¹⁷ In 1918 the John class of anointed Christians​—like that staunch congregation in Philadelphia—​had to face opposition from the modern-day “synagogue of Satan.” Religious leaders of Christendom, who claimed to be spiritual Jews, slyly maneuvered the rulers to suppress true Christians. Nevertheless, these tried hard to ‘keep the word of Jesus’ endurance’; hence, with spiritual help, a significant “little power,” they survived and were aroused to enter the door that now opened before them. In what way?

“An Opened Door”

18. What appointment did Jesus make in 1919, and how did the appointee thus become like Hezekiah’s faithful steward?

¹⁸ In 1919 Jesus fulfilled his promise and recognized the small band of genuine anointed Christians as his “faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45-47) These entered into a privilege similar to that enjoyed by the faithful steward Eliakim in the time of King Hezekiah.d Jehovah said of Eliakim: “I will put the key of the house of David upon his shoulder, and he must open without anyone’s shutting, and he must shut without anyone’s opening.” Eliakim shouldered heavy responsibilities for Hezekiah, the royal son of David. Similarly today, the anointed John class has had “the key of the house of David” put upon its shoulder in that it has been entrusted with the earthly interests of the Messianic Kingdom. Jehovah has strengthened his servants for this privilege, boosting their little power into dynamic energy sufficient for a gigantic global witness.​—Isaiah 22:20, 22; 40:29.

19. How did the John class handle the responsibilities that Jesus gave it in 1919, and with what result?

¹⁹ From 1919 onward the anointed remnant, following Jesus’ example, launched into a vigorous campaign of declaring abroad the good news of the Kingdom. (Matthew 4:17; Romans 10:18) As a result, some of the modern synagogue of Satan, Christendom, came to this anointed remnant, repented and ‘bowed down,’ acknowledging the slave’s authority. They too came to serve Jehovah in union with the older ones of the John class. This continued until the full number of Jesus’ anointed brothers was gathered. Following this, “a great crowd . . . out of all nations” has come to “bow down” to the anointed slave. (Revelation 7:3, 4, 9) Together, the slave and this great crowd serve as the one flock of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

25. How can each individual Christian today apply the principle behind the counsel Jesus gave to the congregation in Philadelphia?

²⁵ What grand encouragement that message must have been to the faithful Christians in Philadelphia! And it certainly has a powerful lesson for the John class now, during the Lord’s day. But its principles are important for each individual Christian, whether of the anointed or of the other sheep. (John 10:16) Each of us would do well to keep producing Kingdom fruitage as did those Christians in Philadelphia. All of us have at least a little power. All of us can do something in Jehovah’s service. Let us use this power! With regard to increased Kingdom privileges, let us be alert to enter any door that opens for us. We can even pray for Jehovah to open such a door. (Colossians 4:2, 3) As we follow Jesus’ pattern of endurance and prove true to his name, we will show that we, too, have an ear to hear what God’s holy spirit says to the congregations.