Many claim that he is. Of course, we cannot find the name, Charles Taze Russell, anywhere in the Bible. Additionally, the idea that Russell is mentioned as being the “7th messenger”, “the faithful and wise servant”, the man with writer's inkhorn, etc., is not stated anywhere in the Bible. Thus, the idea that such scriptures are referring to Brother Russell has to be assumed beyond what is actually stated. Assumptions have to be made, and such has to be added to, and read into whatever scripture that one claims is speaking of Brother Russell.
Did Brother Russell find himself in the Bible? Evidently not. He stated:
“Some of the dear brethren seem to find as much about Brother Russell in the Bible as they find about the Lord Jesus, and I think that is a great mistake. I do not find it there. Some of them say that I am blinded on that subject, that they all can see better than I can. Perhaps they can, I do not know, but I think, dear friends, that there is a danger in that direction, and I would like to put you all on guard.... I think there is a danger of some dear friends preaching Brother Russell. Brother Russell would like for you not to do so. He thinks it would not be to the glory of God.” -- 1910 Bible Students Convention Report.
Russell, in answer to the question: “To what extent should the Pilgrims and other brothers preach 'Brother Russell'?”, stated: “I say, not at all. You have plenty, dear friends, to preach and the Apostle says, 'We preach Christ.'” -- What Pastor Russell Said, page 77.
Russell, himself, although he did believe that God was using him in a special manner to set forth truths revealed in the Bible, disclaimed any special authority. He 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, page 195; Reprints 2564.
However, many of the Bible Students during Russell's time were, in effect, attributing some kind of special authority to Russell and/or the Watch Tower Society. Some say that Russell changed his mind on authority in his later years. However, just before his death, he stated:
Let it be borne in mind that the [Watch Tower] 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. -- The Watch Tower, August 15, 1916, page 248; also found in the book, What Pastor Russell Said.
More to be added later, God willing.
Related — We do not necessarily agree with all conclusions and statements given by other authors.
Russell-ism; The Bible Students' Self-Inflicted Wound
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