Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Division of Responsibility

That the burden of judging and looking after the affairs of Israel might not all rest on Moses, what instruction did Jethro, his father-in-law, give him? BR-ASI9 433.7

“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” Exodus 18:21, 22. BR-ASI9 433.8

How many apostles did Christ at first ordain to preach the gospel? BR-ASI9 433.9

“And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Mark 3:14. BR-ASI9 433.10

How many did He later appoint to this work? BR-ASI9 433.11

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.” Luke 10:1. BR-ASI9 433.12

When the number of the disciples multiplied, what instruction did the apostles give the believers, that none might be neglected in the daily ministration of temporal necessities? BR-ASI9 434.1

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts 6:3. BR-ASI9 434.2

Note.—The men thus selected were known as deacons. The lesson to be learned from this is that leaders and people should unite in planning and providing for the necessary organization and officering of the church according to its growth and needs. This cooperation is again shown in the words of Paul, “Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send.” 1 Corinthians 16:3. (See also Acts 15:22.) BR-ASI9 434.3

What word came through the Spirit to the ministering prophets and teachers laboring at Antioch? BR-ASI9 434.4

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2, 3. BR-ASI9 434.5

What is one of the gifts which God has set in the church? BR-ASI9 434.6

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that . . . helps, governments.” 1 Corinthians 12:28. BR-ASI9 434.7

Note.—The word here rendered governments implies the work or office of “steering, piloting, directing.” BR-ASI9 434.8

For the direction of matters in each local church, what instruction did the apostle Paul give Titus? BR-ASI9 434.9

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Titus 1:5. BR-ASI9 434.10