While the governing body maintained headquarters at Jerusalem, representatives were sent to all kinds of cities and provinces, and the assembling together of Christians became very widespread during the first century of our common era. The apostle Paul was privileged to have a considerable part in the theocratic expansion program, congregating people everywhere. (Acts 14:21-28)

And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.”​—Heb. 10:23-25.

ASSEMBLY BLESSINGS IN THE “LAST DAYS”

 7. Why is assembling of Christians in modern days so important?

⁷ The words of the apostle Paul quoted above have been full of meaning for Christians ever since they were written. The very phraseology used by Paul indicates a special importance for those living in the “last days,” for he says, “all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.” If ever there would be a time when one should hold fast without wavering and incite others to love and fine works, the “last days” would especially be such a time. What Paul wrote was in full harmony with Jesus Christ, who urged his servants to be together. His expression at Matthew 18:20, “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst,” indicates the benefits of being together with other Christians. Blessings come through Christ Jesus to those who gather together in his name. And while such blessings will come to two or three, they will also be found if there be two or three hundred, twenty or thirty thousand or even more. The Scriptures give ample evidence that Christ Jesus continues to look with favor upon those who come before Jehovah with thanksgiving.