Congregation Bible Study · June 22-28
This week's comments
Lessons 96 and 97
Find the reading, questions, answers, final scriptures, and practical lessons for this week’s Congregation Bible Study on one page.
Week of June 22-28, 2026. First you will find the reading for each lesson and then the questions with answers so the account is easier to follow and easier to use in the midweek meeting.
June 22-28Lesson 96Lesson 97Final scriptures
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Lessons 96 and 97 on one page
Here you will find the reading for each lesson first and then the questions with answers, making the account easier to follow and easier to use in your midweek meeting preparation.
Lesson 96Lesson 97June 22-28
Lesson 96
Jesus Chooses Saul
This lesson reviews how Jehovah transformed Saul, how Ananias helped him courageously, and how the congregation gradually accepted him as a brother.
Reading for lesson 96
Paragraph 2
ReadingBut while he was on the road, a bright light flashed around him and he fell to the ground. Then he heard Jesus’ voice asking why he was persecuting him. Saul became blind and had to be led into the city.
Paragraph 3
ReadingJehovah told the disciple Ananias to go and find Saul. Even though Ananias knew the harm that man had caused, he obeyed courageously. He helped Saul recover his sight, assisted him spiritually, and baptized him.
Paragraph 4
ReadingAfter that, Saul began preaching boldly that Jesus was the Son of God. The Jews became furious and wanted to kill him, so the disciples helped him escape by lowering him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
Paragraph 5
ReadingWhen Saul arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers still doubted him. Then Barnabas stepped in, explained what had happened, and helped the apostles accept Saul as a brother.
Questions and answers for lesson 96
Why were the Christians afraid of Saul?
2 answersAnswer 1
They were afraid because Saul had built a reputation as a cruel and determined persecutor. He had supported Stephen’s death, arrested disciples, and tried to destroy the congregation, so it was natural that the brothers would hesitate.
Answer 2
It also seemed like a very sudden change from a human standpoint. The Christians knew the damage Saul had done, so they needed time and clear proof that Jehovah had really transformed him.
Why did Saul change?
2 answersAnswer 1
Saul changed because Jesus intervened directly and made it clear that he was fighting against God’s will. From that point on, Saul reacted humbly and was willing to change his entire course.
Answer 2
He also changed because Jehovah used faithful brothers to help him. Ananias treated him with courage and kindness, and Barnabas supported him when others still distrusted him.
Bible references for lesson 96
1 Timothy 1:15
This text highlights the depth of Jehovah’s mercy. Paul admitted that he had been a great sinner, but he also recognized that Christ Jesus came to save people like him.
Acts 9:15
Jehovah described Saul as “a chosen vessel,” showing that God looked beyond his past and knew how he could use him to take the good news to many nations.
Galatians 1:11-18
Paul explained that the message he preached did not come from men but through a revelation by Jesus Christ. That confirms that his change was real and that his ministry had divine backing.
Practical lessons for our life
Keep obeying even when you feel afraid
Ananias’ obedience teaches us that Jehovah may ask us to do something intimidating, but if we trust him we can become a vital help to someone else.
Be like Barnabas and build bridges
Barnabas saw the real change in Saul and helped him gain the congregation’s trust. We can do the same for those who are just starting out or recovering spiritually.
Combine courage with good judgment
Saul’s escape in a basket shows that Christian courage does not rule out caution. Being faithful does not mean being reckless.
Never write anyone off
Jehovah was able to use Saul in an extraordinary way. That encourages us to keep preaching with hope, without deciding that a certain person is too far gone to change.
Lesson 97
Cornelius Receives Holy Spirit
This lesson shows how Jehovah clearly opened the way for Gentiles to become part of the Christian congregation too.
Reading for lesson 97
Paragraph 1
ReadingCornelius was an officer in the Roman army, but he was also a devout man who feared God, prayed regularly, and helped those in need. An angel told him to send for Peter.
Paragraph 2
ReadingMeanwhile, Peter had a vision in which he saw animals that were considered unclean. A voice told him to eat, but he refused because he did not want to go against Jehovah’s Law. Then he realized that God was teaching him something deeper.
Paragraph 3
ReadingJehovah wanted Peter to understand that he should not consider any person unclean if God wanted that person to draw close to the truth. So Peter went with Cornelius’ men and entered his house, something very unusual for a faithful Jew at that time.
Paragraph 4
ReadingCornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends. While Peter was explaining the good news about Jesus, Jehovah poured out holy spirit on them, proving that he also accepted Gentiles who responded with faith.
Questions and answers for lesson 97
Why did Peter refuse to eat unclean animals?
2 answersAnswer 1
Peter refused because he had respected Jehovah’s Law all his life and knew that those animals were unclean according to the regulations given to the Jews. His reaction shows that he was obedient and spiritually clean.
Answer 2
It also shows that Peter did not immediately understand the full meaning of the vision. He was not being rebellious; he simply wanted to keep pleasing Jehovah.
Why did Jehovah tell Peter to go to the house of a Gentile?
2 answersAnswer 1
Jehovah wanted to make it unmistakably clear that the time had come to bring the good news to people of the nations who responded in faith. Cornelius’ household became visible proof that God is not partial.
Answer 2
Jehovah was also teaching Peter and the whole congregation not to hold on to religious or cultural prejudice.
Bible references for lesson 97
Acts 10:35
This text states that God accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right. It is a powerful basis for our worldwide preaching work.
Acts 10:25, 26
When Cornelius bowed down to Peter, Peter corrected him immediately. That highlights Christian humility and makes it clear that religious honor must never be directed to humans.
Practical lessons for our life
Show hospitality without prejudice
Peter accepted going to the home of a Gentile when Jehovah directed him. We too need to overcome prejudice and treat with dignity every person who listens to the truth.
Gather others so they can listen too
Cornelius did not want to receive the truth only for himself. He also gathered relatives and friends, teaching us to share what we learn.
Appreciate help from fellow believers
The brothers from Joppa went with Peter and were present as witnesses. That shows the value of working together and supporting others.
Remain teachable
Cornelius was humble and ready to listen. That attitude is essential for anyone who wants to please Jehovah and keep progressing in the truth.
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This week encourages me because Jehovah was able to transform Saul completely and also guide Peter so he could reach Cornelius. It reminds me that no one is beyond Jehovah’s mercy.
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Go homeCongregation Bible Study comments and answers for June 22-28, 2026
On this page you will find the reading for lessons 96 and 97, their questions with answers, Bible references, and practical lessons to prepare comments about Saul, Ananias, Cornelius, and the opening of the preaching work to the Gentiles.
The content is arranged to make the study easier to follow: first the reading paragraphs, then the questions with answers, and after that the final scriptures and applications.
That way you can find the exact thought you want more quickly and express it naturally during the meeting.
A help for your personal preparation
These comments are support ideas for preparing a participation in the midweek meeting. We recommend checking the official publications and using these suggestions as a guide for organizing your own thoughts with respect, clarity, and sincerity.
Frequently asked questions about this week
Which lessons are covered here?
This page covers lessons 96 and 97 of the Congregation Bible Study.
What themes are reviewed?
It reviews Saul’s conversion, Ananias’ courage, Barnabas’ support, Peter’s vision, and the moment when Cornelius received holy spirit.
How can I use these comments?
You can choose one thought, summarize it, and express it in your own words. These notes work best as support for a natural participation.
Where is the Spanish version?
You can open the Spanish version from the Español button: /estudio/2026/22-al-28-junio.html.
Some time later, Christians were very afraid of Saul because he had been a cruel persecutor. He had entered homes, arrested brothers, and tried to destroy the congregation. He even traveled with authority to seize the disciples living in Damascus.