by berrygerry 11 Replies latest watchtower bible
Today's WT study (Nov 15, 2014 page 4, par 4.
The governing body in Jerusalem sent the apostles Peter and John to these Samaritan converts, and “they laid their hands on them, and they began to receive holy spirit.” (Acts 8:5, 6, 14-17)
There are multiple references to Acts 15 whereby "the apostles and older men" were the governing body.
I have never noticed this applied to "the apostles" only in Acts 8:14 before.
Is this another new item to reinforce the concept of the governing body?
Actually the phrase "governing body" never appears in the bible, especially Acts 15. But...
(Acts 15:22, 23) 22 Then the apostles and the older men together with the whole congregation favored sending chosen men from among them to Antioch along with Paul and Bar′na·bas, namely, Judas who was called Bar′sab·bas and Silas, leading men among the brothers; 23 and by their hand they wrote: “The apostles and the older men, brothers, to those brothers in Antioch and Syria and Ci·li′cia who are from the nations: . . .
*** w99 2/1 pp. 15-16 par. 8 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
Jesus had prepared 12 apostles to become an initial governing body, training them as well as others for the ministry. (Luke 8:1; 9:1, 2; 10:1, 2) At Pentecost 33 C.E., the Christian congregation was established, and in due course its governing body was expanded to include “the apostles and older men in Jerusalem.” Over an extended period, Jesus’ half brother James, though not an apostle, appears to have served as chairman. (Acts 12:17; 15:2, 6, 13; 21:18) According to historian Eusebius, the apostles became special targets of persecution and were scattered to other territories. The composition of the governing body was adjusted accordingly.
*** w71 12/15 p. 756 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
The Christian apostle John, who wrote the last books of the Holy Bible toward the close of the first century C.E., was apparently the last surviving member of the original governing body appointed by Jesus Christ.
*** w61 3/1 p. 139 par. 7 The Congregation’s Place in True Worship ***
Inasmuch as the apostles and older men in Jerusalem were the most mature and experienced in serving Jehovah and had received authority from Jesus to serve as shepherds, it was only logical that they became a governing body for all the new congregations, and the experiences they had in the Jerusalem congregation could well serve as a pattern or example for the others to follow.—Acts 8:14-17; 16:4, 5; 1 Thess. 2:14; 1:6, 7; Heb. 6:12.
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/minimoog-898174-gilead-grad-talk-59th-class/
Listen to Fred Franz explain that the first century Christian congregation had a governing body of one--Christ Jesus--and that Christ Jesus remains the sole governing body of today's Christian congregation.
Thanks Blondie.
I obviously tuned out in 1995 and missed that 1999 article.
Rufus T. Firefly an hour ago
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/minimoog-898174-gilead-grad-talk-59th-class/
Listen to Fred Franz explain that the first century Christian congregation had a governing body of one--Christ Jesus--and that Christ Jesus remains the sole governing body of today's Christian congregation.
Great post, Rufus.
I can still listen to Freddy without vomiting, unlike listening to The Magnificent Seven of today.
Some about-face in Freddy's talk compared to today with respect to "a body" directing things in the first century. (Of course, Freddy mentions WTBTS enough times for the 20th century.)
We are taught that there was a 1st century GB, but they, although being anointed miracle workers personally chosen by Jesus, were not the F&DS.
Yes, they may have written most of the NT and were told to 'feed my little sheep', but they were NOT, I tell you, the F&DS who should feed the domestics.
The 8 men in NY alone are entitled to claim that title for themselves.
A first century GB is a contrived entity to justify the current GB's position. Remember, these are the same guys who hire worldly lawyers to defend themselves in pedophile cases. These are the same "brothers" of Jesus who refuse to show up in court, admit to a hierarchy like the RCC, and haven't been able to make ONE DAMN VIDEO about Jesus in over 100+ years. Not one...
The current nonsense is that there was a GB but they were not the "Slave" which is a "composite" theological construct that doesn't really exist as an individual. ( very convenient for court)
This begs the question: Was Rutherford the first individual to comprise the composite "Slave?" Were Jesus' hand selected disciples feeding the sheep without a license? How could Peter feed the sheep, yet not be the "Slave" providing food?? When we teach others from the Bible, are we feeding them? If so, are we overstepping our bounds as domestics?
Or is the GB of the WTBTS simply trying to secure position and power? Only they are Slave on every Wednesday when they meet in the magical board room?? Is it all bull shit??
DD
