Recently, the Governing Body has modified the definition of the Faithful and Discreet Slave to exclusively apply to themselves and to not include the thousands of other anointed.
In the past, Jehovah’s Witnesses have believed that The Faithful and Discreet Slave is the collective body of “anointed” Christians alive on earth and that they exercise teaching authority in all matters pertaining to doctrine and articles of faith. This belief is based on an interpretation of Matthew 24:45-47.
Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus uses this group exclusively “to publish information on the fulfillment of Bible prophecies and to give timely direction on the application of Bible principles in daily life as the only means of communicating God’s messages to people. Hence, it is referred to as God’s “prophet and “channel”.
Appointments to positions of responsibility and decisions on doctrines, activities and oversight of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide are made by the members of the Governing Body, who are said to serve as representatives of the “slave class”. However no global network of anointed Witnesses exists to reveal new spiritual truths, and the remainder of the “slave class” are not consulted when making decisions.
Recently, some members of the anointed class wrote the Governing Body disagreeing with the way they were treating God’s household and questioning some of the teachings. The Governing Body has permanently resolved this problem of dissent by cutting the other anointed out of the Faithful and Discreet Slave class, thereby completely consolidating their power and eliminating all opposition.
What do you think? Take part in the poll on the right side of the screen – and see what others think.
Do you believe the Faithful and Discreet Slave class of Matt 24:45-47 is:
* The Governing Body
* All “Anointed” JWs
* All “Anointed” Christians, even if not JWs
* C.T. Russell
* Not sure of the answer
* Other (Explain by posting a comment)
How would you apply the verses in Matt 24:45-47?
We would love to hear your thoughts.
Dear Bob thanks ,
And the Lord my God says in Psalm 23
” Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over”.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
This is my point:To dwell with God …, the perfect shepherd and host, promises to guide and protect us through life to bring us into his house forever.
Peace to you brother.
Magdalena – Thanks for all your comments. You have so much to say that it would help if you could briefly summarize the two or three most important points your have been trying to make. Sort of like three bullet point sentences. You have already provided the scriptures and explanations. Thanks.
I just remember reading in Fred Franz’s book that while some may call themselves the annoited they have as much chance of inputing something into the magazines or shedding light as a regular publisher – and I haven’t seen any change in that over the years watching from afar. I’m wondering if these are just empty words since there’s no way for those who claim to be the annoited spread out in the different congregations all over the world to have any meaningful input if they, like the rest of the rank and file Witnesses, get called on for having an independent thought when they write in taking issue with what’s come out of headquarters? Isn’t it funny how much real unconditional love was actually practiced in Congregations of JW. They deserve better.
I voted “other”. Why? Because no one knows at this time just who Christ will reward and praise for being FOUND (WHEN HE COMES) as being A “FAITHFUL AND DISCREET steward ”
Remember, Jesus asked the question: Who REALLY is the faithful steward, the discreet one whom his master “WILL appoint” over his body of attendents to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?
It’s good to go to Luke to get more information on this subject: Luke 12:35-48
Now Peter asked Jesus at verse 41: “Lord, are you saying this to us or to ALL?” Luke doesn’t show Jesus’ answer, but Mark does at Mark 13:27:
“But what I say to you, I say TO ALL, keep on the watch.”
So ALL “born again” Christians need to be “FOUND READY”, and be found actively doing Gods’ will, When Christ comes. See Hebrews 10:24-25,35-36.
But again no one at this time can claim that they have already been chosen by Christ as a “faithful and discreet steward or slave because it is only obvious that NO ONE HAS BEEN REWARDED as such YET.
( And when I say “born again” Christians I am referring to 1 Peter 1:3-4 and 1 John 5:1