Make Sure of All Things—Hold Fast to What Is Fine (1965)

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"MAKE SURE

Hold Fast To What Is Fine' "MAKE SURE OF ALL THINGS Hold Fast To What Is Fine"

A compilation of scriptures from the Holy Bible under one hundred and twenty-three main headings, to enable you to ascertain quickly what the Bible itself has to say on these important subjects. This book may be used to assure yourself of the Bible teaching on these subjects, and also to answer those who challenge your faith.

"Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

All scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are quoted from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1961 Edition. Quotations from other Bible versions are indicated as shown below:

AS - American Standard Version

AT—An American Translation

AV - Authorized or King James Version

Westminster - Catholic Westminster Bible Version

PUBLISHERS WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC. International Bible Students Association Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS

Page

Angels ... 9

Antichrist ... 14

Apostles ... 17

Apostolic Succession ... 20

Armageddon

(Har-Magedon) ... 25

Associations ... 30

Babylon the Great ... 33

Baptism ... 39

Bible ... 45

Blood ... 53

Born Again, as Spiritual Sons of God ... 56

Bride of Christ ... 57

Caesar's Things to Caesar ... 59

Celebrations ... 62

Charitable Works ... 67

Children ... 71

Christians ... 78

Chronology ... 84

Commandments ... 91

Communism ... 94

Conduct of Christians ... 98

Confession ... 109

Congregation of God ... 112

Conscience ... 117

Counsel ... 119

Covenants ... 123

Creation ... 131

Creature Worship ... 135

Cross ... 139

Death ... 142

Decisions ... 146

Page

Dedication ... 150

Devil and Demons ... 153

Discipline ... 160

Disfellowshiping ... 162

Earth and Its Destiny 165

Encouragement ... 171

Endurance ... 174

Evolution ... 177

Faith ... 184

Fear ... 189

Food ... 192

Freedom ... 194

Friendship with the

World ... 197

Fruits of the Spirit ... 203

Gehenna ... 209

Gifts from God ... 211

God ... 215

Healing ... 218

Heart ... 223

Heaven ... 225

Hellfire ... 229

Holidays ... 235

Honorary Titles ... 243

Humility ... 244

Idolatry ... 247

Immortality ... 252

Incarnation ... 253

Interfaith ... 257

Jehovah ... 264

Jehovah's Witnesses ... 270

Jesus Christ ... 282

Joy ... 289

Judgment ... 290 PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS

Page

Justification, or Being

Declared Righteous 295

Kindness ... 298

Kingdom ... 300

Knowledge ... 306

“Last Days” ... 311

Law ... 313

Life ... 319

Long-suffering ... 322

Lord’s Evening Meal ... 323

Love ... 325

Mariolatry ... 329

Marriage ... 332

Mass ... 335

Materialism ... 338

Maturity ... 342

Mercy ... 344

Minister of God ... 346

Neutrality ... 351

Obedience ... 359

Organization

(Jehovah's) ... 362

Overseers ... 366

Peace ... 371

Persecution ... 374

Prayer ... 379

Preaching the Good

News ... 384

Predestination

(Foreordination) ... 390

Prophecy ... 394

Purgatory ... 403

Races of Mankind ... 406

Page

Ransom ... 408

Religion ... 412

Repentance ... 420

Resurrection ... 424

Return of Christ ... 429

Sabbath ... 434

Salvation ... 437

Sanctification ... 441

Self-Control ... 444

Settling Personal

Differences ... 446

Sheol—Hades ... 448

Sign of Christ's

Presence ... 451

Sin ... 456

Singleness ... 460

Social Distinctions ... 462

Soul ... 463

Spirit ... 466

Spiritism ... 468

Study ... 470

Superior Authorities ... 473

Tithing ... 477

Tongues, Speaking in 479

Tradition ... 481

Transmigration ... 482

Trinity ... 484

War ... 489

Wickedness ... 492

Wisdom ... 497

Women ... 500

Work ... 502 FOREWORD

"Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." That is sound advice. Those who follow it will not be misled. They will not fall into the trap concerning which all Christians are warned with the words: "Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ."—1 Thess. 5:21; Col. 2:8.

But how can one "make sure of all things"? To what authority will one look for reliable information? To God's own written Word the Bible. Jesus Christ himself quoted from the Holy Scriptures as authoritative, and his apostle Paul wrote: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) It is to that same source of information that we go with confidence that what we will find will be, 'not the word of men, but the word of God.'—1 Thess. 2:13.

So if we want to know what is right doctrine, we must listen to God when he speaks to us through his written Word. If we want to know what reliable hope there is concerning the future, we must consult the prophetic Scriptures. And if we are confronted with personal problems and decisions, where can we find better advice than what God himself has provided for us in the Bible? This publication, "Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What Is Fine," can help you to locate the information that you need from the Bible and it can do it in a minimum of time.

You will find that the material under each of the one hundred and twenty-three Principal Subjects is so arranged that it will be a delight for you simply to sit down and read it. In just a short time it will give you a rounded-out view of what the Bible itself has to say on the subject you have selected to read. It will sharpen your appreciation of important details and enable you to become acquainted with scriptures on the subject from many parts of the Bible.

Similarly, when visiting with others in their homes to discuss the Bible, you will find this book a ready source of information on almost any Scriptural topic that may come up. Since the main headings are arranged alphabetically, it is an easy thing to turn to the section of the book that considers the subject. Then, if time permits, start right in with the first subheading. Read it and at least one of the scriptures quoted under it; then consider the next subheading, and so on through the entire outline of material. Where additional proof is needed, read some of the other scriptures quoted under the subheading; an abundance of material has been provided, and the scriptures are so plain that they speak for themselves. This will provide a satisfying picture of just what the Bible has to say on the matter.

However, if time is limited or the question raised involves only one aspect of the subject, select the specific subheading that provides the information desired. This can be located either by turning to the section that contains the scriptures on the subject and then quickly glancing at the logically arranged boldface subheadings, or you can consult the Index in the back of the book. There you will find listed, not only the one hundred and twenty-three Principal Subjects, but 234 additional related subjects, with page references.

When you have talks to prepare, "Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What Is Fine" can also prove itself to be a great aid. Not only will its subheadings offer you a ready-to-use outline, but the wide selection of scriptures quoted will make it possible for you to have variety and freshness in your presentation.

Use of this book of scriptures will enable you to "make sure" that what you believe is in harmony with God's Word. It will help you to "make sure" that your decisions are in harmony with Bible principles. It will assist you to "make sure" that when you tell others about God and his purposes you are imparting accurate information. Carry it with you Use it often.

Angels

Spirit Creatures

Heb. 1:7 "He makes his angels spirits."

Luke 24:39 "A spirit does not have flesh and bones."

Matt. 18:10 "Their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Compare John 1:18.)

Classifications

Jude 9 "Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses' body."

Isa. 6:2 "Seraphs were standing above him. Each one had six wings. With two he kept his face covered, and with two he kept his feet covered, and with two he would fly about."

Gen. 3:24 "He drove the man out and posted at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubs and the flaming blade of a sword that was turning itself continually to guard the way to the tree of life."

Zech. 4:1, 6 "The angel who was speaking with me proceeded to come back and wake me up . Accordingly he answered and said to me: 'This is the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel.'"

Number in God's Heavenly Organization

Rev. 5:11 "I heard a voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the older persons, and the number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands."

Dan. 7:9,10 "I kept on beholding until there were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down... There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand

times ten thousand that kept standing right before him."

Heb. 12:22 "You have approached a Mount Zion and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and myriads of angels."

Matt. 26:53 "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels?"

Created by God Before Men, Not Disembodied Humans

Job 38:4,7 "Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? . When the morning stars joyfully cried out together, and all the sons of God ["the godlike ones," "my angels," 1950 Ed. ftn.] began shouting in applause?"

See also the main heading "Soul," pages 463-465.

Do not marry and reproduce; each a direct creation

Mark 12:25 "When they rise from the dead, neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but are as angels in the heavens."

Superior to Men

2 Pet. 2:11 "Angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, not doing so out of respect for Jehovah."

Heb. 2:6,7 "What is man that you keep him in mind, or the son of man that you take care of him? You made him a little lower than angels." (See also Ps.8:4,5.)

Properly Subject to Jehovah and Christ

Ps. 103:20 "Bless Jehovah, O you angels of his, mighty in power, carrying out his word, by listening to the voice of his word."

Angels

Ps. 148:2 "Praise him, all you his angels. Praise him, all you his army."

1 Pet. 3:22 "He [Jesus Christ] is at God's right hand, for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him."

Heb. 1:6 "When he again brings his First-born into the inhabited earth, he says: 'And let all God's angels worship him.'"

Not to Be Worshiped

Rev. 22:8,9 "Well, I John was the one hearing and seeing these things. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that had been showing me these things. But he tells me: 'Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who are prophets and of those who are observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.'" (See also Rev. 19:10.)

Col. 2:18 "Let no man deprive you of the prize who takes delight in a mock humility and a form of worship of the angels."

Appeared Visibly to Humans

Luke 1:5, 11 "In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there happened to be a certain priest named Zechariah . . . To him Jehovah's angel appeared, standing at the right side of the incense altar."

Luke 1:26-28 "The angel Gabriel was sent forth from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin promised in marriage to a man named Joseph of David's house; and the name of the virgin was Mary. And when he went in before her he said: 'Good day, highly favored one.'"

Luke 2:8,9,13 "There were also in that same country shepherds living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks. And suddenly Jehovah's angel stood by them . And suddenly there came to be with the angel a multitude of the

heavenly host, praising God."

Judg. 13:2, 3 "There happened to be a certain man of Zorah of the family of the Danites, and his name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had borne no child. In time Jehovah's angel appeared to the woman."

Last recorded appearance

Rev. 1:1 "A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place. And he sent forth his angel and presented it in signs through him to his slave John." (About 96 C.E.) (Compare Rev. 22:8, 9.)

Services Performed

Uphold Jehovah's throne, his sovereign majesty

Ps. 99:1 "Jehovah himself has become king. Let the peoples be agitated. He is sitting upon the cherubs."

Isa. 6:2, 3 "Seraphs were standing above him. . . And this one called to that one and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies. The fullness of all the earth is his glory.'"

Gen. 3:17,24 "To Adam he said: '... [you] took to eating from the tree concerning which I gave you this command, "You must not eat from it,"' . And so he drove the man out and posted at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubs and the flaming blade of a sword that was turning itself continually to guard the way to the tree of life."

See also 2 Ki.19:15; Ezek.10: 1,3-5.

Representatives of Jehovah spoke in his name

Ex. 3:1-6 "Then Jehovah's angel appeared to [Moses] in a flame of fire in the midst of a thornbush. . . When Jehovah saw that he turned aside to inspect, God at once called to him out of the midst of the thornbush and said: I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of isaac and the God of Jacob.'

Then Moses concealed his face, because he was afraid to look at the true God." (Compare Acts 7:30-35.)

Acts 7:53 "You . . . received the Law as transmitted by angels but have not kept it." (Compare Ex. 20:1-21.)

Judg. 6:12-22 "Jehovah's angel appeared to [Gideon] and said to him: 'Jehovah is with you' . . Upon that Jehovah faced him and said: 'Go in this power of yours, and you will certainly save Israel out of Midian's palm. Do I not send you?' In turn he said to him: 'Excuse me, Jehovah. With what shall I save Israel?' As for Jehovah's angel, he vanished from his sight. Consequently Gideon realized that it was Jehovah's angel."

Messengers

Gen. 22:11-17 "Jehovah's angel began calling to him out of the heavens and saying: 'Abraham, Abraham!' to which he answered: Here I am!' And he went on to say: 'Do not put out your hand against the boy' . . . "'By myself I do swear," is the utterance of Jehovah, "that by reason of the fact that you have done this thing and you have not withheld your son, your only one, I shall surely bless you.""

Acts 7:37, 38 "This is the Moses . . . that came to be among the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our forefathers, and he received living sacred pronouncements to give you."

Judg. 2:1, 2 "Jehovah's angel went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said: 'I proceeded to bring you up out of Egypt and to bring you into the land about which I swore to your forefathers. Furthermore, I said, "Never shall I break my covenant with you. And for your part, you must not conclude a covenant with the inhabitants of this land. Their altars you should pull down." But you

have not listened to my voice.' "

2 Ki.1:3 "As for the angel of Jehovah, he spoke to Elijah the Tishbite: 'Rise up, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and say to them, "Is it because there is no God at all in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?"'

Matt. 2:13 "Jehovah's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying: 'Get up, take the young child and its mother and flee into Egypt.'"

Services on behalf of God's earthly servants

Ps. 34:7 "The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them."

Acts 12:6-11 "When Herod was about to produce him, that night Peter was sleeping bound with two chains between two soldiers, and guards before the door were keeping the prison. But, look! Jehovah's angel stood by, and a light shone in the prison cell. Striking Peter on the side, he roused him, saying: 'Rise quickly!' . . . Going through the first sentinel guard and the second they got to the iron gate leading into the city, and this opened to them of its own accord. And after they went out they advanced down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter, coming to himself, said: Now I actually know that Jehovah sent his angel forth and delivered me out of Herod's hand.'"

Dan. 6:16-22 "They brought Daniel and threw him into the pit of the lions. Finally the king himself, at dawn, proceeded to get up in the daylight, and in a hurry he went right to the lions' pit. The king was speaking up and saying to Daniel: 'O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you are serving with constancy been able to rescue you from the lions?' Immediately Daniel himself spoke even with the king: 'O king, live on even to times indefinite. My Angels

own God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not brought me to ruin.'"

Heb. 1:7, 14 "With reference to the angels he says: 'And he makes his angels spirits, and his public servants a flame of fire.' Are they not all spirits for public service, sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?"

Matt. 18:10 "See to it that you men do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven."

Matt. 4:11 "The Devil left him, and, look! angels came and began to minister to him."

Luke 22:43 "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."

Rev. 7:2, 3 "I saw another angel ascending from the sunrising having a seal of the living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying: 'Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.'"

Gen. 31:11, 12 "The angel of the true God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob!' to which I said, Here I am.' And he continued, Raise your eyes, please, and see all the he-goats springing upon the flock are striped, speckled and spotty, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.'"

Gen. 48:15, 16 "He [Jacob] proceeded to bless Joseph and to say: '... the angel who has been recovering me from all calamity, bless the boys.'"

Directed and protected ancient Israel

Ex. 23:20-23 "Here I am sending an angel ahead of you to keep you on the road and to bring you into the place that I have prepared. Watch yourself because of him and obey his voice. My

angel will go ahead of you." (See also Num. 20:16.)

Ex. 14:19,20 "The angel of the true God who was going ahead of the camp of Israel departed and went to their rear, and the pillar of cloud departed from their van and stood in the rear of them. So it came in between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel."

Ex. 33:2 "I will send an angel ahead of you and drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, and the Hittites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites."

2 Ki. 6:16, 17 "He said: 'Do not be afraid, for there are more who are with us than those who are with them.' And Elisha began to pray and say: 'O Jehovah, open his eyes, please, that he may see.' Immediately Jehovah opened the attendant's eyes, so that he saw; and, look! the mountainous region was full of horses and war chariots of fire all around Elisha."

Preaching work done under angelic direction

Rev. 14:6-9 "I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, . . . And another, a second angel, followed, . . . And another angel, a third, followed them."

Matt. 24:31 "He will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity."

Matt. 25:31, 32 "When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another."

Acts 5:19-21 "During the night Jehovah's angel opened the doors of the prison, brought them [the apostles] out and said: 'Be on your way, and, having taken a stand in the temple, keep on speaking to the people all the sayings about this life.'

After hearing this, they entered into the temple at daybreak and began to teach."

Acts 8:26-35 "Jehovah's angel spoke to Philip, saying: 'Rise and go to the south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' . . . With that he rose and went, and, look! an Ethiopian eunuch . . . So the spirit said to Philip: 'Approach and join yourself to this chariot.' . . . Philip opened his mouth and, starting with this Scripture, he declared to him the good news about Jesus."

Acts 10:1-22 "In Caesarea there was a certain man named Cornelius, an army officer . . . he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him: 'Cornelius! . . . Your prayers and gifts of mercy have ascended as a remembrance before God. So now send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon who is surnamed Peter. . .' As soon as the angel that spoke to him had left, he called two of his house servants and a devout soldier . . . and dispatched them to Joppa. . . They said [to Peter]: 'Cornelius, an army officer, a man righteous and fearing God and well reported by the whole nation of the Jews, was given divine instructions by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear the things you have to say.'" (See also Acts 11:13, 14.)

Executioners of divine judgment

Matt. 13:41, 42 "The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace."

Gen. 19:1, 12, 13 "Now the two angels arrived at Sodom by evening, . . . Then the men said to Lot: '... we are bringing this place to ruin, because the outcry against them has grown loud before Jehovah, so that Jehovah sent us to bring the city to ruin.'"

Ps. 78:42, 43, 49 "They did not remember his hand, the day that he redeemed them from the adversary, how he put his signs in Egypt itself and his miracles in the field of Zoan [an Egyptian city]. He went sending upon them his burning anger, fury and denunciation and distress, deputations of angels bringing calamity."

2 Ki. 19:35 "It came about on that night that the angel of Jehovah proceeded to go out and strike down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. When people rose up early in the morning, why, there all of them were dead carcasses."

Acts 12:21-23 "On a set day Herod clothed himself with royal raiment and sat down upon the judgment seat and began giving them a public address. In turn the assembled people began shouting: 'A god's voice, and not a man's!' Instantly the angel of Jehovah struck him, because he did not give the glory to God; and he became eaten up with worms and expired."

2 Thess. 1:6-8 "It is righteous on God's part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus."

Rev. 20:1, 2 "I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years."

Angels That Sinned

Became demons, wicked spirits

1 Pet. 3:19, 20 "He [Jesus Christ] went his way and preached to the spirits in prison, who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah's days, while the ark was being constructed."

Gen. 6:1, 2, 4 "Now it came about that when men started to grow in numbers on the surface of the ground and daughters were born to them, then the sons of the true God began to notice the daughters of men, that they were good-looking; and they went taking wives for themselves, namely, all whom they chose. . . . the sons of the true God continued to have relations with the daughters of men and they bore sons to them, they were the mighty ones who were of old, the men of fame."

Eph. 6:12 "We have a fight, not against blood and flesh, but . . . against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places."

See also the heading "Devil and Demons," pages 153-160.

Destined to destruction

Jude 6 "The angels that did not keep their original position

but forsook their own proper dwelling place he has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day."

Luke 8:27,30,31 "As [Jesus Christ] got out onto land a certain man from the city who had demons met him. . . Jesus asked him: 'What is your name?' He said: 'Legion,' because many demons had entered into him. And they kept entreating him not to order them to go away into the abyss."

Matt. 25:41 "Then he will say, in turn, to those on his left, 'Be on your way from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.'"

Symbolic Use of Term

Rev. 1:20; 2:1 "As for the sacred secret of the seven stars that you saw upon my right hand, and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars mean the angels of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands mean seven congregations. To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write."

See also Acts 28:8, 9.

Through them or in their presence, gifts of spirit were transmitted to others

Acts 19:6 "When Paul laid his hands upon them, the holy spirit came upon them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying."

Acts 8:14-18 "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they dispatched Peter and John to them . . . Then they went laying their hands upon them, and they began to receive holy spirit. . . Simon saw that through the laying on of the hands of the apostles the spirit was given."

Acts 10:44-46 "While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word. And the faithful ones that had come with Peter who were of those circumcised were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations. For they heard them speaking with tongues and glorifying God."

See also the main heading "Gifts from God," pages 213, 214.

Called to Heavenly Life

Luke 22:28-30 "You are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom."

Rev. 21:2, 14 "I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven .

. . The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

See also the main heading "Heaven," pages 225, 226.

Were Guided by Jehovah's Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-4, 14, 16-18 "While the day of the festival of Pentecost was in progress they were all together at the same place, . . . and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance. . . Peter stood up with the eleven and raised his voice and made this utterance to them: '... this is what was said through the prophet Joel, "'And in the last days,' God says, 'I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams; and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit.'"'

1 Cor. 7:40 "I certainly think I also have God's spirit."

Acts 10:19 "As Peter was going over in his mind about the vision, the spirit said: 'Look! Three men are seeking you.'"

John 16:13 "When that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth."

One of the Twelve Prophesied to Be a Traitor

Ps. 41:9 "The man at peace with me, in whom I trusted, who was eating my bread, has magnified his heel against me."

the ones I have chosen. But it is in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, "He that used to feed on my bread has lifted up his heel against me."'

John 13:10, 11, 18 "And you men are clean, but not all.' He knew, indeed, the man betraying him. This is why he said: 'Not all of you are clean.' I am not talking about all of you; I know

Selection of Twelfth Apostle to Replace Judas

Peter felt the congregation had responsibility to see that vacant position was filled

Acts 1:23-26 "They put up two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said: 'You, O Jehovah, who know the hearts of all, designate which one of these two men you have chosen, to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas deviated to go to his own place.' So they cast lots over them, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was reckoned along with the eleven apostles." (See vs. 15.)

Saul of Tarsus (Paul) Chosen by Jesus Christ to Be an Apostle

Gal. 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, neither from men nor through a man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father."

Acts 9:15 "This man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel."

Acts 26:16 "I have made myself visible to you, in order to choose you as an attendant and a witness both of things you have seen and things I shall make you see respecting me."

1 Cor. 15:7-10 "He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; but last of all he appeared also to me as if to one born prematurely. For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God. But by God's undeserved kindness I am what I am."

Rom. 11:13 "I speak to you who are people of the nations. Forasmuch as I am, in reality, an apostle to the nations."

Apostolic Succession

Apostles and Other Mature Christians Constituted Governing Body in First Century

Acts 6:2,3 "The twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said: 'It is not pleasing for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables. So, brothers, search out for yourselves seven certified men from among you, full of spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them over this necessary business.'"

Acts 15:22, 23 "Then the apostles and the older men together with the whole congregation favored sending chosen men from among them to Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was called Barsabbas and Silas, leading men among the brothers; and by their hand they wrote: 'The apostles and the older brothers to those brothers in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.'" (See also Gal. 1:19.)

"Superfine Apostles" Considered Themselves Superior to Paul 2 Cor.11:5,13 "I consider that

I have not in a single thing proved inferior to your superfine apostles. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ."

Term Used in General Way to Refer to Ones Sent Forth

Acts 14:4, 14 "The multitude of the city was split, and some were for the Jews but others for the apostles. However, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they ripped their outer garments and leaped out into the crowd."

Rom. 16:7 "Greet Andronicus and Junias my relatives and my fellow captives, who are men of note among the apostles and who have been in union with Christ longer than I have."

Phil. 2:25 "I consider it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your envoy ["apostle," 1950 Ed. ftn.]."

Apostolic Succession

Christ Himself, Not Peter, the Foundation Cornerstone on Which the Spiritual House of God Is Built

Eph. 2:20, 21 "You have been built up upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone. In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together, is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah."

1 Pet. 2:4-6 "Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected, it is true, by men, but chosen, precious, with God . For it is contained in Scripture: 'Look! I am laying in Zion a stone,

chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment.'" (See also Isa. 28:16.)

Matthew 16:18 harmonious with this

Matt. 16:13-20 "Jesus went asking his disciples: 'Who are men saying the Son of man is?' They said: 'Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them: 'You, though, who do you say I am?' In answer Simon Peter said: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' In response Jesus said to him: 'Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but my Father who is in the heavens did.

Also, I say to you, You are Peter [petros, meaning a piece of rock, a stone], and on this rockmass [petra, meaning a mass of rock or a cliff] I will build my congregation, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will be the thing bound in the heavens, and whatever you may loose on earth will be the thing loosed in the heavens.' Then he sternly charged the disciples not to say to anybody that he was the Christ."

1 Pet. 2:4-8 "Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected, it is true, by men, but chosen, precious, with God, you yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it is contained in Scripture: 'Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment.' It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, 'the identical stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner,' and 'a stone of stumbling and a rockmass of offense.'"

Acts 4:8-11 "Then Peter, filled with holy spirit, said to them: Rulers of the people and older men, . . . let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you impaled but whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does this man stand here sound in front of you. This is "the stone

that was treated by you builders as of no account that has become the head of the corner."''

Christ is alive, head of his congregation, needs no priestly successors

Heb. 7:23-25 "Furthermore, many had to become priests in succession because of being prevented by death from continuing as such, but he because of continuing alive forever has his priesthood without any successors. Consequently he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them."

Rom. 6:9 "We know that Christ, now that he has been raised up from the dead, dies no more; death is master over him no more."

Eph. 5:23 "A husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation."

Eph. 1:22, 23 "He also subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills up all things in all."

See also "Congregation of God," pages 113-116.

Scriptures Leave No Allowance for Successors to Faithful Apostles

Mark 3:14 "He formed a group of twelve, whom he also named 'apostles,' that they might continue with him and that he might send them out to preach."

Matt. 19:28 "Truly I say to you, In the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Rev. 21:14 "The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

Gates of Hell (Hades) Do Not Prevail Against the Christian Congregation, Preventing the Resurrection of Its Members

Rev. 20:6 "Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years."

1 Cor. 15:54, 55 "When this which is corruptible puts on incorruption and this which is mortal puts on immortality, then the saying will take place that is written: 'Death is swallowed up forever.' 'Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?' "

1 Thess. 4:16 "The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel's voice and with God's trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first."

Christ, not Peter, holds keys of death and Hades, so that he can free people from grip of death

Rev. 1:18 "I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades." (See also vs. 1.)

John 11:25 "Jesus said to her: 'I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.'"

John 6:40 "This is the will of my Father, that everyone that beholds the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him at the last day."

Keys of Kingdom

Matt. 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will be the thing bound in the heavens, and whatever you may loose on earth will be the thing loosed in the heavens."

Matt. 23:13 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in."

Luke 11:52 "Woe to you who are versed in the Law, because you took away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not go in, and those going in you hindered!"

Peter used keys to open up knowledge regarding God's provision of salvation through Christ for Jews and Gentiles, so affording opportunity to enter heavenly kingdom

Acts 2:14, 22-24, 36, 38, 39 "Peter stood up with the eleven and raised his voice and made this utterance to them: '... Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man publicly shown by God to you through powerful works and portents and signs that God did through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know, this man, as one delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you fastened to a stake by the hand of lawless men and did away with. But God resurrected him by loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to continue to be held fast by it. Therefore let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled.' Peter said to them: 'Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all those afar off, just as many as Jehovah our God may call to him."

Acts 10:24,34-36,42,43 "On the day after that he entered into Caesarea. Cornelius, of course, was expecting them and had called together his relatives and intimate friends.

At this Peter opened his mouth and said: 'For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. He sent out the word to the sons of Israel to declare to them the good news of peace through Jesus Christ: this One is Lord of all others. . . he ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness that this is the One decreed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone putting faith in him gets forgiveness of sins through his name.'"

Acts 11:4, 17 "At this Peter commenced and went on to explain the particulars to them, saying: 'If, therefore, God gave the same free gift to them as he also did to us who have believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I should be able to hinder God?' "

Rom. 1:16 "I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God's power for salvation to everyone having faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Acts 15:7 "Peter rose and said to them: 'Brothers, you well know that from early days God made the choice among you that through my mouth people of the nations should hear the word of the good news and believe.'"

Eph. 3:5, 6 "In other generations this secret was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by spirit, namely, that people of the nations should be joint heirs and fellow members of the body and partakers with us of the promise in union with Christ Jesus through the good news."

God and Christ, not Peter, judge who is worthy to enter kingdom

2 Tim. 4:1 "I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is destined to judge the living and the dead, and by his manifestation and his kingdom."

Acts 10:34, 36, 42 "At this Peter opened his mouth and said: He sent out the word to the sons of Israel to declare to them the good news of peace through Jesus Christ: this One is Lord of all others. Also, he ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness that this is the One decreed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.'"

2 Tim. 4:8 "From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation."

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Make Sure of All Things—Hold Fast to What Is Fine (1965)