Our Christian Life and Ministry. March 31 through April 7 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Proverbs 7]
[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 7] My son, keep my sayings, And treasure up my commandments. 2 Keep my commandments and live; Guard my instruction like the pupil of your eye. 3 Tie them around your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding “my relative,” 5 To guard you against the wayward woman, Against the immoral woman and her smooth words. 6 From the window of my house, Through my lattice, I looked down, 7 And as I observed the naive ones, I discerned among the youths a young man lacking good sense. 8 He passed along the street near her corner, And he marched in the direction of her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, At the approach of night and darkness. 10 Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart. 11 She is loud and defiant. She never stays at home. 12 One moment she is outside, next she is in the public squares, She lurks near every corner. 13 She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold face, she says to him: 14 “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I paid my vows. 15 That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you, and I found you! 16 I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful linen from Egypt. 17 I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; Let us enjoy passionate love together, 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a distant journey. 20 He took a bag of money with him, And he will not return until the day of the full moon.” 21 She misleads him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech. 22 Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to the slaughter, Like a fool to be punished in the stocks, 23 Until an arrow pierces his liver; Like a bird rushing into a trap, he does not know that it will cost him his life. 24 And now, my sons, listen to me; Pay attention to the words I speak. 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not stray onto her paths, 26 For she has caused many to fall down slain, And those she has killed are numerous. 27 Her house leads to the Grave; It goes down to the inner chambers of death. [End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]
Song 34 Walking in Integrity. Based on Psalm 26
1. Please judge me, Lord, observe my loyalty;
Observe my trust in you and my integrity.
Examine me, and put me to the test;
My mind and heart refine, that my soul might be blessed.
But as for me, Determined I will be
to walk eternally In my integrity.
2. I do not sit with wicked men of lies.
I hate the company of those who truth despise.
Jehovah, please, don’t take away my life
With men who take delight in bribery and strife.
But as for me, Determined I will be
to walk eternally In my integrity.
3. For I have loved the dwelling of your house.
Your worship, oh, so pure, I daily will espouse.
And I will march around your altar grand,
To make thanksgiving heard aloud throughout the land.
But as for me, Determined I will be
to walk eternally In my integrity.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. Avoid Tempting Situations (10 minutes)
A naive youth purposely walks into a neighborhood known for prostitution
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 7.7 through 9: And as I observed the naive ones, I discerned among the youths a young man lacking good sense. 8 He passed along the street near her corner, And he marched in the direction of her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, At the approach of night and darkness. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2000 November 15th page 29 paragraph 5] The window through which Solomon looks out has a lattice, apparently a framework with laths and perhaps elaborate carvings. As the twilight fades, the darkness of the night pours into the streets. He catches sight of a young man who is particularly vulnerable. Lacking discernment, or good sense, he is in want of heart. Likely, he is aware of the type of neighborhood he has entered and what could happen to him there. The young man comes near “her corner,” which is on the way to her house. Who is she? What is she up to? [End of reference material]
A prostitute approaches to seduce him
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 7.10: Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart. [End of inserted scripture]
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 7.13 through 21: She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold face, she says to him: 14 “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I paid my vows. 15 That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you, and I found you! 16 I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful linen from Egypt. 17 I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; Let us enjoy passionate love together, 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a distant journey. 20 He took a bag of money with him, And he will not return until the day of the full moon.” 21 She misleads him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2000 November 15th page 30 paragraphs 4 through 6] The lips of this woman are smooth. Putting on a bold face, she utters her words confidently. Everything she says is carefully calculated to seduce the young man. By stating that she had made communion sacrifices that very day and paid her vows, she makes a display of righteousness, hinting that she is not lacking in spirituality. Communion sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem consisted of meat, flour, oil, and wine.
[Quotation] Leviticus 19.5 and 6: “‘Now if you offer a communion sacrifice to Jehovah, you should sacrifice it in such a way that you gain approval for yourselves. 6 It should be eaten on the day of your sacrifice and on the next day, but what is left over until the third day should be burned in the fire. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Leviticus 22.21: “‘If a man presents a communion sacrifice to Jehovah to pay a vow or as a voluntary offering, it should be a sound animal from the herd or the flock, in order to gain approval. No defect at all should be in it. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Numbers 15.8 through 10: “‘But if you should offer a male of the herd as a burnt offering or a sacrifice to perform a special vow or communion sacrifices to Jehovah, 9 you should also present together with the male of the herd a grain offering of three tenths of an ephah measure of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil. 10 You should also present wine as a drink offering, half a hin, as an offering made by fire, as a pleasing aroma to Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Since the offerer could take part of the communion sacrifice for himself and his family, she thus suggests that there is plenty to eat and drink at her house. The implication is clear: The young man would have a good time there. She has come out of her house specifically to look for him. How touching, if anyone could swallow such a story. “It is true she was out looking for someone,” says one Bible scholar, “but did she really come looking just for this one special fellow? Only a fool, perhaps this one, would believe her.”
After making herself appealing by the sight of her attire, by the sound of her flattering words, by the touch of her embrace, and by the taste of her lips, the seductress enlists the sense of smell. She says: “With coverlets I have bedecked my divan, with many-colored things, linen of Egypt. I have besprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.” (Proverbs 7.16 and 17) She has aesthetically prepared her bed with colorful linen from Egypt and perfumed it with choice fragrances of myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
“Do come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning,” she continues, “do let us enjoy each other with love expressions.” The invitation is to something much more than a pleasant dinner for two. Her promise is that of enjoying sexual intimacy. To the young man, the appeal is adventurous and exciting! As further inducement, she adds: “For the husband is not in his house; he has gone traveling on a way of some distance. A bag of money he has taken in his hand. On the day of the full moon he will come to his house.” (Proverbs 7.18 through 20) They would be perfectly safe, she assures him, for her husband is away on a business trip and is not expected back for some time. How talented she is at beguiling a young person! “She has misled him by the abundance of her persuasiveness. By the smoothness of her lips she seduces him.” (Proverbs 7.21) It would take a man of Joseph’s caliber to resist an appeal this enticing.
[Quotation] Genesis 39.9: There is no one greater in this house than I am, and he has not withheld from me anything at all except you, because you are his wife. So how could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 39.12: Then she grabbed hold of him by his garment and said: “Lie down with me!” But he left his garment in her hand and fled outside. [End Quotation]
Does this young man measure up? [End of reference material]
He suffers the consequences of putting himself in a tempting situation
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 7.22 and 23: Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to the slaughter, Like a fool to be punished in the stocks, 23 Until an arrow pierces his liver; Like a bird rushing into a trap, he does not know that it will cost him his life. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2000 November 15th page 31 paragraph 2] The invitation proves to be irresistible to the young man. Throwing all good sense to the wind, he goes after her ‘like a bull to the slaughter.’ As a man in fetters cannot escape his punishment, so the young man is drawn into sin. He does not see the danger of it all until “an arrow cleaves open his liver,” that is, until he receives a wound that can cause his death. The death may be physical in that he exposes himself to death-dealing sexually transmitted diseases. The wound can also cause his spiritual death; “it involves his very soul.” His entire being and his life are seriously affected, and he has gravely sinned against God. He thus hastens into the grip of death like a bird into a trap! [End of reference material]
[Image Alt:] A prostitute woman in ancient times, standing at the entrance of her home as a young man walks by.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Proverbs 7.3 What does it mean to tie God’s commandments around our fingers and write them on the tablet of our heart?
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 7.3: Tie them around your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2000 November 15th page 29 paragraph 1] “Tie them [my commandments] upon your fingers,” continues Solomon, “and write them upon the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 7.3) As fingers are prominently before our eyes and are vital in carrying out our purposes, the lessons learned from a Scriptural upbringing or the gaining of Bible knowledge are to be a constant reminder and guide in everything we do. We are to inscribe them upon the tablet of our heart, making them a part of our nature. [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Proverbs 7.6 through 20 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 2) Press play below to hear the Bible reading]
Proverbs 7.6 through 20 From the window of my house, Through my lattice, I looked down, And as I observed the naive ones, I discerned among the youths a young man lacking good sense. He passed along the street near her corner, And he marched in the direction of her house In the twilight, in the evening, At the approach of night and darkness. Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart. She is loud and defiant. She never stays at home. One moment she is outside, next she is in the public squares, She lurks near every corner. She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold face, she says to him: “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I paid my vows. That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you, and I found you! I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful linen from Egypt. I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; Let us enjoy passionate love together, For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a distant journey. He took a bag of money with him, And he will not return until the day of the full moon.” [End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 2. Conversational Manner.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 2.17: We are, for we are not peddlers of the word of God as many men are, but we speak in all sincerity as sent from God, yes, in the sight of God and in company with Christ. [End Quotation]
Summary: Speak in a natural, sincere way that conveys how you feel about the topic and your listeners.
[Press play below for Video: Study 2. Conversational Manner. (3:45)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 2. Conversational Manner]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching 2. Conversation Manner. 2 Corinthians 2.17. Summary: Speak in a natural, sincere way that conveys how you feel about your topics and your listeners)
Presenter: Speaking in a conversational manner means talking in a natural, sincere way that conveys how you feel. While this might sound simple, it can be a challenge when you’re nervous. These four steps can help:
(Text: How to do it: Pray. Prepare carefully. Speak from the heart. Look at your listeners)
pray, prepare carefully, speak from the heart, and look at your listeners. This is important when we give talks and when we share in the ministry; let’s see why as we watch these examples of public witnessing.
(A couple stand next to a literature cart in the street. A woman approaches and reaches for a publication)
Brother: Take whatever you want. There’s no charge.
(The woman jumps)
Woman: Oh, that’s OK. Maybe another time.
(She shakes her head and walks away)
Presenter: Could the brother’s manner have been more conversational? Well, he could have tried to make eye contact.
(Text: Review: Eye contact. Posture. Gestures. Facial expressions)
What about his posture, gestures, and facial expressions? Let’s watch a better example.
(The couple stand next to a literature cart in the street. The woman approaches)
Sister: Good morning.
Woman: Good morning.
Brother: You’re welcome to take whatever you like.
Woman: Thank you.
(The woman selects a tract about suffering)
Brother: Do you think we’ll ever see an end to suffering?
Woman: I’m not really sure.
Brother: If you have just a moment, I’d like to show you what the Bible has to say.
(He shows the woman his phone)
Woman: OK.
Presenter: A friendly manner opened the way to a conversation.
(Text: Review: Friendly manner)
It can also help when we’re giving a talk.
(Text: How to do it: Speak using your own words)
We should try to speak in our own words. Let’s observe these examples.
(A Brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: When Jesus was nailed to the stake in 33 C.E., it hardly looked possible that he could have a kingdom at all. But in his preaching of the Kingdom of God, he had not been a proclaimer of erroneous news. On the third day after his death, the Founder of the Kingdom made sure that the disciples of Jesus would not be offering up prayer for a government that was not possible. Jehovah resurrected the One who was to represent Him in the prayed-for Kingdom and clothed him with immortality.
Presenter: Did you understand the words of the speaker? Most likely. Was it spiritual food? Yes. Was he using conversational manner? Not really.
(Text: Review: Use your own words. make eye contact)
Could he have had more eye contact with his audience? Yes. Let’s watch the speaker present the information in his own words.
(The Brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Jesus preached about God’s Kingdom and taught his followers to pray for it. But when he died in 33 C.E., they may have wondered if the Kingdom really would come. Any doubts they had were erased three days later when Jehovah resurrected his Son, the future King of his Kingdom.
Presenter: A natural, sincere delivery is more appealing. It holds people’s attention, puts them at ease, and makes them more receptive to what you have to say.
(Text: Review: Holds attention. Puts audience at ease. Makes audience more receptive. Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching 2. Conversation Manner. 2 Corinthians 2.17)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2020 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Prepare prayerfully and carefully. Pray for help to concentrate, not on yourself, but on your message. Fix in your mind the main points you need to convey. Express thoughts in your own words; do not simply recite expressions word for word as they appear in print.
Tip: If you plan to read from the Bible or another publication, get to know the passage well so that your reading will be fluent. If people are quoted, read their words with feeling, without being overly dramatic.
Speak from the heart. Think about why your listeners need to hear the message. Focus on them. Then your posture, gestures, and facial expressions will convey warm sincerity and friendliness.
Tip: Do not confuse naturalness with casualness. Maintain the dignity of your message by using clear speech and proper grammar.
Look at your listeners. Maintain eye contact where it is not offensive to do so. When you give a discourse, look at one individual in the audience at a time, rather than looking at or scanning over the entire group. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Following Up (4 minutes)
House to House. On the last visit, the householder accepted the Memorial invitation and expressed interest. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 9 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Empathy] Imitate Jesus. Share information that addresses his needs. As soon as possible, demonstrate how a Bible study can answer his questions and can help him in practical ways. [End of Reference material]
5. Following Up (4 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. During the last conversation, the person accepted the Memorial invitation and expressed interest. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 9 point 4)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Empathy] Imitate Jesus. Think about the interested person. Based on your conversations with him, ask yourself: a. ‘Why does he need to hear the truth?’ b. ‘How would studying the Bible make his daily life and his future better?’ [End of Reference material]
6. Following Up (4 minutes)
Public Witnessing. During the last conversation, the person accepted the Memorial invitation and expressed interest. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 9 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Empathy] Imitate Jesus. Listen carefully. Allow the person to express himself. Do not interrupt him or quickly dismiss his feelings, concerns, or objections. By paying attention, you show him that you care about what he thinks. [End of Reference material]
Living as Christians Song 13 Christ, Our Model. Based on 1 Peter 2.21
1. What love Jehovah showed,
What goodness from him flowed,
When for all mankind he offered his Firstborn.
Christ took on human form
The Son of man was born
By his example, God’s name he adorned.
2. Jehovah’s Word, he said,
Sustained his life like bread.
It gave him wisdom and knowledge and insight.
His Father’s willing slave,
A model Jesus gave;
To please his Father would bring him delight.
3. Like Jesus, may our days
Provide Jehovah praise,
And may his footsteps become our own roadway.
Let Jesus’ model be
Our path eternally,
And then God’s favor we’ll know day by day.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Another Convenient Time (Luke 4.6) (15 minutes)
Discussion. [Quotation] Luke 4.6: Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. [End Quotation]
Play the video. Then ask the audience:
How was Jesus tempted, and how might we face similar temptations?
How can we resist the Devil’s temptations?
[Press play below for Video: Robert Luccioni: Another Convenient Time (Luke 4:6) (9:11)]
[Click for transcript]|[Robert Luccioni. Another Convenient Time (Luke 4:6)]
Robert: What are your convenient times?
AD: Robert Luccioni
[Helper to the Publishing Committee]
Robert: Our text for today discusses one of the temptations that Satan presented to Jesus. Luke 4:13 later says that then Satan goes away to return at “another convenient time” to tempt Jesus. So with all that in mind, we’re going to consider three questions today: (1) What were these three temptations really about? (2) Did Satan ever find a convenient time to come back and tempt Jesus? (3) Does Satan try to use these temptations today? We’re going to look at Matthew’s account of these three temptations and try to answer those questions. So let’s start first with Matthew 4:2, 3. It says: “After he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he felt hungry. And the Tempter approached and said to him: “If you are a son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” Now, our first question is, What was at the root of this temptation? Well, Satan knew full well that Jesus was Jehovah’s firstborn Son, but he was trying to get Jesus to question that he was who Jehovah said he was. If you are a son of God, why hasn’t your Father fed you? Can you really trust Jehovah to take care of you? See, Satan wanted Jesus to begin to question Jehovah’s care and use his position to benefit himself. Well, Jesus recognized that this was a temptation, and he did not fall for it. Question two is, Did Satan ever come back and try this trick again with Jesus? Well, when Jesus was arrested, could that have been a convenient time? Remember, Jesus said that he could have called on “12 legions of angels” to come and save him. Could that have been a temptation to save himself? Or remember when he was on the stake, the rulers and the soldiers taunted him and said, ‘If you are a son of God, come on down off the stake!’ It’s interesting that they used the same terminology. Could that have been a temptation? No. Jesus trusted that Jehovah would take care of him. Now, our third question is, Does Satan use that temptation today? Well, we are living in unsettled times. Are these convenient times for Satan? Our families and our friends may be in need. Could we be tempted to question if we really trust that Jehovah is going to take care of them? Could we be convinced or convince ourselves that we may need to take matters into our own hands? Are we ever tempted to use our privileges of service to benefit ourselves? Let’s look at the second temptation. Matthew 4:5, 6 says: “Then the Devil took him along into the holy city, and he stationed him on the battlement of the temple and said to him: If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: He will give his angels a command concerning you, and, They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.” Again, what was the root here? Well, Satan was again trying to cast doubt on who Jesus was. If you are who you say you are, prove it. Let’s see if Jehovah really is there for you. He does value you. He’ll save you because Psalms says that’s what he’ll do for the real Son of God. Well, Jesus saw that this was a temptation and did not fall for it. Now, did Satan ever try such a temptation again? Well, perhaps another time is what’s recorded at Mark 8:11, where the Pharisees came, and the account says they “started disputing with him, demanding from him a sign from heaven, to put him to the test.” Now, Jesus had just healed a deaf and speechless man and miraculously fed over 4,000 people, but that wasn’t enough for them. They wanted something spectacular. Throw yourself off the temple or something. Prove you are who you say you are. Let’s see if Jehovah really values you. Now, when might we face a similar temptation? Well, some of our brothers and sisters may feel unlovable because of events in their life. Times of isolation and depression may be convenient times for Satan to attack them. Am I sure Jehovah really loves me? Am I sure I’m important to Jehovah? Do I have value? Well, such feelings have caused ones to stop serving Jehovah or to seek validation of their value through unscriptural means. Look at our third temptation. Matthew 4:8, 9: “Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him: All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” So, what was Satan offering here? Don’t wait! You can have it now. You know what’s coming, the pain that’s coming. My offer is better than Jehovah’s. Again, Jesus recognized what Satan was doing, and he resisted that temptation. Did Satan ever find a convenient time to try that again? Well, perhaps the account at Luke 6:15 explains what may have been another convenient time. Remember, the people wanted Jesus to begin ruling right then. Could that have been a temptation to get his Kingdom started without the pain of being tortured to death? Well, knowing that the people were coming for him, Jesus withdrew. Do we face similar temptations today? Well, we willingly make sacrifices and have made sacrifices to serve Jehovah. But we may see what others do and what others have and wonder: Are our sacrifices really worth it? Is there any way I can have it now? Maybe if there’s a way I can make some more money, I could do both and have the things I want. You see, three powerful temptations: Can you trust that your Father will take care of you? Are you sure Jehovah loves you and you have value? Why wait when you can have it now? So again, the question is, What are your convenient times? What are my convenient times? Satan is going to find convenient times to tempt us, that’s a given. First Peter 5:8 says that he’s out there “like a roaring lion, seeking to devour [us].” If he found convenient times to tempt Jesus, we can be sure that he will do the same to us. What do we need to do? Our job is to resist his temptations. How do we do that? The same way that Jesus did. Did you notice the two things he did? (1) Jesus recognized when he was being tempted, and (2) at that moment, he focused on Jehovah. It’s interesting that in every one of his responses to Satan, he used Jehovah’s name. See, Jehovah’s name is a powerful protection against Satan’s attacks. That’s why Jesus listed praying to Jehovah to resist temptation, to resist the wicked one, as a fundamental part when he was teaching his disciples how to pray. That’s why Jesus said that he made Jehovah’s name known to his followers. That’s why Proverbs 18:10 tells us that Jehovah’s name “is a strong tower” that we can run to for protection. See, speaking with Jehovah, using his name, and meditating on his name and everything that it means can help us when we are being tempted by Satan, when he finds convenient times to attack us. And if we do that, what will be the result? Well, notice the guarantee that we have at Psalm 44:5, Psalm 44:5. It says: “By your power we will drive back our adversaries; in your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.” Yes, all of us are going to find times that Satan finds convenient to tempt us. When that happens, may we be sensitive to recognize that it is a temptation and then look to Jehovah and focus on his name. And if we do, we can have the confidence that as this psalm says, this will help, Jehovah’s name will help us to drive back and trample those who rise against us individually and as an organization.
[Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG in a white box. Copyright 2020 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania] [Click to close]
8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 24 paragraphs 13 through 21 [Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
Question 13 through 15. Why can we look to Paul as a good example of giving a bold witness before secular authorities?
13. Paul set a good example for us to follow if we are ever brought before secular authorities because of our worship and are falsely accused of such things as being rabble-rousers, seditionists, or members of a “dangerous sect.” Paul did not fawn over the governor, uttering words of flattery as did Tertullus. Paul stayed calm and respectful. Tactfully, he gave clear and truthful testimony. Paul mentioned that the “Jews from the province of Asia” who had accused him of defiling the temple were not present and that legally, he should be able to face them and hear their accusations.
[Quotation] Acts 24.18 and 19: While I was caring for these matters, they found me ceremonially cleansed in the temple, but not with a crowd or causing a disturbance. But there were some Jews from the province of Asia 19 who ought to be present before you to accuse me if they actually have anything against me. [End Quotation]
14. Most strikingly, Paul did not hold back from giving testimony regarding his beliefs. Boldly, the apostle reiterated his belief in the resurrection, the issue that had created such turmoil when he was before the Sanhedrin.
[Quotation] Acts 23.6 through 10: Now Paul, knowing that the one part was made up of Sadducees but the other of Pharisees, cried out in the Sanhedrin: “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.” 7 Because he said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was split. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is neither resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees accept them all. 9 So a great uproar broke out, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees rose and began arguing fiercely, saying: “We find nothing wrong in this man, but if a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” 10 Now when the dissension grew great, the military commander feared that Paul would be torn apart by them, and he commanded the soldiers to go down and snatch him from their midst and bring him into the soldiers’ quarters. [End Quotation]
In his defense, Paul emphasized the resurrection hope. Why? Because Paul was bearing witness to Jesus and to his resurrection from the dead, something those opposers would not accept.
[Quotation] Acts 26.6 through 8: But now for the hope of the promise that was made by God to our forefathers, I stand on trial; 7 this is the same promise our 12 tribes are hoping to see fulfilled by intensely rendering him sacred service night and day. Concerning this hope I am accused by Jews, O King. 8 “Why is it considered unbelievable among you that God raises up the dead? [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 26.22 and 23: However, because I have experienced the help that is from God, I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great, saying nothing except what the Prophets as well as Moses stated was going to take place 23 that the Christ was to suffer and that as the first to be resurrected from the dead, he was going to proclaim light both to this people and to the nations.” [End Quotation]
Yes, it was the issue of the resurrection, and more precisely, belief in Jesus and in his resurrection, on which the controversy was centered.
15. Like Paul, we can give a bold witness and can draw strength from what Jesus told his disciples: “You will be hated by all people on account of my name. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.” Must we worry about what we should say? No, for Jesus gave this assurance: “When they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is.”
[Quotation] Mark 13.9 through 13: “As for you, look out for yourselves. People will hand you over to local courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them. 10 Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first. 11 And when they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is. 12 Furthermore, brother will deliver brother over to death, and a father a child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all people on account of my name. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. [End Quotation]
“Felix Became Frightened” (Acts 24.22 through 27)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 24.22 through 27] However, Felix, knowing quite well the facts concerning this Way, began to put them off and say: “Whenever Lysias the military commander comes down, I will decide these matters involving you.” 23 And he gave orders to the army officer that the man be kept under arrest but given some freedom, and that his people be allowed to attend to his needs. 24 Some days later Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about the belief in Christ Jesus. 25 But as Paul talked about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered: “Go away for now, but when I have an opportunity I will send for you again.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would give him money. For that reason, he sent for him even more frequently and conversed with him. 27 But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and because Felix desired to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul in custody. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Two parts: Question 16 and 17a. How did Felix handle Paul’s trial?
Question 16 and 17b. Why may Felix have become frightened, yet for what reason did he continue to see Paul?
16. This was not the first time that Governor Felix had heard about Christian beliefs. The account states: “Felix, knowing quite well the facts concerning this Way [the term used to describe early Christianity], began to put them off and say: ‘Whenever Lysias the military commander comes down, I will decide these matters involving you.’ And he gave orders to the army officer that the man be kept under arrest but given some freedom, and that his people be allowed to attend to his needs.”
[Quotation] Acts 24.22 and 23: However, Felix, knowing quite well the facts concerning this Way, began to put them off and say: “Whenever Lysias the military commander comes down, I will decide these matters involving you.” 23 And he gave orders to the army officer that the man be kept under arrest but given some freedom, and that his people be allowed to attend to his needs. [End Quotation]
17. Some days later, Felix, with his wife Drusilla, a Jewess, sent for Paul and “listened to him speak about the belief in Christ Jesus.”
[Quotation] Acts 24.24: Some days later Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about the belief in Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
However, when Paul spoke about “righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened,” possibly because such things troubled his conscience on account of the wicked course he had pursued in his own life. So he dismissed Paul, saying: “Go away for now, but when I have an opportunity I will send for you again.” Felix did see Paul many times after that, not because he wanted to learn the truth, but because he hoped that Paul would give him a bribe.
[Quotation] Acts 24.25 and 26: But as Paul talked about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered: “Go away for now, but when I have an opportunity I will send for you again.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would give him money. For that reason, he sent for him even more frequently and conversed with him. [End Quotation]
Question 18. Why did Paul speak to Felix and his wife about “righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come”?
18. Why did Paul speak to Felix and his wife about “righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come”? Remember, they wanted to know what “belief in Christ Jesus” entailed. Paul, who knew their background of immorality, cruelty, and injustice, was making plain what was required of all who would become Jesus’ followers. What Paul said showed the stark contrast between God’s standards of righteousness and the life course that Felix and his wife pursued. This should have helped them to see that all humans are accountable to God for what they think, say, and do and that more important than the judgment to be rendered with respect to Paul was the judgment that they faced before God. No wonder Felix “became frightened”!
Two parts: Question 19 and 20a. In our ministry, how should we deal with people who appear to be interested but who are really seeking their own selfish course?
Question 19 and 20b. How do we know that Felix was no friend to Paul?
19. In our ministry, we may find people who are like Felix. At first they might appear to show interest in the truth, but they are really seeking their own selfish course. We rightfully remain wary of such ones. Yet, like Paul, we can tactfully tell them of God’s righteous standards. Perhaps the truth will touch their hearts. However, if it becomes evident that they have no intention of abandoning a sinful course, we leave them alone and search out those who really are seeking the truth.
20. In the case of Felix, his true heart condition was revealed in these words: “When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and because Felix desired to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul in custody.”
[Quotation] Acts 24.27: But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and because Felix desired to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul in custody. [End Quotation]
Felix was no real friend to Paul. Felix knew that followers of “The Way” were neither seditionists nor revolutionaries.
[Quotation] Acts 19.23: At that time quite a disturbance arose concerning The Way. [End Quotation]
He also knew that Paul had not violated any Roman law. Yet, Felix kept the apostle in custody in order to “gain favor with the Jews.”
Question 21. What happened to Paul after Porcius Festus became governor, and from what did Paul no doubt continue to draw strength?
21. As shown in the last verse of Acts chapter 24, Paul was still a prisoner when Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor.
Thus began a series of hearings, and Paul was handed over from one official to another. Truly, this courageous apostle was “brought before kings and governors.”
[Quotation] Luke 21.12: “But before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name. [End Quotation]
As we will see, he would later give a witness to the most powerful ruler of his day. Through it all, Paul never wavered in his faith. No doubt he continued to draw strength from Jesus’ words: “Take courage!”
Song 70 Search Out Deserving Ones. Based on Matthew 10.11 through 15
1. In preaching the Kingdom and teaching the truth,
Our Lord showed us how to proceed.
‘Search out those deserving and ready to hear,
Those aware of their spiritual need.
By greeting the household and wishing it peace,
Then it may be that peace you’ll impart.
But when they refuse you or turn you away,
Shake the dust from your feet and depart.’
2. All those who receive you receive him as well,
Respond when their heart opens wide.
Their right disposition for unending life
Will impel them to serve at your side.
And never be anxious about what to say,
For Jehovah will help you to speak.
Your answer when gracious and seasoned with salt
Will appeal to the humble and meek.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
