Category Archives: Uncategorized
TOBACCO (AND DRUGS)
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ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
EMPLOYMENT
A billion smokers are hooked on nicotine. Few will acknowledge it. ‘I can quit any time I want to,’ are the cheap words used as a psychological salve. Once hooked, it is traumatic to get unhooked. Millions try, many succeed, even more fail. Last December, in a study on tobacco and health, the U.S. surgeon general reported on a 1980 study that found that 60 percent of U.S. smokers made a determined effort to stop smoking. More than 80 percent of them, however, relapsed within a year.
Quitting is no picnic, but it is worth the struggle. So do it. Do it for yourself, for your self-esteem, for your health, for your children’s health. Do it also for the comfort and health of those around you. This latter reason is important if you consider yourself a Christian. You are to love your neighbor. It is hardly loving to pollute his air with your poisonous smoke. (Matthew 7:12; 22:39) That is why users of tobacco who become Jehovah’s Witnesses quit the habit, and Witnesses who once sold tobacco products no longer dispense them.—g86 7/22 12-16; g85 7/8 12-14; w73 6/1 336-43; w73 3/15 176-81;
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WEDDINGS
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If you envision a joyous Christian wedding in your own future, there are matters that deserve your consideration. But all of us who may be guests or participants at Christian weddings also can benefit from considering Bible counsel on this subject.
General information about Chris-tian weddings and vows can be found in the following publications: w00 5/1 19-22; w97 4/15 23-6; w84 4/15 10-15; w74 5/1 274-7; w69 1/15 57-61; April 15, 1984, Watch-tower, page 14, and the May 1, 1974, Watchtower, page 275; g00 1/8 26-7; w72 1/15 63; g00 1/8 26-7; w72 1/15
Reception and Wedding Feasts: 1 Cor. 10:31; w00 5/1 19-22; w97 4/15 24-5; w84 4/15 16-22; w69 5/1 283-6.
Marriage Ceremony and Discourse: w97 4/15 23-6; w84 4/15 10-15; w77 3/15 172-85; g74 5/22 3-6; w97 4/15 24; w84 4/15 13-14; w84 4/15 13-14; km12/81 4; km5/76 8; w82 3/15 31; km12/81 4.
—Phil. 4:5; w84 4/15 11-1.
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—Gal. 6:1; w81 9/1 22-4; w77 11/15 688-92; Titus 1:13; w95 1/1 27-31; w77 11/15 693-8; 1 Cor. 5:11, 13; Ti-tus 1:13; w92 7/1 14-19; w77 11/15 693-8; w76 12/1 721-35; Rom. 2:21-24; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9-11; 2 Cor. 7:11; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Tim. 1:9, 10; w01 10/1 13-18; w88 11/15 19-20
Alcoholic Beverages
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The Bible’s Viewpoint
Does God Condemn the Use of Alcohol?
Mature christian elders and others in the congregation may also help abuser or members of his family to cope.—fy 142-6; g92 8/8 15-17; g92 5/22 3-12; g82 12/8 16-23.
DONATE BUTTON
Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper
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STUDY ARTICLE 46
Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper
“I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”—HEB. 13:5.
SONG 55 Fear Them Not!
PREVIEW*
1. What will comfort us when we feel alone or overwhelmed by our problems? (Psalm 118:5-7)
Well, what will really console us is the promise that Jehovah makes us in his word where he tells us I will never leave you and I will never abandon you, and in the psalm it says that whatever our circumstance he will take us to a safe place.
And if we feel that way, we can also think that other prophets of the past also felt like that as Elijah in the first of kings 19:14 said and I am the only one left who felt very lonely and thought that they were going to take his life, but Jehovah encouraged him and that\’s what he does to us too.
And surely for that same reason around the year 61 Paul also quoted these words from the Psalm to write a letter and thus encourage others to also continue to trust in Jehovah.
2. What will we consider in this article, and why?
We will analyze 3 different ways in which Jehovah helped the apostle Paul, through his son Jesus and his angels, people of certain authority and brothers in faith, with this review of the apostle\’s experiences we can strengthen our confidence in Jehovah\’s promises .
And reviewing in detail how Jehovah helped Paul with a real example will strengthen our faith, because now we may be going through very similar situations and that will be that our faith in Jehovah in his promise becomes stronger.
HELP FROM JESUS AND THE ANGELS
3. What may Paul have wondered, and why?
Paul faced very difficult situations as mentioned in the paragraph a crowd dragged him out of the temple and tried to kill him and the next day his enemies were about to tear him to pieces, so surely he wondered how much longer he could endure that situation.
4. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of Jesus?
Yes, as we see quoted in the paragraph in Acts 23:11, Jesus himself appeared next to Paul and after having suffered such hostile treatment that he just received in Jerusalem, Jesus told him that he would have to continue giving testimony in Rome, basically He was confirming that he was not alone that he had the approval of Jehovah and that he would arrive in Rome safely and it was also Jesus himself who appeared at his side, so he knew that both Jehovah and Jesus had a very deep love for him.
Perhaps here we are faced with the perfect outline when it comes to encouraging anyone, we can think of the good feelings that Pablo would eventually display, the fact of reminding him of his previous good activity and letting a glimpse of the activity that he had for the future. a positive effect on Pablo.
This paragraph catches my attention when it says that they were the right words, because the context of facts 23 says that the next day 40 Jews formed a conspiracy and committed themselves with the curse of not drinking and eating until they killed Paul, so these terrorists They had been directly involved, so if Paul found out about this evidently the words of Jesus gave him great encouragement to be courageous and trust in Jehovah.
I am also very struck by the sensitivity of Jesus when talking to him, because he could have said how you have borne witness to me because you will have to give testimony in Rome, but Jesus said you have given a complete testimony and how nice it was to congratulate him on him. good job he was doing and this encouraged Pablo a lot.
5. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of an angel? (See cover picture.)
He reaffirmed the promise that he had received earlier through Jesus that he would have to reach Rome, it is true that the situation was quite distressing because as the biblical story says, he had not seen the sun and stars being beaten for many days, even for a long time without Eating the situation was not easy at all, but having received this confirmation had been a great consolation for Pablo.
And from there a lesson is also derived that sometimes we humans need to be repeated words of encouragement or also to make sure, and Jehovah understood it that is why he sent an angel again to repeat the same thing that he had already said before.
ILLUSTRATION
Yes, for example we can see the contrast between the reaction of Paul and the others who were on the boat, it is true that Paul would be surprised to see this Angel but he was calm since Jesus and this Angel promised him that he would arrive safely at his destination .
And we also perceive a bit of chaos in the image, the storm produces that even some thought they were going to die, but you found that darkness we see the illumination that Pablo has on his face receiving the encouragement and praise of this Angel, who later He was also able to transmit to those who traveled with him on the boat and also benefited from that encouragement, that teaches us that receiving encouragement helps us to also give encouragement.
6. What promise of Jesus can strengthen us, and why?
It is true that we need those strength to move forward and the paragraph uses an expression that impresses, it says even the darkest days of our lives, even in those days we have the strength that it gives us and as Matthew 28 mentioned every day, now we also understand the words of Matthew 11 from 28 to 30 when he says that the yoke of Jesus is easy to carry is a yoke that weighs little and that because it encourages us on all the days that we lack strength.
It is also nice to see that Jehovah did not send anyone to be with us in these last days he has sent his son and Jesus knows very well what we are going through because he lived many of our situations when he was on Earth, that is beautiful see how Jehovah cares so tenderly for our feelings.
And we also see that Jesus fulfills his promise we saw it in the case of the apostle Paul fulfilled his promise he came to Rome and came to preach there, in our case also here he says that he would be with us every day and he is fulfilling with his promise and we on many occasions experience that help from Jesus so we have the best leader.
7. According to Revelation 14:6, how does Jehovah help us today?
Well, with a very great help, which are the Angels, they in preaching are supporting us and guiding us and they have nothing to stop them or a pandemic, so we are like a team with them and they help us a lot.
And it is good to think about this point now that we are seeing what is the movement of the organization, we do more than receive a scale of information about how to practice or be more useful when it comes to touching the heart, it is no longer so much to give news but to touch the heart, even the new system of conducting our Bible study presented this month in the monthly program tells us about it, what our part would be, then, to always be updated with this way of working.
Hebrews 1: 7, 14 | If these two verses relate the Angels to Jehovah\’s servants and these servants are guided by his holy spirit, verse 14 says that they are prepared to do a public service and what better public service than the preaching of the good news, so the angels guided by this holy spirit support us and also guide us and collaborate with us in this wonderful work.
ILLUSTRATION
Yes, as the image shows, we know of many experiences of brothers who have preached to many people who were praying to them at that time, so the truth is that it is very encouraging to know that we preach but that the Angels help us find those people of good heart.
HELP FROM INDIVIDUALS IN AUTHORITY
8. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of a military commander?
Well, when he arrived in Rome they had been planning an ambush, so Jehovah used Claudius Lysias to escort Paul to this caesarean section and once he got there he used the governor Felix who had him held and guarded in Herod\’s Palace.
If it is very curious about the case of Claudio Lisias because Paul is still a slave even though he had Roman citizenship, but this commander made sure that nothing happened to him that he was comfortable and assembled an army of 470 people to escort him and arrive safe, then surely Paul felt the hand of Jehovah again very close protecting and caring for him.
9. How did Governor Festus help Paul?
Festus replaces Felix in the position of government and it is now that the Jews probably think that they can take advantage of this circumstance to continue with their plans to take him to Jerusalem and be tried there, but Festus refuses probably because he understands that perhaps they want to kill him .
And it is very striking what the biblical account says because they begged Festus to do the favor of bringing Paul to Jerusalem but he used sagacity and understood that it was not a positive intention with which they loved Paul, therefore of course we see the Jehovah\’s hand behind how he was using, otherwise he would not have realized he had said good very well there is a Jew is in Jerusalem with his culture with his traditions would think it was better, however he acted in this way that was somewhat surprising.
10. How did Governor Festus respond to Paul’s appeal to be judged by Caesar?
Well, after consulting his advisers, he finally told him that you have appealed to Caesar and you will go to Cesar, so in this way he protected him too.
And it is true that, for example, in Caesarean section Paul already felt a certain degree of protection because it was a city mostly of gentiles with few Jews, but now with this decision to send him to Rome as the paragraph says, he already took him out of the reach of his enemies immediately.
And there is an interesting detail at the beginning where the paragraph that says that Festus wanted to be good with the Jews, so the most logical thing is that he did not even ask Paul and he will send him to Jerusalem, but the question that he asked him where do you want to be judged there surely Paul must have seen Jehovah\’s hand and will notice that Jehovah was protecting him.
11. Paul may have reflected on what reassuring words given by Isaiah?
He may have meditated on the encouraging words of Isaiah 8:10 that they may prepare a plan but it will be frustrated or that they say some things but it will not work out and the reason why God is with us and that was the case with Paul .
It is interesting because the confidence the faith that Paul showed is also impressive because it is true that he knew that Jehovah would help him but he showed such confidence and there we have the proof that he embarked on long journeys even knowing what could happen to him that he could have had a penalty of death he continued defending his ideas defending Jehovah and at least one example is interesting for us as we must also strengthen our faith and our confidence that Jehovah will help us.
No doubt that meditating on a verse like this had to encourage him a lot, he probably remembered that a few years after Isaiah wrote these verses that we read an angel, only one angel of Jehovah in the reign of Hezekiah killed 185,000 soldiers, so he will probably think that it gives Even the test or obstacle, however great it was, was nothing compared to the power of Jehovah and the power of one of his angels.
12 (a). How did Julius treat Paul?
As we read in Acts 27: 3 it says that Julius treated Paul with kindness and allowed him to visit his friends and also the later account goes on to say that even as he saved his life, so Jehovah used a person who had some authority how Julio was a good person to help the apostle Paul.
12 (b). What may Paul have discerned as a result?
Well, surely he would see Jehovah\’s hand because it was not normal for this officer to have such a good heart and save his life, then surely he would be seeing how Jehovah was handling matters.
Of course, in the previous occasions that we have studied, it is very easy to see the hand of Jehovah, an angel Jesus himself that was clear, but now behind the actions of this official because he nevertheless had the spiritual vision of seeing who was behind Jehovah. , so how good it is that we also think about all the good things that happen to us in all the things that help us to endure well to really think and meditate that who is behind each one of them is Jehovah.
13. How may Jehovah use people in authority?
We have the text of Proverbs 21: 1 that talks about the heart of a king being like streams of water in the hand of Jehovah and directing him where he wants, so just as human beings can by means of a channel divert the water of a river to the other side because, as has also been commented, Jehovah can use his spirit to divert human thoughts.
Ezra | And there the example of King Artaxerxes is mentioned as he granted permission to Ezra to travel to Jerusalem, but not only that but he provides everything necessary for the temple and also expressly told him that he had to teach the law and apply it to the people, so in this case Jehovah used Artaxerxes to this King to benefit Jehovah\’s people.
ILLUSTRATION
We have two images that contrast exactly what Jehovah can produce in the hearts of those rulers, the first we see how Julio protects the apostle Paul in the midst of this disorder that perhaps could have caused the death of Paul, but Julio stands in front of him and we even perceive the surprise in Paul as saying well this man is here advocating for me for my protection and on the other hand because we may see a situation that may arise, our brothers who are imprisoned and who also see the mighty hand of Jehovah since some civilian deer of the jail protects them from other prisoners, so behind this we see how Jehovah can use men to care and show affection to his servants.
14. In line with Acts 12:5, concerning whom can we pray?
Well, through our brothers who are imprisoned, we know from many through the website what they are and what they are facing and another added detail is what first Timothy 2: 1 and 2 mentions that they also make a request to intercede for kings and for all who occupy high positions for their benefit because we know that many times there are judicial decisions, there are situations in which they face that with our prayers we can help them to have a much more favorable situation.
This is exactly what Nehemiah did when he prayed to Jehovah for the king to have compassion on him and to do well, so we too can follow that pattern and as has already been said then also pray for those who guard our brothers so that they treat yourself well and may also see the hand of Jehovah in your case.
Yes, also in the sentence that Nehemiah 1:11 is mentioned, we come to understand how important it is to be concrete and precise also in our prayers, because nehemiah, for example, uses expressions such as make me do well today or for example, Please let the king have compassion on me, these are expressions that clearly show Nehemiah\’s concern and how he asks Jehovah for something specific, so it shows us that our prayers can also be direct to Jehovah.
Hebrews 13: 3 | And the truth is that now we can put ourselves in their place very easily because our page under the theme Jehovah\’s Witnesses imprisoned for their belief comes with the name of most of the brothers who are suffering in prison, so we could even pray for them by name.
HELP FROM FELLOW BELIEVERS
15-16. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of Aristarchus and Luke?
It\’s nice to see how they did that out of love for Paul, how they also wanted it out of love for Jehovah because they didn\’t know if they were going to be saved and went in later, so this shows the kind of feeling they had towards him.
In the final part of the paragraph we read that Paul prayed to Jehovah from the heart to thank him, from this we can also learn a lesson and it is also to pray to Jehovah to help us make practical tools towards our brothers who are having a hard time that We can be used to give them comfort and we know that today there are many brothers in this situation.
17. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of his fellow believers?
Well, one of the occasions was when they arrived at the port of Sidon and there Julio allowed him to visit his friends and have them take care of him, so it must have been an injection of encouragement for him.
Yes, Sidon was the beginning of that trip, but something similar happened almost at the end in Puteoli, they found some brothers and they also begged him to stay with them for seven days and surely there he also received a lot of encouragement.
18. What prompted Paul to thank God and take courage?
As the paragraph says that many brothers from Rome were waiting along the road to greet him, some had even traveled 50 kilometers away, some chronicles say that they were places where you could not even eat, but that did not matter because the important thing was to wait to Paul to encourage him and as Acts 28:15 says it was what Paul experienced.
Also, as the Bible says that Paul thanked him, it says that it was not after having spoken with them or shared some food or not speaking, it says when he saw them, how beautiful Paul saw them and already felt so much encouragement as to now thank Jehovah for that beautiful privilege of seeing his brothers in that difficult moment for him.
ILLUSTRATION
If we also pursue in Pablo\’s face the surprise on the one hand when he meets the brothers who were on the road waiting for him and also the illusion that made him receive this encouragement and this encouragement when facing what was coming to him being a prisoner in Rome, and I remind us a little of the images that we have seen in a video when some of our brothers come out of a trial and the brothers are at the door to applaud them and to give them encouragement and praise or when one of our young brothers They were going to enter prison because the brothers were there at the prison door to strengthen them, so something similar had to be experienced by the apostle Paul.
19. As stated at 1 Peter 4:10, how may Jehovah use us as a means to convey his help to those in need?
Well, it is a bit overwhelming to have or meditate on the privilege that Jehovah gives us to be good stewards of his undeserved kindness, so perhaps Jehovah, because he uses us, has given us a small gift so that now we can use it at the time of encourage strengthen show affection and love to our brothers, so if we perceive that our personality has these characteristics, let us use it to help others.
And very beautifully, I thought that each of us can use the gift that Jehovah has given us to help other brothers to trust again in the promise that I will never leave you, I will never abandon you and we may believe that we do not have any gift, but as we have read each one has one of a way of another sure we can help.
ILLUSTRATION
That is what we can see in the photograph, the brothers who are going to visit the sister who is accompanying perhaps a relative who is sick because they have simply spent some time thinking that they can help this sister, how can I strengthen her, perhaps simply They have thought about the hospital, perhaps he does not eat very well, we are going to prepare some good pieces of fruit for him to eat so that he can at least continue to have strength, sometimes it is simply necessary to think a little about how we can give practical help, perhaps those pieces of fruits are just what the sister is needing.
20. Why can we say with confidence: “Jehovah is my helper”?
Yes, because we have no doubts, it does not matter because of the difficult situations that we may be going through or through which we may have to experience in the future, we know that Jehovah promises us I am your helper and as we have seen in today\’s article Jehovah wants to help us, he wants to help us and he does it. of many ways.
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What help do we receive from Jesus and the angels?
Matthew 28:20 Jesus promised that he would be with us every day is the system conclusions, so this implies as we saw in paragraph 6 that it is in those days those times that are difficult for us, those days or the darkest days of our life Jesus will be there helping us, and in the case of the angels Jehovah sends them directly to support us to lead the preaching, and we have an infinity of examples of people who at some point were praying and the brothers have been directed to those people to preach to him and of course there was the help of the angels.
What can we mention in prayer concerning those “in positions of authority”?
For example, the decisions they have to make that positively affect our spiritual activities or also be able to pray for the brothers who are imprisoned who are having a bad time, even because Jehovah influences the minds of the guards who guard our brothers. and treat them with human kindness.
How can we help fellow believers who are in need?
We can pray to Jehovah to give us the strength to give him kind words or do something for him and that it is just that encouragement that we need.
SONG 38 He Will Make You Strong
This article considers three ways in which Jehovah helped the apostle Paul to deal with difficult challenges. Reviewing how Jehovah proved to be a Helper in the past will strengthen our confidence that Jehovah will help us today as we pass through the storms of life.
Aristarchus and Luke had previously been Paul’s traveling companions. These trusted men also remained with Paul during his imprisonment in Rome.—Acts 16:10-12; 20:4; Col. 4:10, 14.
Jehovah Sets His People Apart
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TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
Jehovah Sets His People Apart
Jehovah blesses those who maintain a good relationship with him. To preserve his favor, we must remain separate from the world around us and its unclean practices.
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What medical practices should I avoid that are displeasing to God?’
Are You a ‘Steward of God’s Undeserved Kindness’?
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5. (a) What should each Christian do? (b) What questions arise?
5 In speaking to all members of the Christian congregation, Peter says: “Above all things, have intense love for one another.” He then adds: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another.” (1 Pet. 4:8, 10) Hence, each one in the congregation is to have a share in building fellow Christians up. We have been placed in charge of something valuable belonging to Jehovah, and we are responsible for distributing it to others. So, then, with what are we entrusted? Peter says that it is “a gift.” What is the gift? How do we “use it in ministering to one another”?
6. What are some of the gifts with which Christians are entrusted?
6 God’s Word states: “Every good gift and every perfect present is from above.” (Jas. 1:17) Indeed, all gifts with which Jehovah entrusts his people are expressions of his undeserved kindness. One outstanding gift Jehovah imparts to us is the holy spirit. That gift enables us to cultivate such godly qualities as love, goodness, and mildness. Such qualities move us, in turn, to show fellow believers heartfelt affection and give them willing support. True wisdom and knowledge are also among the good gifts that we acquire with the help of the holy spirit. (1 Cor. 2:10-16; Gal. 5:22, 23) In fact, all our energies, abilities, and talents may be viewed as gifts to be used to bring praise and honor to our heavenly Father. We have the God-given responsibility to use our abilities and qualities as a means of conveying expressions of God’s undeserved kindness to our fellow believers.
“Use It in Ministering”—How?
7. (a) What is indicated by the term “in proportion”? (b) What questions should we ask ourselves, and why?
7 Regarding gifts we have received, Peter also states: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it.” The qualifying term “in proportion” indicates that qualities and abilities may vary not only in nature but also in extent. Even so, each one is urged to “use it [that is, any particular gift he has received] in ministering to one another.” Moreover, the expression “use it . . . as fine stewards” is a command. Hence, we should ask ourselves: ‘Do I, indeed, use the gifts with which I am entrusted to fortify my fellow believers?’ (Compare 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.) ‘Or do I use the abilities that I received from Jehovah mainly to benefit myself—perhaps to acquire riches or to attain social status?’ (1 Cor. 4:7) If we use our gifts “in ministering to one another,” we will be pleasing Jehovah.—Prov. 19:17; read Hebrews 13:16.
8, 9. (a) What are some ways in which Christians worldwide serve in behalf of fellow believers? (b) How do the brothers and sisters in your congregation help one another?
8 God’s Word mentions various ways in which first-century Christians ministered to one another. (Read Romans 15:25, 26; 2 Timothy 1:16-18.) Similarly today, the command to use one’s gift in behalf of fellow believers is wholeheartedly carried out by true Christians. Consider some of the ways in which that is being done.
9 Many brothers spend hours each month preparing meeting parts. At the meetings, when they convey some of the spiritual gems they have found during their Bible study, their insightful words motivate all in the congregation to endure. (1 Tim. 5:17) Numerous brothers and sisters are known for their warmth and compassion toward fellow believers. (Rom. 12:15) Some regularly visit those who are depressed and pray with them. (1 Thess. 5:14) Others thoughtfully write some heartfelt words of encouragement to fellow Christians who are coping with a trial. Still others kindly help those with physical limitations to attend the congregation meetings. Thousands of Witnesses share in relief work, helping fellow believers rebuild homes that have been struck by disasters. The tender affection and practical assistance rendered by such caring brothers and sisters are all manifestations of “God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.”—Read 1 Peter 4:11.
Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper
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STUDY ARTICLE 46
Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper
“I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”—HEB. 13:5.
SONG 55 Fear Them Not!
PREVIEW*
1. What will comfort us when we feel alone or overwhelmed by our problems? (Psalm 118:5-7)
HAVE you ever felt that you were all alone, that you had no one to help you deal with a challenge you faced? Many have felt that way, including faithful servants of Jehovah. (1 Ki. 19:14) If that ever happens to you, remember Jehovah’s promise: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Heb. 13:5, 6) The apostle Paul wrote those words to fellow believers in Judea about 61 C.E. His words remind us of the sentiments expressed at Psalm 118:5-7.—Read.
2. What will we consider in this article, and why?
2 Like the psalmist, Paul knew from personal experience that Jehovah was his Helper. For instance, over two years before he wrote his letter to the Hebrews, Paul made a dangerous journey through a storm-tossed sea. (Acts 27:4, 15, 20) Throughout that journey and during the time leading up to it, Jehovah proved to be Paul’s Helper in various ways. We will consider three of them. Jehovah provided help by means of Jesus and the angels, individuals in authority, and fellow believers. Reviewing these events in Paul’s life will deepen our trust in God’s promise that He will also respond to our calls for help.
HELP FROM JESUS AND THE ANGELS
3. What may Paul have wondered, and why?
3 Paul needed help. About 56 C.E., a crowd dragged him outside the temple in Jerusalem and tried to kill him. The next day, when Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin, he was almost torn apart by his enemies. (Acts 21:30-32; 22:30; 23:6-10) At that point, Paul may have wondered, ‘How much longer can I endure this treatment?’
4. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of Jesus?
4 What help did Paul receive? The night after Paul was arrested, “the Lord,” Jesus, stood by him and said: “Take courage! 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) What timely encouragement! Jesus commended Paul for the witness he had given in Jerusalem. And he promised that Paul would safely reach Rome, where he would give a further witness. After receiving that assurance, Paul must have felt as secure as a child nestled in his father’s arms.
During a heavy storm at sea, an angel assures Paul that everyone aboard the ship will survive the perilous journey (See paragraph 5)
5. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of an angel? (See cover picture.)
5 What other challenges did Paul face? About two years after those events in Jerusalem, Paul was on a ship heading for Italy when the vessel encountered such a heavy storm that the crew and passengers thought they would die. Yet, Paul was not afraid. Why? He told those aboard: “This night an angel of the God to whom I belong and to whom I render sacred service stood by me and said: ‘Have no fear, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and look! God has granted to you all those sailing with you.’” Jehovah had used an angel to repeat the assurance that He had given Paul earlier by means of Jesus. And, indeed, Paul reached Rome.—Acts 27:20-25; 28:16.
6. What promise of Jesus can strengthen us, and why?
6 What help do we receive? Jesus will support us, as he did Paul. For example, Jesus promises all those who follow him: “I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:20) Jesus’ words are a source of strength for us. Why? Because some days are difficult for us to endure. For instance, when a loved one dies, we must deal with that pain not just for a few days but likely for many years. Others must deal with the difficult days that come with old age. Still others face days on which they are overwhelmed by feelings of depression. Even so, we find the strength to go on because we know that Jesus is with us “all the days,” including the darkest days, of our life.—Matt. 11:28-30.
Angels give us support and guidance as we share in the preaching work (See paragraph 7)
7. According to Revelation 14:6, how does Jehovah help us today?
7 God’s Word assures us that Jehovah helps us by means of his angels. (Heb. 1:7, 14) For example, angels give us support and guidance as we preach the “good news of the Kingdom” to people of “every nation and tribe and tongue.”—Matt. 24:13, 14; read Revelation 14:6.
HELP FROM INDIVIDUALS IN AUTHORITY
8. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of a military commander?
8 What help did Paul receive? Back in 56 C.E., Jesus assured Paul that he would reach Rome. However, some Jews in Jerusalem planned to ambush Paul and kill him. When the Roman military commander Claudius Lysias learned about the plan, he came to Paul’s rescue. Quickly, Claudius sent Paul—protected by many soldiers—to Caesarea, along a route that was about 65 miles (105 km) from Jerusalem. In Caesarea, Governor Felix ordered that Paul “be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.” Paul was out of the reach of the would-be murderers.—Acts 23:12-35.
9. How did Governor Festus help Paul?
9 Two years later, Paul was still in custody in Caesarea. Felix had been succeeded as governor by Festus. The Jews begged Festus to have Paul come to Jerusalem to stand trial, but Festus refused. Perhaps the governor was aware that the Jews had been “planning to ambush Paul and kill him along the road.”—Acts 24:27–25:5.
10. How did Governor Festus respond to Paul’s appeal to be judged by Caesar?
10 Later, Paul’s trial was held in Caesarea. Since Festus wanted “to gain favor with the Jews,” he asked Paul: “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and be judged before me there?” Paul knew that he would probably be killed in Jerusalem, and he also knew what he could do to save his life, reach Rome, and carry out his ministry. He said: “I appeal to Caesar!” After consulting his counselors, Festus told Paul: “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you will go.” Festus’ favorable decision rescued Paul from his enemies. In time, Paul would be in Rome—far out of the reach of the Jews who were seeking to kill him.—Acts 25:6-12.
11. Paul may have reflected on what reassuring words given by Isaiah?
11 While Paul was waiting to begin his voyage to Italy, he may well have reflected on a warning that the prophet Isaiah was inspired to give to those opposing Jehovah: “Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted! Say what you like, but it will not succeed, for God is with us!” (Isa. 8:10) Paul knew that God would help him, and this must have strengthened him as he faced the trials that were to come.
As he did in the past, Jehovah may move people in authority today to protect his servants (See paragraph 12)
12. How did Julius treat Paul, and what may Paul have discerned as a result?
12 In 58 C.E., Paul began his voyage to Italy. Being a prisoner, he was placed under the authority of a Roman army officer named Julius. From that moment on, Julius had the power to make Paul’s life miserable or to make it bearable. How would he use his authority? The next day when they landed ashore, “Julius treated Paul with kindness and permitted him to go to his friends.” Later on, Julius even saved Paul’s life. How? The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners who were on the ship, but Julius stopped them. Why? He “was determined to bring Paul safely through.” Likely, Paul discerned Jehovah’s guidance in the actions of that kindhearted officer.—Acts 27:1-3, 42-44.
See paragraph 13
13. How may Jehovah use people in authority?
13 What help do we receive? When it is in harmony with his purpose, Jehovah may use his powerful holy spirit to cause people in authority to do what he desires. King Solomon wrote: “A king’s heart is like streams of water in Jehovah’s hand. He directs it wherever He pleases.” (Prov. 21:1) What does this proverb mean? Humans can dig a canal to divert the water of a stream in a direction that fits their plans. Similarly, Jehovah can use his spirit to divert the thoughts of rulers in a direction that is in harmony with his purpose. When that occurs, people in authority feel motivated to make decisions that benefit God’s people.—Compare Ezra 7:21, 25, 26.
14. In line with Acts 12:5, concerning whom can we pray?
14 What can we do? We can pray “concerning kings and all those who are in positions of authority” when these individuals are called on to make decisions that affect our Christian life and ministry. (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ftn.; Neh. 1:11) As the first-century Christians did, we too pray intensely to God for our brothers and sisters who are in prison. (Read Acts 12:5; Heb. 13:3) Further, we can pray concerning prison guards who are in charge of our brothers and sisters. We can beg Jehovah to influence the thoughts of such individuals so that they may be moved to act like Julius and treat our imprisoned fellow believers “with human kindness.”—See study note on Acts 27:3.
HELP FROM FELLOW BELIEVERS
15-16. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of Aristarchus and Luke?
15 What help did Paul receive? During his journey to Rome, Paul time and again received help that Jehovah provided by means of his fellow believers. Let us consider some examples.
16 Two faithful companions of Paul, Aristarchus and Luke, decided to travel with him to Rome.* They willingly risked their lives to be with Paul, although it does not appear that either of them had received a personal assurance from Jesus that they would reach Rome. Only later, during the rough voyage, did they learn that their lives would be spared. Therefore, when Aristarchus and Luke boarded the ship in Caesarea, Paul must have offered a heartfelt prayer to Jehovah, thanking him for the help that he had provided by means of these two courageous fellow believers.—Acts 27:1, 2, 20-25.
17. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of his fellow believers?
17 During his journey, Paul was several times helped by his fellow believers. For instance, in the port city of Sidon, Julius permitted Paul “to go to his friends and enjoy their care.” And later, in the city of Puteoli, Paul and his companions “found brothers and were urged to remain with them for seven days.” While the Christians in those places cared for the needs of Paul and his companions, Paul no doubt brought great joy to his hosts by sharing upbuilding experiences. (Compare Acts 15:2, 3.) After being refreshed, Paul and his companions continued the journey.—Acts 27:3; 28:13, 14.
Like Paul, we receive Jehovah’s help by means of fellow believers (See paragraph 18)
18. What prompted Paul to thank God and take courage?
18 As Paul walked toward Rome, he must have thought about what he had written three years earlier to the congregation in that city: “For many years I have longed to come to you.” (Rom. 15:23) However, he had not anticipated that he would be arriving as a prisoner. How encouraged he must have been when he saw brothers from Rome waiting along the road to greet him! “On catching sight of them, Paul thanked God and took courage.” (Acts 28:15) Note that Paul thanked God for the presence of the brothers. Why? Because Paul again saw Jehovah helping him by means of fellow believers.
See paragraph 19
19. As stated at 1 Peter 4:10, how may Jehovah use us as a means to convey his help to those in need?
19 What can we do? Do you know of brothers or sisters in your congregation who are suffering distress because they are ill or are facing other challenging circumstances? Or maybe they have lost a loved one in death. If we become aware of an individual in need, we can ask Jehovah to help us to say or do something kind and loving. Our words and actions may be just the encouragement that our brother or sister needs. (Read 1 Peter 4:10.)* Those whom we help may regain full confidence that Jehovah’s promise, “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you,” applies to them. Would that not make you feel joyful?
20. Why can we say with confidence: “Jehovah is my helper”?
20 As was the case with Paul and his companions, we in effect go through violent storms on our journey through life. At the same time, we know that we can take courage because Jehovah is with us. He gives us help by means of Jesus and the angels. Also, if it is in harmony with his purpose, Jehovah can help us by means of people in authority. And as many of us have personally experienced, Jehovah uses his holy spirit to stir the hearts of his servants to come to the aid of their Christian brothers and sisters. Therefore, like Paul, we have good reason to say with confidence: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”—Heb. 13:6.
SONG 38 He Will Make You Strong
This article considers three ways in which Jehovah helped the apostle Paul to deal with difficult challenges. Reviewing how Jehovah proved to be a Helper in the past will strengthen our confidence that Jehovah will help us today as we pass through the storms of life.
Aristarchus and Luke had previously been Paul’s traveling companions. These trusted men also remained with Paul during his imprisonment in Rome.—Acts 16:10-12; 20:4; Col. 4:10, 14.
Return Visit: Prayer—1Jo 5:14
Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: Prayer—1Jo 5:14. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the questions that appear in the video.
If the person has a few more minutes, what publication in the teaching kit could they use to start a Bible course?
For example, we could use the good news brochure in lesson 12 titled How We Can Draw Close to God and start with the first paragraph that also has a video that answers the question if God hears all prayers.
We could also use the book that chapter 17 teaches, under the prayer a gift from God.
If the person does not read well or does not know the language well, could we use the pamphlet God listens to part 11 entitled Jehovah listens to us?
And also the magazines that are part of our Teaching Kit in particular the first of 2021 The Watchtower of the public that the title is useful to pray.





