Congregational Book Study, Week of June 22-28, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible. Lessons 100 and 101.

Congregation Book Study, June 22-28, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible. Lessons 100 and 101.

Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 100, 101.

Analysis of Lesson 100: Paul and Timothy

Who was Timothy?

Timothy was a young brother in the congregation in Lystra. His father was Greek and his mother was Jewish. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, taught him about Jehovah from his childhood. Timothy loved the brothers and always had a desire to help them.

In time, he became a faithful teacher and preacher of the good news. He strengthened the congregations, encouraged Christians during persecution, and demonstrated his loyalty to Jehovah even when imprisoned. Paul trusted him completely and considered him a close fellow worker and friend.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Timothy was a young Christian in the congregation in Lystra who developed a deep love for Jehovah from childhood thanks to the constant teaching of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. In time, he gained an excellent reputation among the brothers, so Paul invited him to accompany him on his missionary journeys. Over the years, he received training, matured spiritually, and became a valuable teacher, preacher, and fellow worker in strengthening the congregations.

2 Timothy 1:5 highlights that Timothy’s sincere faith came from the good example and teaching of his mother and grandmother. This shows that spiritual education at home can leave a deep impression on children’s hearts. When parents take the time to teach patiently and by their own example, they help to raise faithful servants of Jehovah.

Acts 16:1-3 shows that Timothy already had a good reputation among the brothers before traveling with Paul. He was not chosen simply because he was young or had skills, but because his conduct demonstrated that he was a mature and trustworthy Christian. This teaches us that responsibilities in the congregation are earned by cultivating good qualities and being consistent in serving Jehovah.

2 Timothy 3:14, 15 highlights that Timothy knew the Scriptures from childhood and remained steadfast in what he had learned. That knowledge was the foundation that helped him to withstand trials, persecution, and challenges. Likewise, the more we strengthen our friendship with Jehovah by studying the Bible, the better prepared we will be to face any difficulty.

Hebrews 13:23 mentions that Timothy was even imprisoned for remaining faithful to Jehovah. Despite this trial, he continued to be an example of loyalty and perseverance. His experience reminds us that difficulties are not a sign of failure, but an opportunity to show how much we value our friendship with Jehovah.

Why were Paul and Timothy good friends?

Paul and Timothy were good friends because they served Jehovah together for many years and shared the same love for the preaching work and for the brothers and sisters. Paul saw Timothy as a faithful man, always ready to help and strengthen the congregations, so he came to trust him completely. In addition, they both faced persecution and hardship for their faith, which further strengthened their friendship and their dedication to the preaching work.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul and Timothy were good friends because they shared the same goal in life: to faithfully serve Jehovah and help others come to know him. They worked together for many years in the preaching work, faced persecution, supported one another, and always put the spiritual welfare of the brothers and sisters above their own interests. Their friendship was based on love for Jehovah, trust, and selfless service.

Philippians 2:20-21 reveals that Timothy genuinely cared for the well-being of the brothers and sisters and did not seek his own benefit. This way of thinking led Paul to trust him completely. This teaches us that the strongest friendships are built when we are truly interested in helping others and not just in what we might receive.

Philippians 2:19-22 shows that Paul was willing to send Timothy to strengthen the congregations because he knew he would faithfully fulfill that responsibility. The trust between them didn't develop overnight; it was the result of many years of serving together and demonstrating faithfulness through their actions. Similarly, trust is earned through responsibility and consistency.

Acts 17:14, 15 relates that when Paul had to leave Berea because of persecution, Timothy stayed behind to help strengthen the brothers. This shows that both were more interested in caring for the congregation than in their own comfort. Their friendship was strengthened because they shared the same spiritual priorities and were willing to sacrifice themselves for others.

2 Timothy 3:12 reminds us that those who desire to serve Jehovah faithfully will face persecution. Paul and Timothy experienced this reality together, and instead of becoming discouraged, these trials strengthened their friendship and their trust in Jehovah. Their example teaches us that friendships based on faith grow stronger when both remain loyal to God, even in difficult times.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah values ​​those who serve him with a willing heart and prepares them to take on greater responsibilities.

This account shows us that Jehovah guides his servants through his holy spirit and gives them the strength to remain faithful even in the midst of persecution.

This account also teaches us that Jehovah uses mature Christians, such as Paul, to train and strengthen younger brothers, such as Timothy.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We can learn the importance of teaching children about Jehovah from a young age, just as Eunice and Lois did with Timothy.

We learn to accept training and counsel from experienced brothers, to be willing to help and strengthen our brothers, and to remain loyal to Jehovah even when we face difficulties or persecution.

The example of Paul and Timothy teaches us the value of cultivating spiritual friendships that encourage us to continue serving Jehovah faithfully.

Analysis of Lesson 101: Paul is taken to Rome

Why did Festus send Paul to Rome?

Festus sent Paul to Rome because, when Paul was before Governor Festus in court, he asked Caesar to try him in Rome. Festus replied that if Paul wanted Caesar to try him, he would send him to Caesar. So Paul was put on a ship bound for Rome. He was accompanied by two Christian brothers: Luke and Aristarchus.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Festus sent Paul to Rome because, as a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right to appeal to Caesar’s judgment. Furthermore, Jehovah had already revealed that Paul was to bear witness in Rome. Thus, although it appeared to be a decision made by human authorities, it was actually part of Jehovah’s purpose to bring the good news to the heart of the Roman Empire.

Acts 23:11 shows that while Paul was imprisoned, Jesus assured him that he should bear witness in Rome. That promise must have given him great peace of mind, because he knew that, regardless of the obstacles, Jehovah would accomplish his purpose. We too can remain calm when we remember the promises Jehovah makes to us in his Word.

Acts 25:8-12 relates that Paul appealed to Caesar to have his case tried in Rome. Far from showing a lack of faith, he used a legal right available to him to continue defending the good news. This example teaches us that we can make balanced use of legal resources when they contribute to protecting our worship and our freedom to serve Jehovah.

Acts 21:30 describes how Paul was arrested because of false accusations and the hatred of his opponents. Although he was treated unjustly, he did not allow resentment or discouragement to deter him from his mission. His attitude reminds us that injustices should not prevent us from continuing to serve Jehovah loyally.

Romans 15:25-26 reveals that, before being taken to Rome, Paul was busy attending to the spiritual and material needs of the brothers and sisters. Even when facing personal difficulties, he continued to consider the well-being of others. This spirit of service demonstrates that a true Christian keeps their spiritual priorities above their personal problems.

What happened to Paul on the trip to Rome?

During the voyage to Rome, Paul and the other passengers were caught in a severe storm that lasted fourteen days. Although they all thought they would die, an angel of Jehovah assured Paul in a dream that they would reach Rome and all would be saved.

Finally, the ship sank near the island of Malta, but all 276 passengers survived and reached land. Three months later, Paul continued his journey on another ship and arrived in Rome, where, although he remained under guard, he was able to continue preaching and strengthening the congregations through his letters.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

During the voyage to Rome, Paul faced a violent storm that endangered the lives of everyone on board. However, Jehovah strengthened him through an angel, who assured him that all would survive. After the shipwreck, the 276 passengers arrived safely on the island of Malta. Months later, Paul reached Rome, where, although under guard, he continued to preach boldly and strengthen the congregations through his teaching and letters.

Acts 27:22-25 shows that Paul conveyed calm and confidence in the midst of a desperate situation because he had complete faith in Jehovah’s promise. While everyone else was afraid, he strengthened the spirits of those around him. This teaches us that our trust in Jehovah can also give hope and peace to others in difficult times.

Acts 27:41-44 relates that the ship was destroyed, but all the passengers reached the shore alive, just as Jehovah had promised. This fulfillment demonstrates that no circumstance can prevent Jehovah from accomplishing his will. Therefore, we can always trust that he will fulfill all his promises.

Acts 28:1-10 shows that while in Malta, Paul never stopped serving others. He used that time to help and perform acts of kindness, even healing many sick people. His example teaches us that even when we face difficulties, we can always find ways to benefit and encourage those around us.

Acts 28:30, 31 highlights that, although Paul was under surveillance, he continued to preach freely and teach about God’s Kingdom. He did not allow his prisoner status to limit his zeal for the ministry. This reminds us that no circumstance should extinguish our desire to speak about Jehovah and to seize every opportunity to bear witness.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah always keeps his promises and cares for his faithful servants. Although Paul faced imprisonment, a severe storm, and shipwreck, Jehovah protected him so that he could reach Rome, just as he had promised. It also shows us that Jehovah can use any circumstance, even the most difficult ones, to ensure that the good news continues to be preached and benefits many people.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We can learn to trust Jehovah completely, even when we face trials or situations that seem impossible to overcome. Paul’s example also teaches us to remain calm, encourage others, and continue our preaching work regardless of the circumstances. Furthermore, the support he received from Luke, Aristarchus, and the brothers who came to meet him in Rome reminds us of the importance of encouraging and supporting our brothers and sisters when they face difficulties.