Persecution Sparks Growth in Antioch

WHEN persecution flared after Stephen's martyrdom, many of Jesus' disciples fled Jerusalem.  One of the  places where they sought refuge was Antioch, Syria, some 350 miles to the north.  (Acts 11:19) Ensuing events there were to affect the whole course of Christian history.  To  understand what happened, it will be useful to know a little about Antioch.

As far as cities of the Roman Empire were concerned, in size, prosperity and importance Antioch was surpassed only by Rome and Alexandria.  This metropolis of Syria dominated  the northeast corner of the Mediterranean basin. Antioch (modern-day  Antakya, Turkey) stood on the navigable Orontes River, which connected it to its seaport, Seleucia Pieria,  20 miles away.  It commanded one of the most important trade routes between Rome and the Tigris-Euphrates Valley. As a center of commerce, it did business with the whole empire and saw the comings and goings of all sorts of people, who brought news of religious movements everywhere in the Roman world.

Hellenic religion and philosophy had flourished in Antioch.  But "in the old religious cults and the philosophies were tending to become matters of the individual belief, as people independently sought religious satisfaction for their own  problems and aspirations."  (A History of Antioch in Syria)  Many found satisfaction in the monothesim, ceremonies and ethics of Judaism.

A strong Jewish contingent had resided in Antioch since the city's foundation in 300 B.C.E. It is estimated to have numbered from 20,000 to 60,000 constituting more than 10 percent of the population.  The historian Josephus says that the  Seleucid dynasty of kings encouraged Jews to settle in the city, giving them full citizenship rights. By that time, the Hebrew Scriptures were  available in Greek.  This stimulated the interest of sympathizers in Jewish Messianic aspirations.  Hence, may proselytes had been made  among the Greeks.  All these factors made Antioch a fertile field for Christian disciple making.

Next time: Witnessing to Gentiles

Watchtower, 2000

STUDY - REWARDING AND ENJOYABLE

Developing a Fondness for God's Word

The composer of Psalm 119, perhaps Hezekiah while yet a young prince, expressed his fondness for Jehovah's word. In poetic language, he said: "For your statues I shall show a fondness. I shall not forget your word. Also,I shall show a fondness for your commandment that I have loved. Let your mercies come to me,that I may keep living; for your law is what I am fond of. I have longed for your salvation, O Jehovah, and your law I am fond of."-Psalms 119:16, 24, 47,77, 174.

Explaining the word translated "show a fondness" in Psalm 119, one dictionary on the Hebrew Scriptures states: "The usage in v. 16 parallels the [verbs] for rejoicing . . . and for meditation . . . The progression is: rejoice, meditate, delight in . . .This combination may suggest that purposeful reflection is the means by which one comes to take delight in the word of Yahweh . . .The meaning includes an emotive element."

Yes, our love for Jehovah Word should come from our heart, the seat of emotion. We should take pleasure in lingering over certain passages that we have just read. We should muse over deep spiritual thoughts, become absorbed in them, and meditate on them. This requires quiet reflection and prayer. Like Ezra, we need to prepare our hearts for the reading and study of God's Word. Of him it is written: "Ezra himself had prepared his heart to consult he law of Jehovah and to do it and to teach in Israel regulation and justice." (Ezra 7:10) Note the triple purpose of Ezra's preparing his heart; to study, to make personal application and to teach. We should follow his example.

Next time: Study as an Act of Worship

Watchtower, 2000

You Can Know The Future

IN AN effort to find out what the future holds, humans have experimented with all kinds of things. Social scientists called futurologists analyze current trends and make their forecasts on the basis of these. Economists do likewise in their own field. Astrologers and diviners look to horoscopes, crystal balls and the occult, and they have a huge following. For example, French astrologer Nostradamus continues to be popular though he has been dead for centuries.

All of these would-be prophets have proved to be most unreliable and disappointing. Why? Because they ignore Jehovah God and his Word, the Bible. For this reason they fail to answer such basic questions as these: 'Why can I be sure htat the things foretold in the Bible are going to happen? How do they fit into God's purpose for humans? How can my family and I benefit from these prophecies? The Bible answers these questions.

Bible prophecy is also superior in may other ways. Unlike astrological predictions, it allows for personal free will. Hence, nobody is a victim of fate. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Writings such as those of Nostradamus are morally void, and they cover theis void with mystery and sensationalism. But Bible prophesy has a firm moral basis. It explains why God is going to do as he purposed. (2 Chronicles 36:15) And Jehovah's prophecies never fail, for "God. . . cannot lie." (Titus 1:2) Thus, individuals guided by God's Word live enlightened, purposeful and happy lives without squandering their precious time and resources on futile pursuits. -Psalm 25:12, 13.

These and many other points have been discussed at the 1999/2000 "God's Prophetic Word" District Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses held around the world. Talks, interviews demonstrations and a Bible drama have drawn the attention of the audience to the wonderful spiritual heritage enjoyed by those who study and apply God's prophetic word. The following article will review some exciting convention highlights.

Next time: God's Prophetic Word Gives Hope For The Future

Watchtower