• A “Slave” Who Is Both Faithful and Discreet
    The Watchtower—2004 | March 1

    • 15. What was one of the main sources of spiritual food in the first century, and who took the lead in providing it?

      15 The fundamental spiritual food given in the first century proceeded directly from the pens of the apostles and other disciples who were taking the lead. The letters they wrote​—especially those found among the 27 inspired books that make up the Christian Greek Scriptures—​were circulated among the congregations and without doubt provided the basis for teaching by the local elders. In this way, representatives of the slave faithfully distributed rich spiritual food to sincere Christians. The first-century slave class proved faithful to its commission.

  • A “Slave” Who Is Both Faithful and Discreet
    The Watchtower—2004 | March 1

    • The “Slave” 19 Centuries Later

      16, 17. How did the slave class prove itself faithful in carrying out its assignment in the years up to 1914?

      16 What about today? When Jesus’ presence began in 1914, did he find a group of anointed Christians who were faithfully dispensing food at the proper time? He certainly did. This group could be clearly identified because of the fine fruitage that it was producing. (Matthew 7:20) History since then has proved this identification to be correct.

      17 At the time of Jesus’ arrival, some 5,000 domestics were busy spreading Bible truth. The workers were few, but the slave used a number of ingenious methods to spread the good news. (Matthew 9:38) For example, arrangements were made for sermons on Bible topics to be published in up to 2,000 newspapers. In this way, the truth of God’s Word reached tens of thousands of readers at once. In addition, an eight-hour program combining color slides and motion pictures was prepared. Thanks to this innovative presentation, the Bible’s message, from the beginning of Creation to the end of the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, was conveyed to audiences totaling over nine million on three continents. Printed literature was another avenue that was used. In 1914, for example, some 50,000 copies of this journal were published.

      18. When did Jesus appoint the slave over all his belongings, and why?

      18 Yes, when the Master arrived, he found his faithful slave conscientiously feeding the domestics as well as preaching the good news.