A SURPRISE FOR JAPAN

HOW HAS IT BEEN RECEIVED?

How do publishers introduce Matthew?  Many Japanese householders are familiar with such expressions as "the narrow gate,"  pearls before swine," and "never be anxious about the next day." (Matthews 6:34; 7:6, 13)  They are surprise to learn that these are the words of Jesus Christ. On seeing these words in Matthew's Gospel, many respond:  "I have always wanted to read the Bible at least once."

When publishers make return visits on those who accepted Matthew, householders often say that they immediately read some, if not all, of it.  A man in his early 60's told one publisher:  "I read it many times over and was comforted. Please teach me more about the Bible."

Matthew is being featured in public witnessing. While sharing in that activity, a Witness gave her e-mail address to a young women who accepted Matthew. On hour later, the woman e-mailed the sister, saying that she had read part of the Bible book and wanted to know more. One week later, she had her first Bible study, and she soon started  attending meetings. 

Over 1,600,000 copies of the Bible-The Gospel According to Matthew have been shipped to congregations in Japan, and each month, the Witnesses are placing tens of thousands of them. The foreword to this edition expresses the sentiments of its publishers by stating:  "We sincerely hope that reading this volume will deepen your interest in the Bible." 

Next time: How Science Affects Your Life

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015