Timothy was with Paul in Rome when the imprisoned apostle wrote to persecuted Christians in Philippi and said: "I am hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may be a cheerful soul when I get to know about things pertaining to you. For I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you. For all the others are seeking their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know the proof he gave of himself, that like a child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news." -Philippians 1:1, 13, 28-30; 2:129-22.
Those words emphasized Timothy's concern for fellow believers. Unless he went by boat, such a trip called for a 40-day journey on foot from Rome to Philippi, with a short crossing of the Adriatic Sea, and then another 40 days to return to Rome. Timothy was ready to do all of that to serve his brothers and sisters.
Although Timothy traveled extensively, at times he was not in good health. He evidently had some king of stomach trouble and experience "frequent cases of sickness." ( 1 Timothy 5:23) Yet he exerted himself for the sake of the good news. No wonder Paul had such a close relationship with him!
Under the apostle's tutelage and through their experiences together, Timothy apparently came to reflect Paul's personality. Thus,Paul could tell him: "You have closely followed my teaching, my course of life, my purpose, my faith, my long-suffering, my love, my endurance, my persecutions, my sufferings, the sort of things that happened to me in Antioch, in Ioconium,in Lystra, the sort of persecutions I have borne." Timothy shed tears with Paul, was in his prayers, and slaved by his side to promote Kingdom interests. -2 Timothy 1:3, 4; 3:10, 11.
Paul encouraged Timothy to 'let no man ever look down on his youth.' This may indicate that Timothy was somewhat shy, hesitant in asserting his authority. (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Corinthians 16:10, 11) However, he could stand alone, and Paul could confidently send him on responsible missions. (1Thessalonians 3:1, 2) When Paul recognized the need for strong theocratic oversight in the congregation in Ephesus, he urged Timothy to remain there to "command certain ones not to teach different doctrine." (1 Timothy 1:3) Though entrusted with many responsibilities, however, Timothy was modest. And despite any shyness he may have had, he was courageous. For instance, he wen to Rome to assist Paul, who was on trial because of his faith. In fact, Timothy himself suffered a period of imprisonment, likely for the same reason. -Hebrews 13:23.
Undoubtedly, Timothy learned much from Paul. The esteem that the apostle had for his fellow worker is amply testified to by the fact that he wrote him two divinely inspired letters found in the Christians Greek Scriptures. In about 65 C.E., when Paul realized that his own martyrdom was imminent, he once again summoned Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:6, 9) Whether Timothy managed to see Paul before the apostle was executed, the Scriptures do not reveal.
Next time: Make Yourself Available!
The Watchtower, 1999
3.21.2012
3.20.2012
Timothy Promoted Kingdom Interests
We possess only a partial record of Timothy's activities, but he traveled widely to promote Kingdom interests. Timothy's first journey with Paul and Silas in 50 C.E. took him through Asia Minor and into Europe. There he shared in preaching campaigns in Philippi, Thessalonica and Beroea. After opposition caused Paul to move on to Athens, Timothy and Silas were left behind in Beroea to look after the group of disciples that had been formed there. (Acts 16: 6-17:14) Later, Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to strengthen the new congregation there. Timothy bore good news on its progress when he met Paul in Corinth. -Acts 18:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-7.
The Scriptures do not say how long Timothy stayed with the Corinthians. (2 Corinthians 1:19) Probably in about 55 C.E., however, Paul considered sending him back to them because he had received disturbing news about their situation. (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10) Later, with Erastus, Timothy was sent from Ephesus to Macedonia. And when Paul wrote to the Roman from Corinth. Timothy was with him again. -Acts 19:22; Romans 16:21.
Timothy and others left Corinth with Paul when he set out for Jerusalem, and they accompanied the apostle at least as far as Troas. Whether Timothy continued on to Jerusalem is unknown. But he is named in the introductions of three letters Paul wrote from prison in Rome in about 60-61 C.E. (Acts 20:4; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1) Paul was planning to send Timothy from Rome to Philippi. (Philippians 2:19) And after Paul's release from prison, Timothy remained in Ephesus at the apostle's direction. -1 Timothy 1:3.
Since first-century travel was neither easy nor comfortable. Timothy's willingness to undertake many journeys for the sake of the congregations was truly commendable. (See The Watchtower, August 15, 1996) Consider just one of his prospective trips and what this tells us about Timothy.
Next time: Light on Timothy's Personality
The Watchtower, 1999
The Scriptures do not say how long Timothy stayed with the Corinthians. (2 Corinthians 1:19) Probably in about 55 C.E., however, Paul considered sending him back to them because he had received disturbing news about their situation. (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10) Later, with Erastus, Timothy was sent from Ephesus to Macedonia. And when Paul wrote to the Roman from Corinth. Timothy was with him again. -Acts 19:22; Romans 16:21.
Timothy and others left Corinth with Paul when he set out for Jerusalem, and they accompanied the apostle at least as far as Troas. Whether Timothy continued on to Jerusalem is unknown. But he is named in the introductions of three letters Paul wrote from prison in Rome in about 60-61 C.E. (Acts 20:4; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1) Paul was planning to send Timothy from Rome to Philippi. (Philippians 2:19) And after Paul's release from prison, Timothy remained in Ephesus at the apostle's direction. -1 Timothy 1:3.
Since first-century travel was neither easy nor comfortable. Timothy's willingness to undertake many journeys for the sake of the congregations was truly commendable. (See The Watchtower, August 15, 1996) Consider just one of his prospective trips and what this tells us about Timothy.
Next time: Light on Timothy's Personality
The Watchtower, 1999
Chosen by Paul
Paul found the young disciple Timothy when the apostle visited Lystra (in modern-day Turkey) on his second missionary journey is about C.E. Likely in his late teens or early 20's, Timothy was well spoken of by Christians in Lystra and Iconicum. (Acts 16:1-3) He lived up to his name which means "One Who Honors God." From childhood, Timothy had been taught from the Holy Scriptures by his grandmother Lois and his mother, Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14, 15) They had probably embraced Christianity during Paul's first visit to their city a couple of years earlier. Now, through the operation of holy spirit, a certain prediction indicated what Timothy's future would be. (1 Timothy 1:18) In harmony with that direction, Paul and the older men of the congregation laid their hands upon the young man, therefore, setting him apart for a particular service, and the apostle chose him as a missionary companion. -1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.
Since his father was an unbelieving Greek, Timothy has not been circumcised. Of course, this was not a Christians requirement. To remove a stumbling block for the Jews they would be visiting, however, Timothy submitted to this painful procedure. -Acts 16:3.
Was Timothy previously considered a Jew? Some scholars argue that according to rabbinic authorities, "the status of the offspring of intermarriage is determined by its mother, not its father." That is, "a Jewish woman bears Jewish children. " Yet, writer Shaye Cohen questions whether such "rabbinic law of persons was already in existence in the first century C.E." And whether it was observed by the Jews of Asia Minor. After considering the historic evidence, he concludes that when Gentile men married Israelite women, "the children of these marriages were considered Israelite only if the family lived among the Israelites. Lineage was matrilineal when it was matrilocal. When the Israelite woman moved abroad to join her Gentile husband, her children were considered Gentile." In any case, Timothy's mixed parentage must have been an asset in the preaching work. He would have no problems relating to Jews or Gentiles, perhaps enabling him to bridge gaps between them.
Paul's visit to Lystra signaled a turning point in Timothy's life. The young man's willingness to follow the guidance of holy spirit and humbly cooperate with Christian elders led to great blessings and privileges of service. Whether he realized it at the time or not, under Paul's direction Timothy would later be used in important theocratic assignments, taking him as far from home as Rome, the capital of the empire.
Next time: Timothy Promoted Kingdom Interests
The Watchtower, 1999
Since his father was an unbelieving Greek, Timothy has not been circumcised. Of course, this was not a Christians requirement. To remove a stumbling block for the Jews they would be visiting, however, Timothy submitted to this painful procedure. -Acts 16:3.
Was Timothy previously considered a Jew? Some scholars argue that according to rabbinic authorities, "the status of the offspring of intermarriage is determined by its mother, not its father." That is, "a Jewish woman bears Jewish children. " Yet, writer Shaye Cohen questions whether such "rabbinic law of persons was already in existence in the first century C.E." And whether it was observed by the Jews of Asia Minor. After considering the historic evidence, he concludes that when Gentile men married Israelite women, "the children of these marriages were considered Israelite only if the family lived among the Israelites. Lineage was matrilineal when it was matrilocal. When the Israelite woman moved abroad to join her Gentile husband, her children were considered Gentile." In any case, Timothy's mixed parentage must have been an asset in the preaching work. He would have no problems relating to Jews or Gentiles, perhaps enabling him to bridge gaps between them.
Paul's visit to Lystra signaled a turning point in Timothy's life. The young man's willingness to follow the guidance of holy spirit and humbly cooperate with Christian elders led to great blessings and privileges of service. Whether he realized it at the time or not, under Paul's direction Timothy would later be used in important theocratic assignments, taking him as far from home as Rome, the capital of the empire.
Next time: Timothy Promoted Kingdom Interests
The Watchtower, 1999
3.19.2012
TIMOTHY "A Genuine Child in the Faith"
TIMOTHY was comparatively young when the Christian apostle Paul chose him as a traveling companion. This began a partnership that was to continue for some 15 years. The relationship that developed between the two men was such that Paul could call Timothy "my beloved and faithful child in the Lord" and a genuine child in the faith." -1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 1:2.
What was there about Timothy's personality that made Paul so fond of him? How did Timothy come to be such a valuable associate? And what profitable lessons can we learn from the inspired record of Timothy's activities?
Next time: Chosen By Paul
The Watchtower, 1999
What was there about Timothy's personality that made Paul so fond of him? How did Timothy come to be such a valuable associate? And what profitable lessons can we learn from the inspired record of Timothy's activities?
Next time: Chosen By Paul
The Watchtower, 1999
Why It May Seem to Be Hard
As we have seen, Jehovah has asked people to comply with various requirements throughout history. and just as what they had been asked to do has varied, so has the nature of the trials they have experienced. God's dear Son underwent the most difficult trials, eventually being killed in the cruelest manner because of doing what God asked. But when we suffer for doing what Jehovah asks of us, we should remember that he is not responsible for out trials. (John 15:18-20; James 1:13-15) Satan's rebellion ushered in sin, suffering and death, and he is the one who has created the circumstances that have often made it very difficult to do what Jehovah asks of his servants. -Job 1:6-19; 2:1-8.
Through his Son, Jehovah has directed that in this time of the end, His servants make and earth-wide proclamation that the only remedy for all human suffering is Kingdom rule. This government of God will eliminate all problems on earth-war, crime, poverty, old age, sickness, death. The Kingdom will also usher in a glorious earthly paradise, into which even the dead will be resurrected. (Matthew 6:9, 10; Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:3. 4) What a privilege it is to declare the good news of such things! Clearly, then, there is no problem with what Jehovah asks us to do. We encounter opposition, but Satan the Devil and his world are responsible for this.
How can we successfully meet any challenge presented by Satan? "Be wise, my son and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." (Proverbs 27:11) Jesus provided Jehovah with and answer to Satan's taunting by leaving the security of heavenly life to do his Father's will on earth. (Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 10:7) As a human, Jesus endured every trial thrust upon him, even death on a torture stake. If we follow him as our Exemplar, we too can endure sufferings and so what Jehovah asks of us. -Hebrews 12:1-3.
What love God and his Son have shown for us! Because of Jesus' sacrifice, obedient mankind has the prospect of living forever in Paradise. So let us allow nothing to obscure our hope. Instead, let us personally take to heart what Jesus made possible, as did Paul, who said: "The Son of God . . .loved me and handled himself over for me." (Galatians 2:20) And may we show heartfelt gratitude to our loving God, Jehovah, who never asks too much of us.
Next time: TIMOTHY "A Genuine Child in the Faith"
The Watchtower, 1999
Through his Son, Jehovah has directed that in this time of the end, His servants make and earth-wide proclamation that the only remedy for all human suffering is Kingdom rule. This government of God will eliminate all problems on earth-war, crime, poverty, old age, sickness, death. The Kingdom will also usher in a glorious earthly paradise, into which even the dead will be resurrected. (Matthew 6:9, 10; Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:3. 4) What a privilege it is to declare the good news of such things! Clearly, then, there is no problem with what Jehovah asks us to do. We encounter opposition, but Satan the Devil and his world are responsible for this.
How can we successfully meet any challenge presented by Satan? "Be wise, my son and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." (Proverbs 27:11) Jesus provided Jehovah with and answer to Satan's taunting by leaving the security of heavenly life to do his Father's will on earth. (Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 10:7) As a human, Jesus endured every trial thrust upon him, even death on a torture stake. If we follow him as our Exemplar, we too can endure sufferings and so what Jehovah asks of us. -Hebrews 12:1-3.
What love God and his Son have shown for us! Because of Jesus' sacrifice, obedient mankind has the prospect of living forever in Paradise. So let us allow nothing to obscure our hope. Instead, let us personally take to heart what Jesus made possible, as did Paul, who said: "The Son of God . . .loved me and handled himself over for me." (Galatians 2:20) And may we show heartfelt gratitude to our loving God, Jehovah, who never asks too much of us.
Next time: TIMOTHY "A Genuine Child in the Faith"
The Watchtower, 1999
3.18.2012
How We Prove Our Love
It is vital that Jehovah's servants manifest Christlike love. But do you find it hard to love fellow Christians who display selfish traits? Well, as we have seen, even the apostles argued and tried to promote their own interests. (Matthew 2):20-24) The Galatians too bickered among themselves. After pointing out that neighbor love fulfilled the Law, Paul warned them: "If, though, you keep on biting and devouring one another, look out that you do not get annihilated by one another." After contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruitage of God's spirit, Paul added the admonition: "Let us not become egotistical, stirring up competition with one another, envying one another." Then the apostle argued: "Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and thus fulfill the law of the Christ." -Galatians 5:14- 6:2.
By requiring obedience to the law of the Christ, is Jehovah asking too much of us? Although it may be difficult to be kind to those who have, in effect, snapped at us and torn us apart emotionally, we are obligated to "become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love." (Ephesians 5:1, 2) We need to continue to look at the example of God, who "recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) By taking the initiative to help others, including those who have mistreated us, we can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that we are imitating God and are obedient to the law of Christ.
We should remember that we prove our love by what we do, not merely by what we say. Even Jesus once found an aspect of God's will difficult to accept because of all that was involve. "Father, if you wish, remove this cup from me," Jesus prayed. But he quickly added: "Nevertheless, let not my will, but yours take place." Luke 22:42) Despite all that Jesus suffered, he did God's will. (Hebrews 5:7, 8) Obedience is a proof of our love and shows that we recognize God's way to be best. "This is what the love of God means," says the Bible, "that we observe his commandments." (1 John 5:3) And Jesus told his apostles: "If you love me, you will observe my commandments." -John 14:15.
Besides commanding his followers to love one another, what special commandment did Christ give them? He commanded that they do the preaching work for which he had trained them. Peter said: "He ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness." (Acts 10:42) Jesus had specifically commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you ." (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) Jesus revealed that such instructions would also apply to his followers now in "the time of the end," for he said: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Daniel 12:4; Matthew 24:14) Of course, it is God's will that we preach. Yet, some may think that requiring that we do this work is too much for God to ask of us. But is it really?
Next time: Why It May Seem to Be Hard
The Watchtower, 1999
By requiring obedience to the law of the Christ, is Jehovah asking too much of us? Although it may be difficult to be kind to those who have, in effect, snapped at us and torn us apart emotionally, we are obligated to "become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love." (Ephesians 5:1, 2) We need to continue to look at the example of God, who "recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) By taking the initiative to help others, including those who have mistreated us, we can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that we are imitating God and are obedient to the law of Christ.
We should remember that we prove our love by what we do, not merely by what we say. Even Jesus once found an aspect of God's will difficult to accept because of all that was involve. "Father, if you wish, remove this cup from me," Jesus prayed. But he quickly added: "Nevertheless, let not my will, but yours take place." Luke 22:42) Despite all that Jesus suffered, he did God's will. (Hebrews 5:7, 8) Obedience is a proof of our love and shows that we recognize God's way to be best. "This is what the love of God means," says the Bible, "that we observe his commandments." (1 John 5:3) And Jesus told his apostles: "If you love me, you will observe my commandments." -John 14:15.
Besides commanding his followers to love one another, what special commandment did Christ give them? He commanded that they do the preaching work for which he had trained them. Peter said: "He ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness." (Acts 10:42) Jesus had specifically commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you ." (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) Jesus revealed that such instructions would also apply to his followers now in "the time of the end," for he said: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Daniel 12:4; Matthew 24:14) Of course, it is God's will that we preach. Yet, some may think that requiring that we do this work is too much for God to ask of us. But is it really?
Next time: Why It May Seem to Be Hard
The Watchtower, 1999
The Conclusion of The Importance of Love
So, then, we do not fulfill the law of the Christ simply by teaching others about him. We must also live and behave as Jesus did. True, Jesus used beautiful well-chose words in his discourses. Yet, he also taught by example. Even though Jesus had been a mighty spirit creature in heaven, he seized the opportunity to serve his Father's interests on earth and to show how we should live. He was humble, kind and considerate, helping those burdened down and oppressed. (Matthew 11:28-30; 20:28; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 John 3:8) And Jesus urged his followers to love one another, just as he loved them.
What place does love for Jehovah-the Law's greatest commandment-have in the Law of Christ? (Matthew 22:37, 38; Galatians 6:2) Second place? By no means! Love for Jehovah and love for our fellow Christians are inextricably linked. One cannot truly love Jehovah without also loving his brother, f0r the apostle John noted: "If anyone makes the statement: 'I love God,' and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen." -1 John 4:20; compare 1 John 3:17, 18.
When Jesus gave his disciples the new commandment to love one another just as he loved them, he described the effect this would have. "By this all will know that you are my disciples," he said, "if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) According to Tertullian, who lived more than a hundred years after Jesus' death, the brotherly love of early Christians had that very effect. Tertullian quoted non-Christians as saying of Christ's followers: 'See how they love one another and how they are even ready to die for one another.' We might ask ourselves, 'Do I show much love for fellow Christians that it proves that I am one of Jesus' disciples?
Next time: H0w We Prove Our Love
The Watchtower, 1999
What place does love for Jehovah-the Law's greatest commandment-have in the Law of Christ? (Matthew 22:37, 38; Galatians 6:2) Second place? By no means! Love for Jehovah and love for our fellow Christians are inextricably linked. One cannot truly love Jehovah without also loving his brother, f0r the apostle John noted: "If anyone makes the statement: 'I love God,' and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen." -1 John 4:20; compare 1 John 3:17, 18.
When Jesus gave his disciples the new commandment to love one another just as he loved them, he described the effect this would have. "By this all will know that you are my disciples," he said, "if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) According to Tertullian, who lived more than a hundred years after Jesus' death, the brotherly love of early Christians had that very effect. Tertullian quoted non-Christians as saying of Christ's followers: 'See how they love one another and how they are even ready to die for one another.' We might ask ourselves, 'Do I show much love for fellow Christians that it proves that I am one of Jesus' disciples?
Next time: H0w We Prove Our Love
The Watchtower, 1999
3.17.2012
The Importance of Love
While love was important under the Law, it is the very heart, or essence, of the Law of Christ. This fact was stressed by Jesus when he met with his apostles to celebrate the Passover of 33 C.E. According to the apostle John's summary of what took place that night, Jesus' heartfelt words included 28 references to love. This emphasized to his apostles the substance or spirit, of his law. Significantly, John introduced his coverage of the events of that momentous evening by saying: "Because he knew before the festival of the passover that his hour had come for him to move out of this world to the Father. Jesus, having loved his own that were in the world, loved them to the end." -
Jesus loved his apostles, even though he had tried without apparent success to help them overcome their inordinate desire for power and position. Months before their arrival in Jerusalem, 'they had argued among themselves who was greater.' And just before they came to the city for the Passover, the dispute over position erupted again. (Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45) That this was an ongoing problem is indicated by what occurred shortly after the apostles entered the upper room to share what was to be their final Passover together. At that time no one seized the opportunity to render the customary, hospitable service of washing the feet of the others. To teach them a lesson in humility, Jesus himself washed their feet. -John 13:2-15; 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
Despite that lesson, after the Passover was observed and Jesus instituted the Memorial of his approaching death, note what took place yet again. Says Luke's Gospel account: "There also arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them seemed to be the greatest." Instead of getting angry with the apostles and berating them, Jesus kindly counseled them about the need to be different from the power-hungry rulers of the world. (Luke 22:24-27) He then provided what might be called the cornerstone of the Law of Christ, saying: "I am giving you a new commandment that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another." -John 13:34.
Later that evening Jesus pointed out how far Christlike love should go. He said: "This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends." (John 15:12, 13) Was Jesus saying that his followers should be willing to die in behalf of fellow believers if the occasion called for this? That was the understanding of John, an eyewitness on this occasion, for he later wrote: "By this we have come to know love, because that one [Jesus Christ] surrendered his soul for us; and we are under obligation to surrender our souls for our brothers." -1 John 3:16.
Next time: Conclusion of The Importance of Love
The Watchtower, 1999
Jesus loved his apostles, even though he had tried without apparent success to help them overcome their inordinate desire for power and position. Months before their arrival in Jerusalem, 'they had argued among themselves who was greater.' And just before they came to the city for the Passover, the dispute over position erupted again. (Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45) That this was an ongoing problem is indicated by what occurred shortly after the apostles entered the upper room to share what was to be their final Passover together. At that time no one seized the opportunity to render the customary, hospitable service of washing the feet of the others. To teach them a lesson in humility, Jesus himself washed their feet. -John 13:2-15; 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
Despite that lesson, after the Passover was observed and Jesus instituted the Memorial of his approaching death, note what took place yet again. Says Luke's Gospel account: "There also arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them seemed to be the greatest." Instead of getting angry with the apostles and berating them, Jesus kindly counseled them about the need to be different from the power-hungry rulers of the world. (Luke 22:24-27) He then provided what might be called the cornerstone of the Law of Christ, saying: "I am giving you a new commandment that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another." -John 13:34.
Later that evening Jesus pointed out how far Christlike love should go. He said: "This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends." (John 15:12, 13) Was Jesus saying that his followers should be willing to die in behalf of fellow believers if the occasion called for this? That was the understanding of John, an eyewitness on this occasion, for he later wrote: "By this we have come to know love, because that one [Jesus Christ] surrendered his soul for us; and we are under obligation to surrender our souls for our brothers." -1 John 3:16.
Next time: Conclusion of The Importance of Love
The Watchtower, 1999
What Jehovah Asks
During the final year of Jesus' ministry, his apostles Peter, James and John accompanied him to a high mountain, possibly a spur of Mount Hermon. There they saw a prophetic vision of Jesus in magnificent glory and heard God's own voice declare: "This is my Son, the beloved whom I have approved; listen to him." (Matthew 17:1-5) Basically, that is what Jehovah is asking g of us - to listen to his Son and follow his example and teachings. (Matthew 16:24) Thus, the apostle Peter wrote: "Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely." -1 Peter 2:21/.
Why should we follow Jesus' steps closely? Because by imitating him, we imitate Jehovah God. Jesus knew the Father intimately, (not what you think, so get the mind out of the gutter) having spent untold billions of years with him in heaven before coming to earth. (Proverbs 8:22-31; John 8:23; 17:5; Colossians 1:15-17) While on earth, Jesus loyally represented his Father. He explained: "Just as the Father taught me I speak these things." In fact, Jesus imitated Jehovah so exactly that he could say: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also." -John 8:28; 14:9.
What is involved in listening to Jesus and imitating him? Does it mean being under a law? Paul wrote: "I myself am not under law." He was referring to "the old covenant," the Law covenant made with Israel. Paul did acknowledge that he was "under law toward Christ." (1 Corinthians 9:20, 21; 2 Corinthians 3:14) With the end of the old Law covenant, a "new covenant" came into force with its "law of Christ" that all servants of Jehovah today are obligated to obey. -Luke 22:20; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 8:7-13.
Jehovah did not have "the law of the Christ" put down in the form of a code, organizing it into various categories, as was done with the old law covenant. This new law for Christ's followers does not include an extensive list of dos and don'ts. In his Word, however, Jehovah did preserve four comprehensive accounts of the life and teachings of his Son. Moreover, God inspired some of Jesus' early followers to provide written instructions regarding personal behavior, congregational affairs, conduct within the family, and other matters. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 14:26-35; Ephesians 5:21-33; Hebrews 10:24, 25) When we conform our lives to the example, and teachings of Jesus Christ and heed the counsel of inspired first-century Bible writers, we are obeying "the law of the Christ." Jehovah asks this of his servants today.
Next time:The Importance of Love
The Watchtower, 1999
Why should we follow Jesus' steps closely? Because by imitating him, we imitate Jehovah God. Jesus knew the Father intimately, (not what you think, so get the mind out of the gutter) having spent untold billions of years with him in heaven before coming to earth. (Proverbs 8:22-31; John 8:23; 17:5; Colossians 1:15-17) While on earth, Jesus loyally represented his Father. He explained: "Just as the Father taught me I speak these things." In fact, Jesus imitated Jehovah so exactly that he could say: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also." -John 8:28; 14:9.
What is involved in listening to Jesus and imitating him? Does it mean being under a law? Paul wrote: "I myself am not under law." He was referring to "the old covenant," the Law covenant made with Israel. Paul did acknowledge that he was "under law toward Christ." (1 Corinthians 9:20, 21; 2 Corinthians 3:14) With the end of the old Law covenant, a "new covenant" came into force with its "law of Christ" that all servants of Jehovah today are obligated to obey. -Luke 22:20; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 8:7-13.
Jehovah did not have "the law of the Christ" put down in the form of a code, organizing it into various categories, as was done with the old law covenant. This new law for Christ's followers does not include an extensive list of dos and don'ts. In his Word, however, Jehovah did preserve four comprehensive accounts of the life and teachings of his Son. Moreover, God inspired some of Jesus' early followers to provide written instructions regarding personal behavior, congregational affairs, conduct within the family, and other matters. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 14:26-35; Ephesians 5:21-33; Hebrews 10:24, 25) When we conform our lives to the example, and teachings of Jesus Christ and heed the counsel of inspired first-century Bible writers, we are obeying "the law of the Christ." Jehovah asks this of his servants today.
Next time:The Importance of Love
The Watchtower, 1999
3.16.2012
WHAT DOES JEHOVAH ASK OF US TODAY?
"A voice out of the cloud [said]: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him.' " -Matthew 17:5.
JEHOVAH gave the nation of Israel the Law, with its many features. Regarding them, the apostle Paul wrote: "They were legal requirements pertaining to the flesh and were imposed until the appointed time to set things straight." (Hebrews 9:10) When the Law led a remnant of Israelites to accept Jesus as the Messiah, or Christ, it had fulfilled its purpose. Thus, Paul declared: "Christ is the end of the Law." -Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:19-25; 4:4, 5.j
Does this mean that the Law is not binding upon us today? Actually, the vast majority of humankind never were under the Law, as the psalmist explained: "[Jehovah] is telling his word to Jacob, his regulations and his judicial decisions to Israel. He has not done that way to any other nation; and as for his judicial decisions, they have not known them. (Psalm 147:19, 20) When God established the new covenant on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice, even the nation of Israel was no longer under obligation to obey the Law. (Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:13, 14, 16) If, then, the Law is no longer binding, what does Jehovah ask of those who desire to serve him today?
Next time: What Jehovah Asks
The Watchtower, 1999
JEHOVAH gave the nation of Israel the Law, with its many features. Regarding them, the apostle Paul wrote: "They were legal requirements pertaining to the flesh and were imposed until the appointed time to set things straight." (Hebrews 9:10) When the Law led a remnant of Israelites to accept Jesus as the Messiah, or Christ, it had fulfilled its purpose. Thus, Paul declared: "Christ is the end of the Law." -Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:19-25; 4:4, 5.j
Does this mean that the Law is not binding upon us today? Actually, the vast majority of humankind never were under the Law, as the psalmist explained: "[Jehovah] is telling his word to Jacob, his regulations and his judicial decisions to Israel. He has not done that way to any other nation; and as for his judicial decisions, they have not known them. (Psalm 147:19, 20) When God established the new covenant on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice, even the nation of Israel was no longer under obligation to obey the Law. (Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:13, 14, 16) If, then, the Law is no longer binding, what does Jehovah ask of those who desire to serve him today?
Next time: What Jehovah Asks
The Watchtower, 1999
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