A Look at the Early Church and the Watchtower’s Claim
Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to value truth, order, and loyalty to God deeply. Many sincerely believe that Jesus came to earth to establish a visible organization—one that would be guided by a central authority and serve as God’s primary channel of communication today.
According to Watchtower teaching, that organization is identified with the modern Governing Body. But this raises an important and honest question worth examining carefully:
Did Jesus actually establish an earthly organization governed by a centralized authority—or did He establish something different?
This is not a question meant to criticize, but one meant to invite thoughtful reflection through Scripture.
How the Watchtower Understands Organization and Salvation
The Watchtower teaches that Jehovah has always used a single, unified organization to carry out His purpose. Many Witnesses are taught that association with this organization is necessary to understand God’s will, remain in His favor, and receive salvation.
The Governing Body—formerly in Brooklyn and now in Warwick, New York—is presented as Jehovah’s sole channel of communication today, comparable to how God used Moses, the prophets, and the apostles in the past. A common illustration used is Noah’s Ark: just as survival required being inside the ark, salvation today is said to require being “inside the organization.”
This understanding is deeply ingrained for many. But an important question remains: Is this picture clearly taught in the Bible?
Jesus’ Teachings: A Call to Follow Him Personally
When we examine the life and words of Jesus, a consistent theme emerges: His invitation was always personal.
Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). He did not call people to join a structure or align themselves with a governing institution. He invited individuals into a direct relationship with Himself.
Jesus met people where they were. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), offering living water without requiring religious affiliation or organizational membership. He healed, forgave, and restored people apart from religious systems.
Jesus warned against religious authority misused. In Matthew 23, Jesus strongly rebuked religious leaders who burdened people with heavy rules while elevating themselves. His concern was not order itself, but authority that overshadowed God’s heart.
Jesus taught about God’s Kingdom—not an institution. The Kingdom of God was central to His message, yet He described it as something that grows quietly (Matthew 13:31–32), is received humbly (Mark 10:15), and is not tied to outward structures (Luke 17:20–21).
These teachings invite us to consider whether Jesus intended His followers to place their trust primarily in Him—or in an organization.
What Do We See in the Early Christian Congregation?
If Jesus had established a centralized, governing organization, we would expect to see that clearly defined in Acts and the letters of the apostles. Instead, Scripture presents a different picture:
Local congregations were Spirit-led. Elders were appointed, but they were encouraged to shepherd gently, not dominate (Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1–3).
Decisions were made through prayer and discussion. In Acts 15, the apostles and elders sought God’s guidance together. The outcome was presented as something that “seemed good to the holy spirit and to us,” rather than as a decree enforced from above.
All believers shared spiritual standing. Peter wrote that Christians collectively form “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Scripture does not elevate a small group as uniquely authorized to interpret God’s Word for everyone else.
There was emphasis on freedom in Christ. Paul taught that Christians are no longer under a law-based system (Galatians 5:1) and that “where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
This early Christian model appears relational, Spirit-led, and rooted in trust in Christ rather than centralized control.
The New Covenant and Direct Access to God
The Watchtower often points to ancient Israel as evidence that God works through structured organizations. But the Bible explains that Jesus fulfilled and surpassed that arrangement.
Hebrews 8:6–13 describes the New Covenant as superior because it is internal, based on grace, and centered on knowing God personally. When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that access to God was no longer mediated through priests, buildings, or systems.
Jesus did not come to refine the old arrangement—He came to establish something new: a family united by faith, not regulation.
When an Organization Takes the Place of Christ
Any structure that claims exclusive access to God carries a serious responsibility. Many Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that they cannot properly understand the Bible without Watchtower literature, or remain faithful without strict adherence to organizational direction.
Yet Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6
Jesus did not place Himself behind an organization. He placed Himself at the center.
So What Did Jesus Begin?
Jesus began a community of believers united by faith, love, and the indwelling Spirit. Scripture calls this the ekklesia—the “called-out ones.” It refers to people, not institutions.
The true church is described as a spiritual house made of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). It is the body of Christ—not an administrative authority.
A Final Thought
This article is not meant to dismiss sincere Jehovah’s Witnesses or their desire to serve God. It is meant to gently ask whether loyalty to an organization has unintentionally taken precedence over the simple call Jesus gave:
“Follow me.”
Scripture invites each of us to examine our faith personally. When we do, we may discover that Jesus is not asking us to place our trust in a system—but in Him alone.