of hostility.” Jesus Christ, the Greater Job, became the object of hostility from religious groups in his day. The modern-day remnant of spiritual Israel, because of their integrity to God, have come under similar reproach from religious enemies.​—Pp. 553, 554.

● In the modern-day fulfillment, who are pictured by Job’s three false comforters?

The religious clergy and leaders of Christendom who have misrepresented and opposed God’s servants.​—P. 557.

● Who bears the primary responsibility for making decisions as to activity in which minors may or may not engage?

God has assigned that responsibility to the father; if there is no father in the home, then the mother bears that load. Of course, what God’s Word says about right conduct should always be followed.​—P. 573.

● What fine results can come about when a Christian endures under persecution?

It can strengthen the individual spiritually, be a source of strength to fellow believers and serve to honor Jehovah’s name.​—Pp. 598, 599.

● What has God’s kingdom been doing since 1914?

It has taken action against its heavenly enemies, resulting in Satan’s ouster from heaven; it has caused worldwide proclamation of its installation to be made and protected the anointed ambassadors making that proclamation; it has gathered willing subjects who have joined in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.​—Pp. 620-625.

● What are the precious fire-resistant materials with which Jehovah’s witnesses endeavor to build true Christians?

They are godly qualities such as spiritual discernment, devotion to Bible principles, respect for Jehovah’s laws, and fearless willingness to witness about the Messianic kingdom.​—P. 661.

● What “truth” is it that Jesus meant when he said, “The truth will set you free,” and in what way could people be free?

It is not truth in general, but it is the truth that comes from Jehovah through Jesus. The freedom he spoke about was freedom from sin and death.​—Pp. 716, 717.

● What did Isaiah want to know when he asked, “How long, O Jehovah?”

He was not asking as to how long he must preach, but, rather, how long Jehovah would permit the bad spiritual condition of Israel to continue. The answer was, “Until the cities actually crash in ruins.”​—Pp. 750, 751.

Questions From Readers

● What qualifications should a person have in order to qualify as a book study conductor in a congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses?​—A. S., U.S.A.

The Bible sets the standard. Whenever a brother is being recommended by the congregation service committee as a servant, they ought to open the Bible and view the individual in the light of what it says. First Timothy chapter 3, verses 1 through 7, discusses the overseer; then, starting in 1 Ti 3 verse 8 is information about “ministerial servants,” who include the congregation book study conductors.

Notice what it says: “Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not giving themselves to a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience.” If, as the apostle Paul says here, the man is “serious” and holds “the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience,” he will be a person who is conscientious about the ministry, one who manifests exemplary spirituality. This is important, because it is the responsibility of the book study conductor to help build up the spirituality of each one in the group to which he is assigned.

In 1 Ti 3 verse 10 the apostle Paul goes on to say: “Also, let these be tested as to fitness first, then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation.” It is not wise to be in a hurry about recommending anyone about whom there is any doubt. Let him “be tested as to fitness first”; before he is appointed, let him show that his decisions are always firmly based on the Scriptures. If there is some doubt about whether his secular work sets a good example for others, or if there is some other situation that raises questions, it is not necessary