The following article is an excerpt from the publication called: The "Report" Volume I pages 212 thru 220. |
© 1994 - 2023 Donald C. Burney |
“Living Water” - John 7:37-38 |
Revelation 5:5 |
Ezekiel 17:22-24 |
Jehovah's Witnesses have long taught that one of the identifying marks of true worship today is their proclamation of the kingdom message by the door-to-door method. This distinctive feature or particular brand of ministry, asserts the Watchtower Society, makes them different from all other religions worldwide. Notice this comment found in the publication The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, pg. 128, 129, paragraph 13-14 which states: |
The publication further asserts: door and you hear him talking about God's kingdom as mankind's true hope, with what organization do you associate that person?" activity can be gleaned from the very next statement. do the will of the heavenly Father in imitation of his son Jesus." |
Therefore, the Watchtower Society asserts that they have scriptural proof (Acts 20:20) that the "house-to-house" ministry has been long established by Jesus and the first century Christians as a model and example for us today. And since they, as an organization, are internationally renowned |
The Greek expression used here can be literally translated as "house-to-house." But, many up-to-date translations of the Bible such as the American Standard Version render the expression kat oikous at Acts 5:42 more accurately as follows: |
"and day after day they were in constant attendance at the temple with one accord, and they took their meals in PRIVATE HOMES [Greek kat oikou] and partook of food with great rejoicing and sincerity of heart." |
But what modern translator of the Bible would want to render kat oikous as "house to house" in Acts 2:46 as the King James Version does? It really, would not make sense. Obviously, Acts 2:46 are not talking about any such door-to-door method. Because if it were, then we would be left to imagine or understand that the apostles were literally going throughout the neighborhood, from door-to-door, yes house-to-house eating meals with any and everybody who would let them in? Ridiculous you say! Then it would be just as ridiculous to say that Acts 20:20 or Acts 5:42 is teaching a specific method of disciple-making, literally house-to-house. The Greek wordage is exactly the same in all three accounts. Think about it. -- See TDNT, pp. 130, & 2, Vol. V. |
"So stay in that house, eating and drinking the thing they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. DO NOT BE TRANSFERRING FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE." |
Obviously then, Jesus was giving them specific instructions for establishing a home base for launching their ministry in that particular town. This would thus provide them with a place to confidentially give personal instruction to those who would listen -- yes in the privacy and relaxed atmosphere of a home belonging to a "friend of peace." (Luke 10:6) However, if by chance in `searching out' the town or village, they encountered an unappreciative person, or even an inhospitable village or city, Jesus said for them to "Shake the dust off your feet for a witness against them." -- Luke 9:5; 10:8-13.
Written By:
Donald C. Burney
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