Unity of Action

4. (a) What controversy arose in the first-century congregation? (b) According to Acts 15:1-6, what theocratic action was initiated?

⁴ Unity of action in Jehovah’s organization is illustrated for us at Acts chapter 15. Picture in your mind’s eye a gathering of mature witnesses of Jehovah​—the 11 apostles, other older men of the Jerusalem congregation and Paul and Barnabas, elders from the Antioch congregation. In Antioch, and also in Jerusalem, some converts from among the Jews have been insisting that people of the nations must be circumcised and must observe the Law of Moses in order to be saved. So the apostles and the older men have “gathered together to see about this affair.”​—Acts 15:1-6.

5-7. (a) In what sense was there “much disputing”? (b) What testimony was presented? (c) How were the Scriptures brought to bear on the matter? (d) What mature determination did James make, leading to what final decision? (e) What kind of action followed?

⁵ There is open-minded discussion of the problem, with those devoted men airing all the pros and cons. They do not have their minds made up ahead of time. They are willing to examine the matter from all angles. There is “much disputing,” but obviously they maintain good order and listen respectfully to one another’s views. The apostle Peter bears witness to the fact that God has given holy spirit to uncircumcised people of the nations​—surely powerful testimony that physical circumcision is no longer a requirement for those being saved. Barnabas and Paul add to this testimony, describing the many wonderful things that God has accomplished through their ministry to the nations.​—Acts 15:7-12.

⁶ Next, James quotes the Scriptures in support of the argument that has just been presented. He explains that Amos 9:11, 12 points forward to the restoration of divine favor under the Greater David, Jesus Christ, and to Jehovah’s extending undeserved kindness to “all the nations upon whom [his] name has been called.” James sees no need to trouble converts from the nations by insisting that they be circumcised and observe all the rules embodied in the Law of Moses. However, a few things are necessary: They must abstain from idolatry, from partaking of blood in any form and from sexual immorality.​—Acts 15:13-21.

⁷ The governing body in Jerusalem comes to a unanimous decision. It dispatches messengers to the Antioch congregation with a letter that concludes with the encouragement: “If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!”​—Acts 15:22-29.

Theocratic Procedure

8. (a) How is the modern-day Governing Body guided in making decisions? (b) What are some matters that have been clarified recently?

⁸ In modern times, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, representing the Master’s “faithful and discreet slave” on earth, follows the same apostolic pattern. (Matthew 24:45-47) Thus, Christian experience, guidance from the Bible, and the leadings of Jehovah’s spirit direct this group of anointed Witnesses to theocratic conclusions on matters of great concern to the congregation. For example, in recent years the Governing Body has followed the Scriptural procedure in clarifying such matters as the Bible’s view of “ministers,” the God-given conscience, the carrying of lethal weapons, and the extent to which features of Isaiah’s prophecy apply to the future Paradise on earth.​—Compare John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:10.

9. What procedure must elders follow in handling problems today?

⁹ The procedure of Acts chapter 15 must be followed also by congregation elders in handling problems today. First, let the problem and related facts be plainly stated. Next, let reliable witnesses give clear, factual evidence bearing on the matter. Search the Scriptures to get Jehovah’s viewpoint, making use also of help that may be available in the Watch Tower Society’s publications. Prayerfully work toward reaching a unanimous solution, in harmony with the teaching of Jehovah’s Word, that will benefit the congregation.​—Isaiah 48:17; 1 Corinthians 14:33.

15. (a) In our public ministry, what can we now do in line with Isaiah 52:8, 9? (b) What is made possible for early 1985, and for the future?

¹⁵ Consider, too, our public ministry with the magazines. In this additional way, Kingdom publishers around the globe can now “cry out joyfully in unison” as they present identical information to the world public at the same time. (Isaiah 52:8, 9) In doing magazine street witnessing in multilanguage territories, publishers can display magazines with the same cover theme in two or more languages. Think of it! During the early part of 1985, Kingdom publishers all over the earth will be giving a rousing, united testimony concerning Armageddon! In due time, Jehovah may direct his people to make other powerful, unified declarations worldwide as they serve “side by side for the faith of the good news.” (Philippians 1:27) The simultaneous publication of The Watchtower in many languages will make possible such pronouncements.​—Compare Daniel 11:44.