The Body of Elders

by Honesty 7 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Honesty

  Is this a scriptural arrangement that can be backed up in the Bible or just another form of control over the rank and file JW's?

  I can't see where the JW's have followed the apostolic example recorded in the Book of Acts.

  Acts 6:1-6 In those days, as the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch. They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
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  Frannie Banannie

  I can't see where the JW's have followed the apostolic example recorded in the Book of Acts.

  That's because they haven't. They don't distribute anything except LIT-RA-CHURE and judgment.

  Frannie
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  AK - Jeff

  Well, Bob, like most things they are way off the mark here.

  As FB said - this is just a promotion within a book sales club. The Body concept is nowhere to be seen in scripture that I have seen at all. That was done to keep the elders in line. I was around when it happened. Too many 'congregation servants' were getting too hungry with power. Some congregations were like Hitler's bunker. Ours was.

  Not much better with the Elder Body's. But they keep each other from having all the power in one person.

  Jeff
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  XBEHERE

  Not much better with the Elder Body's. But they keep each other from having all the power in one person

  The mentality is still the PO is top dog. The body concept is in name only. At least on the bodies I have served on. The R&F still view it this way at least.
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  Rooster

  8 Another problem that Jude addresses is the lack of respect for divinely constituted authority. For instance, in verse 8 he charges the same wicked men with "speaking abusively of glorious ones." Who were these "glorious ones"? They were imperfect men, but they had responsibilities conferred upon them by Jehovah’s holy spirit. For example, the congregations had elders, who were charged with shepherding the flock of God. (1 Peter 5:2) There were traveling overseers too, such as the apostle Paul. And the body of elders in Jerusalem acted as a governing body, making decisions affecting the Christian congregation as a whole. (Acts 15:6) Jude was deeply concerned that certain ones in the congregations were speaking abusively of, or blaspheming, such men.

  9

  To denounce such disrespectful talk, in verse 11, Jude cites three more examples as reminders: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. Cain ignored Jehovah’s loving counsel and willfully pursued his own course of murderous hatred. (Genesis 4:4-8) Balaam received repeated warnings that unquestionably came from a supernatural source—even his own she-ass spoke to him! But Balaam selfishly continued to plot against God’s people. (Numbers 22:28, 32-34; Deuteronomy 23:5) Korah had his own position of responsibility, but it was not enough. He fomented rebellion against the meekest man on the earth, Moses.—Numbers 12:3; 16:1-3, 32.
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  mrsjones5

  So what are you trying to say Rooster?
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  Rooster

  The Switchtower Babble & Trick Society twists the scriptures to fit whatever their agenda is at that time! Whether the application is correct or not they don’t care as long as it fits what they!
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  Rooster

  Want.