Questions From Readers

● How many overseers are there in a congregation of God’s people on earth?—G. G., United States.

In each congregation the congregation servant is the overseer, and other appointed servants, including the other members of the congregation’s service committee, are ministerial servants. Expressing this view of matters, the book Qualified to Be Ministers says, on page 231: “The overseer, the congregation servant, is held responsible for the affairs of the congregation and is the one with whom the Society communicates on congregation matters.” And on page 234, referring to the “ministerial servants” spoken of in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, it says: “In this case the Scriptures refer to those who are appointed as servants in the congregation, and particularly to those who are the assistants to the overseer of the congregation, known as the congregation servant.”

The Greek word that is translated “overseer” is epískopos and it refers to “one who visits and inspects.” With this in mind, we can appreciate that, while there is today one resident overseer in a congregation, there are other overseers in the organization. For example, the circuit servant visits and inspects with a view to strengthening spiritually the congregations of which he has oversight. And district servants fit in this classification, because they visit and inspect both circuits and congregations as they are scheduled to do so by the Society. Then, too, in cities where the congregation, which usually bears the name of the city, becomes quite large, it is subdivided into units, each of which has an overseer. In this case a city’s congregation has more than one overseer, one to care for each of its units. Thus it is seen that it is proper to speak of the “overseers” of a congregation.

In the light of these facts we can appreciate how there was more than one overseer connected with the congregations in Ephesus and in Philippi, as indicated at Acts 20:28 and Philippians 1:1.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

During February Jehovah’s witnesses will call on persons in all parts of the world, many of whom want to know the divine will concerning world happenings. To aid these persons of good will, they will offer them The Watchtower on a subscription basis, together with three Bible booklets, for $1. If you are not now associated with a congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses but would like to have a share in this activity, write to this office for further information.

WILL GOD’S WILL BE DONE?

Doubt and fear rule the world around us. Only true faith, based on God’s Word, can shield us from their penetrating influence and build up our hopes for the future. Such conviction is rewarding but it must have that sure foundation. Are you convinced when you pray that ‘God’s will be done on earth’? You can be. Obtain and read the handsome and inspiring bound book “Your Will Be Done on Earth.” Send only 50c.

1959 MEMORIAL

The date for observing the Lord’s evening meal this year is Monday, March 23, after 6 p.m., Standard Time. After the meeting has been opened with song and prayer, the discourse will be given by a qualified speaker, one of the remnant if available and capable. Then the emblems will be served separately after thanks have been offered to Jehovah for first the bread and then the red wine. All present will afterward be invited to share in special arrangements for field ministry, and then the meeting will close with song and prayer. Each congregation should start making arrangements for the Memorial.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

March 22: “Let Your Will Come to Pass,” ¶1-28. Page 100.

March 29: “Let Your Will Come to Pass,” ¶29-33, and The Divine Will Done in Heaven and Earth. Page 107.