost to 'walk worthily of the calling with which they were called, with
complete lowliness of mind, doing so "with fear and trembling." --Eph. 4:1,2; Phil 2:12; 1 Thess. 2:12.
COMMENTSView themselves or as others view them? Just as jws with the "earthly" hope are told that they will "probably" be in the
new system, anointed jws are told that they have only been "invited" and that their place in God's hierarchy is shaky.
What they forget to remember is that it applies to the GB as well.
Q 15. How should Christians view those who partake of the emblems at the Memorial?
15. On the other hand, how should other Christians view a person who claims to have received this anointing and
begins to partake of the emblems at the Memorial? He or she should not be judged. The matter is between this person
and Jehovah. (Rom. 14: 12) However, Christians who have truly received this anointing do not demand special
attention. They do not believe that their being of the anointed gives them special insights beyond what even some
experienced members of the "great crowd" may have. (Rev. 7:9) They do not believe that they necessarily have more
holy spirit than their companions of the "other sheep" have. (John 10:16) They do not expect special treatment; nor do
they claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in the congregation.
COMMENTSChristians, other Christians--only jws
He or she should not be judged--but the elders, COs, DOs, and WTS/FDS/GB will be judging because that's what do.
Does that mean that the GB don't have "special insights beyond what even some experienced members of the 'great crowd' may have? More holy spirit? Does this sound familiar?
QUOTES
*** w07 5/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***How should a person be viewed who has determined in his heart that he is now anointed and begins to partake of the
emblems at the Memorial? He should not be judged. The matter is between him and Jehovah. (Romans 14:12)
However, genuine anointed Christians do not demand special attention. They do not believe that their being of the
anointed gives them special “insights,” beyond what even some experienced members of the great crowd may have.
They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor do
they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in
the congregation. They humbly remember that some anointed men in the first century did not qualify to serve as elders
or ministerial servants. (1 Timothy 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9; James 3:1) Some anointed Christians were even
spiritually weak. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) And sisters, although anointed, did not teach in the congregation.—1 Timothy
2:11, 12.
Q 16-18. (a) Are all anointed ones involved with presenting new spiritual truths? Illustrate. b) Why is there no need for
the Governing Body to consult with all who claim to be anointed?
16. Are all these anointed ones throughout the earth part of a global network that is somehow involved in revealing new
spiritual truths? No. Although as a composite body the slave class is responsible for feeding the spiritual household,
not all individuals of the slave class have the same responsibilities or work assignments. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:
14-18.) As noted earlier, in the first century, all were involved in the vital preaching work. But only a very limited number
were used to write the books of the Bible and oversee the Christian congregation.
COMMENTSThe WTS makes it clear to the new 461 anointed since 2005 and jws who have little or no contact with a living anointed
jw, that the policies and doctrine originate only with the GB. About 50% of the anointed jws I knew that were younger
and only anointed for about 5 to 10 years, actually did try saying they had individual revelations. They were viewed by
some immature jws as authentic since they studied little about jw doctrine and little had been covered in study material.
I remember a special needs talk given when one of them started going against what the WTS felt was their domain.
About half though would say that they had no revelations, they tended to be older and better students of the WTS
doctrine.
17. To illustrate: The Scriptures at times speak of "the congregation" as taking certain action in handling judicial
matters. (Matt. 18: 17) In real terms, though, it is only the elders who take this action in their capacity as representatives
of the congregation. The elders do not contact all members of the congregation to ask their various opinions before
they make a decision. Theocratically, they perform the role that they have been assigned; they act on behalf of the
whole congregation.
COMMENTSIn the early years of the Bible Students, the congregation in reality heard the information and voted on any shunning of
an individual in the congregation (shunned only re spiritual items). They still do it at the congregation level not at a star
chamber meeting of elders. Poster RR could probably explain it better. Can you find anything in the bible that
describes the 3+ elder meeting only with the accused process of disfellowshipping. Even the Israelites heard cases in
the open square before all.
18. Similarly, today a limited number of anointed men have the responsibility of representing the slave class. They
make up the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. These spirit-anointed men oversee the Kingdom work and the
spiritual feeding program. As in the first century, though, the Governing Body does not consult with each individual
member of the slave class before making decisions. (Read Acts 16:4, 5.) However, all anointed Witnesses are deeply
involved in the vital harvest work that is now taking place. As a class, "the faithful and discreet slave" is one body, but as
individuals, they have various work assignments. --1 Cor. 12:19-26.
COMMENTSSo if there is no scriptural basis for judicial meetings being done only by a few in hiding/secret in either the OT or NT,
then on what basis does the GB have for doing the same?
Q 19, 20. What balanced view do the great crowd have of "the faithful and discreet slave" and its Governing Body?
19. What effect should the above facts have on the ever-increasing great crowd who hope to live forever on earth? As
part of the King's belongings, they are happy to cooperate fully with the arrangements made by the Governing Body,
which represents "the faithful and discreet slave." Members of the great crowd appreciate the spiritual food produced
under the Governing Body's direction. But at the same time, while respecting the slave as a class, members of the
great crowd are careful not to elevate any individuals who claim to be part of that slave. No Christian who genuinely
receives the anointing with God's spirit would want or expect such treatment.--Acts 10:25, 26; 14: 14,15.
COMMENTSNotice that the WTS does not mention its ever-increasing anointed. Also the WTS makes clear again that only the GB
makes the decisions, and most jws don't know that unlike the first century decision, the GB decisions don't have to be
unanimous, that only a majority of 2/3 is necessary.
(Acts 15:23-29) . . .“The apostles and the older men, brothers, to those brothers in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who
are from the nations: Greetings! 24 Since we have heard that some from among us have caused YOU trouble with
speeches, trying to subvert YOUR souls, although we did not give them any instructions, 25 we have come to a
unanimous accord and have favored choosing men to send to YOU together with our loved ones, Barna·as and Paul,
26 men that have delivered up their souls for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We are therefore dispatching
Judas and Silas, that they also may report the same things by word. 28 For the holy spirit and we ourselves have
favored adding no further burden to YOU, except these necessary things, 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed
to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If YOU carefully keep yourselves from these
things, YOU will prosper. Good health to YOU!”
20. Whether we are "domestics," who are part of the anointed remnant, or we are members of the great crowd, let it be
our determination to cooperate fully with the faithful steward and its Governing Body. May each of us "keep on the
watch" and prove ourselves faithful until the end. -Matt. 24:13, 42.
COMMENTSReally they mean "cooperate fully with the Governing Body" since the slave/steward as a group has no authority.
Do You Remember? • Who is "the faithful and discreet slave," and who are the domestics?
• How does a person know that he or she has the heavenly calling?
• Who has the primary responsibility for preparing new spiritual food?
• How should one of the anointed view himself?
CLOSING COMMENTS
I grew in congregations that had several anointed each, young enough to have authority positions or not be weak
physical versions of themselves. All, all of them, recognized that they had no individual revelations except one, a
woman. I heard of one in another circuit (a brother) who had delusions of grandeur and sent in his ideas to Brooklyn
that went unheeded. I have known 8 members of the GB and none were used for any input into the publications. One
even said to me, "Blondie, I see the magazines when they are dropped on my desk in my room at Bethel." He hadn't
been editing a thing.
But with many new "anointed" jws and possibly more, the WTS does not want a power play in the congregations or with
them. They have enough problems at Brooklyn itself (Patterson/Wallkill). So this article will hopefully clear it up. If you
are a jw, remember this, only GB are in charge, and maybe not all of them.
Next week, "Finding Treasures 'Carefully Concealed in Him'." The first of 5 articles that seem to highlight Jesus. Will
we learn about him as a person or the "roles" he plays.
Love, Blondie