“[Jesus] said to them: ‘…You will be witnesses of me…
to the most distant part of the earth.’” – Acts 1:7, 8
This is the second of a two-part study intended apparently to reinforce our belief in the alleged divine origin of our name, “Jehovah’s Witnesses”.
In paragraph 6, we get down to the topic of the article by addressing the question, “Why did Jesus say: “You will be witnesses of me,” not of Jehovah?” The reason given is that he was speaking to Israelites who already were witnesses of Jehovah. It is true that in one place—and one place only—Jehovah refers to the Israelites as his witnesses. This happened 700 years before Jesus’ arrival when Jehovah presented a metaphorical court scenario with the Israelites presenting evidence on his behalf before all the gentile powers. However—and this is crucial to our argument—the Israelites never referred to themselves nor did other nations ever refer to them as “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. This was never a name given to them. It was a role in a metaphorical drama. There is no evidence that they considered themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses, or that the averaged Israelite believed he was still playing the role of witness in some global drama.
So to state that the Jewish followers of Jesus were already aware that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses is stretching credulity. However, even if we accept this as fact, the millions of Gentile Christians that would begin to enter the congregation just a short 3 ½ years later would not know they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. So if that were indeed the role which the vast, vast majority of Christians were to play, then why would Jehovah not inform them of it? Why would he mislead them be putting a different role upon them as we can see from the inspired direction written to the Christian congregation listed below?
(Thanks go out to Katrina for compiling this list for us.)
- “...before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations.” (Mt 10:18)
- “...be put on the stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them.” (Mark 13:9)
- “...you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Ju·de′a and Sa·mar′i·a...” (Acts 1:8)
- “John bore witness about him, [Jesus]” (John 1:15)
- “And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me...” (John 5:37)
- “...and the Father who sent me bears witness about me." (John 8:18)
- “...the spirit of the truth, which comes from the Father, that one will bear witness about me; and you, in turn, are to bear witness...” (John 15:26, 27)
- “So that this does not spread any further among the people, let us threaten them and tell them not to speak to anyone anymore on the basis of this name." With that they called them and ordered them not to say anything at all or to teach on the basis of the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:17, 18)
- “And we are witnesses of all the things he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem;” (Acts 10:39)
- “To him all the prophets bear witness...” (Acts 10:43)
- “These are now his witnesses to the people.” (Acts 13:31)
- “...you are to be a witness for him to all men of the things you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:15)
- “...and when the blood of Stephen your witness was being spilled...” (Acts 22:20)
- “For just as you have been giving a thorough witness about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome…” (Acts 23:11)
- “...a witness both of things you have seen and things I will make you see respecting me.” (Acts 26:16)
- “...all those everywhere who are calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- “...just as the witness about the Christ has been made firm among you,…” (1 Corinthians 1:6)
- “...who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—this is what is to be witnessed to in its own due time.” (1 Timothy 2:6)
- “So do not become ashamed either of the witness about our Lord or of me...” (2 Timothy 1:8)
- “If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but let him keep on glorifying God while bearing this name.” (1 Peter 4:14,16)
- “Because this is the witness God gives, the witness that he has given about his Son....has not put his faith in the witness given by God concerning his Son.” (1 John 5:9,10)
- “...for speaking about God and bearing witness concerning Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9)
- “...you kept my word and did not prove false to my name.” (Revelation 3:8)
- “...and have the work of bearing witness concerning Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17)
- “...and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus…” (Revelation 17:6)
- “...who have the work of witnessing concerning Jesus...” (Revelation 19:10)
- “Yes, I saw the souls of those executed for the witness they gave about Jesus...” (Revelation 20:4)
That’s twenty seven—count ‘em, 27—scriptures telling us to bear witness about Jesus and/or to call on or honor his name. Let us not think this in an exhaustive list either. Just this morning while going my daily Bible reading, I came across this:
“. . .But these have been written down so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and because of believing, you may have life by means of his name.” (Joh 20:31)
If we get life by means of the name of Jesus, then we must bear witness about him so that others also can get life by means of his name. It is not by Jehovah’s name that we get life, but by Christ’s. That is Jehovah’s arrangement.
Yet, we give mere lip service to Jesus’ name in rare articles like this one, all the while emphasizing Jehovah’s name to the virtual exclusion of Christ’s. This is not in line with Jehovah’s purpose nor is it the message of the Good News about the Christ.
To justify our name, Jehovah’s Witnesses, we have to skip right over the Scriptures written specifically to us—the Christian Greek Scriptures—and go to the Scriptures written for the Jews, and even then we can only find one verse which requires some misdirection to make it work for our purposes. One verse in the Hebrew Scriptures verses twenty eight and counting in the Christian Scriptures. So why, exactly, don’t we call ourselves Jesus’ Witnesses?
I’m not suggesting we do. The name given us by God is “Christians” and it will do quite nicely, thank you very much. However, if we are going to presume to name ourselves, then why not go with a name that has far more scriptural justification behind it than “Jehovah’s Witnesses” does? That is the question one would have hoped to have answered in a study with this title, but after making only cursory mention of it in paragraph 5, and giving an answer a lawyer would object to as “nonresponsive”, the question is never raised again.
Instead, the article reiterates our recent bolster of 1914 and related teachings. Paragraph 10 says that “anointed Christians pointed in advance to October 1914 as a significant date….Ever since that marked year of 1914, “the sign of [Christ’s] presence” as earth’s new King has become clear for all to see.” How carefully worded these statements are. They perpetuate a wrong understanding without actually lying overtly. This is not how a Christian instructor demonstrates the love of the Christ for his students. Knowingly allowing someone to continue believing a falsehood by carefully working your statements to avoid revealing the whole truth is reprehensible.
That facts are: The Bible Students believed 1874 was the start of Christ’s presence and didn’t abandon that belief until the late 1920s. They believed 1914 was marked as the start of the great tribulation, a belief not abandoned until 1969. However, the rank and file studying this article next weekend will undoubtedly believe that for decades prior to 1914 we “knew” that it marked the impending start of Christ’s presence.
Paragraph 11 states categorically that Jesus “began to deliver his anointed followers from captivity to “Babylon the Great.” Again, carefully worded. Based on recent articles, most will believe that in 1919 Jesus chose us because we alone were free from Babylon, i.e., false religion. Yet, we held on to many Babylonish customs (Christmas, birthdays, the cross) well into the 20s and 30s.
The paragraph then states: “The postwar year of 1919 opened up the possibility for a worldwide witness about...the good news of the established Kingdom.” Paragraph 12 adds to this thought by saying that “from the mid-1930’s onward, it became evident that Christ had started to gather millions of his “other sheep,” who make up a multinational “Great Crowd”” who are “privileged to survive “the great tribulation”.
Jesus’ good news was of the kingdom, but the kingdom to come, not the established kingdom. (Mt 6:9) It hasn’t been established yet. The other sheep refer to gentiles, not some secondary salvation classification. The Bible doesn’t speak of a great crowd of other sheep. Therefore, we have changed the good news. (Gal. 1:8)
The rest of the article talks about the preaching work carried out as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In Summary
What an excellent opportunity we have missed! We could have spent the article explaining what it really means to be a witness of Jesus?
- How does one bear witness concerning Jesus? (Re 1:9)
- How can we prove false to Jesus’ name? (Re 3:8)
- How are we reproached for the name of Christ? (1 Pe 4:14)
- How can we imitate God by bearing witness about Jesus? (John 8:18)
- Why are Jesus’ witnesses persecuted and killed? (Re 17:6; 20:4)
Instead, we again ring the same old bell proclaiming the false teachings that distinguish us from all the other Christian denominations out there so as to build faith, not in our Lord, but in our Organization.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Mailman on 2014-09-22 11:48:52
Last Saturday, I asked my wife and kids to watch Youtube videos about Jesus of Nazareth. I thought they were good materials for family study/worship. As we take our supper last night, our teenage daughter asked: "Papa, did we have a drama in our assemblies which dealt with Jesus?" I was honestly surprised by her question. I told her to ask her mama if she remembered one. My wife could not remember anything either. What we can vividly recall were dramas with stories of characters taken from the Hebrew scriptures then followed by acts with modern application.
For more than 20 years since we got baptized, the Society could have staged dramas in District Assemblies to really honor the Christ in front of the brothers and at least show endearing Christian experiences as found in the Greek scriptures. But the Governing Body elected to skip the life of Christ in our live dramas. This is sad considering what John 5:23 says:
John 5: 23 (English Standard Version)
"that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him."
If we are witnesses of the Father in some respects, then we have also to prove - not only in printing one WT article - that we are worthy to be called Jesus' Witnesses. Occasional reference to Jesus in our publications just to prove a point (e.g. 1914, Jesus as perfect example of obedience and preaching work) is downplaying that honor that he rightfully deserves.
We should happily praise the Master, honor him as the one given full authority by the Father (Matthew 28: 18) - and NOT just use him just to explain or justify a doctrinal point or adjustment in understanding by the Governing Body. We should NOT use Jesus name in our publications just to prove that we also believe in him.
Comment by menrov on 2014-09-22 11:59:40
I agree with Mailman and with the article by Meleti. WHen I read the titlete first time, i wondered what explanation they would give to support not using the name Jesus Witnesses. In the whole article I could not find one argument to would make me say: "well, I do not agree but that argument makes some sense.". Nothing. I did notice this in par. 6:
Thus, from his Father’s right hand in heaven, Jesus began to see his name take on greater meaning as thousands repented and put faith in him as Jehovah’s means of salvation
WHat does this sentence mean: Jesus began to see his name take on greater meaning....etc.... If this refers to the fact the name Christians began to become their official name, I can agree. But I do not think they meant that....
May be someone on the forum can explain ???Reply by bobcat3 on 2014-09-22 13:52:58
Thus, from his Father’s right hand in heaven, Jesus began to see his name take on greater meaning as thousands repented and put faith in him as Jehovah’s means of salvation
How does that statement coincide with this one?:
(Philippians 2:9-11) . . .For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every [other] name, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, 11 and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Just going by Philippians, I would think Jesus' post resurrection 'name' had the utmost meaning regardless of whether anyone repented.Reply by smolderingwick1 on 2014-09-22 16:56:01
Hi bobcat3,
Next to Romans 14:11, the most obvious scripture tied to Philippians 2:9-11 is Isaiah 45:23:
“To me every knee will bend, Every tongue will swear loyalty”
Why would Paul apply Isaiah’s words to Romans 14:11 and not to Philippians 2:9-11? And why does the NWT not even make a cross-reference from Philippians to Isaiah? I can only guess that it makes Jesus and Jehovah seem synonymous, endangering our stance against Trinitarianism. And yet doesn’t Jesus’ name mean “Jehovah is salvation?” Didn’t Jesus himself say in John 14:9, “He that has seen me has seen the Father?” We know that Trinitarians have overstated Jesus’ authority and character. Unfortunately, we are just as guilty for understating it. Either way, the devil wins.
sw
Reply by anderestimme on 2014-09-23 13:48:08
"Jesus began to see" sounds so passive, as if he were a spectator up there saying, "Wow! My name is trending!" Wasn't he directing things? Wouldn't the name "Christian" have been a manifestation of his providence? He wasn't seeing it happen, he was making it happen.
Maybe they didn't mean it that way, but it sure is an odd way to refer to Jesus' dynamic direction of the early Christian congregation.
Comment by Mailman on 2014-09-22 12:13:04
HI Menrov, good evening. I could not understand the point of that paragraph either. Jesus knew already what his name means, his main role (John 14:6), and his purpose for becoming flesh. He knew everything for the Father is in constant communication with him. Gaining full authority from God after his resurrection is self explanatory. I do not know why he should see his name take on a greater meaning. This is adding implicitly to the inspired scriptures.
Comment by Peter on 2014-09-22 13:26:48
I think it has to more with the understanding of the heavenly class and earthly class. That attention is given more on the Hebrew Scriptures.. Since they teach the earthly aspect of the kingdom as they call it. Even though the Hebrew Scriptures the writings of the prophets all directed to the coming of the Messiah..while drawing too much attention on the Greek scriptures the life of Jesus they may feel it would be more adequate to those who are of the anonited class just like they teach that we are not part of the New Covenant or that Jesus is not our mediator...although I do remember one time we did study the book the greatest man which gave attention on the life of Jesus...but now it seems more attention is given to the father than the son.
Comment by brendaevans32 on 2014-09-22 15:09:10
Hello everyone
I have argued to myself support for the naming of an organisation being called 'Jehovah's Witnesses' - now one thing I have got used to, which is so exemplified in these forums, is authority. By this, I mean a source that says that eg black is black and what have you.
So, it doesn't come as a surprise that recently, like I said, I have argued to myself the same point in the preceding article, and one which I have raised during Bible studies - the question, by what right or rather where is the authority to name oneself such a name. The answer - it is in the Bible in Isaiah 43. But my argument persists - given the vast amount of times the Bible records conversations and instruction that Jehovah kindly gives and shares, something as momentous as this, and the FDS, and the 7 Shepherds and 8 Dukes - something like this, Jehovah is very capable of having a full conversation with a person here.
Could it be said that modern technology precludes Jehovah from speaking with us or giving instruction? Are you kidding?
So getting to the immediate study. As I followed it through, all I could think was where is the support to say about being Jesus Witnesses? I love reading the accounts of the men surrounding Jesus throughout His life and resurrection, for me, these people are witnesses in the true sense that this study opens with (namely someone who sees and witnesses something they can report on) - but the bigger picture is so much in harmony with how Jehovah feels about Jesus. He tells us that here is His begotten Son, whom He loves and who pleases Him. Jehovah identifies Jesus as His Son to us. And rightly, we cannot even consider to think of leaving Jesus out. All laud and honour rightly go to Jehovah, but we equally respect, love, follow and appreciate Jesus.
Thinking along these lines, when you consider the message being taken to the doorsteps of the world by folk, this is a continuation of the work that Jehovah gave Jesus to do. How can it be reconciled that the message of the Good News of the Kingdom (which, as Jesus tells us, has drawn near, and we know it) and yet hardly attention is given to the man who spearheaded the campaign about 2000 years ago?
I know that those in the congregation of this organisation, and equally others, accept Jesus. And it is perfect to appreciate Jehovah thoroughly. But, when you think about Jesus when He said, that no-one can come to the Father except through Him, and when you pray, you do so in the wonderful Name of Jesus - then, more recognition should be given in our hearts, in our speech and in our ways.
Nowadays, when I start a study, I have a nose at the opening Scripture and try to put my own thoughts in as it immediately strikes me. What I got from Acts1:7,8 was strength. And please could I just share my thought with you guys - - -
"It is more than enough to simply do as Jesus asks us, as it was for the disciples when He said these words. The power they would receive from the Holy Spirit when it came to them would be phenomenal and more than adequate to see them along their way. We can have the same feeling of completeness now when we just simply love Jehovah, love Jesus and love one another – this love goes beyond everything and equips us beautifully to deal with so much."
Sorry to have rattled on guys, and sorry Meleti for going over the preceding artlcle. Sorry guys.
With love from England.
Comment by on 2014-09-22 15:24:37
Nothing is going to make sense to most of the friends as long as they hold on to the teachings of Judge Rutherford. I got rightously indignant during last weeks WT Study after reading, (in two places), that Jehovah's Witnesses was our "Gog-given name." Really? So Ruthetrford, (unspired), overruled the inspired word of Christ recorded in Acts 11:26? No one raised any flags to question this. Yet, why shouldn't we believe it? After all, most of us are gullible enough to believe Rutherford was appointed FDS from 1919 to 1942.
Comment by on 2014-09-22 16:50:08
When Jesus sees Nathanael, according to John 1:47, he doesn't say, “See, truly a Jehovah's Witness in whom there is no deceit”, but, "See, truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
Comment by kev c on 2014-09-22 19:16:09
Why did jesus say you will be witnesses of me not jehovah .answer because they were already jehovahs witnesses . Im not being funny but what a lame answer they will have to do better than that. I was intrigued by that question i expected a good scriptural reason .kev
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-09-22 20:13:56
And I'm sure they would have given a good scriptural reason if there were one. :)
Comment by Aurelius on 2014-09-28 04:24:21
Paragraph 14 makes mention of 1 Peter 4:14 where the Christians were being reproach for the name of Christ. For this to be the case is it fair to conclude that the Christians must of been bearing witness to Christ !
1 Peter 4:14 - "If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you."
Comment by Chris on 2014-09-28 15:14:09
I asked my elders if teh were Jehovah's Witnesses because they are Israelites. I asked well I'm not an Israelites so am I not a JW? We reasoned it out together. That we are JWs because it all leads to Jehovah. Hey do you want the ET reprint that shows this. Here's the link. Go to page 306. The whole article is why Rutherford chose that name. Plus this site goes from 1879-1949. EXACT REPRINTS. Not retypes
http://wtarchive.svhelden.info/archive/en/Watchtower/w1931_E.pdf
Comment by WT Study: “Now You Are God’s People” | Beroean Pickets on 2015-01-24 17:19:16
[…] Scriptural proof of this from the Christian Scriptures? Because there is none. However, there is ample proof that the early Christians were commissioned by Jehovah to be witnesses of his Son. Emphasizing […]
Comment by 2016, Nov. 28-Dec. 4 – Our Christian Life and Ministry Review | Beroean Pickets - JW.org Reviewer on 2016-11-30 10:34:36
[…] However, Rutherford needed to find a way to justify the new name. This was still a religious organization based on the Bible. He could have gone to the Christian Greek Scriptures since he was looking for a name to describe Christians. For example, there is ample support in Scripture for the idea that Christians are to bear witness to Jesus. (Here are just a few: Acts 1:8; 10:43; 22:15; 1Co 1:2. For a longer list, see this article.) […]