Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 21 paras. 8-13 and box on p. 169.
8, 9. a) What forced Paul to change his plans to travel to Syria?
Paul intended to travel to Syria from Cenchreae, and from there continue to Jerusalem to deliver the aid he had collected for the brothers in need. However, his plans were interrupted because the Jews hatched a conspiracy against him.
Probably these men, upon learning or imagining that Paul would embark at Cenchreae, planned to take advantage of the opportunity to attack him. This change of plans demonstrates the constant opposition and danger that Paul faced in his ministry. Despite these obstacles, his determination and faith did not waver.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Acts 20:3 shows how Paul faced great challenges for his faith. Despite the dangers, he did not become discouraged, but instead looked for ways to continue his mission. This reminds us that even when we face difficulties, there are always ways to move forward with Jehovah's help.
In Romans 15:25,26, we see how Paul was focused on helping his brothers in need in Jerusalem. This teaches us the importance of being generous and supportive of those who are experiencing difficulties, just as the Christian congregation of the first century did.
8, 9. b) Why did the Jews hate Paul?
The hatred of the Jews towards Paul came from his firmness in preaching about Jesus as the messiah, something that they did not accept. Furthermore, they considered him an apostate, since he had previously been a prominent Pharisee and now promoted teachings, which according to them, were against the Law.
Another reason was that his preaching had a significant impact in Corinth, where Crispus, a synagogue leader, became a Christian. This probably fueled hostility, as it represented a significant loss to them. In their frustration they even tried to accuse him before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, but failed, which increased their anger and determination to stop him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
There were also legal conflicts, as the Jews had attempted to accuse Paul before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, of violating Jewish laws. However, Gallio dismissed the accusations and this further angered the Jews, as they felt that their attempts to have Paul had failed.
In Acts 18:7,8, we see how the truth can touch sincere hearts, even of people with firm beliefs like Crispus. This example encourages us not to underestimate the power of the Christian message, as it can change lives, even when it seems unlikely.
The reaction of the Jews to Paul in Acts 18:12-17 demonstrates how opposition can arise when we defend our faith. However, like Paul, we must be courageous and trust that Jehovah will guide us in times of adversity.
10. Why can't Paul be called a coward for not having gone to Cenchreae?
Paul's decision to avoid Cenchreae was not an act of cowardice, but rather a display of prudence and responsibility. He was not alone; He carried with him a valuable collection for the needy brothers in Jerusalem, so exposing that money to danger would have been irresponsible.
Furthermore, he knew that enemies determined to kill him were waiting for him in Cenchreae. Although traveling by land also involved risks, such as thieves on the roads and dangers in the Inns, Pablo decided to face those challenges rather than risk a certain ambush in the port. On the other hand, he was not traveling alone, he was accompanied by several brothers, which not only gave him security, but also the possibility of continuing to fulfill his ministry despite the difficulties.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Paul cannot be called a coward for not having gone to Cenchreae because he decided to prioritize his safety and that of the funds that had been entrusted to him. Although traveling by land also carried risks, he considered facing those dangers preferable to what awaited him at Cenchreae. Furthermore, he was not traveling alone, but was accompanied by Aristarchus, Gaius, Second, Sopater, Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus, which also contributed to his safety.
Acts 20:3,4 teaches us that making prudent decisions is not an act of cowardice, but of wisdom. Like Paul, we can find ways to fulfill our responsibilities while minimizing unnecessary risks.
The company of faithful collaborators, mentioned in Acts 20:4, shows that the support of fellow believers is a great help in facing dangers or challenges. This underscores the importance of working together on our spiritual goals.
Paul showed that courage does not mean ignoring danger, but facing it with prudence and trust in Jehovah. His example encourages us to be wise in difficult decisions, thinking about both our safety and our responsibilities.
11. What measures do we take to protect ourselves, and what example did Jesus give us?
Like Paul, Christians today are cautious when engaging in the work of preaching. Being prudent does not mean a lack of faith, but rather wisdom and respect for the responsibilities we have. In areas where there may be danger, we go in groups, or with a partner, which reinforces our safety.
We also avoid exposing ourselves unnecessarily, especially in cases of persecution. Jesus left us a clear example. When his enemies tried to kill him, he took measures to protect himself, such as hiding or avoiding being in public. This did not mean that he was afraid, but that he valued his life so that he could continue fulfilling the mission that Jehovah had entrusted to him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When participating in the Ministry, to protect ourselves we usually take measures such as going in groups or at least with another person, especially when preaching in certain areas. Also in case of persecution we are careful not to risk ourselves.
The example of Jesus shows that he also took precautions. On one occasion in Jerusalem when his enemies were collecting stones to stone him, Jesus hid and left the temple.
On another occasion, when the Jews plotted to kill him, he stopped walking in public among the Jews and went to the region near the desert. This behavior shows that, when necessary, Jesus took measures to protect himself and thus fulfill what Jehovah had commissioned him to do.
John 8:59 shows how Jesus took measures to protect himself, not out of lack of courage, but to fulfill the work that Jehovah had given him. This example teaches us to be prudent and prioritize our mission without exposing ourselves unnecessarily.
Matthew 10:16 reminds us to be “wise as serpents” and “simple as doves.” This Council encourages us to be cautious and wise when facing dangers, while maintaining our purity and focus on Jehovah's work.
In John 11:54, Jesus showed that withdrawing from a dangerous situation is not a lack of faith, but rather an act of prudence to continue fulfilling his ministry. This example motivates us to be balanced and responsible in our preaching.
12, 13. a) How did the brothers feel when Eutychus was resurrected?
When Paul resurrected Eutychus in Troas, the brothers were greatly comforted. This miracle not only restored a loved one to them, but also strengthened their faith, and reminded them of Jehovah's power to restore life.
Imagining the relief and joy of seeing someone they considered lost returning to them, this fact must have had an enormous emotional and spiritual impact on that congregation. It was visible proof of God's love and ability to fulfill his resurrection promises, which undoubtedly strengthened their hope for a better future.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Acts 20:12 teaches us that Jehovah can comfort even in the most difficult times. Seeing the power of God in action gave the brothers even stronger faith.
Acts 20:6 shows how Paul and his companions strove to stay together while doing the work. This example reminds us of the importance of working as a team and supporting each other in serving Jehovah.
12, 13. b) What hope consoles us?
Although miracles like Eutychus no longer occur, we have a firm hope in the resurrection that comforts us deeply. Jesus promised in John 5:28,29, that “all who are in the graves” will be resurrected. This means that our loved ones will have the opportunity to return to life, whether on earth under a restored paradise, or in heaven for those with heavenly hope.
The Bible assures that this resurrection will be definitive, and those who come back to life will have the possibility of living forever without the limitations of sin and death. This hope gives us comfort, strength, and motivation to continue trusting in Jehovah, even in times of loss.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We too are greatly comforted by the biblical hope of the resurrection. This hope assures us that those who are resurrected in the new world will have the opportunity to live forever, and those who are resurrected in heaven to reign with Jesus will have immortality.
John 5:28,29 reminds us that the resurrection is a sure promise from Jehovah. Knowing that we will see our loved ones again gives us great comfort and hope.
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, we see that those who reign with Christ will have immortality. This gift reflects Jehovah's love and also strengthens our confidence in his promises.
Romans 6:23 reminds us that death is the result of sin, but thanks to Jesus' sacrifice we have the hope of eternal life. This promise fills us with comfort and motivates us to continue serving Jehovah with faith.
ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BOX: «PAUL DELIVERS MATERIAL AID»
After Pentecost in the year 33, the Christians of Jerusalem suffered persecution, looting and periods of famine. Therefore, around the year 49, the elders of Jerusalem commissioned Paul to not only preach to the Gentiles, but also ask them not to forget to help the poor. So Paul organized a collection in the congregations.
In the year 55 Paul told the Corinthians to follow the instructions he had given to the congregations in Galatia to contribute something as they could, every first day of the week, so that no collections would be taken when he arrived.
And rather, he might send to Jerusalem the men whom they will approve in their letters, to bear this kind gift. Therefore, when he wrote his second letter to them, he encouraged them to keep an eye on the donations. In addition, he mentioned that the Macedonians would also make their contribution.
Later, in the year 56, brothers from various congregations met to go and deliver the proceeds. In the end, Pablo traveled with 8 brothers and thus avoided being accused of misusing donations while making the trip safer.
It is said that it was probably around this time that Paul wrote the letter to humans. On the other hand, in verses 25 and 26 of chapter 15 of that letter, Paul says that the main reason he traveled to Jerusalem was to deliver the funds raised. And that was what he later said before Governor Felix as recorded in Acts 24:17: “After many years I came to bring donations to those of my nation and to make offerings.”
The Christians of Jerusalem lived through difficult times due to famine, persecution and looting, which led them to be in material need. These circumstances led the congregation to organize to support them. The elders asked Paul not to forget the poor. In response, Paul organized a collection in the congregations and instructed them to each person set aside donations according to their means.
In the year 56, Paul traveled accompanied by 8 brothers to deliver the collected funds. This group made the trip safer and prevented accusations of misuse of donations from being raised. One of the main reasons for Paul's trip to Jerusalem was to deliver this material help, demonstrating that Christian love is not only expressed with words, but also with concrete actions.
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