The Watch Tower Society originally used the term “governing body” in a strict legal sense, and in fact, used the term quite sparingly. As stated in the Watchtower, it was not until “the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the governing body of the Christian congregation (italics theirs).” (Watchtower, Dec. 15, 1971, p. 755) Since the 1950s, the term would frequently be used to refer to the first century, making assertions such as, “The apostle Paul belonged to the governing body in the first century” (Watchtower, April 15, 1951, p. 235 par. 7) without citing any scriptural backup. On the other hand, the magazine described the modern day “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, [as] the governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1950, p. 10 par. 2)
Election of Leaders by Congregation Voting. In the Early Church, brethren met in various cities—Jerusalem, Antioch, Corinth, Thessonalica— often meeting in homes (Acts 11:22:13:1; 1Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). Each ecclesia (church group) was autonomous electing its own leaders, its own “Elders—those not necessarily advanced in age, but mature in character.
Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
How did they “ordain” their leaders? The Greek for “ordained” is “cheirotoneo from a comparative of NT:5495 and teino (to stretch); to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand).” (Strong’s #5500). Early Christians had the responsibility of voting for their Elders by the stretching forth of their hands!
Twelve Apostles not Succeeded in Authority. The twelve Apostles were chosen directly by Jesus, but they had no replacements except, of course, Paul replaced Judas. Just as Jesus selected the original twelve, he selected Paul as a replacement (Acts 9:15). The other Apostles were well meaning, but premature in selecting the replacement Apostle themselves (Acts 1:26). Inspired by God, they were the “twelve stars” crowning the head of the Early Church (Revelation 12:1); also identified the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Acts 21:14). It would be hard to imagine that Paul as the greatest of the Apostles, would not be numbered among this special group of twelve. There was no “apostolic succession” of any kind for a body of leadership authority through the Christian Age.
The only time one ecclesia recommended a ruling to the brethren at large was when a Jerusalem counsel decided that the Gentile brethren should not be forced to circumcise. And, of course, at that time, there were actual Apostles in the ecclesia of Jerusalem making that recommendation [decree] to “abstain from meat offered to idols…” (Acts 15:22-29).
The independence of the Early Church is attested to by the fact that there were factions among the Corinthian brethren, some following either Paul, Peter or Apollos. Paul said in 1 Cor 3:6-7, “I planted, A-pol’los watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” NWT. Paul humbly said that He and Apollos were not anything. Paul did not rule over the brethren. In 1 Thes 2:7 he said, ” we became gentle in the midst of YOU, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” NWT
Alas, as prophetically predicted, very soon the Christian Church evolved into dividing between “clergy” and “laity.” (Acts 20:29; Matt 13:25; Rev 2:20; 1 Jn 2:18; 2 Thes 2:3) On the one hand, some grasping for power took advantage of those ready to let go of their responsibility of electing their own leadership. Gradually a tower of authority built up with priests, bishops and finally a “pope.” Again, the responsibility for decisions and authority to choose leader in the Ecclesia rests with the congregation.
Qualifications for Leadership as Basis for Voting. While the Apostle Paul said the Ecclesia is to submit to and obey those which have “rule over you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17)—Paul also laid guidelines for selecting and voting for those who in the first place would be acceptable leader as an overseer!
When Paul gave Titus the responsibility for instructing new Ecclesias in Crete for organizing their leadership—he certainly was consistent with what he arranged earlier (Acts 14:23). “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain (elect) elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5).
Each congregation was responsible for electing Elders who qualified. He then laid out the qualifications for evaluation by the Ecclesia members quite clearly:
- Above reproach (Titus 1:6);
- Husband of one wife with children not unruly;
- Not self-willed, quick-tempered or addicted to wine;
- No striker; not given to filthy lucre (Titus 1:7);
- Hospitable, sensible, just, self-controlled (Titus 1:8);
- Holding fast the faithful word; able to exhort in sound doctrine (1:9)
In his letter to Timothy, Apostle Paul similarly lines up the qualifications for voting for overseers:
- Blameless, the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1,2):
- Vigilant, sober, of good beheaviore, givento hospitality:
- Apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2);
- Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- Patient, not a brawler, not covetous (1 Timothy 3:3);
- Having his children in subjection with all gravity (1 Timothy 3:4);
- Not a notive (1 Timothy 3:7);
- Of good report of them which are without (1 Timothy 3:7)
Individual Responsibility for Raising the Hand in Voting. Thus, the Ecclesia is given criteria for voting wisely and determining Jehovah’s will for the the selection of their teachers and instructors. Congregations do NOT need to have an outside authoritative body of leaders to tell them what to do and what to think and what to change for “new light.”
Each member is responsible for attempting to determine the LORD’s will and expressing it in voting by the raising of his/her hand. So Bible Students base their leadership selection—as well as activity selections—by the voting of the Ecclesia.
MORE ON ELECTION OF ELDERS BY VOTE
According to the Bible, the election of elders was practiced in the Early Church. The eventual elimination of this practice gradually led to Elders becoming the Lord’s of the Church, rather than its servants and opened the way for the development of the Antichrist system.
Paul and Barnabas went around to all the churches and conducted the election of Elders.
Acts 14: 23 – And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord on whom their faith rested. – Weymouth
Rotherham and Young’s Literal translation say, “appointed to them by vote elders in every assembly.”
RVIC Revised Version Improved and Corrected says, “elected elders.”
In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks of a brother who was elected by the churches to travel with him:
2 Cor 8:19 – … he is the one who was chosen by the vote of the Churches to travel with us… – Weymouth
In another example, we recall that the Apostles asked the Jerusalem Church to select seven deacons.
Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to undertake this duty. Weymouth
Who would have challenged the Apostles had they exerted their influence to appoint deacons themselves. Yet instead they humbly asked the Ecclesia to make this selection.
OUR LIBERTY IN CHRIST
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand. – NWT
2 Tim 2:7 – 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – NKJV
Gal 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NKJV
Gal 5:13 – For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NKJV
2Co 3:17 – …where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NWT
John 8:31, 32 – And so Jesus went on to say to the Jews that had believed him: “If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free. NWT
DO BIBLE STUDENTS HAVE A GOVERNING BODY?
To find the answer Click here:
i have an aunt who’s a jehovah’s witness,she always critisises other forms of christianity,yet she’s cohabiting with someone elses husband.i’m comfused about your beliefs, the bible says judgement is 4 the lord. maybe u should stop being so judgemental n focus on ur own rotten potatoes rather than waist time trying 2 detour others from their forms of worship.
pesila nxumalo, Thanks for visiting this site heckle&jeckle sort of summed it up. This is a landing site for witnesses that have chosen to leave the organization, but still have faith. This is a fear free zone. Many will have anger, but that’s okay. Some want to tell their story of deceit, or want to be able to question doctrine and discuss the Bible openly. Also they can get the real truth and different thoughts on some of the same beliefs. There is not the judgemental attitude on one’s personal choosings, (college, partaking of the emblems at memorial, birthday celebrations, going to a funeral at another church etc). These are the original Bible Students, they use the Bible more than books as their guide.
I know you say you do not believe in a religious God. But do you believe in God at all. What is he to you if you do. I think others might want to hear your answer also. This is a place for witnesses, ex- JW or just persons interested in what God’s plan is, to meet, talk and discuss without fear of reprisal. Peace to you. Jacqueline
haha what does it mean? the bible confuses many
Dear Anonymous,
Can you explain what you mean by, “get a new life become a new world wittness”.
Dennis
get a new life become a new world wittness,
This is why i believe there is no need for any anoited son of Jehovah to be guided by a GB of Jehovah witness .
We are spirit who worship in spirit and truth,
(Christ is truth),through him we are part of God,s household as we can read in Eph2:18-22.
At this hour Jehovah is awakening His people for the final time.
This is the final realm of experience for the Ekklesia, and they are coming i into their election.
We are called out from the congregational realm, to bring us into the realm of sonship. In this realm there is an open heaven and divine fellowship with Father.(Rev3:8)
You hear His voice and learn of Him.
We do not listen to the voice of a stranger called the GB.
There are no man-made ordinances in this place, no ministry, no in part realm. Here is where the fullness of complete spirituality is brought into existance. You can usually tell which realm people are in by their words. Those who are “religious” talk about their church or ministry or their GB .
But we talk about our Father YHWH.
All of the old man-made ways are left behind and we are in the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.( compare Heb13:13)
It is here that the carnal self-life is laid down, and immortality and spiritual life become predominate.
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and Yah Himself shall be with them, and be their God.Rev21:3.
Live the Kingdom brothers and his peace will come to you all.
Some one on thsi forum says “God, Jehovah, has always had people in responsible positions to spearhead in either preaching, leading or teaching other people in various ways.”
Magdalena says :yes your right ,but it says in his word this….in
1Cor10:2 and were all immersed into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 10:3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Messiah
But now we are immersed in the blood of Messiah(Rom6:3),to ensure that God’s will is accomplished in us .
It is God who wills and works inside our heart (Philp 2;13)so that no one can boast.
How ever some refuse to give their whole life and their whole heart to God to lead them ,to bow only for Jehovah who guid us by his spirit of truth.
This is whu over time so many turn away their face from God to look up to human leaders ,like they look up to a Pope ,or some to a GB .
For they say on this topic :”Who over time has been God’s representative on Earth?”
Magdalena says :”Dear Brother we are born of the spirit to worship God in spirit and truth(John4:24).
No religion can save you.
The law of Moses was given and written down when Israel was in the wilderness. This law was in effect until the Day of Pentecost,”For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:4
Christ was the end of the law for righteousness. (Gal3:2,14,27).
Jesus spoke this parable to us
, but do we understand what he was telling us ?
John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 10:4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 10:5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.”
10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 10:28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 10:30 I and the Father are one.”
This part made me remember of what David says in Psalm 31″14-16
But I trust in you, LORD.
I said, “You are my God.”
MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HAND.
DELIVER ME FROM THE HAND OF MY ENEMIES,AND FROM THOSE WHO PERSECUTE ME.
Make your face to shine on your servant.
SAVE ME IN YOUR LOVING KINDNESS.
If we hear Jesus voice ” Come to me” (Matth11:28-29) then we surely will no longer follow the voice of any stranger ,or do we?
If we follow God,s voice then we do not hate being told what to do.
For it is God,s work inside us and not the work of the GB ,
It is the work of the spirit of truth to guide us into the light to do his will.
No GB can teach you as Gods holy spirit does .
Jesus says: John14:14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.
14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 14:16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever,— 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. 14:18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.
Filp 2:13
Now some will say ” The preaching work can only be accomplished with the direction of God’s holy spirit. This is a work that men cannot do on their own otherwise all faiths would be doing it.”
You are right gods Holy spirit is in command ,He does not work through a GB but he works strait into the heart of the believer .
The point is that no human religious group on earth has truth ,only the spirit of God is truth you can read thsi in your bible i 1John2:27-29,
so every believer who surch God,s face could hear his voice calling out to him.
Not just 10 men of the GB of Jehovah witness,sorry .
I my self believe that all anointed are called out of all kind of religions ,
they all are guided by the holy spirit to give testemony of their love for Christ .It is gods work so no GB who boast in the WT every year about how big the organization has grown and how many kingdom halls they have built around the world .
I believe what teh bible says ,
and maybe there are but few of us, but we give glory to Jehovah for it is his power working inside us.
For it says in Rev 3:8 “I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn’t deny my name.
The door is wide open to hear his voice yes to hear the heavenly call and to hold the testimony of Yah,shua.
Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”
(Rev 19:10).
even elders at time make mistakes therefore its not right for any man to make decisions for another, only God does judging. as i found out by experience of a certain elder in my congregation falsely acclaimed that it was not proper for me to enter into a sisters house alone despite their being a 60year age gap.
governing body is no different to any other authorotive group
Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing. And I agree with you. We as adults can make personal decisions that will affect us and our families. I recently attended a funeral of a relative at a KH in Chicago. I told the elder I enjoyed it because it calmed the family. It wasn’t geared to teach an audience our doctrine. He looked at me and said the society or GB don’t know this brother and his children. But we do know the life his wife lived. We will not push GB or anything in this kingdom hall theses are God’s people. I was encouraged to hear him say that. We were indeed comforted that day. 4 children lost their mother, they heard only what God and Jesus promised. Please enjoy the rest of the site. In Christ, Jacqueline
Firstly, it might be an oversight, but it was Matthias who replaced Judas (see Acts 1:23-26) not Paul. He was never one of the 12.
Secondly, the term Governing Body is sadly to some a term open to abuse. Some people hate being told what to do even though they know what the right thing to do in the first place is. The preaching work can only be accomplished with the direction of God’s holy spirit. This is a work that men cannot do on their own otherwise all faiths would be doing it.
God, Jehovah, has always had people in responsible positions to spearhead in either preaching, leading or teaching other people in various ways. To ensure that God’s will is accomplished in as an accurate manner as possible someone has to take the lead, bouyed by His spirit. Who over time has been God’s representative on Earth? It started with Adam but he fell away. Others that took up the role include Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, Moses and Aaron, Joshua, the Priests, faithful Kings including David, the Prophets who also were faithful and then into the Christian Era with the 12 who took reports from the expanding Christian Church and dealt with issues and concerns to ensure the good news was preached to all whom they could reach. We know that the Apostasy came but we also know that God had decided when He was going to bring to an end Satan’s system and that before that time occurred he would let everyone know when He was going to act as He has always done so in the past.
So who has the proper credentials to let people know that God is going to act? Leave it to some Churches and what you get from them is the notion that this world’s ills will continue indefinaitely with no end in sight. They missed the Lord Jesus’ enthronment because their eyes of faith had become dim, and they still are.
Despite the faults that all men have, Jehovah still uses people to carry out His will. Men will make mistakes, upset others (Moses and Aaron did). Yet no faith comes quite as close to the true way that God wants to be honoured than Jehovah’s Witnesses do. That there is a Governing Body is part of the way God wants things done. The problem is that some `not contents` want things done their own way and don’t like to be advised any other way.
Hello Barney,
In Revelation Jesus spoke to the angel of each congregation. Didn’t he know about the GB? Shouldn’t he have spoken to them? We know and accept that there are teachers, apostles etc. Most Christians do not have a problem with authority figures, after all they are sheep.
The question is whether there are scriptures that state that this is something that existed in the first century and should exist now. The GB came into existence in the 1970’s about. It basically had, nor exerted it’s authority until the 1990’s.It developed slowly and began first to get rid of any in Bethel that opposed it’s powerplay and the mistreatment of God’s people. Also those that saw major doctrinal flaws.
You mentioned Mose, and I will mention Aaron. Numbers 20:7-29 tells the story of the waters of meribah Moses pre shadowed Jesus.He stepped out of place and stood in the place of Jehovah, where he ought not. Aaron was with him and additionally caused many to sin with the Golden Calf. Many lost their life with Aaron. But the tribe of Levi said N0! THEY REFUSED TO DO IT AND JUMPED TO THE SIDE OF MOSES. Did they rebell against God’s appointed servants? NO! Moses placed himself in God’s place. Aaron held up some other God for Israel to follow and guide them, the Golden Calf. Be honest for a moment please. The GB says you cannot get to God unless you accept them. JESUS IS THE WAY TO GOD. They are out of place. As the Levites, many today are on the side of the Lord, they refuse to stay on the side of the golden calf, they have jumped to the side of Jehovah. Because you are a student of the bible I will not quote that account here. Moses at least saw the promise land from afar, but Aaron was not allowed to see it at all. It is serious to worship by complete obedience to anyone,except Jehovah and Jesus. They say even if you know what they are saying is wrong, you should teach it until they change it.
My Friend they have made themselves a God. Quite a number of the Lord’s people know that there is something wrong, they have chosen to wait. You see sheep are like that. But some are called by God to speak, even as the Levites recognized the calf worship was wrong, they also, took action at the command of Jehovah.
If the GB is not a problem for you my brother do not bother yourself. There are those however who recognizes, like the Levites, and therefore must act,because they know. More responsibility is on you if you are aware of a situation.
I know most JW hold their GB high, just as the Pope is held high by the Catholics. But that does not stop those who know from fleeing out of her. Also being there for those fleeing. My friend we must uphold the scriptures. The GB has to know some of the things they are asking of brothers in regard to following them not matter where they go, (You do remember that don’t you at the convention?) are bordering on idolatry.
Also, I agree the Holy Spirit spearheads the preaching work, but that is not the Governing Body. All persons on the earth and in different congregations and churches are accustomed to and have leaders. We embrace order and even pay people to lead. The GB wants Devotion that belongs to Jesus. They barely mention him as the one making decisions. In fact they have a problem recognizing Jesus as a Ransom and Mediator for all. If you attend meetings regularly you know what I am saying is accurate. Since many of the quotes are contained in the comments at other places under this subject, I would like to please ask that you read some of the other commments. Again my brother if they are not a problem for you do not disturb yourself. We wish you peace. Please enjoy the rest of the site.
Take care my brother. Jacqueline
First of all, the Bible is not a handbook. It’s a collection of gospels and epistles. People in our day grasp what ancillary material they can from what we’ve got and draw certain conclusions. As the apostles (“sent ones”) were murdered, it fell increasingly to the congregations to select their own officers. While the apostles lived, they were a governing body; however, they were not able to sustain themselves and thus came a pervasive apostasy. But the Bible doesn’t contain information on how to baptize, how to ordain, what the various offices do and whether the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit is still necessary and how to do it (and who can do it). Only revelation can fill in these areas, and that has not been forthcoming by the Governing Body. Only new apostles can answer the questions the scriptures don’t answer, and the GB is not a quorum of apostles.