Sorry this is late folks, but it is the busy season where I work. Too much OT; I just go home and sleep.
Comments You Will Not Hear at the 12-14-03 WT Study
Review comments will be in black and parentheses () and italics.
WT quotes will be in
red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources will be in
blue
FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN WOMEN
-PRECIOUS WORSHIPERS
OF GOD
"Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself ?Proverbs 31:30 (NWT)
Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the LORD deserves to be praised.?Proverbs 31:30 (CEV)
Opening Comments
This week?s article starts out with a discussion of outward appearance and how "the world" places "great emphasis on outward appearance." But the key term is "support." Men take the lead, women merely "support."
Later, Christian women became zealous evangelizers others gave valuable support to Christian men
who were taking the lead, including the apostle Paul;What contributed to Priscilla's zeal and courage? A clue is found at Acts 18:24-26, where we read that she supported her husband in helping Apollos,
Her loyalty to God, his organization, and to our family--not to mention her loving encouragement when we were down--has been a great support
There are those who give loyal support to husbands who serve as traveling overseers
With his wife's support, this husband
has been able to accept a number of spiritual privileges, including serving as an elder; pioneer, substitute circuit overseer, and Hospital Liaison Committee memberSTART OF ARTICLE
The world
places great emphasis on outward appearance, especially in regard to women. Jehovah, however, is primarily interested in the inner person, which can become even more beautiful with age. (Proverbs 16:31) Hence, the Bible exhorts women: "Do not let your adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair and of the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments, but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit which is of great value in the eyes of God."--1 Peter 3:3, 4.But what is practiced in the organization? There is a shortage of marriageable men. What do you see? Guys who couldn?t get a beautiful woman to say hi to him, but because they are baptized brothers, can walk by with a trophy sister on his arm. Look at the pictures of women in publications, beauty queens every one.
Such a praiseworthy spirit was shown by many of the women mentioned in the Bible. In the first century, some of these had the privilege of ministering to Jesus and his apostles. (Luke 8:1-3).
Yes, the privilege of doing the marketing, cooking, cleaning up, and laundry of 13 men while they did evangelizing.
WT 12/1/75 p.
717 Christian Greatness Comes from ServingThe Bible tells of certain Christian women who "provided for," "waited on" or ?ministered to? the needs of Jesus and his apostles "from their belongings," both in Galilee and in Jerusalem. (Luke 8:1-3; Matt. 27:55; Mark 15:41; NE, NW) They may have done shopping and cooking, the mending and washing of clothes, or performed other services of a similar nature, even using their own funds and possessions to supply needed materials.
So these men were living off women?
Later, Christian women became zealous evangelizers;
But when Jesus sent out the 12 and then the 70, there were no men; doesn?t that mean that only men can evangelize?
others gave valuable support to Christian men who were taking the lead, including the apostle Paul;
Yes, those faithful women have the privilege of doing the marketing, cooking, cleaning up, laundry and looking after the kids.
and some showed
exceptional hospitalityWhat is exceptional?
even making their home available for congregation meetings
.They must have been never-married, divorced, widowed women not living at home otherwise they could not have owned a home or as a submissive women given permission.
That Jehovah would use women in a mighty way in the outworking of his purpose was foretold in the Scriptures. For instance, Joel 2:28, 29 predicted that both men and women, young and old, would receive holy spirit and share in spreading the good news of the Kingdom.
Now why didn?t they quote that scripture, lack of space, or hiding an important point? This prophecy was given to the Israelites. Who did Peter apply the fulfillment to?
Joel
2:28-29"And after that it must occur that I shall pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh, and YOUR sons and YOUR daughters will certainly prophesy. As for YOUR old men, dreams they will dream. As for YOUR young men, visions they will see. 29 And even on the menservants and on the maidservants in those days I shall pour out my spirit.
That prophecy began to be fulfilled at Pentecost 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1-4, 16-18)
Acts
2:1-4Now while the day of the [festival of] Pentecost was in progress they were all together at the same place, 2 and suddenly there occurred from heaven a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. 3 And tongues as if of fire became visible to them and were distributed about, and one sat upon each one of them, 4 and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance.
Peter goes on to apply Joel?s prophecy to these spirit-anointed Christians, the ones the WTS says there are only 144,000 of. How does this scripture apply to the great crowd?
Some spirit-anointed women were granted miraculous gifts, such as the gift of prophesying
(Acts 21:8, 9)How is this possible if women could not teach? Weren?t there men who were prophesying? Why did women need to prophesy then?
By their zeal in the ministry, this large, spiritual army of faithful sisters contributed to the rapid spread of Christianity in the first century.
Psalm 68:11 becomes a joke to many brothers who say instead "a spiritual army of large, faithful sisters as if brothers aren?t "large."
In fact, about 60 C.E., the apostle Paul wrote that the good news had been "preached in all creation that is under heaven."--Colossians 1:23.
WT 1/15/74 p. 61
What did the apostle Paul mean when he indicated that the ?good news was being preached in all creation under heaven???Col. 1:23.This did not mean that every individual had personally been reached, but that the preaching was being pushed to all parts of the earth under heaven.?P. 683. (WT 1973)
Commended for Their Courage, Zeal, and Hospitality
The apostle Paul, for one, was appreciative of the ministry performed by some women in particular--just as Christian overseers today value the ministry performed by zealous women.
Can you name one way? When are women worthy of "double honor"?
Among the women Paul mentioned by name
Does the circuit overseer remember your name? If you are a pioneer, maybe, or an elder?s wife, maybe.
were "Tryphaena and Tryphosa, women who are working hard in the Lord," and "Persis our beloved one, for she performed many labors in the Lord." (Romans 16:12) Euodia and Syntyche, wrote Paul, had "striven side by side with [him] in the good news." (Philippians 4:2, 3).
Yes, served side by side, not behind 10 paces.
Priscilla, along with her husband, Aquila, also served alongside Paul. She and Aquila, even "risked their own necks" for Paul, moving him to write: "Not only I but also all the congregations of the nations render thanks."-Romans 16:3,4; Acts 18:2.
Yes, served alongside; and put her life a risk; no "weaker vessel" there.
What contributed to Priscilla's zeal and courage? A clue is found at Acts 18:24-26, where we read that she supported her husband in helping Apollos, a gifted speaker, to be brought up-to-date with revealed truth (buzzword).
Acts
18:26And this [man] started to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Pris·cil´la and Aq´ui·la heard him, they took him into their company and expounded the way of God more correctly to him.
Do you see anything that says Priscilla played a secondary role in "expounding the way of God more correctly" to Apollos?
Evidently (buzzword meaning we are now going to add to the Bible account)
, then, Priscilla was a good student of God's Word and of the teaching of theEqually precious are the many hardworking Christian sisters today who diligently study the Bible and also take in the spiritual food Jehovah provides through "the faithful steward."- (144,000/WTS/GB) Luke 12:42.
It?s Luke 12:42 today rather than Matthew 24:45-47. Why?
WT 10/1/94 p 8
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.?John 6:68.Aquila and Priscilla were exceptionally hospitable. Paul stayed in their home when he worked with them in their tentmaking business in Corinth. (Acts 18:1-3) When the couple moved to Ephesus and later to Rome, they continued to show Christian hospitality, even making their home available for congregation meetings (Acts 18:18, 19; 1 Corinthians 16:8, 19) Second reference, must mean many today do not want to make their home available. Can you recount how some trashed the home it was in? Nympha and Mary the mother of John Mark likewise opened up their homes for congregation meetings (third reference) --Acts 12:12; Colossians 4:15. A Precious Asset Today As in the first century, faithful Christian women today play a key role in the outworking of God's purpose, especially in the evangelizing work. And what a fine record these sisters have! Most of the preaching work is done by women; most JWs are women and "those taking the lead" the men are too busy in administrative work for the organization.Did Jesus say his male followers would be administrators rather than evangelizers? Consider the example of Gwen, who faithfully served Jehovah for over 50 years until her death in 2002. "Gwen's zeal as an evangelizer was almost legendary in our city," says her husband. "To her; every human was a potential recipient of Jehovah's love and promises. Her loyalty to God, his organization, and to our family--not to mention her loving encouragement when we were down--has been a great support to me and to our children throughout our full and rewarding life together. We miss her very much." Gwen and her husband were married for 6l years. Do you think they are implying the fact Gwen was a supportive rather than a competitive wife led to a marriage of 61 years? What is the difference between taking the lead and taking the initiative? Can women take the initiative? (Abigail, Zipporah, Jael, Deborah, Priscilla, etc.) Tens of thousands of Christian women, single and married, serve as pioneer ministers and missionaries, being content with life's necessities as they spread the Kingdom message in territories ranging from bustling cities to isolated regions. (Acts 1:8). Yes, materialism has no place in their lives; they aren?t nagging their husbands to buy them things all the time. Many have put aside owning a home or having children in order to serve Jehovah more fully. There are those who give loyal support to husbands who serve as traveling overseers, while thousands of sisters serve in Bethel homes around the world. How many are single or are only there because their husbands "skills" are needed and they find work for them cleaning and doing laundry.Without doubt, these self-sacrificing women are among "the desirable things of all the nations" that fill Jehovah's house with glory.-Haggai 2:7.Of course, many Christian women have family responsibilities to care for; yet, they keep Kingdom interests to the fore (Matthew 6:33) A single pioneer sister wrote: "My mother, by virtue of her unwavering faith and fine example, played a key role in my becoming a regular pioneer. In fact, she was one of my best pioneer partners." VOMIT ALERTA husband says of his wife, a mother of five grown girls: "Our home was always clean and tidy. Bonnie kept it simple and uncluttered so that our family could focus on spiritual pursuits. Her contribution to the careful management of our finances made it possible for me to work part-time for 32 years, enabling me to devote more time to our family and to spiritual matters. My wife also taught the children the value of hard work. I have nothing but praise for her." Today both husband and wife serve at the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses. Women are known as mothers (the parent with the main responsibility of training the children), house cleaners (men are house dirtiers), keeping things simple (so the husband has more money to spend on his "spiritual pursuits," being frugal (because the husband is a spendthrift) so she can be the wife of a brother at Bethel (the only way a sister will get in). A husband writes concerning his wife, a mother of grown children (all JWs in good standing ?): "The qualities I admire most in Susan are her intense love for God and for people, as well as her understanding, empathy, and honesty. She has always held the view that Jehovah deserves the very best that we can give to him--a principle that she applies to herself both as a servant of God and as a mother." Sounds like she qualifies to be an excellent elder!With his wife's support, this husband has been able to accept a number of spiritual privileges, including serving as an elder; pioneer, substitute circuit overseer, and Hospital Liaison Committee member. How precious such women are to their husbands, to fellow Christians, and above all, to Jehovah!-Proverbs 31:28,30 .And she gets to bask in his limelight.Precious Women Without a Husband Jehovah often expressed his concern for the welfare of widows. (Deuteronomy 27:19; Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 10:1, 2) He has not changed. He continues to be deeply interested not only in widows but also in single mothers as well as in women who are single by choice or who have not found a suitable Christian husband. (Malachi 3:6; James 1:27) If you are among those who faithfully serve Jehovah without the support of a Christian mate, you can be sure that you are precious in God's eyes.Consider, as an example, our Christian sisters who have not married because they loyally obey Jehovah's counsel (notice the word "command" is not used) to marry "only in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:39; Proverbs 3:1) God's Word assures them: "With someone loyal [Jehovah] will act in loyalty." (2 Samuel 22:26) Yet, for many of them, remaining single is a challenge. Says one sister: "I resolved to marry only in the Lord, but I have shed many tears as I watched my friends marry wonderful Christian men, while I continue alone." (Probably not physically beautiful enough, too old, fat or all three) Notes another sister: "I've served Jehovah for 25 years. I am determined to remain loyal to him, but feelings of loneliness often sadden me." She adds: "Sisters like me long for encouragement." How may we help such loyal ones?One way is seen in an ancient example. When Jephthah's daughter (always the same example) relinquished her opportunity to have a husband, the people realized that she was making a sacrifice. What was done to encourage her? "From year to year the daughters of Israel would go to give commendation to the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, four days in the year." (Judges 11 :30-40) I?d take one day of commendation from the congregation. Likewise, we should give heartfelt commendation to single sisters who loyally obey God's law (now it?s a law!) .* On how to give such commendation, see The Watchtower of March 15, 2002, pages 26-8 . What is another way we can show our concern? In our prayers we should petition Jehovah to support such dear, faithful sisters to continue loyally in their service. They deserve to be reassured that they are warmly loved and deeply appreciated by Jehovah and the entire Christian congregation.--Psalm 37:28. So how will someone?s private prayers reassure faithful sisters they are warmly loved by the entire congregation.?How Single Parents Succeed Christian women who are single parents also face numerous challenges. However, they can turn to Jehovah for help in rearing their children in harmony with
A woman can use her talents within the sphere men have interpreted God to mean! And what are a woman?s gifts and talents. Carpentry, architecture, orchestra leader (in the days of WTS orchestras, a woman could not conduct even though it had nothing to do with teaching the congregation), car repair or "The qualities I admire most in Susan are her intense love for God and for people, as well as her understanding, empathy, and honesty."A modest, God-fearing woman does not ambitiously promote herself or compete with her husband. (but she may ambitiously promote her husband and compete with other elders wives) (Proverbs 16:18) She does not pursue self-fulfillment primarily through secular pursuits but uses her God-given gifts mainly to serve others -- her family, fellow Christians, neighbors, and above all, Jehovah. (( Galatians 6:10; Titus 2:3-5)Aren?t all Christians meant to serve others, even a husband his wife? Isn?t that what Jesus was conveying when he washed the feet of his disciples?Consider the Bible example of Queen Esther. Although physically beautiful, she was modest and submissive. (Esther 2:13, 15) When married, she showed deep respect for her husband (AN UNBELIEVER), King Ahasuerus, unlike the king's former wife, Vashti. (Esther 1:10-12; 2:16, 17) Esther also respectfully deferred to Mordecai, her older cousin, on appropriate matters -even after she became queen. But she was no weakling! She boldly exposed Haman, a powerful and ruthless man who plotted to annihilate the Jews. Jehovah used Esther mightily for the preservation of his people.--Esther 3:8-4:17; 7:1-10; 9:13. Think about it! Where would Mordecai have been without Esther?s help? Clearly, in the past and today, godly women have shown their exclusive devotion to Jehovah and his worship. Therefore, God-fearing women are precious in Jehovah's eyes. Christian sisters, allow
But the WTS diminishes that by saying: KM 1/76 p. 5 Along similar lines, we may note that Philip the evangelist had four daughters that "prophesied." (Acts 21:8, 9; compare 1 Corinthians 11:5; 13:8.) That does not mean, however, that they were designated as "prophets" and hence next to the "apostles" in terms of vital service rendered within the congregational framework. (1 Cor. 12:28, 29) Only men are referred to as such Christian "prophets," as can be seen by such texts as Acts 11:27, 28; 13:1; 15:32.Phoebe: Romans 16:1,2. (a ministerial servant?) KM 1/76 p. 5 This helps us to understand why the apostle Paul could refer to Phoebe as a di·a´·ko·nos of the congregation in Cenchreae. (Rom. 16:1, 2) As The Kingdom Interlinear Translation shows, he was thereby stating that she was a "servant" of the congregation. This evidently does not mean that she was an appointed congregational servant, such as an elder or ministerial servant, but simply that she rendered voluntary service to the congregation in a commendable and notable way. Her serving was doubtless of a kind like that of the women who earlier ?ministered [di·a·ko·ne´o] to Jesus and his apostles from their belongings.? (Luke 8:1-3)Concluding Comments
Did you note that women only play a "supporting role"? Did you notice that most of the present-day examples had more than 4 children?
What we have here is the theory in this article. Sounds good on paper. But is it in the minds and hearts of the men in the WTS? An elder told me about a elder school he went to a few years ago. The emphasis was on the "mighty men" and their value in the WTS. During the session and during the breaks, numerous comments were made that devalued and demeaned women. This elder was shocked to the point he mentioned it privately. He was told "we have to encourage the brothers, make them feel important, or they won?t stay in their assignments." Did Jesus downgrade John to make Peter stay with his assignment? Did he say, "Peter you will deny me 3 times because you are weak but John here is special, a mighty man."
Why are women "privileged" to train their children and study the Bible with many new people, but can?t teach from the platform. Did Jesus say:
"Go therefore and give public talks to people of the nations, giving baptism talks to those you never studied with?teaching them at the meetings to observe all the things I have commanded you."Blondie (happy to be who I am)