Comments You Will Not Hear at the 4-25-04 WT Study (March 15, 2004 issue) Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in blueBold, underlining, highlighting added by reviewer
"DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIZER"
"You, though , keep your senses in all things, suffer evil , do [the] work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry . ."?2 Timothy 4:5 (parts in red not quoted in WT)"As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."?2 Timothy 4:5 (English Standard Version)
www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bibleOpening Comments
After 2 articles trying to establish the authority of the WTS as Jesus? representative on earth, now the WTS feels confident in presenting 2 DO MORE articles.
There are several words/phrases used throughout the article.
Zealous (9)
Shares regularly
Active
Zeal (2)
Make?evangelizing their lifetime work
Happy praisers of Jehovah (not Jesus?)
Enlarge their share
Regular and auxiliary pioneers
Publishers
Fruitful evangelizers
Regular participation
Materialistic temptations
Keeping busy
Do the work of an evangelizer in a complete way
Fully accomplish
What old role of the congregation book study overseer is re-emphasized and why? What kind of marking is part of the JW witnessing work and how does that harmonize with the new teaching about the separation of the sheep and the goats?
START OF ARTICLE
Jehovah?s name
and purposes are being declared throughout the earth. This is because God?s dedicated people (only JWs) have taken to heart the commission that Jesus Christ gave his followers when he said: "Go ?( therefore) and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. ( And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things) "?Matthew 28:19,20.Paragraph 2
Jesus? first-century disciples took that commission seriously. For instance, the apostle Paul urged his fellow Christian overseer Timothy: "Do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:5)Today, one way an overseer accomplishes his ministry is by being a zealous Kingdom proclaimer, one who shares regularly in the field ministry.
For example, the Congregation Book Study overseer
(why is this capitalized? Perhaps because it is a "title"?) has the rewarding privilege of taking the lead in the preaching work and training others.Paul
fulfilled his personal responsibility to declare the good news, and he helped to train others for the ministry.?Acts 20:20; 1 Corinthians 9:16,17.Kingdom Ministry 1/99 p. 8 Overseers Taking the Lead?Congregation Book
Study ConductorsZealous Evangelizing: The Congregation Book Study conductor is conscientious about making practical arrangements for all in his group to participate fully in the field ministry. He takes the lead in the evangelizing work, knowing that the regularity, zeal, and enthusiasm he shows for the service will be reflected in the rest of the group. (Col. 4:17; 2 Thess. 3:9) In time, he endeavors to work in service with each member of his group. If we want to sharpen our preaching and teaching skills in the ministry, the Congregation Book Study conductor can help us to attain our goal.?1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:5.
Kingdom Ministry 6/94
p. 1 Congregation Book Study Promotes Educational ActivitiesThe conductor endeavors over the course of time to work personally with each one in his group, giving appropriate encouragement and training
Kingdom Ministry
12/78 p. 3 Showing Appreciation for the Congregation Book StudyConductors can get to know you better and are in a good position to assist with personal problems, give training in field service and help you with Scriptural questions.
Zealous Evangelizers of the Past
Paragraph 3
The early Christians were known as zealous evangelizers. Consider the evangelizer Philip. He was one of the "seven certified men?full of spirit and wisdom" chosen to carry out the impartial daily distribution of food among the Greek-speaking and the Hebrew-speaking Christian widows in Jerusalem. (Acts 6:1-6) After that special service ended and persecution scattered all except the apostles, Philip went to Samaria. There he declared the good news and was empowered by holy spirit to cast demons and cure lame and paralyzed individuals. Many Samaritans accepted the Kingdom message and were baptized. Hearing about this, the apostles in Jerusalem dispatched the apostles Peter and John to Samaria so that the newly baptized believers might receive holy spirit.?Acts 8:4-17.
While all received the holy spirit, the WTS teaches that not all early Christians receive the gifts of the holy spirit.
Insight Book-1 p. 937 Gifts From GodPerforming apparently miraculous works would not in itself prove divine authorization, nor would the inability of God?s servants to perform miracles with the help of God?s spirit cast doubt on the fact that they were being used by him. (Mt 7:21-23) Not every first-century Christian could perform powerful works, heal, speak in tongues, and translate.Pictures Page 10Philip in the chariot talking to the Ethiopian eunuch with scroll in handMale JW reading scripture to man standing next to his taxi at taxi standTwo of Philip?s daughters with scroll in handing talking to a woman in a courtyard
2 female JWs sharing a brochure with a woman in a public area
****do you get the correlation the WTS is trying to make? Where in any history book does it depict the Christians preaching with scrolls in hand?***
Paragraph 4 God?s spirit next led Philip to meet the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. After Philip?s clear explanation of Isaiah?s prophecy, this "man in power under Candace queen of the Ethiopians" put faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized. (Acts 8:26-38) Philip thereafter went to Ashdod and then to Caesarea, "declaring the good news to all the cities" along the way. (Acts 8:39,40) He surely set a fine example in doing the work of an evangelizer!Philip didn?t seem to spend much time in return visits or extensive Bible studies.
Paragraph 5Philip was still active in the ministry in Caesarea some 20 years later. When Paul and Luke stayed in his home, he "had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied." (Acts 21:8-10) They evidently had been well-trained spiritually, had zeal for the ministry, and were even privileged to engage in speaking prophetically. Parental zeal for the ministry can have a fine effect on sons and daughters today, moving them to make zealous evangelizing their lifetime work.
Evidently is a WTS buzzword meaning the Bible doesn?t say but they will read into the account that Philip studied with his daughters.
Guilt alert: Parents, if you children don?t reach out to be pioneers or Bethelites, it's because you did not set a good example.
How does the WTS undercut the privilege of prophesying given to 4 women, Philip?s daughters?
Insight-2 p. 698 ProphetessProphesying was among the miraculous gifts of the spirit that were granted to the newly formed Christian congregation. Certain Christian women, such as Philip?s four virgin daughters, prophesied under the impulse of God?s holy spirit. (Ac 21:9; 1Co 12:4, 10) This was in fulfillment of Joel 2:28, 29, which foretold that "your sons and your daughters will certainly prophesy." (Ac 2:14-18) Such gift, however, did not remove a woman from subjection to the headship of her husband or to that of men within the Christian congregation; in symbol of her subjection she was to wear a head covering when prophesying (1Co 11:3-6) and was not to act as a teacher within the congregation.?1Ti 2:11-15; 1Co 14:31-35.Insight-2 pp. 697-698 ProphetThere were, of course, certain ones particularly selected, or gifted, to serve as prophets. (1Co 12:4-11, 27-29) Paul himself had the gift of prophesying, yet he is primarily known as an apostle. (Compare Ac 20:22-25; 27:21-26, 31, 34; 1Co 13:2; 14:6.) Those especially designated as prophets, such as Agabus, Judas, and Silas, appear to have been outstanding spokesmen for the Christian congregation, second only to the apostles. (1Co 12:28; Eph 4:11) Like the apostles, they not only served locally but also traveled to different points, gave discourses, and also foretold certain future events. (Ac 11:27, 28; 13:1; 15:22, 30-33; 21:10, 11) As earlier, some Christian women received the gift of prophesying, though always subject to the headship of the male members of the congregation.?Ac 21:9; 1Co 11:3-5.Zealous Evangelizers TodayParagraph 6In his great prophecy pointing to our day and the time of the end (proof???), Jesus Christ declared: "In all the nations the good news has to be preached first." (Mark 13:10) The end would come after the good news had been preached "in all the inhabited earth." (Matthew 24:14)
But would every individual be contacted? How is the end of the preaching determined?
w65 9/15 pp. 575-576 Questions from Readers Since millions of persons in China and other places have never heard the Kingdom message, will these people be preserved through the destruction of Babylon the Great and the war of Armageddon, or perhaps be resurrected later??H.S., U.S.A.But some persons, appreciating that millions of people are to be resurrected and given an opportunity to serve God, wonder if the millions of individuals living today who apparently have never heard the Kingdom message preached will be everlastingly destroyed without ever having had a witness about God?s purposes?. So, if it is Jehovah?s will to have this message personally carried to the millions on earth who seemingly have not yet heard it, that will be accomplished. If he chooses, he could see to it that this message is spread in ways that we cannot yet imagine. Jesus did foretell that "this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matt. 24:14) We can rest assured that God will see that the preaching work is done to his satisfaction. After that "the end" comes.As Paul and other first-century evangelizers proclaimed the good news, many became believers, and congregations were formed in one place after another throughout the Roman Empire. Elders appointed to serve in these congregations participated with their brothers and sisters in the evangelizing work and extended the preaching activity far and wide.How many knew of elders that never went out with their book study group, that were the invisible men? Earlier in this article, book study overseers were "encouraged" by the WTS to train (work with) those in their book study.
Jehovah?s word went on growing and prevailing in those days, just as it does today because millions of Jehovah?s Witnesses are doing the work of evangelizers. (Acts 19:20) (the evangelistic work of other groups doesn?t count) Have you taken your stand as one of those happy praisers of Jehovah (not Jesus?)?HAPPY PRAISERS OF JEHOVAH!!!! Argghh!Paragraph 7Many present-day Kingdom proclaimers are taking advantage of opportunities to enlarge their share in the evangelizing work.
DO MOREThousands have entered the missionary field, and hundreds of thousands share in the full-time evangelizing activity as regular and auxiliary pioneers. And what fine work is being done by men, women, and children serving as zealous Kingdom publishers! Indeed, all of Jehovah?s people (where is Jesus?) are enjoying his rich blessings as they serve him shoulder to shoulder as Christian evangelizers.?Zephaniah 3:9.Paragraph 8God has given Jesus? anointed followers the responsibility to proclaim the good news throughout the earth. At their side in this evangelizing work is the growing number of Christ?s "other sheep." (John 10:16) Prophetically, this life-saving work is likened to putting a mark on the foreheads of those sighing and groaning over the detestable things now taking place. Soon, the wicked will be destroyed (anyone not a JW). Meanwhile, what a privilege it is to carry lifesaving truths to earth?s inhabitants!?Ezekiel 9:4-6,11.How can people be marked for salvation or destruction now if the separation work is still future?
w98 2/1 pp. 18-19 The Other Sheep and the New Covenant Marked to survive the great tribulation, its members will be separated for everlasting life when Jesus divides "the sheep" from "the goats."Once again the WTS talks out of both sides of their mouth.
Paragraph 9If we have been engaging in the evangelizing work for some time, very likely we can do something to help new ones in the congregation. On occasion, we may be able to have them accompany us in the ministry (good luck). Those who serve as elders will want to do all they can to build fellow believers up spiritually. The fine efforts of humble overseers can do much to help others to be zealous and fruitful evangelizers.?2 Peter 1:5-8.Remember earlier, the WTS counseled the book study overseers (elders) to work with those in their book study group. I get the feeling that the elders are not "taking the lead" in the field ministry. Perhaps they feel they are above all that like the "evil slave" in last week?s lesson. "Fruitful" points to the pattern JWs have of doing little door to door and instead pursuing unfruitful return visits.
Bearing Witness From House to House Paragraph 10Jesus Christ set his followers an excellent example as an evangelizer.
Regarding the ministry of Christ and his apostles, God?s Word states: "He went journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him." (Luke 8:1) What about the apostles themselves? After the outpouring of holy spirit at Pentecost of 33 CE, "every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without let up teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus."?Acts 5:42.**
**See the information below regarding the scripturalness of the "house to house" or "door to door work."Point 1?How the WTS has applied Acts 20:20 to visiting the homes of fellow Christians.
Point 2?How there are no accounts of preaching to people at the front/back doors in the Bible. (Chart from Ray Franz? ICOF book)
Point 3?How the identical Greek phrase found at Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42 and Acts 20:20 is translated differently. Paragraph 11
Because of his zealous evangelizing work, the apostle Paul could tell Christian elders from Ephesus: "I did not hold back from telling you any of the tings that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly from house to house." When Paul was ?teaching from house to house," was he visiting the homes of fellow worshipers of Jehovah, making shepherding calls on believers? (see point 1 below) No, for he goes on to explain: "I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus." (Acts 20:20,21) In general, those already dedicated to Jehovah would not need instruction about "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus." (they might need reminders) Paul trained the Christian elders of Ephesus in the house-to-house ministry while he taught unbelievers about repentance and faith. (can you find an example in the chart reference in point 2?) In doing this, Paul was copying the method established by Jesus (does it say in the Bible that Jesus went from house to house?)
Paragraph 12The house-to-house ministry can be challenging.
For example, some are offended when we come to their door with the Bible?s message. It is not our desire to offend people.
Yet, the house-to-house ministry is Scriptural (see points below), and love of God and neighbor motivates us to bear witness in this way. (Mark 12:28-31)
No, the main motivation is surviving Armageddon and assuring their living forever on a paradise earth. JWs are not motivated to be "fruitful" because they will receive their "reward" whether anyone listens to them or not. If the WTS did not require JWs to record their time and turn it in, how much time do you think they would spend in the house-to house ministry?
To ?defend and legally establish? our right to preach from house to house, we have presented cases before the courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. (Philippians 1:7) Almost invariably that court has decided in our favor. Typical is the following verdict:Paragraph 13"The hand distribution of religious tracts is an age-old form of missionary evangelism?as old as the history of printing presses. It has been a potent force in various religious movements down through the years. This form of evangelism is utilized today, on a large scale by various religious sects whose colporteurs carry the Gospel to thousands upon thousands of homes and seek through personal visitations to win adherents to their faith?.This form of religious activity occupies the same high estate under the First Amendment [to the United States Constitution] as do worship in the churches and preaching from the pulpits."?Murdock v Pennsylvania, 1944.It is not that the US government endorses door to door preaching but rather than people have other means to deal with JWs at their door.
As to the former, an unchallenged ordinance section authorizing residents to post "No Solicitation" signs, coupled with their unquestioned right to refuse to engage in conversation with unwelcome visitors, provides ample protection for unwilling listeners. http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-1737.ZS.htmlWhy Keep on Preaching? Paragraph 14There are many reasons to witness from house to house.
Each time we call on a householder, we try to plant a seed (place a publication) of Scriptural truth (without ever getting out the Bible). By making return visits (at times we know people aren?t home), we seek to water it. And there can be a fine cumulative effect, for Paul wrote: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6) So let us keep on ?planting and watering,? confident that Jehovah ?will make it grow.?
Paragraph 15We do the work of evangelizers because our lives are at stake.
Finally, the real reason JWs do the house to house work.
By preaching we can save ourselves and those who listen to us. (1 Timothy 4:16) If we knew that a person?s life was endangered, would we make only one feeble attempt to help him? Hardly!But if our eternal life was not depending on anyone listening?It is the difference between being on salary, being paid regardless of what you produce, or being paid on commission, no sale, no money.
Since salvation is involved, we make repeated calls at the homes of people. Circumstances keep on changing. Someone who is too busy to listen on one occasion may be willing to hear the Bible?s message at another time. A different member of the family may answer the door and that could lead to a Scriptural discussion.Salvation only by works per the WTS. Can a Christian earn everlasting life? Isn?t it "undeserved kindness" in that there is nothing a Christian can do be worthy?
Paragraph 17Foremost among our reasons for witnessing from house to house or engaging in other forms of the Christian ministry is the desire to have a share making known Jehovah?s name. (Exodus 9:16; Psalm 83:18) How rewarding it is when our evangelizing work helps lovers of truth and righteousness to become praisers of Jehovah! (not witnesses of Christ?) "You young men and also you virgins, you old men together with boys," sang the psalmist. "Let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high. His dignity is above earth and heaven."?Psalm 148:12,13.Do you see God?s name or the kingdom mentioned in any of these recommended presentations:km 11/01 p. 8 What to Say About the MagazinesThe Watchtower Nov. 15"We have heard the expression ?Jesus died for us.? [Quote John 3:16.] Have you ever wondered how the death of one man can save all of us? [Allow for response.] The Bible gives a simple answer. This article, ?Jesus Saves?How?,? clearly explains it."Awake! Nov. 22"Are humans doing all they can to protect the environment? [Allow for response.] Many wonder if the delicate balance of life on earth will last indefinitely. Thankfully, God is keenly interested. [Read Nehemiah 9:6.] Awake! discusses what the future holds for life on earth."The Watchtower Dec. 1"This time of year, many people are very involved in gift-giving and other kind deeds. That brings to mind the Golden Rule. [Read Matthew 7:12.] Do you think it is possible to live by that rule all year round? [Allow for response.] This magazine provides much food for thought on ?The Golden Rule?Is It Still Practical??"Awake! Dec. 8"The Bible promises that one day no one will be able to say, ?I am sick.? [Read Isaiah 33:24.] In line with that promise, this issue of Awake! focuses on an illness that afflicts millions of people, young and old. It is entitled ?Hope for Arthritis Sufferers.? I?m sure you?ll find these articles to be informative."Evangelizing Benefits Us PersonallyParagraph 18Doing the work of an evangelizer benefits us personally in various ways. Going from house to house with the good news helps us to cultivate humility, particularly when we are not received in a kind manner.
To be effective evangelizers, we need to be like Paul, who ?became all things to people of all sorts so that he might save some.? (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) Experience in the ministry helps us to be tactful. By relying on Jehovah and choosing our words well, we can apply Paul?s counsel: "Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one."?Colossians 4:6.
From this paragraph I can tell that many JWs are going out less and less in the ministry. The ones that do are less and less effective. Not going out in the ministry means you are not humble.
Based on previous admonition from the WTS to elders and congregation book study conductors to take the lead and work with others in the ministry, their humility is slipping.
Paragraph 19The evangelizing work also moves us to rely on God?s holy spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) In turn, its fruitage?"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control"?becomes evident in our ministry. (Galatians 5:22,23) It affects our dealings with people, for yielding to the spirit?s direction helps us to exercise love, to be joyful and peaceable, to be long-suffering and kind, to display goodness and faith, and to manifest mildness and self-control while declaring the good news.Did you notice how weird this paragraph is? First the scripture is quoted and then the WTS proceeds to repeat it again. How can the average JW display these qualities in the ministry when they are thinking that 99.9% of them are going to die at Armageddon and are currently living sinfully degrading lives?
Paragraph 20Another blessing that comes to us as evangelizers is that we become more sympathetic.
When people mention their problems?sickness, unemployment, domestic trials?we do not act as advisers, but we share encouraging and comforting scriptures with them.There it is that JWs are not supposed to act as advisers. Yet, they will tell people in and out of the organization not to go to counselors or doctors qualified to handle these problems.
We are concerned about people who have been blinded spiritually but seem to have a love of righteousness. (2 Corinthians 4:4) And what a blessing it is to render spiritual help to those "rightly disposed for everlasting life"!?Acts 13:48Once again, is the concern for people or for themselves? If JWs were not required to report their time to the WTS, how much time would they spend in the door to door work?
Paragraph 21Regular participation in the evangelizing work helps us to keep our mind focused on spiritual things. (Luke 11:34) That surely is beneficial, since we might otherwise yield to materialistic temptations so common in this world.
Again the old WTS equation
Drop in hours = materialism
The apostle John urged Christians: "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world?the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one?s means of life?does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:15-17) Keeping busy as evangelizers with plenty to do in the Lord?s work helps us not to love the world.?1 Corinthians 15:58.Store Up Heavenly TreasuresParagraph 22Zealous Kingdom-preaching activity brings lasting benefits.
Translation: Salvation can be earned through works.
Jesus showed this when he said: "Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."?Matthew 6:19-21.I definitely get the message from the WTS that the rank and file are not putting the same amount of time in the ministry as in days gone by. The only reason can be that they are materialistic not that the R&F are getting tired of waiting for the end to come SOON.
Paragraph 23May we keep on storing up treasures in heaven, aware that we could have no greater privilege than that of representing the Sovereign Lord Jehovah as his Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10-12)I thought Christians were supposed to be witnesses of Jesus? The NT only talks about being witnesses of Jesus, not witnesses of Jehovah or even of God.
Revelation 1:9I John, YOUR brother and a sharer with YOU in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in company with Jesus, came to be in the isle that is called Pat´mos for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus.Acts 1:8but YOU will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon YOU, and YOU will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Ju·de´a and Sa·mar´i·a and to the most distant part of the earth.Revelation 17:6And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.As we carry out our commission as God?s ministers, we may well feel like a Christian woman in her 90?s who said: "Through it all I thank Jehovah for putting up with me all these years (no thanks to Jesus?), and I pray fervently that he will be my loving Father forever." (Where is Jesus in this equation?) If we similarly cherish our relationship with God (not Jesus?) surely we want to do the work of an evangelizer in a complete way. The next article will help us see how we can fully accomplish our ministry.Concluding CommentsThis DO MORE article was fairly simple, no "new light." But it does indicate that the rank and file need prodding.
The only thing I found of note was this in paragraph 2.
For example, the Congregation Book Study overseer has the rewarding privilege of taking the lead in the preaching work and training others.
This concept has been around for years but not practiced by any but one conductor years ago. I even mentioned this to several and they looked at me as if I were crazy. When the title was changed from Congregation Book Study conductor to overseer, the idea was that this elder would be working more with those in the book study. I guess the elders are not being obedient. They hardly take the time to work with their wives and children. They are usually too busy working with each other.
Kingdom Ministry 1/99 p. 8 Overseers Taking the Lead?Congregation Book Study ConductorsHe takes the lead in the evangelizing work, knowing that the regularity, zeal, and enthusiasm he shows for the service will be reflected in the rest of the group. (Col. 4:17; 2 Thess. 3:9) In time, he endeavors to work in service with each member of his group. If we want to sharpen our preaching and teaching skills in the ministry, the Congregation Book Study conductor can help us to attain our goal. Blondie **Supplement: Did Christians go "house to house"? Point 1http://www.caic.org.au/jws/organization/h-to-h.htm
Interestingly the 1972 book "Organization for Kingdom Preaching and Disciple Making" (A.K.A. "The Organization Book") comments on the meaning of Acts 20:20. On pages 54-56, it is discussing the role of the body of elders in the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. It says the following:"However, since the Greek term for 'exercising oversight' (e pi sko pe' o) includes the meaning of 'visiting', it is certainly appropriate that the shepherds visit the brothers in their homes and even in prison, upbuilding them and contributing to their spiritual enlightenment. (Compare Revelation 3:20; Luke 10:38-42; Matthew 25:36,39) Paul reminded the elders of Ephesus that he had taught them, not only publicly, but "from house to house". * (Acts 20:17-20, margin; MO; RS; Lamsa; YG; Dy; Knox; Acts 18:19-21; 19:1-19; 20:31) A congregation was established in Ephesus and other cities. For lack of public meeting places that could be rented or hired, the local congregation would meet in the private home of a dedicated, baptized believer (Rom. 16:5; Col. 4:15; Philem. 2), and to congregational meetings in the homes interested persons could be invited. By these means the members of the congregation would come to know the overseers well and feel free to approach them, and the overseers, in turn, would become better acquainted with the needs of each one of the "flock". It is important for overseers to be approachable, willing to listen when their brothers come to them with problems, and dealing with them in a manner that will result in refreshment as the "fine shepherd" set the example.-Matthew 11:28-30"So, the Watchtower Society now applies Acts 20:20 as proving that Paul taught, not unbelievers from house to house, but believers in the homes of believers. What scholarly support does the Watchtower Society cite for this interpretation? In a footnote on page 56 of "The Organization Book" it quotes Dr. A. T. Robertson from the book "A Grammer of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research" (1934). The footnote states:
"As regards the translation "from house to house" (kat' oi' kous) in Acts 20:20, which some modern translators would render as: "at your houses" (AT), "in your homes" (Je;NE), "in private" (NA), Doctor Robertson has this to say on pages 349,350 paragraph 1: "and from house to house (kai kat'oikous). By (according to) houses. It is worth noting that the greatest of preachers preached form house to house and did not make his visits merely social calls. He was doing kingdom business all the while as in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. (1 Cor. 16:19)"1 Corinthians 16:19 says the following:
"The congregations of Asia send you their greetings. Aquila and Prisca together with the congregation that is in their house greet you heartily in the Lord". (NWT)So, evidently this scholar A.T. Robertson, according to the Watchtower Society, interprets Acts 20:20 to be referring to Paul ministering to believers in the congregations that met in the homes of fellow believers and not to unbelievers at their homes. Point 2
http://www.escapefromwatchtower.com/house.html
Portions of this article have been taken out of the book "In Search of Christian Freedom" by Raymond Franz Where did Paul teach and make converts according to All the accounts ?- At Pentecost in a Public Place (Acts 2:1-41)
http://mypage.uniserve.ca/~renford/house.htm
In my research it appears that the Society uses the two scriptures found in Acts, chapter 5:42 and 20:20 to establish the teaching that we must do house to house work otherwise we are not good Christians. The Scripture says " While I [Paul] did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house." It is apparent that they are making the deduction that the house to house means from door to door, in other words going consecutively from one door to the next.A couple of things came up when examining the Greek interlinear about this subject for example in Acts 2:46 which says : And day after day they were in constant attendance at the temple with one accord, and they took their meals in private homes and partook of food with great rejoicing and sincerity of heart," then looking at Acts 5:42 it says "And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus." What I found was that the identical phrase (kat?oikon) translates "from house to house" in the NWT rendered of Acts, chapter 5, verse, also occurs in the chapter two verse 46. In examining the Kingdom interlinier you can see the same phrase, with the same distributive sense of kata appears in both texts. Yet in Acts 2:46, the rendering is not from "house to house" but "in private homes" Then that same phrase is used again in Acts 20:20 and the NWT renders it again as "house to house" In examining other translations of the Bible it is evident that what was meant by this passage was that the instructions given here were not that they were to go from house to house but to go into private homes where they already knew the people and continue to teach them about Christ. What it seems to me is that the Society has tried to convey a meaning that is not actually there.