第30章 设立十二使徒
§1
第30章 设立十二使徒
§2
Chap. 30 - He Ordained Twelve
§3
（本章根据：可3:13-19；路6:12-16）
§4
“耶稣上了山，随自己的意思叫人来，他们便来到他那里。他就设立十二个人，要他们常和自己同在,也要差他们去传道。”[1]{DA 290.1}
§5
And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach. {DA 290.1}[1]
§6
在离加利利海不远的山边树荫下，耶稣设立了十二名使徒，并在山上发表了宝训。田野和山间是他常爱去的地方；他在露天施教比在圣殿和会堂里讲的还多。没有哪一个会堂能容得下跟随耶稣的群众，然而他选择在田野和树林里教导人，并不单是为这缘故。耶稣喜爱自然界的景色。在他看来，每一幽静的地方都能作个神圣的殿宇。[2]{DA 290.2}
§7
It was beneath the sheltering trees of the mountainside, but a little distance from the Sea of Galilee, that the twelve were called to the apostolate, and the Sermon on the Mount was given. The fields and hills were the favorite resorts of Jesus, and much of His teaching was given under the open sky, rather than in the temple or the synagogues. No synagogue could have received the throngs that followed Him; but not for this reason only did He choose to teach in the fields and groves. Jesus loved the scenes of nature. To Him each quiet retreat was a sacred temple. {DA 290.2}[2]
§8
最先居住在地上的人曾在伊甸园的树荫下，选择他们敬拜上帝的圣所。基督曾在那里与人类的始祖交谈。我们的始祖被赶出乐园之后，仍在田野和树林里崇拜真神。在那里，基督以他恩惠的福音教导他们。他也曾在幔利的橡树下与亚伯拉罕谈话；在傍晚，以撒到田间去祷告时，他与以撒相会；在伯特利的山边、他与雅各交谈。他在米甸的山中接见摩西；他在幼童大卫看守羊群时训诲他。一千五百多年以来，希伯来人每年离家七日，住在用树上鲜绿的枝叶“和棕树上的枝子，与茂密树的枝条，并河旁的柳枝”所搭成的棚内。这都是遵照基督的指示作的（利23:40）。[3]{DA 290.3}
§9
It was under the trees of Eden that the first dwellers on earth had chosen their sanctuary. There Christ had communed with the father of mankind. When banished from Paradise, our first parents still worshiped in the fields and groves, and there Christ met them with the gospel of His grace. It was Christ who spoke with Abraham under the 2oaks at Mamre; with Isaac as he went out to pray in the fields at the eventide; with Jacob on the hillside at Bethel; with Moses among the mountains of Midian; and with the boy David as he watched his flocks. It was at Christs direction that for fifteen centuries the Hebrew people had left their homes for one week every year, and had dwelt in booths formed from the green branches of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook. Leviticus 23:40. {DA 290.3}[3]
§10
为了训练门徒，耶稣便离开扰攘的都市，退到宁静的田野和山间去。因这里的环境更适于他所要教训门徒的克己之道。耶稣传道时，喜爱在蔚蓝的天空下、绿草如茵的山旁或波平如镜的湖边，叫众人聚集在他四周。这里环绕着他亲手所创造的万物，他就能使听众的意念从人为的事物转向大自然，而自然界的生长和发育，正显明基督之国的原理。当人举目观看上帝的山岭和他亲手所作各样奇妙的作为时，就能学到神圣真理的宝贵教训。自然界的万物会向他们重述基督的训言。凡心中存有基督而退到野外去的人，也是如此。他们会觉得有一种圣洁的感化力围绕着他们。自然界的万物会重新叙述主的比喻和他的训言。人在自然的景色中与上帝交通，思想得以提高，内心也得到安息。[4]{DA 291.1}
§11
In training His disciples, Jesus chose to withdraw from the confusion of the city to the quiet of the fields and hills, as more in harmony with the lessons of self-abnegation He desired to teach them. And during His ministry He loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake. Here, surrounded by the works of His own creation, He could turn the thoughts of His hearers from the artificial to the natural. In the growth and development of nature were revealed the principles of His kingdom. As men should lift up their eyes to the hills of God, and behold the wonderful works of His hands, they could learn precious lessons of divine truth. Christs teaching would be repeated to them in the things of nature. So it is with all who go into the fields with Christ in their hearts. They will feel themselves surrounded with a holy influence. The things of nature take up the parables of our Lord, and repeat His counsels. By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest. {DA 291.1}[4]
§12
这时基督要进行组织教会的第一步工作。这教会在他离世之后要做他在地上的代表。他们没有豪华的圣殿可用，救主便领门徒到他爱去的退隐之处。日后在门徒的脑海中，这天的神圣经历与山谷湖海的美景就永远连在一起了。[5]{DA 291.2}
§13
The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christs departure was to be His representative on earth. No costly sanctuary was at their command, but the Saviour led His disciples to the retreat He loved, and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea. {DA 291.2}[5]
§14
耶稣呼召他的门徒，是要差他们出去做他的见证人，把他们所看见、所听见的基督宣告世人。他们的工作是人类历来未曾受过的最重大的委托，仅次于基督自己的工作。他们要与上帝一同拯救世人。正如旧约时代十二位先祖是以色列的代表，这十二位使徒就要成为新约教会的代表。[6]{DA 291.3}
§15
Jesus had called His disciples that He might send them forth as His witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, and was second only to that of Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for the saving of the world. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church. {DA 291.3}[6]
§16
救主知道他所拣选之人的品性。他们的一切错处和弱点都敞露在他面前；他也知道他们必须遭遇的危险和肩负的重任。他时时关心着这班被选的人。沿加利利海边有一座山，当门徒正在那山脚下睡觉时，耶稣独自上山为他们整整祈祷了一夜。天刚亮，他就叫他们来，因为他有重要的事告诉他们。[7]{DA 291.4}
§17
The Saviour knew the character of the men whom He had chosen; all their weaknesses and errors were open before Him; He knew the 2perils through which they must pass, the responsibility that would rest upon them; and His heart yearned over these chosen ones. Alone upon a mountain near the Sea of Galilee He spent the entire night in prayer for them, while they were sleeping at the foot of the mountain. With the first light of dawn He summoned them to meet Him; for He had something of importance to communicate to them. {DA 291.4}[7]
§18
这些门徒已经与耶稣同工一时期。约翰、雅各、安得烈、彼得、腓力、拿但业和马太，比其他门徒较为接近耶稣，所见到的神迹也比较多。其中彼得、雅各和约翰三人与耶稣的关系更要近些。他们似乎时时与他同在，看他的神迹，听他的教训。约翰总是安安静静地紧靠在他身边，与耶稣最亲密，所以被公认为耶稣所爱的门徒。其实救主对所有的门徒都爱，不过约翰最易受教。他比别的门徒年轻，比较有儿童般的信心向耶稣打开心门。故此他也最能同情基督，而救主最深奥的属灵教训就由他传给主的百姓了。[8]{DA 292.1}
§19
These disciples had been for some time associated with Jesus in active labor. John and James, Andrew and Peter, with Philip, Nathanael, and Matthew, had been more closely connected with Him than the others, and had witnessed more of His miracles. Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to Him. They were almost constantly with Him, witnessing His miracles, and hearing His words. John pressed into still closer intimacy with Jesus, so that he is distinguished as the one whom Jesus loved. The Saviour loved them all, but Johns was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the childs confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviours deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to His people. {DA 292.1}[8]
§20
在使徒分成的小组中，有一名叫腓力的，是第一个蒙耶稣清楚地呼召说“来跟从我”的门徒。腓力是伯赛大人，与彼得和安得烈同乡。他听过施洗约翰的教训，也听见他宣称基督是上帝的羔羊。腓力是个诚心寻求真理的人，但他的信心是迟钝的。他虽然已经跟从了基督，可是从他对拿但业谈论基督的话来看，显明他还没有完全相信耶稣的神性。虽然从天上有声音下来，宣布基督是上帝的儿子，但在腓力眼中，他只是“约瑟的儿子拿撒勒人耶稣”（约1:45）。在耶稣使五千人吃饱的事上，也显出腓力缺少信心。耶稣要试验他，所以才问他说：“我们从哪里买饼叫这些人吃呢？”腓力的回答表示不信。他说：“就是二十两银子的饼，叫他们各人吃一点,也是不够的。”（约6:5,7）这话令耶稣很伤心。腓力虽曾看见耶稣的作为，也感觉到他的权能，却没有信心。当希利尼人向腓力打听耶稣时，他没抓住机会将他们介绍给救主，只去告诉了安得烈。再者，耶稣被钉十字架之前的最后一周，腓力所说的话，表示信心不足。当多马对耶稣说：“主啊，我们不知道你往哪里去，怎么知道那条路呢？”救主回答说：“我就是道路、真理、生命……你们若认识我,也就认识我的父。”接着腓力发出不信的回答说：“求主将父显给我们看，我们就知足了。”（约14:5-8）这个与耶稣相处已有三年之久的门徒，心智竟这样迟钝，信心竟这样软弱。[9]{DA 292.2}
§21
At the head of one of the groups into which the apostles are divided stands the name of Philip. He was the first disciple to whom Jesus addressed the distinct command, Follow Me. Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. He had listened to the teaching of John the Baptist, and had heard his announcement of Christ as the Lamb of God. Philip was a sincere seeker for truth, but he was slow of heart to believe. Although he had joined himself to Christ, yet his announcement of Him to Nathanael shows that he was not fully convinced of the divinity of Jesus. Though Christ had been proclaimed by the voice from heaven as the Son of God, to Philip He was Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. John 1:45. Again, when the five thousand were 2fed, Philips lack of faith was shown. It was to test him that Jesus questioned, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? Philips answer was on the side of unbelief: Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. John 6:5, 7. Jesus was grieved. Although Philip had seen His works and felt His power, yet he had not faith. When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus, he did not seize upon the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour, but he went to tell Andrew. Again, in those last hours before the crucifixion, the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith. When Thomas said to Jesus, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? the Saviour answered, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. . . . If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also. From Philip came the response of unbelief: Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. John 14:5-8. So slow of heart, so weak in faith, was that disciple who for three years had been with Jesus. {DA 292.2}[9]
§22
拿但业孩子般的信心与腓力的犹豫比较起来，就不同了。拿但业是个非常诚恳的人，他的信心使他能领会看不见的现实。然而腓力是基督门下的学生，这位神圣的教师耐心地容忍他的不信和迟钝。及至圣灵降在门徒身上，腓力就成了一个合乎上帝旨意的教师。他知道他说话的根据，能确切地教训众人，使听者无不折服。[10]{DA 293.1}
§23
In happy contrast to Philips unbelief was the childlike trust of Nathanael. He was a man of intensely earnest nature, one whose faith took hold upon unseen realities. Yet Philip was a student in the school of Christ, and the divine Teacher bore patiently with his unbelief and dullness. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Philip became a teacher after the divine order. He knew whereof he spoke, and he taught with an assurance that carried conviction to the hearers. {DA 293.1}[10]
§24
当耶稣正在预备设立使徒时，有一个没有被召的人也强挤在他们中间，这就是自称为基督门徒的加略人犹大。他前来请求在门徒的圈子里占一席位。他非常热心，似乎很诚恳地说：“夫子，你无论往哪里去，我要跟从你。”耶稣既不拒绝，也不欢迎，只说了一句很伤感的话：“狐狸有洞，天空的飞鸟有窝，人子却没有枕头的地方。”（太8:19-20）犹大相信耶稣是弥赛亚；他加入使徒的行列，是希望在新的国度里取得高位。耶稣说明自己的贫穷，是想打消他这种希望。[11]{DA 293.2}
§25
While Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. It was Judas Iscariot, a man who professed to be a follower of Christ. He now came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle of disciples. With great earnestness and apparent sincerity he declared, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him, but uttered only the mournful words: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man 2hath not where to lay His head. Matthew 8:19, 20. Judas believed Jesus to be the Messiah; and by joining the apostles, he hoped to secure a high position in the new kingdom. This hope Jesus designed to cut off by the statement of His poverty. {DA 293.2}[11]
§26
众门徒都希望犹大能做他们中间的一员。他容貌英俊，见多识广，精明强干。所以门徒在耶稣面前推荐他，说他对主的工作将是个有用的人材。但门徒很诧异，耶稣为什么待他这么冷淡。[12]{DA 294.1}
§27
The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their number. He was of commanding appearance, a man of keen discernment and executive ability, and they commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in His work. They were surprised that Jesus received him so coolly. {DA 294.1}[12]
§28
耶稣没有争取以色列领袖们的合作，已令门徒十分失望。他们认为，耶稣不争取那些有声有势之人的支持来推进自己的工作，是一种错误。如果耶稣当时拒绝了犹大，门徒定会怀疑他们夫子的明智。但犹大以后的历史会向他们证明：判断一个人是否配加入上帝的工作时，若偏重于世俗方面的条件，是危险的。像门徒所切望争取的这等人的合作，必将工作断送在最恶毒的敌人手中。[13]{DA 294.2}
§29
The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not tried to secure the co-operation of the leaders in Israel. They felt that it was a mistake not to strengthen His cause by securing the support of these influential men. If He had repulsed Judas, they would, in their own minds, have questioned the wisdom of their Master. The after history of Judas would show them the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. The co-operation of such men as the disciples were anxious to secure would have betrayed the work into the hands of its worst enemies. {DA 294.2}[13]
§30
然而，当犹大加入门徒中后，他对基督的完美品格，并不是完全无动于衷的。他也能感受到那引人归主的神圣感化力。那位不折断压伤的芦苇、不吹灭将残的灯火的主，决不在人尚有一点趋向光明的愿望时拒绝他。救主洞悉犹大的内心，他也知道，上帝的恩典若不拯救他，犹大将堕落到何等罪孽深重的地步。他让这个人做门徒，使他能与主无私之爱的泉源天天接触。如果犹大肯向基督打开心门，上帝的恩惠就会驱逐他自私的恶魔，连他这样的人，也可以成为上帝国中的一分子。[14]{DA 294.3}
§31
Yet when Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which was drawing souls to the Saviour. He who came not to break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax would not repulse this soul while even one desire was reaching toward the light. The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, Judas would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God. {DA 294.3}[14]
§32
只要人肯领受上帝的管教，学习他的样式，那么不拘在本性上有什么弱点，上帝必按他们的现状接纳他们，并训练他们为圣工服务。他们蒙挑选，并不是因为他们已经完善，而是因为他们虽有缺点，仍可借着认识真理，实行真理，并靠基督的恩典，得以变成主的形象。[15]{DA 294.4}
§33
God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image. {DA 294.4}[15]
§34
犹大与其他门徒享有同样的机会，也听过同样宝贵的教训。然而，基督所要他们实行的真理，与犹大的欲望和目的相抵触，他竟不肯放弃自己的观点来领受天赐的智慧。[16]{DA 294.5}
§35
Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. He listened to the same precious lessons. But the practice of the truth, 2which Christ required, was at variance with the desires and purposes of Judas, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven. {DA 294.5}[16]
§36
救主是多么柔和地对待那将要卖他的人啊！耶稣在他的教训中，常常论到慈善的原理，这原理击中了犹大贪婪的病根。他向犹大指出贪心的可憎。而犹大也屡次察觉到耶稣是在描述他的品行，指出他的罪恶。只是他不予理会，也不肯放弃自己的不义。他骄傲自满，非但不抵御试探，反而继续实行自己诡诈的作法。基督常在他面前，向他显明：他若得到这位神圣中保耶稣为他代求，为他服务的助益，他就必达到这位活的模范的标准。可惜犹大对耶稣一次次的教训充耳不闻。[17]{DA 295.1}
§37
How tenderly the Saviour dealt with him who was to be His betrayer! In His teaching, Jesus dwelt upon principles of benevolence that struck at the very root of covetousness. He presented before Judas the heinous character of greed, and many a time the disciple realized that his character had been portrayed, and his sin pointed out; but he would not confess and forsake his unrighteousness. He was self-sufficient, and instead of resisting temptation, he continued to follow his fraudulent practices. Christ was before him, a living example of what he must become if he reaped the benefit of the divine mediation and ministry; but lesson after lesson fell unheeded on the ears of Judas. {DA 295.1}[17]
§38
耶稣没有因犹大的贪心而严厉地责备他。只是让他晓得，主对他的内心了如指掌，却仍以上帝的忍耐对待这个犯错误的人。为了帮助他走上正路,主提出最有力的理由,鼓励他行义。犹大既拒绝上天所赐的亮光，他的堕落就是无可推诿的了。[18]{DA 295.2}
§39
Jesus dealt him no sharp rebuke for his covetousness, but with divine patience bore with this erring man, even while giving him evidence that He read his heart as an open book. He presented before him the highest incentives for right doing; and in rejecting the light of Heaven, Judas would be without excuse. {DA 295.2}[18]
§40
犹大决意保留他的缺点，不肯行在光中。于是邪恶的欲望、复仇的心理和阴暗的思想都滋长起来，直到撒但完全控制了他。犹大成了基督仇敌的代表。[19]{DA 295.3}
§41
Instead of walking in the light, Judas chose to retain his defects. Evil desires, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished, until Satan had full control of the man. Judas became a representative of the enemy of Christ. {DA 295.3}[19]
§42
犹大来跟从耶稣时，本来有一些可贵的品性能为教会造福。如果他甘心负基督的轭，也未尝不能成为使徒的领袖之一，可是当他的缺点被指出时，他却硬着心肠，存骄傲忤逆的态度，顺从了自私的野心，以致不配担负上帝原来要交付他的工作。[20]{DA 295.4}
§43
When he came into association with Jesus, he had some precious traits of character that might have been made a blessing to the church. If he had been willing to wear the yoke of Christ, he might have been among the chief of the apostles; but he hardened his heart when his defects were pointed out, and in pride and rebellion chose his own selfish ambitions, and thus unfitted himself for the work that God would have given him to do. {DA 295.4}[20]
§44
众门徒在耶稣呼召他们参加他工作时都有严重的错误。连那位与柔和谦卑之主最亲近的约翰，也不是生来就温柔谦让的。他和他的兄弟被称为“雷子”。他们与耶稣同在时，只要有人对耶稣表示轻视，就会激起他们的愤恨和抨击。坏脾气、复仇心、好批评，这一切在耶稣所爱的门徒心里一应俱全。他很骄傲、有野心，要在上帝的国中占首位。但他天天看见耶稣那种慈爱容忍的态度，又听见他谦卑和忍耐的教训，与自己暴躁的脾气一比，他就打开心门，领受了上帝神能的感化。他不只是听，而且实行救主的教训。他将自己隐藏在基督里面，并学会负基督的轭，挑他的担子。[21]{DA 295.5}
§45
All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called the sons of thunder. While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation and combativeness. Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence, 2and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviours words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden. {DA 295.5}[21]
§46
耶稣常责备门徒，也常警告和劝诫他们，但约翰和他的弟兄没有离开耶稣。他们虽然受到申斥，但仍跟从耶稣；救主也没有因他们的软弱、过失而离开他们。他们分担耶稣的艰难，学习他生活的教训，一直到底。他们因仰望耶稣，在品格上有了很大的变化。[22]{DA 296.1}
§47
Jesus reproved His disciples, He warned and cautioned them; but John and his brethren did not leave Him; they chose Jesus, notwithstanding the reproofs. The Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors. They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character. {DA 296.1}[22]
§48
使徒们的习惯和性情大不相同。有做过税吏的利未马太；有强烈痛恨罗马政权的奋锐党人西门；有豪爽急躁的彼得；有卑鄙诡诈的犹大。此外，多马是诚实胆小的；腓力是迟钝多疑的；还有野心勃勃、直言无隐的西庇太的两个儿子和他们的弟兄。这些人有不同的缺点，带着先天的倾向及后天的恶习。他们被救主召集在一起，却借着基督，并在基督里面，要一同住在上帝的家里，学习在信仰、真道和心志上同归于一。他们固然会有各自的试炼、牢骚和不同的意见，但若有基督住在心中，就不至于有纷争了。基督的爱会引导他们彼此相爱；主的教训会引导一切分歧融合一致，使众门徒合而为一，直到他们都有一样的心思和意念。基督是伟大的中心，他们越接近中心，彼此之间也就越相近了。[23]{DA 296.2}
§49
The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. There were the publican, Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the uncompromising hater of the authority of Rome; the generous, impulsive Peter, and the mean-spirited Judas; Thomas, truehearted, yet timid and fearful, Philip, slow of heart, and inclined to doubt, and the ambitious, outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought together, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil; but in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit. They would have their tests, their grievances, their differences of opinion; but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. His love would lead to love for one another; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, bringing the disciples into unity, till they would be of one mind and one judgment. Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another just in proportion as they approached the center. {DA 296.2}[23]
§50
耶稣向门徒讲完教训之后，就把这一小群人聚拢在他周围，自己跪在中间，按手在他们头上，献上祈祷，将他们分别为圣，来担负他的圣工。这样，主的门徒就被立为福音的执事了。[24]{DA 296.3}
§51
When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work. Thus the Lords disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry. {DA 296.3}[24]
§52
基督并不拣选一些未曾堕落的天使做他在人间的代表，他所拣选的是人。这些人与他们所要拯救的人具有同样的性情。基督自己取了人的样式，以便接近世人。神性需要人性。因为拯救世界，神性和人性都是不可少的。神性需要人性，为了使人性做上帝与人类之间的媒介。基督的仆人和使者也是如此。世人需要一种超乎自己、在自身以外的能力，将上帝的形象恢复在他身上，使他能作上帝的工。但这并不是说人力是不必要的了。当人性把握住上帝的能力时，基督就因信而住进人的心中，于是人力与神力合作，就能在善事上大有功效。[25]{DA 296.4}
§53
As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity, that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this 2does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good. {DA 296.4}[25]
§54
那呼召加利利渔夫的主，如今仍在呼召人为他服务。而且他也愿意借着我们显示他的能力，正如当日借着第一批门徒所显示的一样。我们不论有多少缺点、多少罪污，主总向我们提出邀请，要我们与他合作，做他的学徒。他请我们来领受他神圣的教训，使我们与基督联合，好做上帝的工。[26]{DA 297.1}
§55
He who called the fisherman of Galilee is still calling men to His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under the divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God. {DA 297.1}[26]
§56
“我们有这宝贝放在瓦器里，要显明这莫大的能力，是出于上帝，不是出于我们。”（林后4:7）这就是上帝把传福音的责任交给有罪的世人，而不交给天使的原因。这足以显明那借着软弱的人类而做工的能力，是上帝的大能。而且这能力既能帮助同我们一样软弱的其他人，我们就可以确信它也必帮助我们。那些曾“被软弱所困”的人，就“能体谅那愚蒙的和失迷的人”（来5:2）。他们自己曾陷在危难当中，就熟悉一路之上的危险和艰难。因这缘故，上帝便召他们去拯救那些处在同样危难之中的人。有许多人为疑惑所困，为软弱所累，信心不坚固，不能把握住那看不见的上帝。但若有他们能看得见的一个朋友替基督来到他们面前，这人就成了一个链环，把他们飘摇不定的信心紧紧扣在基督身上了。[27]{DA 297.2}
§57
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7, R. V. This is why the preaching of the gospel was committed to erring men rather than to the angels. It is manifest that the power which works through the weakness of humanity is the power of God; and thus we are encouraged to believe that the power which can help others as weak as ourselves can help us. And those who are themselves compassed with infirmity should be able to have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way. Hebrews 5:2. Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like peril. There are souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming to them in Christs stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ. {DA 297.2}[27]
§58
在向世人传扬耶稣的工作上，我们要与天使同工。众天使等我们与他们通力合作，简直等不及了。因为必须有人做上帝与世人沟通的媒介。及至我们全心全意地献身与基督时，众天使就大大欢喜，因为他们能通过我们的口显明上帝的慈爱。[28]{DA 297.3}
§59
We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesus to the world. With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal Gods love. {DA 297.3}[28]