The Faithful and Discreet Slave
-
by Lewis
Zenovay Hrytzak
[Note:
The Scriptural consideration of this topic is specifically intended for those
who, because of conscience, are no longer able to function within the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society--the governing organization of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. It is for their benefit that The
New World Translation of the Holy
Scriptures is used throughout.]
The founder of the
In 1876, Russell read Nelson Barbour’s magazine, Herald of the Morning, and was keen on learning more about Christ’s return (in 1874), but wanted to know the evidence for it. So he arranged for Barbour to come and see him. Thereafter, Russell was convinced that Jesus had indeed returned in 1874 and was invisibly present. Russell wrote an article, stating that the Gentiles Times would end in 1914 [See note 1] and submitted it to George Storrs who published it in his magazine, “The Bible Examiner, in 1876.
Russell came to believe that a “harvest period” began in
1874 and would last for 40 years, then culminate in 1914. That year was to see
the end of the Gentile Times, the removal of the kingdoms of the world, and the
setting up of the ‘earthly aspect’ of God’s Kingdom. Then the faithful would be taken to heaven. Of course, that is not what happened.
A few years later, Barbour and Russell parted company and
Russell began to publish Zion’s
Watchtower. [See note 2] In his first issue, (July 1879) Russell reaffirmed the year 1874 as the
invisible return of Jesus. Like Barbour, he was convinced that Jesus was
invisibly present and held to that conviction right until his death, (in 1916).
Throughout his life, he was a devoted student of Scripture, a prolific writer
and a gifted orator, lecturing on Bible topics both at home and abroad. As one
might well imagine, Russell was admired, respected and praised. When Bible
questions were asked, the answers he gave were generally prefaced with
statements such as, “to us it would seem,” “it would appear,” “it would seem
reasonable” and so forth. He seemed careful not to be dogmatic in his
responses.
At first, he appeared most intent to avoid any appearance
of being a special oracle for God. However, lavish praise is not good for
anyone, and Pastor Russell was no exception. While working at Bethel in the
mid-fifties, an older member of the “anointed” told me that when people would
ask Russell if he was “the faithful and wise servant” (of whom Jesus had
spoken) he would simply reply, “Some say it’s me, and others say it’s
Zion’s Watchtower.” He would say no more, allowing his listeners to arrive
at their own conclusion; nor did he object to their suggestion that he was that
slave. This is corroborated by the following statement that appeared in the
Watchtower (12/1/1919, page 357), which states: “Thousands of the readers of
Pastor Russell’s writings believe that he filled the office of “that faithful
and wise servant,” and that his great work was giving to the Household of Faith
meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming
this title, but he admitted as much in private conversation.”
In 1909, he wrote a few articles in Zion’s Watchtower, expressing the view that the new covenant
foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-33 does not apply to the Church, but to natural
Toward the end of his life, Russell wanted his very much
younger associate, A. H. McMillan, to su
Under his presidency, there was an important change that
came about in 1927, when The Watchtower
published an article stating that “The faithful and wise servant” was no longer
believed to be a single individual (Charles Taze Russell) but rather, a
faithful “remnant,” (a group of
consecrated individuals). This is a principal doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses
until this day. Indeed, their organizational structure is actually based on
this belief.
However, those who left the Watch Tower Society (after
Russell’s death) continued to believe that its founder, Charles Taze Russell,
really was “the Faithful and Wise Servant,” and that any who took that
designation upon themselves are actually usurping it. The Bible Students, their
su
In view of this, we must ask the two following questions:
First, what do the Scriptures actually teach as to the identity of the faithful
and discreet slave? And second, when
will this faithful and discreet servant be appointed over all of the Lord’s
domestics, (or household)?
The Faithful and Discreet Slave
Jesus did not say who the slave is. Rather, he asked a rhetorical question,
namely, “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master has
appointed [placed in charge] over his domestics to give them their food at the
proper time?” Then he added: “Happy is that slave if his master on arriving
finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his
belongings.” – Matthew 24:45-47. (Also read verses 48-51)
In Matthew 24:45, the word “appointed” translates the Greek
verb kathisteemi which also means
“place/d in charge” or “designate/d.” [See note 5]
But how were
they placed in charge?
Clarke’s Commentary makes an interesting observation
on this text. It states: “All should live in expectation of the coming of
Christ, which a servant has with respect to the return of his Master, who, in
departing for a season, left the management of his affairs to him; and of which
management he is to give an exact a
The point being made by Clarke’s
Commentary is that all of the master’s slaves are expected to take care of
his affairs during his absence, for they must render an exact a
Jesus Spoke of Four Slaves
In Matthew’s a
In Luke’s a
On the other hand, the “evil slave” ignores the work that
Christ, the Master, has left for his followers to perform. Instead, he “beats
his fellow slaves” (his fellow believers), maligning and imputing evil to them.
For this, he will be punished “with the greatest severity, and assign(ed) a
part with the unfaithful ones.”
The “slave that understood the will of his master but did not
get ready to do in line with his will” describes the person who has learned
many wonderful truths from God’s Word, but fails to live his life a
The last slave mentioned by Jesus is “the one that did not
understand and so did things deserving of strokes.” Here we have a description
of an individual who ‘partakes of milk.’ While he has learned some truths, he
is “unacquainted with the word of righteousness for he is a babe.” (Hebrews
5:13) This type of person does not understand God’s purpose (in depth). Neither does he do it. Consequently, he “will
be beaten with few [strokes].” But is he
exempt from performing the will of his master? Not at all! The requirement is
the same for all of the mater’s slaves, but what is that requirement which, if
performed faithfully and discreetly, will qualify the faithful to be appointed
over all of his belongings?
After giving the above illustration (parable), Jesus said:
“I came to start a fire on the earth, and what more is there for me to wish, if
it has already been lighted? (Luke
12:49) Jesus “started a fire on the
earth” by laying the foundation for that which was to follow, namely, the
construction of God’s house, or temple. This time, however, it was being built
with “living stones.” (1 Peter 2:5-9)
.
Placed In Charge Of
The Master’s “Domestics”
In Strong’s Greek
Dictionary, the word ‘domestics’ or ‘household,’ (used at Matt. 24:45
and Luke 12:42) is translated from the Greek noun therapeia. It means “staff
of servants, those entrusted to the care of the household.” Wigram Englishman’s Greek Concordance translates the Greek noun therapeia as ‘household’ at Matt. 24:45,
and at Luke 12:42. Word Study
Greek-English New Testament with Complete Concordance by Paul R.
McReynolds (based on USB 3rd edition) translates the Greek words ‘oiketeia,’ as ‘household’ at Matt.
24:45, and ‘therapeia’ as ‘household’
at Luke 12:42. Arndt-Gingrich’s Lexicon (considered a standard authority in
this field) shows the verb therapeuo
as having several meanings: (1) to serve a Divinity as at Acts 17:25; and (2) to
care for, wait upon, treat (medically), also heal, restore, cure. As a noun, therapeia can mean treatment of the
sick, or healing. Of course, it also means care and service of the household. [See note 7]
Because the Greek references quoted use therapeia in Luke’s and Matthew’s a
“Domestics” is just another word for household, the
household of God, but who are its members? At Matthew 22:14, Jesus said: “For there are
many invited (called), but few are chosen.” In Revelation 17:14, Jesus refers
to these as “called, and chosen, and faithful.” Obviously, he was speaking of a
process, for the call goes out to many, but few are chosen, and it remains for
them to be found faithful. The reason why “few are chosen” is that “few”
respond in faith. An outstanding example
of this is the nation of
How are people invited, or called, and how do they become
part of God’s household? At John 6:44,
Jesus provides the short answer, saying: “No one can come to me unless the
Father, who sent me, draws him.” Experience shows that the calling of each
person is rather unique to that one, for God supplies whatever is necessary for
him (or her) to be drawn to his Son. [See note 8]
Does such a calling constitute being born again? What do the Scriptures state?
Speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus said:
“Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the
In Ephesians (5:26), Paul shows
what it means to be “born from water.” He states: “that he [Christ] might
sanctify it [the Church], cleansing it with the bath of water by means of the Word.” (The Scriptures serve as “a lamp
to our foot and a light to our roadway” - Psa. 119:105). Peter confirms this by stating: “For you have
been given a new birth…through the word of the living and enduring God.”
(1 Peter 1:23) And at Titus 3:5, this is reconfirmed. Paul wrote: “…he saved us
through the bath that brought us to life and through the making of us new by holy spirit.” In the very next verse (6), Paul says: “This [spirit] he poured out richly upon us through Jesus
Christ our Savior...” Why? Paul answers: “[that] we might become heirs a
By his holy spirit, God teaches us
and provides enlightenment, as stated at 1 John 2:27. Indeed, his word cannot be understood without
such divine help. For example, when there was discussion about the identity of
Jesus, he asked his disciples: “… who do you say I am?” Peter replied: “You are
the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Note Jesus’ reply: “…flesh and blood
did not reveal it to you, but my Father, who is in the heavens, did.” –Matt.
16:14-16. Peter understood, not because of human wisdom, but because of God’s
help by means of his holy spirit. That is essential in the process of being
born again. But how does one know he has been chosen?
Writing to the Roman’s (8:14-16),
Paul explains what happens. He states: “For all who are led by God’s spirit,
these are God’s sons, for you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear
again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry
out, “Abba, Father!” The spirit
itself [God’s spirit] bears witness with our spirit [our inclination of mind
and heart], that we are God’s children.” In that same letter, Paul contrasts
walking in the flesh, with being led by God’s spirit. This may explain why some
might feel the prompting of God’s spirit, but do not, immediately respond, by
allowing to be led by God’s spirit. Perhaps later, (even years later) they may
feel such promptings again, and respond at that time. This wonderful process of
rebirth was foretold by the prophet Ezekiel, (Ezek. 36:25-28). The “land”
represents God’s rest into which believers enter. (See: Heb. 3:10,11; 3:18,19;
4:1-8)
In summary, at Galatians (3:26),
Paul states: “You are all in fact, Sons of God through your faith in Christ
Jesus.” Faith in Christ Jesus brings us into a relationship with our heavenly
Father. Then something truly wonderful happens to us. In the very next chapter,
Paul tells us what it is, (4:6, 7): “Now
because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit
of his Son into our hearts and it cries out: “Abba, Father!” So then, you
are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, also an heir through God.” This
process of rebirth is validated to us by means of God’s holy spirit. Suddenly,
with the help of God’s Spirit, we realize the relationship we have with our
Heavenly Father. We are his sons!
Prior to his ascension into heaven, Jesus said to his
disciples: “You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and
you will be witnesses of me both in
On his third appearance to his disciples, (after being
raised from the dead), Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved him. When Peter
responded in the affirmative, Jesus said: “Feed my lambs.” When Jesus posed the
same question, Peter responded in the affirmative once again, so Jesus said:
“Shepherd my little sheep.” Then, a third time, Jesus asked Peter: “Do you have
affection for me?” Peter became grieved and replied: “Lord, you know all
things, you are aware that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him: “Feed my little sheep.” –
John 21:14-17. Jesus’ reference to those
who follow him as, “little lambs” or “little sheep” that need feeding,
underscores a valuable lesson, for it demonstrates that the Lord invites them
to become part of his “domestics” (or household).
Furthermore, by his usage of the diminutive, “little,”
Jesus points out his affection for people. Such usage might also denote his
reference to those who have just expressed faith in him and partake of the
spiritual healing that he offers. At any rate, whether one is already part of
God’s house, or just newly invited, such domestics all need feeding, which is
provided by those who are faithful and discreet. Again, it is obvious that the needs of some
may be different from that of others.
Some believers erroneously conclude that Jesus’ instruction
to Peter, (i.e., “feed my sheep”) was meant specifically for him. However, that
Jesus merely used Peter as a “sounding board” is evident, not only because
other disciples were present, but also because the Scriptures give specific
admonition to preach, to teach, to make disciples, etc. For example, Paul wrote
at Romans 10:9,10 “For if you publicly declare that word in your own mouth that
Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the
dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one exercises faith for
righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for
salvation.” Paul also states: “How, in
turn, will they hear without someone to preach?” Good question! (Read
Upon hearing the Christian message, lovers of righteousness
are drawn to Christ by the Father. In turn, they experience spiritual healing,
even as Jesus promised when he read Isaiah 61:1, 2. Such healing must have come
to the Ephesian believers, for Paul wrote:
“Certainly, therefore, you are no longer strangers and alien residents,
but you are fellow citizens of the holy ones and are members of the household of God.” – Eph. 2:19
In this age, the “living stones are being built up a spiritual
house for the purpose of a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices
a
Thus, the Scriptures make it obvious that those who come to
Christ (and experience spiritual healing) must, in turn, share the message with
others. As members of God’s household, they must participate in
the process that brings spiritual healing to others, thereby aiding in the
spiritual progress of God’s “household.”
In this way, the servant that is “faithful and discreet” is feeding “the
domestics.” To illustrate, in a family there may be children of all ages. The
older children are often called upon to help with their younger siblings.
Nevertheless, they all are part of the same household. Spiritually speaking, it
is just like that. The point is that, in this way, God’s spiritual house is
being built, even as Peter wrote. Thus we see a clear indication (from
Scripture) that this is the “household” (domestics) to which Jesus referred.
While all of God’s servants have some ability to share “the
primary doctrine about the Christ” (Heb. 6:1-3), [and they are encouraged to
progress further], there are some who are specially gifted to shepherd, to
teach, to evangelize and so forth. God uses such ones in a special way, namely,
to serve their brothers and sisters. Why is this? Paul answers at Ephesians
(4:12, 13) saying that God provides them “with
a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of
the Christ, until we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the a
Such service is provided by “older men,” those who are more
advanced spiritually. It is true that James said: “Not many of you should
become teachers, my brothers, knowing we shall receive a heavier judgment.”
(James 3:1) But was such counsel primarily for their benefit, or was it out of
concern for the brothers? In the previous chapter (2:1), James wrote: “My
brothers, you are not holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ…” They were
practicing favoritism and class distinction.
They did not qualify as teachers. To do so would have brought “a heavier
judgment” upon them, for they would have been hurting the brothers. James
reminded them that teaching was a serious matter. Obviously, only those who
walk by spirit should engage in teaching. Nevertheless, it is something one
should reach out for. Hebrews 5:12, states: “For, indeed, although you ought
to be teachers in view of the time, you again need someone to teach you
from the beginning, the elementary things…” The Scriptures show that all
believers should progress and be teachers, if even to a very limited degree.
Nevertheless, God also “gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as
evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones,
for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4:11,
12) And while we do not have apostles and prophets as the early Christian e
Feeding The Domestics
“At The Proper Time”
What is meant by the expression, “giving food to the domestics
at the proper time?”
In any family setting, feeding begins when the baby is
born, and continues until the child becomes fully grown, an adult. Likewise,
the apostle Peter shows that this process begins “with the milk of the word”
when one first becomes a believer. For instance, in his first letter (2:2,3),
Peter writes: “And as newborn infants, form a longing for the
unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it you may grow to salvation,
provided you have tasted that the Lord is kind.” Peter’s use of this metaphor,
underscores the need to continue feeding on God’s unadulterated Word.
Spiritual growth is rather similar
to natural growth, for one cannot remain a baby. At Hebrews 5:13, 14, Paul uses
the same metaphor, milk, to show this. He states: “For everyone that partakes
of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to mature people, to
those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to
distinguish both right and wrong.” And what is “solid food?” Whatever the
writer of Hebrews had in mind, he points out that it is something beyond
“repentance from dead works,” “teaching on baptisms,” “laying on of the hands,”
resurrection of the dead,” “and everlasting judgment.” (Read Heb. 5:12-6:2).
These are elementary things, but Christians must move on to that which is more
advanced, “solid food,” so what is it?
“Solid food” means more than just
advanced knowledge, for it is “through use” that “perceptive powers [are]
trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” Obviously, it has to do with our
Christian walk, that is, walking by spirit, (
Perhaps this is why John wrote in such a way as to
acknowledge such spiritual growth. In 1 John 2:12 he states: “I am writing you,
“little children,” because your sins have been forgiven you for the sake of his
name.” Verse 13, reads: “I write you, young children, because you have
come to know the Father.” Verse
14, declares: “I write you, young men, because you are strong and
the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the wicked one.” And
in the same verse he states: “I am writing you, fathers, because you have
come to know him who is from the beginning.” It would seem
reasonable to assume that just as in a natural family, food provided to God’s
household would be commensurate with each one’s stage of development. It
appears, too, that “the proper time” cannot refer to a specific time period in
history, as such feeding has gone on (in some measure) for close to two
thousand years.
“He Will Appoint Him Over All His Belongings”
To those who provide “food supplies at the proper time,”
Jesus said: “Happy is that slave, if his master on arriving finds him doing
so. I tell you truthfully, He will appoint him over all of his belongings.”
(Luke 12:43) So then, what are “all his belongings?” At Revelation 2:26, Jesus provides the
answer: “And to him that conquers and observes my deeds down to the
end, I will
give authority over the nations.” (See Psalm 2)
Never did Jesus say his slaves would be given authority over fellow
slaves while he was away. Quite the contrary, for in Luke 17:10, Jesus stated:
“So you, also, when you have done all the things assigned to you, say,
“We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have
done.”
Clearly, no authority is given to any slave(s) in
this age, much less over fellow slaves. So how are we to understand Hebrews
13:17, which states: “Be obedient to those taking the lead among you and be
submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render
an a
It is service to one’s brothers and sisters that makes one
“great,” even as Jesus said at Matthew 20:26, 27. Paul’s words to Timothy (1 Tim. 5:17) that
“the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor,
especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching,” should be considered
in the context of Jesus’ own admonition on the matter of service to one’s
fellow slaves. “Double honor” surely
does not mean to put that one on a pedestal, but rather, to show genuine
gratitude and appreciation for their loving service.
Slaves must be found faithful in discharging their duties
while the master is away. They must also “conquer,” for
conquest precedes the granting of authority. The Scriptures make that very
clear! One must be found faithful, “down to the end” (of his life), awaiting
the first resurrection, or be among “the living, who survive to the presence (parousia) of the Lord” (i.e., when
Christ returns to commence his rule, and is joined by those who were “faithful
and discreet”).
Appointment “over all of Christ’s belongings,” will only
be given to the one “that endures to the end.” - Matt. 24:13. Moreover,
Jesus said “everlasting life” is a reward that will be granted “in the age to come.” - Luke 18:30. [See Westcott and Hort’s Greek text for this transliteration. Note: The NWT translates the phrase “in the age to come” as “in the coming system of things.”]
“At The Same Time”
and “Together With Them”
In 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17, the apostle Paul clearly
indicates that those in union with Christ (his bride) will receive their reward
at the same time. He states: “we the living, who survive to the presence of the
Lord, shall in no way precede those who have fallen asleep (in death).” He then adds, “and those who are dead in
union with Christ will rise first.” He continues: “Afterward, we the living who
are surviving, will together with them be caught away in clouds
to meet the Lord in the air…” [Note 9] Please note that in
the Greek text (of Westcott and Hort), Paul uses two Greek words which are transliterated “at the same
time” and “together
with them.” In
other words, all the members of the body of Christ will “together with them”,
“at the same time,” be “caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
[What this means, essentially, is that the reward of life, and the appointment
over “all his belongings,” is granted to all the members of Christ’s “Bride,” simultaneously. This is reasonable, for they all rule with
Christ.
The “air” Paul speaks of, where they meet the Lord,
translates the same Greek word, aeer, (meaning “to breathe unconsciously”) that is used in
Ephesians 2:2, where he writes, “You at one time walked a
Please bear in mind that Christ Jesus is identified as the
seed of promise at Galatians 3:16.
Nevertheless, in verse 29, his Bride is also identified as the seed of
Abraham. Therefore, it is by means of them that “all the nations of the
earth will bless themselves.” (Genesis 22:18) It is for this reason too,
that the appointment “over all his belongings” can only take place when Christ
returns, and “those in union with Christ” (1 Thess. 4:16) are resurrected. Then “together
with them,” “at the same
time,” (1 Thess. 4:17) they
will join Christ Jesus “in clouds” (or great numbers, as in Heb.
12:1, “a great cloud of witnesses”) [Note 9] to replace the ruler of the
authority of the air, for they are the legitimate administration for this
earth. This is God’s promised kingdom. Of course, the Bride of Christ is merely
the “first-fruits” of those who return to God (in “this age”). In “the age to
come,” they will serve as “the tent of
God (that) is with mankind,” together with their Lord, Christ Jesus” (See Revelation
21:3)
Speaking of mankind, the record continues: “And God himself
will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death
will be no more, neither will mourning, nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The
former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne [Almighty God]
said: “Look! I am making all things new.’ Also, he says: “Write, because these
things are faithful and true.” And he said to me: “They have come to pass! I am
the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. To anyone thirsting I will give
from the fountain of the water of life free. Anyone conquering (in
contrast to 21:8) will inherit these things, and I shall be his God and he will
be my son.” - Rev. 21:3-7.
It is to “anyone thirsting,” that God will provide
“a fountain of water of life.” How will he do this? You may recall Jesus’ words at John 4:14,
where he said: “Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never
get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting
life.” Those who drink of this “water” today, (in this age), become “fountains of
water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.” How? It is by sharing God’s
life-saving message with others. In this way, they are “feeding the domestics.”
In the age to come, they will continue to do so for the blessing of all mankind, but on a much greater and grander scale. What is more, those who will derive benefit
“from the fountain of the water of life,” that is, from “the tent” (or Church) that God provides for
mankind, will be the recipients of God’s promise: “Anyone conquering will inherit these things,
and I shall be his God and he shall be my son.”
[Note 11] This is so because the Bride of
Christ (though unique) is merely the “firstfruits” of those that will follow,
those who are to be blessed by means of her. (Rev. 14:4)
When Jesus and his Bride begin to rule, they will serve as
the “tent
(or temple) of God that
is with mankind.” (Rev. 21:3) They are the instrument God will use to bring about
“restoration of all things.” – Acts 3:21.
It is then that “all the families of the earth will bless themselves” by
means of the seed of Abraham, i.e.,
Christ Jesus and his co-rulers. (See Rev. 2:26 & Psalm 2)
Summary
It is obvious that Jesus’ a
Jesus did not say he would ‘raise up’ a “faithful and
discreet slave” to interpret the Scriptures, or to have authority over the
master’s other slaves but, rather, to “feed his little sheep,” for such are in
the household, and all need their food at the proper time. All of God’s
servants [a
In view of what the Scriptures clearly show, it is
presumptuous for any to claim they have already been appointed “over all of
Christ’s belongings.” It is equally
presumptuous for them to claim they are “God’s Channel of communication.” There
is no support in Scripture, whatsoever, to substantiate such outlandish and
false claims, for they are (clearly) not founded on God’s Word, but on the
speculation of men.
The only “Channel of communication” available to mankind
today is God’s own written Word. God “raised up” prophets, and spoke through
them. Last of all, he spoke through his
Son, Christ Jesus, even as Hebrews 1:1, 2, states: “God, who long ago spoke on
many o
When Charles Russell studied God’s Word, he came to
understand many wonderful truths. He once wrote: “These precious truths are
given freely to all in Christ by the Lord, the Holy Spirit being our teacher.”-
1 John 2:27. (Harvest
Gleanings Three, P. 220) Nevertheless, he also arrived at
conclusions that were in error. Why? It is because he was not inspired. An example of this is the year 1874. Another
is the year 1881, (the year in which the resurrection of the saints supposedly
began), but later was changed to 1918, by
Furthermore, for many years he believed and wrote that the
“new covenant” (foretold at Jeremiah 31:31-33) was fulfilled upon the Christian
Church, which the Scriptures clearly show to be the case, as at Hebrews 8:8-13;
10:15-17, and elsewhere. However, in 1909 he wrote a few articles in Zion’s Watchtower, reversing his
original position, and stated that the “New Covenant” applied to natural
The “invisible presence” doctrine led Russell to
believe that Jesus appointed “the faithful and wise servant over all his
belongings” doctrine. [One erroneous doctrine begot another.] Moreover, he
allowed a belief to develop that he was that “faithful and discreet servant”
whom Jesus had appointed. Russell failed to see (likewise, his su
The Scriptures clearly indicate that there are two serious
problems with the conclusions reached by Russell. First, the parable of the
“faithful and discreet slave” does not apply to any single individual, but to
all of Jesus’ faithful servants (of whom Russell was only one) who are feeding
his domestics. Secondly, one cannot be “appointed over all of his belongings”
before having “conquered and observed Jesus’ deeds down to the end.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to stumble over this erroneous understanding which
they inherited from Russell.
Please consider this: God does not make mistakes. Neither did the prophets of
old, for they “spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.” (2
Peter 1:21) On the other hand, uninspired
men, though sincere, do make mistakes, for they cannot legitimately claim
that “God speaks by them.” For that
reason, not all that they say is, necessarily, what God is saying. It’s as simple as that! Sometimes they get it right, and at other times
they get it wrong. And while there is no sin in being wrong, refusing to admit
error, when it is pointed out from the Scriptures, is another matter.
Concluding Remarks
It must be pointed out that, while it is vital to expose
teachings that are not in harmony with the Scriptures, it is equally important
to avoid “beating our fellow slaves.” And even though fellow slaves might speak
injuriously of us, or others, please remember that a “faithful and discreet
slave” will not engage in such behavior. We must love all people, and not be
judging them, for God has appointed his Son, Christ Jesus “to be the judge of
the living and the dead.” – Acts 10:42.
What others do is their own responsibility before God, but all will be
held a
[For
some information about the Author, please refer to My Story, as told by Lewis Zenovay Hrytzak, at: www.
homecristians.net -
Experiences]
Notes
1.
As for the Gentile Times ending in
1914, chronology does not support that conclusion at all, for
2.
Several years later, Russell separated from Barbour over the issue of
the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus. They disagreed as to how the sacrifice
applied. Consequently, Russell began to publish his own magazine (
He
seemed particularly convinced of the year 1874, for it was around this time
that a friend of his (B. W. Keith) had
noticed in his personal copy of Benjamin Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott that the
Greek word (parousia) was translated
as presence, rather than coming, (as other translations
show that rendering). Actually, the Greek word parousia means both,
coming and presence. It was used that way in
Bible times, i.e., a king came into a village or city with his entourage (his
coming) and stayed for a few days (his presence). At any rate, the 1874 date
gave birth to the “invisible presence” doctrine.
3.
In 1909, Russell wrote a few articles in
“Before we discerned the Scriptural teaching of the "Plan of the Ages," showing the Law Age, the Gospel Age and
the Millennial Age, and their several works,
we knew no future place to apply the
promises respecting the New Covenant, and hence, in common
with others, we applied them to ourselves
and this
Gospel Age, entirely overlooking the various Scriptures
to the contrary. It was very inconsistent for us to
quote in one breath the Apostle's statement that we are members of the Isaac Seed, the children of the old,
original Covenant, and then in the next breath to
class ourselves as beneficiaries of the
New Covenant. The difficulty all along was our failure to
clearly discern the "mystery hidden from past
ages and dispensations, but now revealed unto the saints."--Col. 1:26. Had
we studied the Lord's Word in a more saintly fashion, we might the sooner have
gotten rid of the errors of the Dark Ages and have apprehended afresh the
Apostolic teaching, namely, that the "Mystery" is that the Church,
selected from both Jews and Gentiles to be the Body of Christ, are joint-heirs
with him in the Abrahamic Covenant and in his entire inheritance. Only those
who discern the truth of this, which is still a "Mystery" with the
world and the nominal Church, are prepared to understand the "Divine Plan
of the Ages" as a whole.”
Consequently,
many brothers left the group at that time. Some went to
4.
Judge Rutherford su
5.
The NWT translates the Greek verb, kathisteemi
as “appointed” at Matthew 24:45 and “will appoint” at Luke 12:42. [This is in
keeping with Greek texts used.] Although it is the same a
6. Luke 12:41 is the preamble to Luke’s a
7. The Greek noun, (therapeia) means ‘household,’ as a verb (‘therapeuo’), it means “to care for,” “wait upon,” “to heal,
restore, cure someone from illness.” It is used that way at Luke 9:11 &
Rev. 22:2.
8. The calling of each one seems to be radically
different, one from another. Several people, some personally known by me, have
had unique experiences which can best be described as the ‘promptings’ of God’s
holy spirit. Two of these were on the verge of suicide, but after they prayed,
(in both cases) they sensed an inner peace, a reassuring calmness that came
over them. On the following day, they (each, separately) had the unexpected
visit of a Christian to encourage them, and to study the Bible with
them. Another unique example is that of
a young man who had just returned from the military. He was not a Christian, but out of curiosity
he went (with some of his friends) to a ‘Billy Graham’ Crusade. On his way to the platform, God’s divine plan
of salvation “flashed before his eyes.” None of his friends shared this
experience. It was unique to him. Some
time later, he got a Bible and began to read it, but could not understand what
he was reading. And so he prayed about it. Shortly thereafter, he came across a
book, (Divine Plan of the Ages), by
C. T. Russell, and to his great amazement and utter surprise, its contents were
exactly what had “flashed before his eyes” a few years before.
Two other examples are of persons who had been
Christians for many years. One day, each one felt touched by God’s holy spirit,
and realized it meant a relationship with God, (i.e., son-ship).
Yet another example is that of my wife. As a young
woman, she felt overwhelmed by life’s difficult experiences and regularly went
to a nearby hill to meditate and pray. “One day, suddenly,” she relates: “I
felt surrounded by God’s love, reassuring me that he really cares for me.” My
own situation is that, from a very young lad, I have always felt very close to
God. But when I understood what a relationship with him really meant, it was
only then that my feelings of being God’s son were confirmed to me by his
spirit.
9. The Greek word “nephele,” translated “clouds” in 1 Thess. 4:17, is not preceded by
the definite article “ho,” meaning “the.” Thus, the text should read: “caught
away in clouds.” [Many translations insert the definite article
“the” (before the word “clouds”) which does not appear in the Greek
text.]
10. The phrase “caught away in clouds”
obviously refers to great numbers, for it is used that way at Hebrews 12:1 “…because we have so great a cloud
of witnesses surrounding us.”
11. The temple, or “house of God,” was formerly
a tabernacle or tent. Peter refers to
the temple of “living stones,” as a “spiritual house” for the purpose of a
“holy priesthood.”(1 Peter 2:5) This is the Bride of Christ, the “New
Jerusalem,” the “Lamb’s wife.” (See Revelation 21:1-3) She is also called “the tent of God” that is “with mankind,.” (She will actually be
with mankind after being appointed over all of Jesus’ belongings). This “tent of God” will serve as a blessing
for the nations of the earth, just as promised to Abraham. (Gen. 22:18)
12. Acknowledgement: Special thanks are expressed to
Last Updated: Jan 11 2008