Answer #8

         The statements is made in the "Insight on the Scriptures" publication that the apostles were the restraint that held back the forces of false worship from taking hold in the congregation and keeping the influences of apostasy at bay. The apostolic influences continued until the death of John after which apostasy began to take hold. If there had been a governing body in existence at this time then they should have taken up the reins and acted as a restraint. But this was not the case as there was no such group as a governing body.