OVERSEERS AND MINISTERIAL SERVANTS THEOCRATICALLY APPOINTED

"Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers." -ACTS 20:28.


JEHOVAH long ago foretold that something remarkable would occur in the time of the end.  Through the prophet Isaiah it was stated:  "The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation.  I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time." -Isaiah 60:22.

Is there evidence that this prophecy is undergoing fulfillment today?  Yes, indeed!   During the 1870's, one congregation of Jehovah's people was formed in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.  From such a small beginning, tens of thousands of congregations have sprung up and are flourishing worldwide.  Millions of Kingdom proclaimers -a mighty nation-are  now associating with more than 91,000 congregations in 235 lands around the earth.  Unquestionably, this confirms that Jehovah is speeding up the in gathering of true worshipers before the outbreak of the "great tribulation," now so near at hand. -Matthew 24:41; Revelation 7:9-14. 

After making a personal decision to Jehovah, and in harmony with Jesus' instructions, these millions were baptized  "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit."  (Matthew 28:19) Being baptized  "in the name of the Father" means that these dedicated  individuals recognize Jehovah as their heavenly Father and Life-Giver and submit to his sovereignty.  Baptism  'in the name of the Son' signifies that they confess Jesus Christ as their Ransomer, Leader, and king.  They also acknowledge the role of God's holy spirit, or active force, in directing their life.  This indicates that they have been  baptized  'in the name of the holy spirit.'

At their baptism, new disciples are ordained as ministers of Jehovah God.  Who ordains them?  in principle, the words recorded at 2 Corinthians 3:5 apply to them: "Our being adequately qualified  [as ministers] issues from God."  They could wish for no greater honor than to be ordained  by Jehovah God himself! After their baptism, they will continue to grow spiritually as ministers of the "good news" as long as they accept the leadings of God's spirit and continue to apply his Word. -Matthew 24:14.; Acts 9:31.

Next time: Theocratic-Not Democratic-Appointment

The Watchtower, 2001