MightySparrow:
Dó you mean GB political party?

MightySparrow:
Dó you mean GB political party?

Which verse and chapter did your own Bible approve your pastorpreneurs sole proprietorship venture with wifey and children in line of succession?

Sparrow ,Abeg carry your IBERIBEISM outta here joor.

Sand2022:
In there Frequently Asked Question, the Witnesses explains what the Governing Body means:

"The Governing Body is a small group of mature Christians who provide direction for Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. Their work is twofold:


They oversee the preparation of Bible-based instruction through the publications, meetings, and schools of Jehovah’s Witnesses.​—Luke 12:42.


They supervise the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses by directing our public ministry and overseeing the use of donated assets.


The Governing Body follows the pattern set by “the apostles and elders in Jerusalem” in the first century, who made important decisions on behalf of the entire Christian congregation. (Acts 15:2) Like those faithful men, the members of the Governing Body are not the leaders of our organization. They look to the Bible for guidance, acknowledging that Jehovah God has appointed Jesus Christ as the Head of the congregation.​—1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:​23."


From what they said here, we see what they mean when the term Governing Body is used. Few scriptures is quoted here to back up their claim but that doesn't mean that there are no other scriptures they use to support their view. My interest is on the scripturalness of the claim. Was there a body who served the function as the Governing body of Jehovah's witnesses do today? Let's see.

The chief reason they see things this way is because of what happened in the first century about the circumcision. It all started from the verse they cited, acts 15;2. Let's read from verse 1:

"Now some men came down from Ju·deʹa and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you get circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  2 But after quite a bit of dissension and disputing by Paul and Barʹna·bas with them, it was arranged for Paul, Barʹna·bas, and some of the others to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding this issue."

The point the above publication wants to make is that the case was referred to the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem to make the decision. According to JW, these apostles and elders constitute the governing body in the first century that made decisions for the entire congregation back then. Reading through the whole chapter, one might feel that verse 23 give credence to this view. It says:

23 They wrote this and sent it through them: “The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to those brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Ci·liʹcia who are from the nations: Greetings!"

And reading further, we also noticed that Paul and Barnabas went on distributing these decision to the brothers as Acts 16;4 reported. From JW view, these shows that there were men in Jerusalem who made decisions for the entire worldwide christians of the first century.

So, the Governing Body follow their lead.

Sand2022:

But there are more scriptures to consider on this subject that could reveal a different conclusion.

Let's first look at those who partook in the decision making in that meeting. The part that is often omitted by the JW leadership when making their claim is verse 22. Let's see who took part in the decision making, it says:

22 Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole congregation, decided to send chosen men from among them to Antioch, along with Paul and Barʹna·bas; they sent Judas who was called Barʹsab·bas and Silas, who were leading men among the brothers."

Sand2022:


Yes, the apostles and the elders were there, but there were many others in the Jerusalem congregation that had a say in the decision making. In fact notice that this, let's call it council, decided to send representatives to those congregations. So it was not only apostles and elders. If we follow JW reasoning, it then means that the Governing Body is not just apostles and elders, but also members of the congregation. See also verse 4.

Sand2022:


There are others as well, perhaps they are also part of the congregation mentioned in verse 4 and 22. See verse 5

5 But some of those of the sect of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up from their seats and said: “It is necessary to circumcise them and command them to observe the Law of Moses.”

All these joined in the decision making. If we follow the JW logic, these should also be part of the Governing body.

Sand2022:


Another aspect that is often omitted is that even the men who went to Antioch and preached that wrong message is among the Governing Body as well. See how the bible puts it:

24 Since we have heard that some went out from among us and caused you trouble with what they have said, trying to subvert you, although we did not give them any instructions,"

Sand2022:


So these is not a governing body making decisions for the entire christians back then, this is much like a council, a snod, an ecumenical gathering of church leaders to settle doctrinal differences. These issue was settled between Leaders in Paul's territory and those at Jerusalem. The letter was not sent to Rome, Samaria, Colossi, Ethiopia, Babylon etc. So it was not to an entire Christian church functioning in the first century. True, the congregation in Jerusalem was unique, the whole christian movement began from there, the apostles who worked with Jesus worshiped there. Just as any General Overseer or founder of a church today dies, his close ministry team have much authority since they worked with the founder, so it is with the apostles.

Sand2022:



But they do not exercise the same possessive authority the GB of JWs exercise today. Notice what GB of JW say they do:

A. Oversee the preparation of bible-based instructions through the publications, Meetings, schools:

The question is, did the apostles oversee the preparation of bible based instructions prepared in the first century? No.

After preaching and making disciples without the authority of any Governing Body, Paul wrote a letter directly to the Corinthian congregation unilaterally. No GB approval. (1cor 1:1) That should in fact be Paul's second letter to that congregation. Among the things Paul handled without Governing body approval are: Congregation discipline (1cor 5), counsel on marriage and singleness (1cor 7), Instructions for orderly Congregation worship (1cor 11-14) etc. Paul on his own appointed representatives to the congregation he formed, namely, Timothy, Titus etc. He even wrote a letter to them, instructing them to remove disorderly ones, appoint elders and deacons, congregation fund use (1tim 5-6) etc. These men served as circuit overseers as JWs call it. But while GB of JWs appoint circuit overseers, Paul appointed those in his territory. He even gave them Circuit Overseer Manual eg, 1 and 2nd Timothy, the book of Titus.

So Paul have in himself all the functions the Governing body of JWs says they are overseeing. None of these instruction did he consult with the elders in Jerusalem. He was the General Overseer of the church he formed.

We can be sure that others who had congregations they formed back then had the same authority over the areas they formed, like Philip in Samaria, Epaphras in Colossi, Peter in Babylon, Barnabas later in Cyprus, etc.


B. They supervise the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses by directing our public ministry and overseeing the use of donated assets.

These too has no first century precedence.

Notice how Paul and Barnabas began what we will call a missionary work.

Acts 13
As they were ministering to Jehovah and fasting, the holy spirit said: “Set aside for me Barʹna·bas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  3 Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

The holy spirit appointed them missionaries. So, what happened next? They ran to Jerusalem to get an approval? No. The elders in Antioch laid their hands, and off they went. They formed congregations, appointed elders and deacons and later Paul wrote them instructions as we see in point A.

After their missionary work, did they run to jerusalem? Again, no. See how chapter 14 said it:

From there they sailed off for Antioch, where they had been entrusted to the undeserved kindness of God for the work they had now completed. 27 When they had arrived and had gathered the congregation together, they related the many things God had done by means of them, and that he had opened to the nations the door to faith. 28 So they spent considerable time with the disciples."

They finished the work, and gathered the congregation. For what? To submit their report, lol. But not to the non existent GB, but to those who sent them, the elders in Antioch. And even their second missionary journey began from Antioch. And it is totally, I mean totally impossible for any person to be a missionary of JWs without the GB approval. Impossible!

What about donated fund? The apostles handled the fund in the congregation in Jerusalem, but did they handle worldwide congregation fund? No.

Read for yourself 1tim 5, you will see the instruction Paul gave to his circuit overseer, Timothy, on how to use that fund in helping the needy.

Acts 11:28-30 reported a case of famine where the disciples in Antioch considered sending relief to brothers in Jerusalem. 30 says:

30 and this they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barʹna·bas and Saul."

They made the contribution, they decided who will take it to the congregation in Jerusalem. Jerusalem didn't oversee how they use their fund.

Truly, there was no Governing Body, Jesus made appointment of who served as his steward, and those he appointed form congregations and cared for them as he directs them through the spirit.

What a shallow attempt to distort the holy scriptures!
Acts 9:26-28, Oga was Paul playing Ludo & Draft when he spent some time with the Apostles?

Did you not read Paul named God's will & Sosthenes for his Apostleship?

After his conversion @ Acts 9:1-9, did Jesus direct Paul to set up a sole proprietor pastorpreneur venture?

Oga,go & study your Bible very well, let JWs help you.

Janosky:


Oga, 1 Thessalonians 5:12 & Hebrews 13:17 PROVEN there are leaders/Governing Council/Body.

The leaders/ Governing Council/Body made the decision for the entire congregation.
Everyone was in agreement.
No room for dissent, that's the point of verse 22, elaborated in Thessalonians & Hebrews.
Looking at Acts chapter 2:

Let's first look at those who partook in the decision making in that meeting. The part that is often omitted by the JW leadership when making their claim is verse 22. Let's see who took part in the decision making, it says:

22 Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole congregation, decided to send chosen men from among them to Antioch, along with Paul and Barʹna·bas; they sent Judas who was called Barʹsab·bas and Silas, who were leading men among the brothers

No Sir.
Oga, verse 5 is a request not a decision. It was never enforced.
Did the Governing Body/Council approve that request in verse 5?

The Governing Body did not give any instructions to subversive, FALSE brothers (apostates).[/b]

Oga, Acts 6:1-5 & 15:1-7,23 the principles is laid down in your Bible.
The Leaders/Governing Body/Council instructions were for all believers everywhere.
Did you see any sole proprietor pastorpreneur venture in the Bible book of Acts?

Check am nau.

What a shallow attempt to distort the holy scriptures!
Acts 9:26-28, Oga was Paul playing Ludo & Draft when he spent some time with the Apostles?

Did you not read Paul named God's will & Sosthenes for his Apostleship?

After his conversion @ Acts 9:1-9, did Jesus direct Paul to set up a sole proprietor pastorpreneur venture?

Oga,go & study your Bible very well, let JWs help you.

Sand2022:


Are you sure you read before you reply or you reply before reading? How is all these gaffe reply to this comment? Let me give you another try.





Poor. Total lack of understanding. Try again. Don't stress me. Go back and reread the point.



How does this affect the point I made?



If this is the best you can give, then it is better you go back to 'learn to read and write" brochure because you obviously don't understand sentences or you are deliberately pretending not to know.

Sometimes I deliberately ignore most of the rubbish you reply. But so that you don't think you said something, I chose to reply to this one. Guy you de far!

** Oga,Did Paul (Saul) set up shop as sole proprietor Churchpreneur (the common trend in Christendom)?

[b]Acts 9:19-20 is the answer
For several days[ao] he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,[ap] saying, “This man is the Son of God.”[aq]

* Acts 9:19-20, was Paul playing football and chess with the disciples "for several days?"
The disciples trained, guided Paul "for several days" to grasp the basics before Paul set out to preach in verse 20.

*** Nutshell
Paul had leaders before he became one of leaders with other Apostles/Elders in Jerusalem.

Oga, Hebrew 13:7,17 & Acts chapters 2,9 &15 are in your Bible.
Let the gospel of the Apostles sink in to your heart.

Or write your own bible

Janosky:


*Oga, your argument is built on quick sand. .

Do you have Acts 9:3-9 in your Bible?
Oga Sand2022, who converted Saul?
You know it's Jesus Christ.

Acts 9:1-6
New English Translation
The Conversion of Saul

*After his conversion,who did Jesus send to lead Saul?
Ananias of course!
Acts 9:10-17
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The[v] Lord[w] said to him in a vision, “Ananias,” and he replied, “Here I am,[x] Lord.” 11 Then the Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called ‘Straight,’[y] and at Judas’ house look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. For he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision[z] a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he may see again.” 13 But Ananias replied,[aa] “Lord, I have heard from many people[ab] about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison[ac] all who call on your name!”[ad] 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument[ae] to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel.[af] 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”[ag] 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, placed[ah] his hands on Saul[ai] and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came here,[aj] has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”[ak]

** Oga,Did Paul (Saul) set up shop as sole proprietor Churchpreneur (the common trend in Christendom)?

[b]Acts 9:19-20 is the answer
For several days[ao] he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,[ap] saying, “This man is the Son of God.”[aq]

* Acts 9:19-20, was Paul playing football and chess with the disciples "for several days?"
The disciples trained, guided Paul "for several days" to grasp the basics before Paul set out to preach in verse 20.

*** Nutshell
Paul had leaders before he became one of leaders with other Apostles/Elders in Jerusalem.

Oga, Hebrew 13:7,17 & Acts chapters 2,9 &15 are in your Bible.
Let the gospel of the Apostles sink in to your heart.

Or write your own bible

Janosky:
.

** Oga,Did Paul (Saul) set up shop as sole proprietor Churchpreneur (the common trend in Christendom)?

Sand2022:


Are you sure you read before you reply or you reply before reading? How is all these gaffe reply to this comment? Let me give you another try.





Poor. Total lack of understanding. Try again. Don't stress me. Go back and reread the point.



How does this affect the point I made?



If this is the best you can give, then it is better you go back to 'learn to read and write" brochure because you obviously don't understand sentences or you are deliberately pretending not to know.

Sometimes I deliberately ignore most of the rubbish you reply. But so that you don't think you said something, I chose to reply to this one. Guy you de far!

MightySparrow:


Of all the JWs on this platform this fellow is the most unintelligent one. I seldom respond to his foolishness.

MightySparrow:


Of all the JWs on this platform this fellow is the most unintelligent one. I seldom respond to his foolishness.

Sand2022:


That seems to be the right step to take.

Acts 9: 3 -9,19-20 when Jesus Christ converted Paul, was Paul led & guided by the leaders of his faith ?

Paul's experience @ Acts 9:3-9,19-20 PROVEN in his writing of Hebrew 13:7,17 is NOT intelligent to FAITHLESS MISCREANTS.

Janosky:


The ONLY reason that Sand2022 & Sparrow insulted me is because I have espoused the biblical injunction of Hebrews 13:7,17 Which reflects & corresponds to Paul's experience of conversion & commencement of ministry.


Paul was converted & taught by his leaders in the faith.
This is Bible Truth without Maggi & spices.
Acts 9:3-9,19-20= Hebrews 13:7,17.



Acts 9: 3 -9,19-20 when Jesus Christ converted Paul, was Paul led & guided by the leaders of his faith ?

Paul's experience @ Acts 9:3-9,19-20 PROVEN in his writing of Hebrew 13:7,17 is NOT intelligent to FAITHLESS MISCREANTS.

MightySparrow: