“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom

This publication examines the establishment of the first-century Christian congregation and how it relates to us today.

Maps

Maps showing what is often called the Holy Land today and the apostle Paul’s missionary trips.

A Letter From the Governing Body

Why can we be confident of God’s backing as we continue “bearing thorough witness” about God’s Kingdom?

CHAPTER 1

“Go . . . and Make Disciples”

Jesus foretold that the Kingdom message would be preached to all the nations. How is this being accomplished?

CHAPTER 2

“You Will Be Witnesses of Me”

How did Jesus prepare his apostles to spearhead the preaching work?

CHAPTER 3

“Filled With Holy Spirit”

What part did God’s holy spirit play in the founding of the Christian congregation?

CHAPTER 4

“Uneducated and Ordinary Men”

The apostles take bold action, and Jehovah blesses them.

CHAPTER 5

“We Must Obey God as Ruler”

The apostles took a stand that set a precedent for all true Christians.

CHAPTER 6

Stephen—“Full of Divine Favor and Power”

What can we learn from Stephen’s bold witness before the Jewish high court?

CHAPTER 7

Declaring “the Good News About Jesus”

Philip sets a good example as an evangelizer.

CHAPTER 8

The Congregation “Entered Into a Period of Peace”

The vicious persecutor Saul becomes a zealous minister.

CHAPTER 9

“God Is Not Partial”

The preaching work opens up to uncircumcised Gentiles.

CHAPTER 10

“The Word of Jehovah Went On Growing”

Peter is delivered, and persecution fails to stop the spread of the good news.

CHAPTER 11

“Filled With Joy and Holy Spirit”

Paul sets a fine example in dealing with hostile, unresponsive people.

CHAPTER 12

“Speaking With Boldness by the Authority of Jehovah”

Paul and Barnabas display humility, perseverance, and adaptability.

CHAPTER 13

After Quite a Bit of Dissension”

The issue of circumcision goes before the governing body.

CHAPTER 14

“We Have Come to a Unanimous Decision”

Learn how the governing body reached a decision on circumcision and the unifying effect the decision had on the congregations.

CHAPTER 15

“Strengthening the Congregations”

Traveling ministers assist the congregations to be made firm in the faith.

CHAPTER 16

“Step Over Into Macedonia”

Blessings result from accepting an assignment and meeting persecution with joy.

CHAPTER 17

“He Reasoned With Them From the Scriptures”

Paul bears thorough witness to the Jews in Thessalonica and Beroea.

CHAPTER 18

“Seek God, . . . and Really Find Him”

By establishing common ground with his listeners, what opportunities to preach opened up to Paul?

CHAPTER 19

“Keep On Speaking and Do Not Keep Silent”

What can we learn from Paul’s activities in Corinth that will help us to bear thorough witness about God’s Kingdom?

CHAPTER 20

“Growing and Prevailing” Despite Opposition

Learn how Apollos and Paul contribute toward the spread of the good news.

CHAPTER 21

“I Am Clean From the Blood of All Men”

Paul is zealous in the ministry and gives counsel to elders.

CHAPTER 22

“Let the Will of Jehovah Take Place”

Determined to do God’s will, Paul goes to Jerusalem.

CHAPTER 23

“Hear My Defense”

Paul defends the truth before angry mobs and the Sanhedrin.

CHAPTER 24

“Take Courage!”

Paul escapes a plot on his life and makes his defense before Governor Felix.

CHAPTER 25

“I Appeal to Caesar!”

Paul sets an example in defending the good news.

CHAPTER 26

“Not One of You Will Be Lost”

Paul faces shipwreck, showing great faith and love for people.

CHAPTER 27

“Bearing Thorough Witness”

Imprisoned in Rome, Paul continues to preach.

CHAPTER 28

“To the Most Distant Part of the Earth”

Jehovah’s Witnesses continue a work that started with the followers of Jesus Christ in the first century of our Common Era.

Image Index

List of key images in this publication.