Devote Yourself to Reading

“While I am coming, continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching.”—1 TIMOTHY 4:13.

1. How can we benefit from reading the Bible?

JEHOVAH GOD has given mankind the wonderful ability of learning to read and write. He has also provided his Word, the Bible, so that we can be well instructed. (Isaiah 30:20, 21) In effect, its pages enable us to “walk” with God-fearing patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We can “see” such godly women as Sarah, Rebekah, and the loyal Moabitess Ruth. Yes, and we can “hear” Jesus Christ give his Sermon on the Mount. All this pleasure and grand instruction from the Holy Scriptures can be ours if we are good readers.

2. What indicates that Jesus and his apostles could read well?

² Undoubtedly, the perfect man Jesus Christ had excellent reading ability, and he certainly knew the Hebrew Scriptures very well. When tempted by the Devil, therefore, Jesus repeatedly referred to them and said, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) On one occasion at the synagogue in Nazareth, he publicly read and applied to himself a portion of Isaiah’s prophecy. (Luke 4:16-21) What about Jesus’ apostles? In their writings, they often quoted the Hebrew Scriptures. Though the Jewish rulers viewed Peter and John as unlettered and ordinary because they were not educated in Hebrew schools of higher learning, their divinely inspired letters clearly prove that they could read and write well. (Acts 4:13) But is the ability to read really important?

“Happy Is He Who Reads Aloud”

3. Why is it so important to read the Scriptures and Christian publications?

³ Taking in and applying accurate knowledge of the Scriptures can result in life eternal. (John 17:3) Jehovah’s Witnesses therefore realize that it is vitally important to read and study the Holy Scriptures and the Christian publications provided by God through the faithful and discreet slave class of anointed Christians. (Matthew 24:45-47) In fact, by using specially designed Watch Tower publications, thousands have been taught to read and thus acquire life-giving knowledge of God’s Word.

4. (a) Why does happiness result from reading, studying, and applying God’s Word? (b) As regards reading, what did Paul tell Timothy?

⁴ Happiness results from reading, studying, and applying God’s Word. This is so because we thereby please and honor God, receive his blessing, and experience joy. Jehovah wants his servants to be happy. Hence, he commanded the priests to read his Law to the people of ancient Israel. (Deuteronomy 31:9-12) When Ezra the copyist and others read the Law to all the people assembled in Jerusalem, its meaning was made clear, and the result was “a great rejoicing.” (Nehemiah 8:6-8, 12) The Christian apostle Paul later told his coworker Timothy: “While I am coming, continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13) Another translation reads: “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture.”—New International Version.

5. How does Revelation 1:3 link happiness with reading?

⁵ That our happiness depends on reading and applying God’s Word is made clear at Revelation 1:3. There we are told: “Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near.” Yes, we need to read aloud and hear the prophetic words of God in Revelation and throughout the Scriptures. The truly happy person is the one whose “delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night.” The result? “Everything he does will succeed.” (Psalm 1:1-3) For good reasons, therefore, Jehovah’s organization urges each one of us to read and study his Word privately, as families, and with friends.

Think Actively and Meditate

6. What was Joshua instructed to read, and how was this beneficial?

⁶ How can you get the most out of your reading of God’s Word and Christian publications? You are likely to find it beneficial to do what was done by Joshua, a God-fearing leader of ancient Israel. He was commanded: “This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Joshua 1:8) ‘Reading in an undertone’ means saying the words to yourself in a low voice. This is a memory aid, for it impresses the material on the mind. Joshua was to read in God’s Law “day and night,” or regularly. That was the way to be successful and to act wisely in discharging God-given responsibilities. Such regular reading of God’s Word can help you in a similar way.

7. Why should we not let the idea of speed dominate when we read God’s Word?

⁷ Do not let the idea of speed dominate when reading God’s Word. If you have planned to spend a period of time reading the Bible or some Christian publication, you may want to take your time. This is particularly important when you are studying with the object of remembering significant points. And when you read, think actively. Analyze the Bible writer’s statements. Ask yourself, ‘What is his point? What should I do with this information?’

8. Why is it beneficial to meditate when reading the Scriptures?

⁸ Take time to meditate while reading the Holy Scriptures. This will help you to remember Bible accounts and to apply Scriptural principles. Meditating on God’s Word and thus fixing points in your mind will also enable you to speak from the heart, giving sincere inquirers fine answers instead of saying something that you may later regret. Says a divinely inspired proverb: “The heart of the righteous one meditates so as to answer.”—Proverbs 15:28.

Associate New Points With Old

9, 10. How can your Bible reading be enhanced by associating new Scriptural points with ones you already know?

⁹ Most Christians must admit that at one time they knew little about God, his Word, and his purposes. Today, however, these Christian ministers, starting with creation and man’s fall into sin, can explain the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice, can tell of the destruction of this wicked system of things, and can show how obedient mankind will be blessed with eternal life on a paradise earth. This is possible largely because these servants of Jehovah have taken in “the very knowledge of God” by studying the Bible and Christian publications. (Proverbs 2:1-5) They have gradually associated new points learned with older ones already understood.

¹⁰ Associating new Scriptural points with ones you already know is beneficial and rewarding. (Isaiah 48:17) When Bible laws, principles, or even somewhat abstract ideas are presented, associate these with what you already know. Fit the information into what you have learned about “the pattern of healthful words.” (2 Timothy 1:13) Look for information that may help you to strengthen your relationship with God, improve your Christian personality, or assist you to share Bible truths with others.

11. What might you do when reading something that the Bible says about conduct? Illustrate.

¹¹ When reading something that the Bible says about conduct, try to discern the principle involved. Meditate on it, and decide what you would do under similar circumstances. Jacob’s son Joseph consistently refused to engage in sexual immorality with Potiphar’s wife, asking: “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” (Genesis 39:7-9) In this moving account, you find an underlying principle—sexual immorality is a sin against God. You can mentally associate this principle with other statements in God’s Word, and you can remember it with profit if tempted to engage in such wrongdoing.—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Visualize Scriptural Incidents

12. Why visualize Bible accounts as you read them?

¹² To impress points on your mind as you read, visualize what is occurring. Mentally see the terrain, the homes, the people. Hear their voices. Smell the bread baking in an oven. Relive the scenes. Then your reading will be a moving experience, for you may see an ancient city, ascend a lofty mountain, marvel at the wonders of creation, or associate with men and women of great faith.

13. How would you describe what is recorded at Judges 7:19-22?

¹³ Suppose you are reading Judges 7:19-22. Visualize what is taking place. Judge Gideon and three hundred valiant Israelite men have taken their places on the edge of the Midianite camp. It is about ten o’clock in the evening, the beginning of the “middle night watch.” The Midianite sentries have just been posted, and darkness covers the encampment of Israel’s sleeping enemies. Look! Gideon and his men are equipped with horns. They have large water jars that cover torches held in their left hands. Suddenly, the three bands of a hundred each blow the horns, shatter the jars, raise the torches aloft, and shout: “Jehovah’s sword and Gideon’s!” You look at the camp. Why, the Midianites get on the run and break into shouting! As the three hundred continue blowing their horns, God sets the swords of the Midianites against one another. Midian has been put to flight, and Jehovah has given Israel the victory.

Learning Valuable Lessons

14. How might Judges chapter 9 be used to teach a child the need to be humble?

¹⁴ By reading God’s Word, we can learn many lessons. For example, perhaps you want to impress your children with the need to be humble. Well, it should be easy to visualize and get the point of what was said in the prophecy of Gideon’s son Jotham. Begin reading at Judges 9:8. “Once upon a time,” said Jotham, “the trees went to anoint a king over them.” The olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine refused to rule. But the lowly bramble was glad to become a ruler. Having read the account aloud to your children, you might explain that the valuable plants represented worthy persons who did not seek the position of kingship over their fellow Israelites. The bramble, which was useful only for fuel, represented the kingship of proud Abimelech, a murderer who wanted to dominate others but met an end in fulfillment of Jotham’s prophecy. (Judges, chapter 9) What child would want to grow up and become like a bramble?

15. How is the importance of loyalty highlighted in the book of Ruth?

¹⁵ The importance of loyalty is made clear in the Bible book of Ruth. Suppose members of your family are taking turns reading that account aloud and trying to absorb what it says. You see the Moabitess Ruth on a journey to Bethlehem with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and you hear Ruth say: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16) Industrious Ruth is seen gleaning behind the harvesters in the field of Boaz. You hear him compliment her, saying: “Everyone in the gate of my people is aware that you are an excellent woman.” (Ruth 3:11) Soon, Boaz marries Ruth. In harmony with the arrangement for brother-in-law marriage, by Boaz she bears a son “to Naomi.” Ruth becomes an ancestress of David and eventually of Jesus Christ. She thus received “a perfect wage.” Moreover, those reading the Scriptural account learn a valuable lesson: Be loyal to Jehovah, and you will be richly blessed.—Ruth 2:12; 4:17-22; Proverbs 10:22; Matthew 1:1, 5, 6.

16. What test did the three Hebrews undergo, and how can this account help us?

¹⁶ The account of the Hebrews named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can help us to be faithful to God in trialsome situations. Visualize the event as Daniel chapter 3 is read aloud. A huge image of gold towers above the plain of Dura, where Babylonian officials have been assembled. At the sound of musical instruments, they fall down and worship the image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. That is, all except Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego do so. Respectfully, but firmly, they tell the king that they will not serve his gods and worship the image of gold. These young Hebrews are cast into a superheated furnace. But what happens? Looking inside, the king sees four able-bodied men, one of them “resembling a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:25) The three Hebrews are brought out of the furnace, and Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God. It has been rewarding to visualize the account. And what a lesson it provides regarding faithfulness to Jehovah under test!

Benefit From Reading the Bible as a Family

17. Briefly cite some of the beneficial things your family can learn by reading the Bible together.

¹⁷ Your family can enjoy many benefits if you regularly spend time reading the Bible together. Beginning in Genesis, you can witness creation and peer into man’s original Paradise home. You can share experiences of the faithful patriarchs and their families and follow the Israelites as they pass through the Red Sea dry-shod. You can see the shepherd lad David vanquish the Philistine giant Goliath. Your family can note the construction of Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem, can see its desolation by Babylonian hordes, and can view its reconstruction under Governor Zerubbabel. Along with humble shepherds near Bethlehem, you can hear the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. You can get details about his baptism and his ministry, can see him give up his human life as a ransom, and can share the joy of his resurrection. Next, you can travel with the apostle Paul and observe the establishment of congregations as Christianity spreads. Then, in the book of Revelation, your family can enjoy the apostle John’s grand vision of the future, including Christ’s Thousand Year Reign.

18, 19. What suggestions are offered regarding family Bible reading?

¹⁸ If you are reading the Bible aloud as a family, read it with clarity and enthusiasm. When reading some portions of the Scriptures, one family member—possibly the father—might read the words of the general account. Others of you can assume the roles of Bible characters, reading your parts with suitable feeling.

¹⁹ As you share in Bible reading as a family, your ability to read may improve. Likely, your knowledge of God will increase, and this should draw you closer to him. Asaph sang: “As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me. In the Sovereign Lord Jehovah I have placed my refuge, to declare all your works.” (Psalm 73:28) This will help your family to be like Moses, who “continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible,” that is, Jehovah God.—Hebrews 11:27.

Reading and the Christian Ministry

20, 21. How is our preaching commission related to the ability to read?

²⁰ Our desire to worship “the One who is invisible” should move us to work at being good readers. The ability to read well helps us to bear witness from God’s Word. It certainly helps us to carry on in the Kingdom-preaching work for which Jesus commissioned his followers when he said: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) Witnessing is the chief work of Jehovah’s people, and reading ability helps us to accomplish it.

²¹ Effort is required to be a good reader and a skillful teacher of God’s Word. (Ephesians 6:17) So, ‘do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, handling the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Timothy 2:15) Increase your knowledge of Scriptural truth and your ability as a Witness of Jehovah by devoting yourself to reading.

Read God’s Word and Serve Him in Truth

“Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth.”—PSALM 86:11.

1. In essence, what did the first issue of this magazine say about truth?

JEHOVAH sends out light and truth. (Psalm 43:3) He also gives us the capacity to read his Word, the Bible, and learn the truth. This journal’s first issue—July 1879—said: “Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error. If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” Reading and studying God’s Word enables us to acquire accurate knowledge and walk in his truth.—Psalm 86:11.

2. What resulted when Ezra and others read God’s Law to the Jews in ancient Jerusalem?

² After Jerusalem’s walls were rebuilt in 455 B.C.E., the priest Ezra and others read God’s Law to the Jews. This was followed by a joyful Festival of Booths, confession of sins, and concluding “a trustworthy arrangement.” (Nehemiah 8:1–9:38) We read: “They continued reading aloud from the book, from the law of the true God, it being expounded, and there being a putting of meaning into it; and they continued giving understanding in the reading.” (Nehemiah 8:8) Some suggest that the Jews did not understand Hebrew well and that Aramaic paraphrasing was done. But the text does not indicate mere clarification of linguistic terms. Ezra and the others expounded the Law so that the people could grasp its principles and apply them. Christian publications and meetings also serve to ‘put meaning into’ God’s Word. So do appointed elders, who are “qualified to teach.”—1 Timothy 3:1, 2; 2 Timothy 2:24.

Lasting Benefits

3. What are some benefits gleaned from Bible reading?

³ When Christian families read the Bible together, they are likely to experience lasting benefits. They become acquainted with God’s laws and learn the truth about doctrines, prophetic matters, and other subjects. After a portion of the Bible has been read, the head of the household might ask: How should this affect us? In what way does this relate to other Bible teachings? How can we use these points in preaching the good news? A family gains greater insight when reading the Bible if they do research by using the Watch Tower Publications Index or other indexes. The two volumes of Insight on the Scriptures can be consulted with benefits.

4. How was Joshua to apply the instruction recorded at Joshua 1:8?

⁴ Principles drawn from the Scriptures can guide us in life. Moreover, reading and studying ‘the holy writings can make us wise for salvation.’ (2 Timothy 3:15) If we let God’s Word guide us, we will keep on walking in his truth and our righteous desires will be realized. (Psalm 26:3; 119:130) However, we need to seek understanding, as did Moses’ successor, Joshua. The “book of the law” was not to depart from his mouth, and he was to read in it day and night. (Joshua 1:8) Not to let the “book of the law” depart from his mouth meant that Joshua was not to quit telling others the enlightening things it said. Reading in the Law day and night meant that Joshua was to meditate on it, was to study it. The apostle Paul similarly urged Timothy to “ponder over”—meditate on—his conduct, ministry, and teaching. As a Christian elder, Timothy needed to be especially careful that his life was exemplary and that he taught Scriptural truth.—1 Timothy 4:15.

5. What is needed if we are to find God’s truth?

⁵ God’s truth is a priceless treasure. Finding it requires digging, persistent searching of the Scriptures. Only as childlike pupils of the Grand Instructor do we gain wisdom and come to understand the reverential fear of Jehovah. (Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 30:20, 21) Of course, we should prove things Scripturally. (1 Peter 2:1, 2) Jews in Beroea “were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things [said by Paul] were so.” The Beroeans were commended rather than rebuked for doing this.—Acts 17:10, 11.

6. Why could Jesus indicate that it did certain Jews no good to search the Scriptures?

⁶ Jesus told certain Jews: “You are searching the Scriptures, because you think that by means of them you will have everlasting life; and these are the very ones that bear witness about me. And yet you do not want to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39, 40) They searched the Scriptures with the right idea—that these could guide them to life. Indeed, the Scriptures contained Messianic prophecies that pointed to Jesus as the means of life. But the Jews rejected him. Searching the Scriptures, therefore, did them no good.

7. What is needed to grow in understanding of the Bible, and why?

⁷ To grow in our understanding of the Bible, we need the guidance of God’s spirit, or active force. “The spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God” so as to bring forth their meaning. (1 Corinthians 2:10) Christians in Thessalonica were to “make sure of all things” in any prophecies they heard. (1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21) When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians (about 50 C.E.), the only part of the Greek Scriptures already written was Matthew’s Gospel. So the Thessalonians and the Beroeans could make sure of all things, likely by checking the Greek Septuagint version of the Hebrew Scriptures. They needed to read and study the Scriptures, and so do we.

Vital for All

8. Why should appointed elders excel in Bible knowledge?

⁸ Appointed elders should excel in Bible knowledge. They must be “qualified to teach” and must ‘hold firmly to the faithful word.’ The overseer Timothy was to ‘handle the word of the truth aright.’ (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:15) His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother Lois had taught him the holy writings from infancy, instilling ‘unhypocritical faith’ in him, though his father was an unbeliever. (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15) Believing fathers are to bring up their offspring “in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah,” and especially must elders who are fathers have ‘believing children that are not unruly or under a charge of debauchery.’ (Ephesians 6:4; Titus 1:6) Regardless of our circumstances, then, we should take very seriously the need to read, study, and apply God’s Word.

9. Why study the Bible in association with fellow Christians?

⁹ We should also study the Bible in association with fellow believers. Paul wanted the Thessalonian Christians to discuss his counsel with one another. (1 Thessalonians 4:18) To sharpen our understanding of the truth, there is nothing better than joining other devoted students in examining the Scriptures. True is the proverb: “By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another.” (Proverbs 27:17) An iron tool can become rusty if it is not kept in use and sharpened. Similarly, we need to meet regularly and sharpen one another by sharing knowledge we have gained from reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word of truth. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Moreover, this is one way to make sure that we benefit from flashes of spiritual light.—Psalm 97:11; Proverbs 4:18.

10. What does it mean to walk in the truth?

¹⁰ In our study of the Scriptures, we can appropriately pray to God as did the psalmist: “Send out your light and your truth. May these themselves lead me.” (Psalm 43:3) If we desire to have God’s approval, we must walk in his truth. (3 John 3, 4) This includes abiding by his requirements and serving him in faithfulness and sincerity. (Psalm 25:4, 5; John 4:23, 24) We must serve Jehovah in truth, as revealed in his Word and made clear in the publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45-47) This calls for accurate knowledge of the Scriptures. How, then, should we read and study God’s Word? Should we start reading it from Genesis chapter 1, verse 1, on through the 66 books? Yes, every Christian who has the complete Bible in his language should read it from Genesis to Revelation. And our objective in reading the Bible and Christian publications should be to increase our comprehension of the great body of Scriptural truth that God has made available through the ‘faithful slave.’

Read God’s Word Aloud

11, 12. Why is it beneficial to have the Bible read aloud at meetings?

¹¹ We may read silently when alone. In ancient times, however, private reading was done aloud. As the Ethiopian eunuch rode in his chariot, the evangelizer Philip therefore heard him read from the prophecy of Isaiah. (Acts 8:27-30) The Hebrew word translated “read” primarily means to “call.” So those initially unable to read silently and get the sense of the reading should not be discouraged from pronouncing each word out loud. The principal thing is to learn the truth by reading God’s written Word.

¹² It is beneficial to have the Bible read aloud at Christian meetings. The apostle Paul urged his coworker Timothy: “Continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13) Paul told the Colossians: “When this letter has been read among you, arrange that it also be read in the congregation of the Laodiceans and that you also read the one from Laodicea.” (Colossians 4:16) And Revelation 1:3 says: “Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near.” Therefore, a public speaker should read texts from the Bible to support what he says to a congregation.

Topical Method of Study

13. What is the most progressive method of learning Bible truths, and what can help us to locate scriptures?

¹³ Topical study is the most progressive method of learning Scriptural truths. Concordances, listing Bible words alphabetically in their context according to book, chapter, and verse, make it easy to locate texts related to a certain subject. And such scriptures can be harmonized with one another because the Bible’s Author does not contradict himself. By holy spirit, he inspired some 40 men to write the Bible over a period of 16 centuries, and studying it topically is a time-tested way of learning the truth.

14. Why study the Hebrew and Christian Greek Scriptures together?

¹⁴ Our appreciation for Bible truth should motivate us to read and study the Christian Greek Scriptures along with the Hebrew Scriptures. This will show how the Greek Scriptures are linked with God’s purpose and will shed light on Hebrew Scripture prophecies. (Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 3:4-6; Colossians 1:26) Very helpful in this regard is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. It was prepared by dedicated servants of God who took advantage of the increased knowledge available concerning the original Bible text as well as its background and idiomatic expressions. Vital, too, are the Bible study aids Jehovah has provided by means of “the faithful and discreet slave.”

15. How would you prove that it is appropriate to quote from here and there in the Bible?

¹⁵ Some may say, ‘Your publications make thousands of quotations from the Bible, but why do you take these from here and there?’ By quoting from here and there in the Bible’s 66 books, the publications draw upon several inspired witnesses to prove the truthfulness of a teaching. Jesus himself used this method of instruction. When he gave his Sermon on the Mount, he made 21 quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures. That discourse contains three quotations from Exodus, two from Leviticus, one from Numbers, six from Deuteronomy, one from Second Kings, four from Psalms, three from Isaiah, and one from Jeremiah. By doing this, was Jesus ‘trying to prove just anything’? No, for ‘he taught as a person having authority, and not as the scribes.’ That was so because Jesus backed up his teaching with the authority of God’s written Word. (Matthew 7:29) So did the apostle Paul.

16. What Scriptural quotations did Paul make at Romans 15:7-13?

¹⁶ In the scripture passage found at Romans 15:7-13, Paul quoted from three Hebrew Scripture sections—the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. He showed that Jews and Gentiles would glorify God, and Christians should thus welcome people of all nations. Paul said: “Welcome one another, just as the Christ also welcomed us, with glory to God in view. For I say that Christ actually became a minister of those who are circumcised in behalf of God’s truthfulness, so as to verify the promises He made to their forefathers, and that the nations might glorify God for his mercy. Just as it is written [at Psalm 18:49]: ‘That is why I will openly acknowledge you among the nations and to your name I will make melody.’ And again he says [at Deuteronomy 32:43]: ‘Be glad, you nations, with his people.’ And again [at Psalm 117:1]: ‘Praise Jehovah, all you nations, and let all the peoples praise him.’ And again Isaiah [11:1, 10] says: ‘There will be the root of Jesse, and there will be one arising to rule nations; on him nations will rest their hope.’ May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your believing, that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit.” By this topical method, Paul showed how to quote scriptures to establish Bible truths.

17. In harmony with what precedent do Christians quote from here and there in the whole Bible?

¹⁷ The apostle Peter’s first inspired letter contains 34 quotations from ten books in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. In his second letter, Peter quotes six times from three books. Matthew’s Gospel has 122 quotations from Genesis to Malachi. In the 27 books of the Greek Scriptures, there are 320 direct quotations from Genesis to Malachi as well as hundreds of other references to the Hebrew Scriptures. In harmony with the precedent set by Jesus and followed by his apostles, when modern-day Christians make a topical study of a Scriptural subject, they quote from here and there in the whole Bible. This is especially fitting in these “last days,” when most of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures are being fulfilled. (2 Timothy 3:1) The ‘faithful slave’ makes such use of the Bible in its publications, but never does it add to God’s Word or take away from it.—Proverbs 30:5, 6; Revelation 22:18, 19.

Always Walk in the Truth

18. Why ‘walk in the truth’?

¹⁸ We must not take anything away from the Bible, for the whole body of Christian teachings in God’s Word is “the truth” or “the truth of the good news.” Adherence to this truth—“walking” in it—is vital for salvation. (Galatians 2:5; 2 John 4; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4) Since Christianity is “the way of the truth,” by assisting others in furthering its interests, we become “fellow workers in the truth.”—2 Peter 2:2; 3 John 8.

19. How can we “go on walking in the truth”?

¹⁹ If we are to “go on walking in the truth,” we must read the Bible and avail ourselves of the spiritual help that God provides through the ‘faithful slave.’ (3 John 4) May we do this for our own good and so as to be in a position to teach others about Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the divine purpose. And let us be thankful that Jehovah’s spirit helps us to understand his Word and succeed in serving him in truth.