When Was the Slave Appointed?
“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” Matthew 24:45-47.
For more than 80 years, beginning in 1927 it was believed that the “faithful and discreet slave” could not be one single person but must be a composite group of anointed Christians. But when, according to the Watchtower society, was it thought that this slave came into existence? When is Jesus supposed to have given this slave their first appointment to provide food for the domestics?
How Many Appointments?
In the parable, the word appoint appears twice. First the slave is given the assignment to provide food for the domestics. Second, due to his successfully carrying out that assignment, he is given a promotion and appointed over all the master’s belongings. Jesus mentions that this is done upon the master’s arrival, indicating that, after making the first appointment he left and would return to make an inspection of how well the slave performed during his absence.
How did Russell explain these two appointments?
“ʺWho, then [in the ʺharvestʺ] is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Master shall make ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed that servant whom his Master on coming [erchomai–when he arrives] shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goodsʺ–all the vast storehouse of precious truth shall be opened to such faithful servants, to arm and supply and feed the entire household of faith. But if the servantʹs heart is not right, he will say, My Master tarries [has not arrived] and may smite [oppose and contradict] his fellow servants [those who differ with him; those, therefore, who are declaring the opposite–My Lord does not tarry, but has come, is present]. Such may eat and drink with the intemperate [become intoxicated with the spirit of the world], but the Master of that servant will come [Greek, heko–will have arrived] in a day not expected, and in an hour in which that servant is not aware, and will cut him off [from being one of the servants privileged to hand meat in due season to the household], and will appoint him his portion with the hypocrites…
The foregoing, carefully examined, clearly teaches us that in the end of this age there will be one class denying that the Lord is present (not denying that he will come sometime, but that he has come) and smiting or harshly opposing those fellow servants who must therefore be teaching the opposite–that the Lord has come. Which is the faithful, truthful servant, and which the one in error, is clearly stated by our Lord. The faithful one whom he finds giving seasonable ʺmeatʺ will be exalted and given fuller stewardship over the storehouse of truth, with increased ability to bring it forth to the household, while the unfaithful one will be gradually separated and drawn into closer and closer sympathy with the mere professors or hypocrites. And note the fact that the unfaithful is thus cut off, or separated, at a time of which he is not aware–in the harvest time–while his Lord is really present unknown to him, searching for and gathering his jewels. `Matthew 13:30`; `Psalms 50:5`;`Malachi 3:17`; `Matthew 24:31` -Studies in the Scriptures volume 2 The Time is At Hand page 163-164.
“Dispensing of Food to the Household—`Matthew 24:45-51; `Luke 12:42-46.
ʺWho then is the faithful and prudent servant, whom his Master has placed over his household to give them food in due season? Happy that servant whom his Master, on coming, shall find thus employed! Indeed I say to you that he will appoint him over all his stores of provisions.ʺ `Matt. 24:45-51; `Luke 12:42- 46.
The intimation here seems to be, that at the particular time indicated by the prophecy–namely, during the Lordʹs presence, and at the time of the gathering of the elect–our Lord, the great Servant of his people, will make choice of one channel for dispensing the meat in due season, though other channels or ʺfellow-servantsʺ will be used in bringing the food to the ʺhousehold.ʺ But the servant is merely a steward, and liable to be removed at any moment, should he fail to fully and duly acknowledge in every particular, the Master–the great Servant of God and his people–ʺthe Messenger of the Covenantʺ–Christ. Faithfulness on the part of said steward (both to the ʺMasterʺ and to ʺhis fellow-servantsʺ and ʺthe householdʺ) will be rewarded by his continuance as steward; so long as he serves faithfully, he may continue, and may serve the household of faith with things new and old–meat in due season–to the end;”
(Studies in the Scriptures volume 4 The Battle of Armageddon page 613)
Russell taught that there was no first century appointment of the slave
It is clear that Russell believed the faithful and prudent servant was appointed by Christ during his presence which he believed began in 1874. That servant would, at the arrival of the master be given greater responsibilities and given “fuller stewardship over the storehouse of truth, with increased ability to bring it forth to the household.”
In The Watchtower 1909 he addresses critics of this interpretation by means of presenting, on the one hand, what his opponents say and, on the other hand, what his friends say. He presents his friends as saying:
“based upon their understanding of Matthew 24:45 and co-related events of this harvest time. They declare that, to their judgments, there is no other interpretation of the facts before us than that presented in our Lord’s promise; that at the appropriate time in the end of the age, in the time of his presence, he would bring forth from the storehouse of Grace, Wisdom and Truth things “new and old,” and that he would select at that time one special channel through which those blessings would be called to the attention of the household of faith”…
They point out that they themselves and their forefathers for generations had Bible classes and Bible studies all to no purpose until the Lord, in due time, sent them the “Bible Keys,” through the Society. They point out that to ignore this leading of the Lord and to exclude from their study of the Bible the teacher sent of the Lord would be to dishonor the Lord who sent the same and to reject His helping hand;” -The Watchtower October 1, 1909 page 292-293.
Clearly Russell believed that prior to 1874, the time he believed to be the commencement of Christ’s invisible presence, there was no faithful slave. That it was not until that time that the Lord had revealed what he believed were precious truths.
“No, the truths I present, as God’s mouthpiece, were not revealed in visions or dreams, nor by God’s audible voice, nor all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. Neither is this clear unfolding of truth due to any human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God’s due time has come; and if I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out.” -The Watchtower July 15, 1906 page 229.
So much respect was given to Russell as pastor and director of the Watchtower society. Since 1881 it was even thought that he himself was the “faithful and wise servant”. After his death and no realization of God’s kingdom taking control of earth’s affairs, the organization was in disarray, experiencing disappointment, facing ridicule and persecution. Was this really God’s one true organization on earth as they had believed? Perhaps more than ever before, attention now was keenly focused on determining who was “the servant” appointed by Christ over all the belongings. During this time, the line between the two appointments became blurred.
“In 1919 and thereafter Jehovah’s witnesses needed the leadership of Christ Jesus, for they were now engaged in a work that led them over untrodden paths. It was a new work, different from that of the “Elijah period” of service. It is now easy to be seen that it was hard at that time, in 1919, for some to let go the leadership of a man whom they had understood to be that “faithful and wise servant” and the “seventh messenger”. They found it difficult to let go the Scripture Studies and the Daily Manna book, and to strike out for further work and look for a clearer revelation from the Word of God. Some tenaciously held to and contended that all the truth that is ever to be revealed had at that time been given to the man then dead, and they declared that it was wrong to look further for spiritual food. Their loss has been great. As to the others, who trusted Jehovah and willingly followed Christ Jesus, they moved forward, and they continued to do so, and great has been their blessing. (The Watchtower February 15, 1939 page 57-58 paragraph 31.
Rutherford taught that there was no first century appointment of the slave
From about 1874 to 1918 was known as “the Elijah period” of the church. Rutherford still taught that the servant, whom he believed to be Russell, appeared during that time. In his famous Advertise the King and his Kingdom speech at the Cedar Point Ohio Convention September 5-13, 1922 he stated:
“Bible prophecy shows that the Lord was due to appear for the second time in the year 1874. Fulfilled prophecy shows beyond a doubt that he did appear in 1874. Fulfilled prophecy is otherwise designated the physical facts; and these facts are indisputable. All true watchers are familiar with these facts, as set forth in the Scriptures and explained in the interpretation by the Lord’s special servant. Jesus himself declared that in the time of his presence he would conduct a harvest of his people, during which he would gather unto himself the true and loyal ones. For some years this work has been in operation and is nearing completion. He stated that during his presence he would have one who would fill the office of a faithful and wise servant, through whom the Lord would bring to his people meat in due season. All the facts show that those prophecies have been fulfilled. (The Watchtower November 1, 1922 page 333.
Until 1927 it was taught that C.T. Russell was the “faithful and wise servant”.
“It must be conceded, then, that at the end of the world, at the “time of the end”, during the presence of the Lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise, The physical facts show that Brother Russell met every one of these requirements. This prophetic utterance, then, has been fulfilled. Therefore fulfilled prophecy, or physical facts, and the circumstantial evidence are conclusive proofs that Brother Russell filled the office of that faithful and wise servant. He applied his heart to wisdom.” (The Watchtower March 1, 1922 pg. 74)
Then in 1931, partly because some who disagreed with some of Rutherford’s teachings were calling themselves Russellites, it was revealed that the faithful Bible students would be identified by a new name based on Isaiah 43:10:
“According to the Scriptures the time of judgment of Christ the great Judge must begin three and one half years from and after the time of his taking his royal power. Jesus had prophesied that he would come for judgment and be accompanied by his holy angels, and that he would appear at the temple of Jehovah for judgment. This judgment, other scriptures show, must begin at the house of God, or with those who have made a covenant to do the will of God. -1 Peter 4: 17. By the testimony of Jesus these consecrated ones were to be and were divided into two companies. One company or part of those in the covenant did not meet the divine requirements and were cast aside by the Lord and designated the “evil servant”, while another part or company of the consecrated were found faithful and were approved by the judgment of the Lord, and by him made a part of the faithful and true “servant” of Jehovah God. The promise of Jesus was that to this faithful company he would commit all his kingdom interests on the earth, and that this company must keep the commandment of God and deliver the testimony committed to them.-Matthew 24:45-47; Revelation 12:17.
For six thousand years faithful men had waited for that time, and now it has come. “Gospel” means good news. Therefore the commandment specifically given to the faithful “servant” of the Lord applies from and after the year 1918, when he came to his temple; and from that time to this present day these faithful ones have heard and obeyed the command, to wit: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” -Matthew 24:14. -The Watchtower December 1, 1931 page 357 paragraphs 9-10.
“Who will speak in the name of Jehovah God and faithfully bear testimony in his name? That Jehovah will have witnesses who do speak in his name there cannot be the least doubt, because he says: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” This scripture is fully supported by the prophecy uttered by Jesus concerning the testimony that must be given as a witness to the nations, and which must be given by his faithful followers who were made a part of the temple class; and therefore Jesus identifies these his faithful followers and the one whom he calls his “faithful and wise servant” as the ones who shall bear this testimony to the name of Jehovah God…
Christ Jesus is the great Servant of Jehovah God, and the faithful followers of Christ upon the earth at his coming and his kingdom constitute what the Scriptures call ‘the feet of him that brings good tidings and publishes peace’. -Isaiah. 52:7 -The Watchtower December 1, 1931 page 358 paragraph 13-14.
“It was in 1918 that the Lord Jesus began judgment, at the temple of God. From that time forward the approved ones were brought into the temple and made the witnesses of Jehovah. It was at that time that the new name was given by Jehovah to his anointed ones, and all those who have been brought into the temple and under the robe of righteousness have received that name, “Jehovah’s witnesses.” It was not until 1931, however, that Jehovah God made known to his people that he had thus named them.” -December 1, 1931 page 359 paragraph 16.
Thus all of Jehovah’s Witnesses were chosen by God in 1918 as his “faithful servant” and given the name Jehovah’s Witnesses, although they did not know it until it was revealed in 1931.
“From about 1874 to 1918 is known amongst God’s people as “the Elijah period of the church”. Within that period of time the true followers of Christ Jesus preached chiefly the doctrines: “No place of eternal torment; a ransom for all made sure by the shed blood of Jesus Christ; and the restoration of the masses of mankind to perfection on earth.” But let it be noted that the name of Jesus was magnified more than that of Jehovah and the doctrines brought to the fore looked to the benefit of the creature…
Now God’s people discern that in 1918 Christ Jesus, the great Judge and executive officer of Jehovah, came to the temple for judgment. Then and there the two classes began to be made manifest, to wit, the class that had been moved by selfishness, and which class quickly developed into the” evil servant” class; and the other, moved by unselfish devotion to God and to his kingdom, and which class Jesus formed into the”faithful and wise servant”. It is to this faithful class that the Lord has committed his testimony on earth, and he invites them to enter into his joy, which is the joy of the vindication of Jehovah’s name.”
(The Watchtower December 15, 1933 page. 374 paragraph 19-20.
Then came a separation between what was described as the faithful slave and the evil slave:
“Those who during the Elijah period of the church claimed to be followers of Christ Jesus and to teach the truth and who are moved by selfishness, such as character development and honor amongst men, have now fully rejected the doctrine concerning the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple in 1918. They claim that the” faithful and wise servant” is one man, and they prefer to follow the teachings of one man rather than to take the Word of God as He reveals it to men. They indulge in severe criticism of the remnant, and they oppose the work of the Lord’s servant class in delivering the message of the kingdom and therefore have specifically rejected the words of Jesus that this gospel of the kingdom must be preached as a witness to the nations. -Matthew 24:14. They pride themselves on adhering only to what they learned prior to 1916, and they continue to dote on questions concerning chronology, the development of character, and their importance in helping Jehovah run the universe, presuming that their selfish gain in these personal attainments, including such things as meekness and quietness, “good words and fair speeches,” and sanctimonious appearance, “is godliness.” -The Watchtower December 15, 1933 page 374 paragraph 21.
It was said that this separation was only possible after the Lord came to his temple for judgement after 1918. But at that time the focus was on the appointment of the slave over all the master’s belongings. The first appointment was lost sight of. Then in 1938 stronger emphasis was placed on identifying and following God’s one true organization:
“For the guidance of its readers in the consideration of this matter The Watchtower ventures here the assertion that what follows herein, and which is fully supported by the Scriptures, establishes the following, to wit: That the teaching in the congregations during the “Elijah period” respecting the liberty of the classes or companies or congregations in voting into office their elders and deacons was an error; that the text at Acts 14:23 was misunderstood, and hence misinterpreted, and that the stretching forth of the hand by the members of the congregation was not the proper means of expressing the choice of servants; that the commission to “ordain” or “appoint officers in the church” was never delegated to the congregation or company; and that the entire absence in the epistles of Paul to the church respecting such arrangement is very persuasive proof in support of this conclusion; that Paul, acting on instructions from the Lord, delegated certain authority and power to Timothy and Titus to perform certain duties in the church concerning the selection of servants or officers, but that said authority was not conferred upon the congregation as a whole or as a supposed” democratic” body, Furthermore, that in the interval from the days of the apostles to the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple of Jehovah the Lord provided by and through the office of the holy spirit for the needs of each and every congregation; that with the coming of Christ to the temple the Lord Jesus Christ directs all things concerning his church, because he is in full command and fulfills completely the places or offices occupied by the apostle Paul and others; and that the instructions given by Paul to Timothy and Titus are also applicable to the “last days”, where we now are; and that the “faithful and wise servant” occupies a place similar to that fulfilled by Timothy and Titus, and that the servant now acts under the direction and command and supervision of the Lord Jesus Christ, and hence the entire organization must be at complete unity and move forward in perfect accord and harmonious action.” (The Watchtower June 1, 1938 page 164 paragraph 6.
It is noteworthy that Rutherford wrote “that in the interval from the days of the apostles to the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple of Jehovah the Lord provided by and through the office of the holy spirit for the needs of each and every congregation.” However, he does not see this as a first appointment of the faithful and wise servant since he describes the servant as appearing during the presence of Christ, though occupying a place similar to that fulfilled by Timothy and Titus. After Rutherford’s death, the Watchtower society taught that the apostles were part of Jesus unified earthly organization but this unity is said to have ceased to exist after their death:
“From the very beginning of his ministry Christ Jesus had a visible organization, and his apostles, acting collectively under his direction, formed the visible part of it. There was unity of action by the faithful apostles. With the passing away of these the unity did not again exist in the church until the Lord came to the spiritual temple of Jehovah in 1918. Upon his coming to the temple he found a faithful “servant” class, and these faithful ones are made the keepers or custodians of the Kingdom interests. -Matthew 24:45-47. -The Watchtower August 1, 1944 page 237.
Beginning in 1960 during N.H. Knorr’s presidency it was taught that the slave was appointed in the first century.
Then beginning in 1960 it was taught that there was a faithful slave feeding its members for 1,900 years since the death of the apostles:
“Down through the years the slave-like congregation has been feeding its true members faithfully and discreetly. From Pentecost, A.D. 33, up to this very present hour this has been lovingly and carefully performed”. -The Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435 paragraph 14.
“As to just how the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ class existed and served down through the centuries after the death of the apostles of the Master Jesus Christ, we do not have a distinct historical picture. Apparently one generation of the ‘slave’ class fed the next succeeding generation thereof. -2 Timothy 2:2. But in the latter half of the nineteenth century there were God-fearing persons who loved the spiritual food of the Holy Bible and who desired to feed on it . . . Bible study classes . . . were formed and progressed in the understanding of the fundamental truths of the Sacred Scriptures. The sincere unselfish ones among these Bible students were eager to share these vital portions of spiritual food with others. They had the faithful spirit of the ‘slave’ appointed to give the ‘domestics’ the needed spiritual ‘food at the proper time.’ They were ‘discreet’ in discerning that it was then the right and proper time and what were the best means for serving the food. They endeavored to serve it.” -(1973) God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years page 344-345.
“Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that this parable pertains to the one true congregation of Jesus Christ’s anointed followers. Beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., and continuing through the 19 centuries since then, this slavelike congregation has been feeding its members spiritually, doing so faithfully and discreetly”. The Watchtower March 1, 1981 page 24.
“This slave could not be just one individual because he was to provide spiritual food from when the Christian congregation began at Pentecost until the Master, Jesus Christ, came to make an accounting. The facts indicate that this faithful and discreet slave class comprises all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time.” -The Watchtower May 15, 1995 page 16 paragraph 2.
“Shepherds such as the apostles Peter, John, and Paul were all members of the group Jesus described as “the faithful and discreet slave.” -The Watchtower May 1, 2006 page 25 paragraph 15.
“We accept the teaching that all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute “the faithful and discreet slave” that Jesus said would provide timely “food” for his domestics. Matthew 24:45 -The Watchtower November 1, 2007 page 30.
So, from 1960 to 2007, it was understood that the “slave” had, beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., been “feeding its members…faithfully” “through the 19 centuries” – which would include Russell’s lifetime 1852 to 1916.
However, there are a number of problems with this understanding.
Firstly, if the apostles were all members of the faithful and discreet slave, each generation of which feeding the next one, how is the teaching of a modern day faithful and discreet slave class not a form of apostolic succession?
Secondly, the claim that a “Slave” had operated “faithfully” for “19 centuries” is inconsistent with the claim that Russell according to the book Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose:
…revived the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose 1959 page 17.
If the “slave” had been “faithful” and “discreet” what was there to revive?
According to the October 1880 issue of Zion’s Watchtower C.T. Russell believed that the servant was given the assignment by Jesus to feed his domestics shortly after the time of his arrival in the fall of 1874:
“Some have supposed that this text had an application all the way down the gospel age. It cannot be so. It was given only to those living in the Laodicean period of the church. The spirit so directed. We know that we have been feasting with him. Could we do so until he had come in to us? Nay more: Could we have heard the knock until he first had arrived, and stood, waiting and knocking for admittance?
And now, dear brethren and sisters, let us look very carefully at Matthew 24:44-51 in the light that has been given us, viz: that our Lord has come. “Therefore, be ye (ye brethren) also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man comes.” This was fulfilled.
It was months after Christ came (in Fall of ’74) before the company realized it. “Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord HAVING COME (elthon), shall find so doing.” Was there such a servant? Of course, we do not understand that it means one individual, but evidently a small company, best symbolized by a single servant. There was such a one, giving meat in due season, and receiving the blessing, for years.* -Zion’s Watchtower October 1880 page 6-7.
*[See Volume VII, Scripture Studies, page 54, last paragraph]
That last paragraph in Volume 7 (The Finished Mystery) states:
“Pastor Russell took the place of Mr. Barbour who became unfaithful and upon whom was fulfilled the prophecies of Matthew 24:48-51 and Zechariah 11:15-17.” -The Finished Mystery page 54.
Thirdly, the society has never identified any 19-century-old congregation or its location and Russell never contacted it! To survive the centuries and supply “progressive spiritual food” implies an organization. But Russell never came in touch with any such organization and was against the notion of an “earthly organization“:
We belong to NO earthly organization…All the saints now living, or that have lived during this age, belonged to OUR CHURCH ORGANIZATION: such are all one Church, and there is NO OTHER recognized by the Lord. Hence any earthly organization which in the least interferes with this union of saints is contrary to the teachings of Scripture and opposed to the Lord’s will. -Zion’s Watch Tower February 1884 page 1 see appendix)
Fourthly, the society teaches that Christ returned invisibly in 1914 and inspected all churches in 1918 and in 1919 chose the Watchtower society to represent him:
“Without a question of doubt, it [1918] was a real time of inspection of the Master’s “slave” class. All the facts of the case argue that the Master came for the work of inspection at the time. Such a thing was to be expected according to the prophecy of Malachi 3:1-5. Of, course the sectarian churches of Christendom had made a wartime record for themselves, an open record that had a heavy bearing on their claim to be disciples and slaves of Jesus Christ. Could they, by even their latest record down till 1919, prove that they themselves were the composite “faithful and discreet slave” class…?” -God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years has Approached 1973 page 349.
But why would Jesus need to inspect his disciples and their production of spiritual food if he was the one all along helping them since 1879 to gain spiritual enlightenment? Would this not indicate that he had not been guiding them?
At that time it was believed that in 1919, Christ appointed them over all his belongings:
“In line with Malachi’s prophecy, the composite sign that Jesus gave his disciples to enable them to recognize the time of his “presence and of the conclusion of the system of things” included the identification of a collective “slave.” Jesus stated: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” -Matthew 24:3, 45-47. “On arriving” to inspect the “slave” in 1918, Christ found a spirit-anointed remnant of faithful disciples who since 1879 had been using this journal and other Bible-based publications to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” He acknowledged them as his collective instrument, or “slave,” and in 1919 entrusted them with the management of all his earthly belongings. -The Watchtower April 1, 2007 page 22 paragraph 5 Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave.
At that time, C.T. Russell and the early Bible students were said to be included as the faithful and discreet slave. The promotion of the slave was thought to have come in 1919. “All” was understood to mean all his “earthly belongings”:
“In the fulfillment of the illustration, “all his belongings” over which the master appoints the worthy slave do not picture all his belongings up in heaven. The glorified Master, Jesus Christ, to whom “all authority” in heaven and on the earth has been given, is not incapable of taking care of all his “belongings” up in the invisible heavens where his holy angels are in his service. “All his belongings” over which the “faithful and discreet slave” class is appointed must refer to all the spiritual things that belong to him on earth in connection with his established heavenly kingdom.” -God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years page 355 paragraph 50.
In the parable, Jesus needed to do an inspection in order to determine how the appointed slave had been carrying out his assignment of providing food to the domestics at the right time. If he was found to be faithful and discreet he would then be appointed over all his [Jesus] earthly belongings. The Watchtower explained that this first appointment came in 33 C.E. Hence it was understood that for 1,900 years the slave had been providing this food. That would mean that at his arrival, if the slave was found to be faithful, Jesus would appoint him over all his earthly belongings. But this raises another problem. Did Jesus arrive in 1874, 1914 or 1918?
The August 15, 1974 Watchtower admits:
“C. T. Russell began publishing a new religious magazine in July 1879, it was called “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.” It was heralding Christ’s presence as having begun in 1874. This invisible presence was expected to continue until the Gentile Times ended in 1914, when the Gentile nations would be destroyed… In 1943 the Watch Tower Society’s book “The Truth Shall Make You Free”… fixed the beginning of Christ’s presence, not in 1874, but in 1914 C.E.” -The Watchtower August 15, 1974 page 507.
Since, the year 1943, great emphasis was placed on 1914 as being the beginning of Christ’s presence [Parousia]. However, the Greek word for the time of the appointment of the faithful and discreet slave over all the belongings was not Parousia but Elthon the aorist tense of erchomai. The society has consistently drawn a distinction between erchomai and Parousia:
“The presence of the Lord, referred to in the beginning of Matthew 24th chapter, is from the Greek word parousia. But the word used with reference to his coming when he finds his Servant faithful and wise is from an entirely different word, to wit, erchomai, and means to arrive. Proof has heretofore been submitted in THE WATCH TOWER which it is believed conclusively shows that the Lord came to his temple in 1918…
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh [arrives], shall find so doing.”-Matthew 24:42, 46. It does not seem reasonable to apply these verses to the time of the presence of the Lord in 1874. So far as the facts show there was no one at that time who was specially examined and found approved and made ruler over all of the Lord’s goods. There was no one in 1874 feeding the household of faith meat in due season. It was after that time that the work of the harvest appeared, and particularly the work of restoration of the truths concerning the ransom, restitution and the second presence of the Lord. Since the words of the Master show that he refers to the time when he arrives to take account with his Servant, the irresistible conclusion is that the scripture applies in 1918; that is, after the Lord came to his temple and began taking account with those to whom he had committed kingdom interests. -The Watchtower February 15, 1927 page 54 paragraph 34,36,37.
What Rutherford believed was that Jesus presence (parousia) began in 1874. Shortly after that, Jesus made the first appointment, committing kingdom interests to C.T. Russell and the Bible students as the slave to provide food for the domestics. It was believed that Jesus invisible presence began in 1874 and that he was installed as king in 1878 and made the first appointment of the servant. It was believed that his coming (erchomai) occurred in 1918 at which time he inspected and appointed the “faithful and wise servant” over all his belongings. What was not explained is how one can be said to be present without first having arrived. Did Jesus arrive twice? Did he leave and then return?
However, 47 years later, this coming (erchomai) came to be understood as taking place not in 1918 but during the still yet future Great Tribulation.
Commenting on Matthew 24:30, because of the occurrence of erchomai in that verse, it was stated:
“This refers, not to the beginning of Christ’s pa·rou·siʹa or invisible presence, but to his “coming” (Greek, er·khoʹme·non) at the “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” -The Watchtower December 15, 1974 page 751.
Beginning n 2013 it was taught that 1919 was the year the slave received the first appointment over the master’s belongings.
But the same Greek word (Greek, er·khoʹme·non) occurs in Matthew 24:46 as the time when Jesus is said to have made the second appointment of the slave over all his belongings in 1919. This went unnoticed for many years. Finally a change was made in 2013 when it was taught that 1919 was the time for the first appointment of the slave:
“It is noteworthy that in Jesus’ illustration, the faithful and discreet slave receives two distinct appointments. The first is over the domestics; the second is over all the master’s belongings. Since the illustration is fulfilled only in this time of the end, both appointments would have to come after Jesus’ presence in kingly power began in 1914.
When did Jesus appoint the faithful slave over his domestics? To answer that, we need to go back to 1914—the beginning of the harvest season. As we learned earlier, at that time many groups claimed to be Christian. From which group would Jesus select and appoint the faithful slave? That question was answered after he and his Father came and inspected the temple, or spiritual arrangement for worship, from 1914 to the early part of 1919. Malachi 3:1 They were pleased with a small band of loyal Bible Students who showed that their heart was with Jehovah and his Word. Of course, they needed some cleansing, but they humbly responded during a brief period of testing and refining. Malachi 3:2-4. Those faithful Bible Students were true Christian wheat. In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.” -The Watchtower July 15, 2013 page 22-23 paragraphs 11-12.
Also in this year it was announced that the faithful and discreet slave was no longer considered all of the anointed. Only the members of the governing body:
“Who, then, is the faithful and discreet slave? In keeping with Jesus’ pattern of feeding many through the hands of a few, that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent decades, that slave has been closely identified with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Note, however, that the word “slave” in Jesus’ illustration is singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made collectively. (The Watchtower July 15, 2013 pg. 22 par. 10)
This would mean that C.T. Russell could no longer be considered part of the faithful and discreet slave.
“Were the Bible Students in the years that led up to 1914 the appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep? No. They were still in the growing season, and the arrangement for a channel to provide spiritual food was still taking shape. -The Watchtower July 15, 2013 page 19 paragraph 16.
In the parable of the faithful and discreet slave, Jesus says: “Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so!” So the pronouncement of the slave as being faithful and discreet occurs at Jesus coming when he is appointed over all his belongings. When does this occur?
The July 15, 2013 Watchtower answers. On page 24 paragraph 16 it says:
“When does Jesus arrive? The answer is found in the context. Remember that when the preceding verses speak of Jesus as “coming,” the word refers to the time when he comes to pronounce and execute judgment at the end of this system. -Matthew 24:30, 42, 44. Hence, Jesus’ “arriving,” or “coming,” mentioned in the illustration of the faithful slave takes place during the great tribulation.” (The Watchtower July 15, 2013 page 24 paragraph 16.
This obviously means that Jesus has not yet arrived. What happened in 1914 is said to be his invisible presence. But how can one be present unless he has first arrived? Does Jesus arrive twice? Perhaps we could say, rather than arriving, that Jesus, after receiving kingly power, turned his attention to the earth at that time, made an inspection and selected the Bible students to serve as the slave, his channel for providing food to the domestics. But when does Jesus travel abroad? -Matt. 24:45-46; Mark 13:34; Matthew 25:14.
Furthermore, what would serve as the basis of his selection and appointment of them in 1919? It could not be because of their providing spiritual food since that assignment was not yet given to them until 1919? Furthermore, prior to his arrival at the great tribulation, can the slave really be referred to as faithful and discreet?
How is it possible for anyone to identify themselves as the faithful and discreet slave before the master’s pronouncement? Can anyone decide for themselves that they are faithful and discreet before the master says so?
“Therefore, do not judge anything before the due time, until the Lord comes. He will bring the secret things of darkness to light and make known the intentions of the hearts, and then each one will receive his praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5.
If there is a potential for that slave to mistreat his fellow slaves and become evil, how is it possible for the slave to be considered faithful and discreet prior to Jesus coming? On the other hand, if it is not possible, as the Watchtower suggests, for the slave to become evil, then why would Jesus give such a warning? Consider Jesus illustration of the talents in the next chapter. In that case, the master entrusted his slaves with an assignment. But only upon arrival was he able to see how they performed their duties and pronounce them either good and faithful or wicked and sluggish. -Matthew 25:14-30.
In the faithful and discreet slave illustration it is not directly stated at the outset that the slave was faithful and discreet. Jesus raises a question. How is the question to be answered if not by the conduct of the slave?
In the illustration, since Jesus says the slave is pronounced happy and appointed over all his belongings when he comes to pronounce judgement on the wicked at the end of this system of things, then when was he appointed over the domestics? The Watchtower claims this was after his heavenly arrival in Kingdom power in 1914. But did Jesus arrive and then leave? Are we now awaiting his second arrival? Scripturally it can be shown that Jesus entrusted his apostles with feeding his sheep after his death and resurrection. -John 21:15-17. The apostles faithfully carried out this responsibility. -Acts 2:42; 6:2-4.
Since all Christians are given the warning to keep on the watch and prove faithful while awaiting the master’s return, all Christians, from the time of Jesus, should apply to themselves the lesson in Jesus parable of the faithful and discreet slave. -Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:35-48; 1 Peter 4:10,11.