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A common claim circulated online is that Charles Taze Russell presented himself as the “only authority” capable of interpreting the Bible. This assertion often projects modern Jehovah’s Witnesses teachings about a central authority or Jehovah’s organization back onto Russell himself. However, the historical record shows that Russell rejected such ideas and consistently opposed authoritarian structures within Christianity.
Many critics and supporters alike have attributed special authority to Russell—sometimes indirectly—but Russell’s own writings repeatedly deny that he held any unique or divinely appointed position.
It is also important to recognize that not every article published in The Watch Tower during Russell’s lifetime was written by him. Although he served as editor, he frequently published material written by others, and in the final decade of his life he likely did not personally review every article before publication.
Russell’s View of Apostolic Authority (Watch Tower, October 1887)
In the Watch Tower of October 1887 (Reprints 984), the following statement appears:
The only ones recognized as having special authority were the Apostles… The Apostle Peter needed no successors, and in his epistles opposes these would-be successors and their errors.
Russell clearly taught that only the original apostles possessed special authority, and that no successors—papal or otherwise—were ever appointed. This stands in contrast to claims made by various religious institutions, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, Mormon leadership, and later the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even mainstream Trinitarian orthodoxy has asserted doctrinal authority by requiring acceptance of later-developed creeds. Russell consistently opposed all such forms of ecclesiastical authoritarianism.
Russell’s Response to Catholic and Protestant Views of Church Authority (1888)
In the October/November 1888 Watch Tower, Russell analyzed an article from The Living Church, which contrasted Protestant and Catholic views of church authority. Both models assumed that church leaders possess divinely granted authority—either through democratic selection (Protestant) or hierarchical appointment (Catholic).
Russell argued that both views were incorrect when applied to the present age. He taught that:
God’s church will indeed become an organized, authoritative kingdom—but only in the future, during the Millennium.
The church is not yet organized, nor is any religious body today clothed with divine authority to command mankind.
Attempts by churches to exercise such authority now are misplaced and unscriptural.
This directly contradicts the idea that Russell founded or endorsed the authoritarian structure later adopted by Jehovah’s Witnesses. His own writings show that he believed no such authority would exist until after Satan is abyssed and the nations are no longer deceived (Revelation 20:3; Romans 8:19).
Authority Within the Church Today (Watch Tower, August 1889)
In the Watch Tower of August 1889 (Reprints 1137), it is stated:
Whatever “authority” such a minister or servant of the church possesses, is given him; he possesses no more “authority” than the humblest of his brethren…
Russell did not view elders or ministers as possessing special authority over fellow believers. Any service they performed was based on ability, opportunity, and the willingness of others to be served—not on hierarchical power.
The term pastor simply means shepherd, and Russell emphasized that all elders should function as shepherds. Only Jesus Christ, the “Great Pastor,” holds true divine authority (Ezekiel 34:23–24; Hebrews 13:10). Jehovah, as the Supreme Shepherd, possesses ultimate authority (Psalm 23:1).
Future authority will be granted to the seed of Abraham when they reign with Christ, but Russell stressed that this authority does not apply in the present age.
Christ as the Only Head of the Church (Watch Tower, March 1, 1892)
In the article “The Doctrinal Test in Methodism” (Watch Tower, March 1, 1892; Reprints 1375), the following principle is emphasized:
The Lord himself is the only rightful Head of the Church, and consequently the only authority in it… his Word alone [is] its doctrinal standard.
This statement reinforces Russell’s consistent teaching: Jesus Christ alone is the head of the church, and the Bible alone is the standard for doctrine. Russell never deviated from this position.
The Bible as the Only Authority (Watch Tower, August 15, 1897)
In the article “Zeal the Measure of Love” (Watch Tower, August 15, 1897), the warning is given:
Whatever “helps” really point us to the Bible as the only authority… are profitable… but that which attempts to be to us instead of God’s Word is a dangerous foe.
Russell taught that no publication, teacher, or organization
should replace Scripture as the believer’s ultimate authority.
Russell’s 1900 Article on Christian Conduct and Authority
In 1900, Charles Taze Russell published an article titled “Love As Brethren; Be Sympathetic, Be Courteous,” based on 1 Peter 3:8 and 5:5–6. In this discussion, he warned against treating congregation servants or appointees as if they belonged to a higher class with special divine authority. He emphasized that such individuals were not exempt from the same standards that apply to all believers.
The article stated:
The Apostle distinctly points out that a servant is not a ruler, that a servant has no authority. Indeed, so far as the true Church is concerned, the only authority in it is the Lord, the Head of the Church, and his Word, and the words of those whom he specially chose to be his mouth-pieces, the apostles. — Watch Tower, July 1, 1900, p. 195.
This reinforces Russell’s consistent teaching: the only authority in the church is Jesus Christ, expressed through the apostles and the Scriptures. Russell did not view himself as an authority figure, nor did he consider the Watch Tower Society to be a central governing authority over the church.
“Of Whom and For Whom Do We Speak?” — Clarifying the Use of “We” (June 1900)
In another 1900 article, “Of Whom and For Whom Do We Speak?”, Russell addressed concerns about his use of the word “we” in Watch Tower publications. Some readers assumed he was speaking on behalf of a sect or organized religious body. Russell clarified that “we” referred only to himself in his editorial capacity, not to any denomination or creed.
The article explained:
We recognize the Bible as a divine revelation, the only standard of truth… “We” will neither bind others to “our” convictions nor permit any to bind “us” to theirs… All who confess faith in Christ are “Christians” and are to be treated as “brethren.” They should be accorded the fullest liberty—“the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” — Watch Tower, June 1, 1900, p. 175.
This position stands in sharp contrast to later teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who require adherence to a defined set of doctrines as a condition of fellowship. Russell rejected creeds as tests of Christian identity and insisted that believers should enjoy full liberty in Christ.
Even among later Bible Students, some groups eventually created their own doctrinal tests—sometimes requiring acceptance of Russell as the “faithful and wise servant” or adherence to specific teachings. Russell himself opposed such sectarianism.
“Studies in the Scriptures” and the Question of Bible Study (1910)
In 1910, the Watch Tower Society published an article titled “Is Reading the Scripture Studies Bible Study?” (September 15, 1910). While it is uncertain whether Russell personally authored the article, he likely reviewed or edited it. The article stressed that Studies in the Scriptures was never intended to replace the Bible.
It stated:
The six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are not intended to supplant the Bible… Each one should think for himself… We should say, “I wish to see what the Bible says.”… The Scriptures are the standard… “SCRIPTURE STUDIES” NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE BIBLE. — Watch Tower, September 15, 1910, p. 298.
The conclusion was clear: Studies in the Scriptures could aid Bible study, but only after the reader personally verified each point from Scripture. If any disagreement arose, the Bible was to take precedence. This reflects Russell’s long‑standing view that Scripture—not his writings—was the final authority.
Russell’s Final Published Statement on Authority (1916)
Shortly before his death, Russell approved a statement published in the Watch Tower of August 15, 1916:
Let it be borne in mind that the Society exercises no authority, makes no criticism, but merely gives advice; and that in the interest of the Lord’s Cause and the Lord’s people. — Watch Tower, August 15, 1916, p. 248.
This statement, also repeated in What Pastor Russell Said (p. 518), appears to address concerns among some Bible Students who were beginning to treat Russell or the Watch Tower Society as an authority. Russell firmly rejected that role.
Conclusion
The historical evidence demonstrates that Charles Taze Russell:
Did not claim special authority for himself
Did not teach that any human organization holds divine authority today
Did not establish the hierarchical structure later adopted by Jehovah’s Witnesses
Consistently taught that only Christ is the head of the church
Affirmed that the Bible alone is the doctrinal authority for Christians
Claims that Russell founded or endorsed a centralized religious authority are contradicted by his own published statements. His writings consistently oppose authoritarianism and emphasize individual responsibility before God, guided solely by Scripture.
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