Congregational Book Study, Week of June 23-29, 2025, Chapter 28, paragraphs 1-7, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, June 23-29, 2025, Chapter 28, paragraphs 1-7, Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) BT Chapter 28, paragraphs 1-7.

1. What do Christians today and those of the first century have in common?

One of the most beautiful things that unites Christians today with those of the first century is their love for Jehovah and the good news. They left everything to share the message, and we too make sacrifices to preach. Then as now, the Holy Spirit has been instrumental in guiding and strengthening God's servants. And, like them, Jehovah's Witnesses today are seeing Jehovah's blessings, such as spiritual growth and global unity.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Christians today and those of the first century have in common their dedication to witness, their acceptance of the guidance of the Holy Spirit, their ability to persevere in the face of persecution, and the blessings they receive from Jehovah.

First-century Christians were guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their mission. This is reflected today, as Jehovah's Witnesses continue to seek divine guidance in carrying out their evangelistic work, demonstrating a continuity in God's purpose to spread his message through generations.

Perseverance in the face of persecution is a key point that connects Christians of the past with those of today. Just as the early Christians refused to let adversity stop them, Jehovah's Witnesses today also face difficulties with the same determination, trusting in Jehovah's blessings and protection to keep them going.

2, 3. Why is the book of Acts so special?

Acts is a unique book because it presents the true story of Jehovah's servants in the first century, with names, places, and specific experiences. It mentions 95 people, 32 regions, 54 cities, and nine islands, making it a very detailed historical document. It tells of brothers who, despite difficulties, preached with enthusiasm, just as we do today. Reading their accounts encourages us and reminds us that we are not alone in serving Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The book of Acts is special because it tells the unique story of the early Christians, showing their struggles and triumphs in preaching God's message. It is the only book in the Bible that details how Christianity spread in its early days, mentioning many people and places, and providing a clear testimony to the courage and faith of first-century Christians.

Acts is unique because it not only describes historical events but also reflects the courage and fervor of early Christians in the face of difficulties. Despite adversity, their dedication to preaching the gospel shows the power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, which remains a powerful example for Christians today.

The book of Acts highlights how both ordinary people and powerful figures—such as religious and political leaders—played crucial roles in spreading the Christian message. This reflects the truth that God's message can influence anyone, regardless of their status. And, like first-century Christians, Christians today also face challenges but remain steadfast in their mission to preach.

4. Why do we feel so close to Paul, Tabitha, and other first-century Christians?

Because, like them, we are fulfilling the same mission Jesus gave them: to make disciples. This responsibility connects us in a special way, as part of a great spiritual family that spans the centuries.

When we read their stories, we don't experience them as distant figures, but as brothers and sisters who share our faith and purpose. Their struggles and joys in preaching are similar to ours today, and this creates a very strong emotional and spiritual bond.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We feel connected to first-century Christians, like Paul, Tabitha, and others, because we share their mission of making disciples and preaching the good news. Although they lived 2,000 years ago, their dedication and faith in the task they received from Jesus connects us deeply with their example.

The connection with first-century Christians, like Paul and Tabitha, is based on the continuity of the mission they received from Jesus. Like them, Christians today remain committed to the task of making disciples and spreading the message, which unites us beyond time and circumstance.

The example of the early Christians, who dedicated their lives to preaching and service, inspires us to follow their path. Although they lived in a different era, their values ​​and commitment to God's work continue to guide us today, making our relationship with them much more than historical: it is spiritual and practical.

5. Where did Jesus' disciples begin to fulfill their commission?

They began in Jerusalem because it was the place Jesus designated to begin preaching. Jesus gave a clear, progressive guide: first Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and finally to the farthest reaches of the Earth. By following this pattern, the disciples showed obedience and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the commission step by step.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jesus' disciples began to fulfill their commission by preaching first in Jerusalem, as instructed. Then, guided by the Holy Spirit, they expanded their preaching to all of Judea and Samaria. Finally, they took the good news to the most distant regions, thus fulfilling the mission Jesus had entrusted to them.

The progression of the disciples' preaching from Jerusalem to the most remote places reflects how the power of the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to spread Jesus' message systematically and boldly. This same spirit continues to guide Christians today to take the gospel to every corner of the world.

The gradual expansion of the disciples' preaching shows how Jesus' commission was effectively fulfilled. The order of the regions—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth—highlights the importance of beginning with a local witness and then expanding, a pattern that remains relevant in Christian missionary work today.

6, 7. What resources do we have that the first-century brothers did not have?

In addition to having the complete Bible, today's Witnesses have access to a vast array of publications, videos, and digital resources designed to help us teach clearly and effectively. We are also privileged to participate in an organized worldwide work that allows us to preach in more than 240 countries and territories, something unthinkable in the days of the first century. All of this allows us to take the good news further and more accessible than ever before.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Today, Christians have several resources that first-century Christians lacked, such as access to the complete Bible, Christian publications, and the ability to preach in many languages ​​globally. Furthermore, we have the technology that facilitates the spread of the message to more than 240 countries and territories, which was inaccessible to early Christians.

The early Christians, lacking the complete Bible or printed resources, relied on memory and direct teaching to carry the message. Despite this limitation, their dedication to the gospel demonstrates the powerful faith they possessed; while we, with modern resources, have a responsibility to use these tools to reach more people with God's message.

Today, Jehovah's Witnesses have the privilege of access to a wide variety of publications and materials in many languages, which facilitates their task of preaching and making disciples more effectively. However, this abundance of resources also comes with the responsibility to make good use of them to continue the mission entrusted to them by Jesus, just as first-century Christians did, albeit with fewer resources.