A Scriptural Consideration

“If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” —Acts 15:29, NWT

The parchment was still crisp, the ink not yet dry, when the travelers arrived with the letter. Jerusalem’s heat had settled, and lanterns flickered across the Antioch congregation’s meeting place. The air was heavy with concern—Jewish and Gentile believers alike had questions, fears, consciences pricked by new expectations and cultural tension. But as the letter was read aloud, a hush fell. With clarity and warmth, the words flowed from the first-century governing body. Guidance. Peace. Reassurance. And then, these closing words—“You will prosper. Good health to you!”

Imagine their hearts lifting. The message wasn’t merely doctrinal. It was pastoral. Personal. “Be strong,” it could also mean. Their spiritual health mattered deeply to the brothers in Jerusalem—and more importantly, to Jehovah.

This moment was more than an administrative decision. It was a reminder: Obedience brings prosperity—not necessarily in silver or strength—but in clarity of conscience, joy in unity, and confidence in Jehovah’s care. They were not alone. Jehovah’s hand was still upon them.

And yet… we know this feeling too.

We too live in a time of sickness—physical, emotional, even moral. Chronic illness, mental fatigue, age-related decline… they don’t pause for our spiritual routines. They interrupt our meetings, delay our ministry, sap our energy for prayer and service. We don’t expect miraculous cures today. But how comforting to know that our spiritual prosperity is still within reach.

When we obey Jehovah, even in pain or limitation, we do prosper. We’re strengthened in ways the world cannot measure. Our minds stay clear. Our hope grows roots. And through it all, Jehovah sees the small victories—the prayer uttered in tears, the meeting joined from bed, the good news whispered through fatigue.

Yes, we long for the time described in Revelation 22:1-2—when “a river of water of life” will flow freely, and “the trees of life” will offer healing, not for some, but “for the healing of the nations.” This is no herbal cure. No earthly medicine. It is Jehovah’s own provision—through Jesus—to restore obedient mankind to the wholeness we were designed for.

Isaiah foresaw it too: eyes opened, ears unstopped, lame leaping, mute singing. (Isaiah 35:5, 6) This is not fantasy—it is Jehovah’s promise.

So what do we do while we wait?

We keep ourselves carefully from the things that displease Jehovah. We follow the direction lovingly provided by his organization. And we trust that even now, our spiritual health can flourish. Our obedience is an act of healing. Our endurance is an echo of strength.

“If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” Yes, we believe it. We cling to it. Not as a farewell—but as a promise.

He strengthens you. He guards your peace. He tenderly reminds you: You are not forgotten. You are being healed.

Reference: w15 12/15 pp. 4 ¶17–18