Questions From Readers

● Can you tell me why Jesus did not baptize? Are there any scriptures to show why he did not?—F. P., Canada.

At John 4:1-3 we read: “When, now, the Master became aware that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John—although, indeed, Jesus himself did no baptizing but his disciples did—he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.”

In view of these great numbers that came to Jesus for baptism, it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus left their baptizing to his disciples so as to leave himself free for the more important work of spiritual and physical healing. Then too, Jesus no doubt refrained from baptizing any at all so that no one later would feel superior because of having been baptized by the Son of God or less favored because of not having been so privileged. Even as the apostle Paul years later wrote regarding his own case: “I am thankful I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.”—1 Cor. 1:14, 15.

Besides, the baptism that Jesus’ disciples performed before Pentecost was the same as that of John and his disciples, namely, for the purpose of symbolizing repentance in preparation for the promised Messiah. Had Jesus himself baptized he could not logically have done so in preparation for himself. He would therefore have been obliged to begin something new, a baptism in his own name, the time for which did not arrive until the day of Pentecost.

Thus we have ample and compelling reasons why Jesus Christ, when on earth, left the baptizing in water in symbol of repentance to his disciples.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

During August Jehovah’s witnesses will continue ‘using initiative and defense in their ministry.’ (1 Pet. 3:13, 15) They will offer to all persons the splendid Bible-study aid “Your Will Be Done on Earth” together with another book and two booklets, on a $1 contribution. Would you like to share in this Christian service? You can receive further information by going to the Kingdom Hall in your vicinity or by writing to the publishers of this magazine.

ANNUAL MEETING AT PITTSBURGH

On Saturday, October 1, 1960, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, the annual meeting of the members of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania will be held at the Society’s office located at 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Notice of the annual meeting will be sent to all the members. So that the letters of notice will reach the members shortly after September 1, all should be certain that the secretary’s office has their present addresses.

Proxies will accompany the notice of meeting. Each member should complete and return his proxy promptly whether he is going to be at the meeting personally or not and should do so so that the proxies will reach the office of the secretary of the Society not later than September 15.

SHARPEN YOUR BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

For seven years the popular Bible handbook “Make Sure of All Things” has been used by growing thousands of persons to sharpen and deepen their appreciation of the Bible’s vital message. It contains 416 pages of scriptures without comment on seventy Bible themes and 287 timely subjects. Send 75c for your pocket-sized edition today.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

September 18: Maintaining Right Conduct Among the Nations. Page 497.

September 25: Watch Yourself, for You Are Being Watched! Page 503.