The congregation . . . entered into a period of peace, being built up.—Acts 9:31.
While Jesus was still with the apostles, he gave indications as to the arrangement within that soon-to-be-established congregation. Jesus taught by word and deed that some in the congregation would take the lead. They would do so by serving, or ministering to, others in their group. Christ said: “You know that those who appear to be ruling the nations lord it over them . . . This is not the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44) Clearly, “the congregation of God” would not be merely scattered, isolated individuals, amounting to an amorphous congregation. (1 Cor. 11:22) Rather, there would be structure, with individuals in the congregation interacting with one another. w07 4/15 2:2, 3
