Did the 1st Century Christians Follow a Governing Body?

The claim made by the witnesses is the following:

"While all anointed Christians collectively form God's household, there is abundant evidence that Christ chose a small number of men out of the slave class to serve as a visible governing body. The early history of the congregation shows that the 12 apostles, including Matthias, were the foundation of the first-century governing body." Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.11

Abundant evidence? Really? If there was an abundant amount of evidence, why does the term "governing body" not appear a single time in the bible? Wouldn't there have been some sort of qualifications that needed to be listed for future generations to keep this governing body intact?

The real facts show that this governing body never existed. Consider the history of the christians. They began in utter disarray, and had to be constantly told what they needed to be doing. Congregations were not firmly established yet. Doctrines were argued and fought over. There was a constant confusion about issues that would seem to us as relatively simple, such as the resurrection of Christ, and what the meaning was behind it. If there were a Governing Body leading the way, why didn't the people look to them for clarification? 

There is only one example of any gathering together to clarify an issue. This happened in Acts 15 when the matter of the Jews wanting the Gentiles to be circumcised caused controversy. But notice how the bible says just who attended this meeting.
"Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question."

(appointed by whom? A governing body? Nope, just the local church where the dispute happened)


"When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them."

(Reported to a governing body? Nope. They shared their experiences with the Gentiles in order to win the dispute)


So a couple of missionaries along with some other believers were allowed to meet and discuss the matter with not only the 12 apostles, but elders from Jerusalem. This is nothing like the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses in modern times. As states the following article:

"Naturally, all elders must submit to Christ's "right hand" of control, guidance, and direction, which he exercises by means of the spirit and the spirit-begotten members of the Governing Body." Watchtower 1987 Aug 1 p.19

But how was the matter resolved back in Acts 15? In verse 19, James was the one that made the final decision. No vote was taken, at least there was nothing mentioned of any final discussion among the 12 apostles, who were supposedly members of the governing body. This would have been the chapter to highlight a final decision made by this group of leaders. But that never happened. Letters were sent out clarifying what had happened, and the 4 decrees were listed to keep the peace between the Jews and Gentiles.

Since no governing body was mentioned regarding a dispute that required a gathering of the more prominent ones from the christians, what about the directing of missionaries?  Well, the first (and only) person to look at is Paul, who was the most influential christian from the 1st century. Galatians 1:1 says:

"This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead."

No human authority......like say...a governing body? 

How about verses 11 and 12 of the same chapter.

"I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."

If a governing body were present back then, wouldn't this statement warrant an immediate disfellowshipping?

How about one more. Verses 15-20.

"But when God, who set me apart from birth^a and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter  and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie."

And there you have it. Paul made it very clear that he did not consult with anyone, even those apostles up there in Jerusalem....the supposed governing body. Not until 3 years later, and that was to get aquainted with Peter and James. 

So if Paul wasn't being consulted by any governing body, do you think his fellow missionaries were any different?

Why would Jesus say:

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

if a governing body was needed? 

So a person really needs to question this governing body claim. If the modern day standard is that a governing body runs the organization, and--"To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." Watchtower 1983 Feb 15 p.12

why can we not find any facts, or abundant evidence of any governing body in the 1st century? There seems to be a pretty big piece of this puzzle missing.