第85章 海边重逢
§1
第85章 海边重逢
§2
Chap. 85 - By the Sea Once More
§3
（本章根据：约21:1-22）
§4
耶稣曾指定同门徒在加利利会面，门徒便在逾越节周结束之后，起身往加利利去。他们若在节期中离开耶路撒冷，就必被人曲解为离道叛教。故他们留在那里，直等节期过了。节期一过，他们就欣然上路回家，遵照救主的指示去见他。[1]{DA 809.1}
§5
Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee; and soon after the Passover week was ended, they bent their steps thither. Their absence from Jerusalem during the feast would have been interpreted as disaffection and heresy, therefore they remained till its close; but this over, they gladly turned homeward to meet the Saviour as He had directed. {DA 809.1}[1]
§6
这次结伴同行的有七个门徒。他们穿着渔夫的俭朴服装，在属世的财物方面是贫穷的，可是在真理的知识和实践方面却是富足的。所以在上帝的眼里他们具备了担任教师的资格。他们固然没有在先知学校中受过教育，可是曾在世界上空前绝后的最大教育家手下，受教三年之久。在他的教导下，他们已成为高尚、聪明、文雅的人,足能担任引领世人认识真理的工作。[2]{DA 809.2}
§7
Seven of the disciples were in company. They were clad in the humble garb of fishermen; they were poor in worldly goods, but rich in the knowledge and practice of the truth, which in the sight of Heaven gave them the highest rank as teachers. They had not been students in the schools of the prophets, but for three years they had been taught by the greatest Educator the world has ever known. Under His instruction they had become elevated, intelligent, and refined, agents through whom men might be led to a knowledge of the truth. {DA 809.2}[2]
§8
基督在地上工作的时间，大半是用在加利利海边附近一带的。门徒们找到了一个不容易被人打搅的地方，周围的一切都足以引人思念耶稣和他大能的作为。从前当他们在这个海上满心惊慌，猛烈的风暴险些使他们丧命时，耶稣曾从浪涛上走来搭救他们。这里，他也曾用他的话平息了狂风大浪。在视线之内的海滩上，他曾用几个小饼和小鱼给一万多人吃饱。离这不远的迦百农城，就是他行过许多神迹的地方。所以当门徒看到这一幕幕景象时，心中就满有救主的言论和作为。[3]{DA 809.3}
§9
Much of the time of Christs ministry had been passed near the Sea of Galilee. As the disciples gathered in a place where they were not likely to be disturbed, they found themselves surrounded by reminders of Jesus and His mighty works. On this sea, when their hearts were filled with terror, and the fierce storm was hurrying them to destruction, Jesus had walked upon the billows to their rescue. Here the tempest had been hushed by His word. Within sight was the beach where above ten thousand persons had been fed from a few small loaves and fishes. Not far distant was Capernaum, the scene of so many miracles. As the disciples 8looked upon the scene, their minds were full of the words and deeds of their Saviour. {DA 809.3}[3]
§10
那是一个宜人的夜晚,彼得因为还有许多划船打鱼的旧好，便建议他们出海下网打鱼。同伴们都准备参加，因一夜顺利的捕获所得足供他们需要的衣食，所以他们就驾船出海了，但结果什么也没打着。整夜的劳碌,一无所获。在那疲倦的几小时里，他们谈论到那离开了他们的主，并回忆他在海边讲道时，各人所看到的奇妙大事。同时对自己的未来提出问题，对前途忧虑愁闷起来。[4]{DA 810.1}
§11
The evening was pleasant, and Peter, who still had much of his old love for boats and fishing, proposed that they should go out upon the sea and cast their nets. In this plan all were ready to join; they were in need of food and clothing, which the proceeds of a successful nights fishing would supply. So they went out in their boat, but they caught nothing. All night they toiled, without success. Through the weary hours they talked of their absent Lord, and recalled the wonderful events they had witnessed in His ministry beside the sea. They questioned as to their own future, and grew sad at the prospect before them. {DA 810.1}[4]
§12
这时，岸上有一位孤独的守望者一直在望着他们，然而他们却没看见他。后来天亮了，门徒的船离岸不远，他们看见有个陌生人站在岸上。他先向他们招呼，问他们说：“‘小子，你们有吃的没有？’他们回答说：‘没有。’耶稣说:‘你们把网撒在船的右边，就必得着。’他们便撒下网去，竟拉不上来了，因为鱼甚多。”[5]{DA 810.2}
§13
All the while a lone watcher upon the shore followed them with His eye, while He Himself was unseen. At length the morning dawned. The boat was but a little way from the shore, and the disciples saw a stranger standing upon the beach, who accosted them with the question, Children, have ye any meat? When they answered, No, He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. {DA 810.2}[5]
§14
约翰认出这个陌生人来,就“对彼得说：是主！”彼得大喜过望，乐不可支，因一时的兴奋，就跳到海里，很快游到夫子身边。其余的门徒划着船，拉着一网的鱼也来了。“他们上了岸，就看见那里有炭火，上面有鱼，又有饼。”[6]{DA 810.3}
§15
John recognized the stranger, and exclaimed to Peter, It is the Lord. Peter was so elated and so glad that in his eagerness he cast himself into the water and was soon standing by the side of his Master. The other disciples came in their boat, dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. {DA 810.3}[6]
§16
他们太惊奇了,甚至也没有问这炭火和食物是从哪里来的。“耶稣对他们说：‘把刚才打的鱼拿几条来。’”彼得就赶紧去帮助弟兄们，把他所撒下的网拉上岸来。一切都准备好之后，耶稣就叫门徒来吃饭。他掰开食物分给他们，七个人都清楚地认出他来了。这使他们想起从前在山边给五千人吃饱的神迹，但他们心里生出了神秘的敬畏，静静地望着复活的救主。[7]{DA 810.4}
§17
They were too much amazed to question whence came the fire and the food. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Peter rushed for the net, which he had dropped, and helped his brethren drag it to the shore. After the work was done, and the preparation made, Jesus bade the disciples come and dine. He broke the food, and divided it among them, and was known and acknowledged by all the seven. The miracle of feeding the five thousand on the mountainside was now brought to their minds; but a mysterious awe was upon them, and in silence they gazed upon the risen Saviour. {DA 810.4}[7]
§18
从前耶稣在海边招呼他们的情形，这时历历浮现在眼前。他们还清楚地记得自己怎样依着他的命令，把船开到水深之处下网打鱼，随即捞到满网的鱼，网还险些裂开呢。也记得后来耶稣又怎样吩咐他们离开渔船,并应许使他们得人如得鱼一样。如今耶稣再行这神迹，是要使他们想起那次的呼召，并加深那一次呼召的印象。他这样做，是要重新向门徒宣告使命，并向他们说明，夫子的死并没有减轻所分派给他们的工作责任。虽然他们不再有主亲身与他们同在，也不再有从事原先职业所得的经济来源,但复活的救主仍在照顾他们。只要从事他的工作，他就必供给并满足他们的需要。而且耶稣吩咐他们把网撒在船的右边，也是有用意的。当时他正站在右边的岸上，就是他们信心所在的一边。如果他们愿与他同工，就有他的神能与他们的人力合作，他们就会立于不败之地。[8]{DA 810.5}
§19
Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus had bidden them follow Him. They remembered how, at His command, they had launched out into the deep, and had let down their net, and the catch had been so abundant as to fill the net, even to breaking. Then Jesus had called them to leave their fishing boats, and had promised to make them 8fishers of men. It was to bring this scene to their minds, and to deepen its impression, that He had again performed the miracle. His act was a renewal of the commission to the disciples. It showed them that the death of their Master had not lessened their obligation to do the work He had assigned them. Though they were to be deprived of His personal companionship, and of the means of support by their former employment, the risen Saviour would still have a care for them. While they were doing His work, He would provide for their needs. And Jesus had a purpose in bidding them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He stood upon the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored in connection with Him,--His divine power combining with their human effort,--they could not fail of success. {DA 810.5}[8]
§20
基督还有个教训要给他们，是和彼得有特别关系的。彼得否认救主的罪，与他从前所表白的忠心，形成可耻的对比。他已经侮辱了基督，因而使弟兄们不信任他了。他们想耶稣必不会恢复他在门徒中的地位；他自己也觉得是已丧尽信誉。所以夫子在呼召彼得重新负起使徒的工作之前，必须让他在大家面前显出悔改的凭据。若不如此，他虽已悔改，他的罪仍会破坏他作基督执事的影响力。故此，救主就给他机会，使他能再得到弟兄们的信任，并尽可能洗除他给福音带来的耻辱。[9]{DA 811.1}
§21
Another lesson Christ had to give, relating especially to Peter. Peters denial of his Lord had been in shameful contrast to his former professions of loyalty. He had dishonored Christ, and had incurred the distrust of his brethren. They thought he would not be allowed to take his former position among them, and he himself felt that he had forfeited his trust. Before being called to take up again his apostolic work, he must before them all give evidence of his repentance. Without this, his sin, though repented of, might have destroyed his influence as a minister of Christ. The Saviour gave him opportunity to regain the confidence of his brethren, and, so far as possible, to remove the reproach he had brought upon the gospel. {DA 811.1}[9]
§22
这是给一切基督徒的教训。福音决不能与罪恶妥协，它不能原谅罪恶。隐密的罪可以私下向上帝承认，但公开的罪必须公开承认。这位门徒所犯的罪，使基督受辱，使撒但夸胜，使动摇的人跌倒。所以这犯罪的门徒必须显出悔改的凭据，尽他能力之所及来洗除这个耻辱。[10]{DA 811.2}
§23
Here is given a lesson for all Christs followers. The gospel makes no compromise with evil. It cannot excuse sin. Secret sins are to be confessed in secret to God; but, for open sin, open confession is required. The reproach of the disciples sin is cast upon Christ. It causes Satan to triumph, and wavering souls to stumble. By giving proof of repentance, the disciple, so far as lies in his power, is to remove this reproach. {DA 811.2}[10]
§24
当基督和门徒在海边一同吃饭时，救主对彼得说：“约翰的儿子西门，你爱我比这些更深吗？”“这些”是指着他的弟兄们说的。彼得曾一度声称：“众人虽然为你的缘故跌倒,我却永不跌倒。”（太26:33）现在他对自己有更正确的估计了。他说：“主啊，是的，你知道我爱你。”言辞之中没有激昂的保证，说他的爱比弟兄们的更深。他没有对自己的忠诚作自我表白，只是求那能洞察人心一切动机的主，来判断他的真诚“你知道我爱你。”耶稣吩咐他说：“你喂养我的小羊。”[11]{DA 811.3}
§25
While Christ and the disciples were eating together by the seaside, the Saviour said to Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? referring to his brethren. Peter had once declared, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. Matthew 26:33. But he now put a truer estimate upon himself. Yea, Lord, he said, Thou knowest that I love Thee. There is no vehement assurance that his love is greater than that of his brethren. He does not express his own opinion of his devotion. To Him who can read all the motives of the heart he appeals to judge as to his sincerity,--Thou knowest that I love Thee. And Jesus bids him, Feed My lambs. {DA 811.3}[11]
§26
耶稣再试验彼得，重述他先前的话说：“约翰的儿子西门，你爱我吗？”这一次他没有问彼得,是不是比弟兄们爱他更深。彼得第二次的回答，像第一次一样，也没有作过分的夸张。他说：“主啊，是的，你知道我爱你。”耶稣对他说:“你牧养我的羊。”救主再发一次问，说：“约翰的儿子西门，你爱我吗？”彼得就很忧愁，以为耶稣怀疑他的爱，他知道他的主确有不信任他的理由，于是带着一颗伤痛的心回答说：“主啊，你是无所不知的,你知道我爱你。”耶稣再对他说：“你喂养我的羊。”[12]{DA 812.1}
§27
Again Jesus applied the test to Peter, repeating His former words: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? This time He did not ask Peter whether he loved Him better than did his brethren. The second response was like the first, free from extravagant assurance: Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. Once more the Saviour put the trying question: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved; he thought that Jesus doubted his love. He knew that his Lord had cause to distrust him, and with an aching heart he answered, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Again Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. {DA 812.1}[12]
§28
彼得曾三次公开否认他的主，耶稣又三次向他要爱和忠诚的保证。那尖锐的问题好像带刺的利箭一样，射入了他伤痛的心怀。在聚集的门徒面前，耶稣显明彼得的悔改是何等深切，并显出这个一度自夸的门徒，是何等彻底地自卑了。[13]{DA 812.2}
§29
Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peters repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple. {DA 812.2}[13]
§30
彼得是个心直口快，易受冲动的人，撒但曾利用这些特性使他跌倒。在彼得跌到之前，耶稣曾对他说：“撒但想要得着你们，好筛你们像筛麦子一样，但我已经为你祈求，叫你不至于失了信心，你回头以后，要坚固你的弟兄。”（路22:31,32）这时他已回头,而且他的转变是明显的。主向他所发的切身的、带着考验性的问题，没有使他讲一句过激或自信的回答，而今因自卑和悔改，彼得比以前更有资格作群羊的牧人了。[14]{DA 812.3}
§31
Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus had said to him, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31, 32. That time had now come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. The close, testing questions of the Lord had not called out one forward, self-sufficient reply; and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock. {DA 812.3}[14]
§32
基督恢复彼得作传福音的执事时,所委托他的第一件工作，是喂养他的小羊。对这项工作，彼得还没多少经验。这需要很慈爱，很细心的照应，也需要极大的耐心和恒心。他必须为那些在信德上还幼小的人服务，教训愚昧的人,向他们解释圣经，并要训练他们在基督的工作上成为有用的工人。在以前，彼得还不配作这种工作，甚至还不明白其重要性。但这是耶稣现在呼召他去作的工作。他自己受苦和悔改的经历，已为他作这项工作准备了条件。[15]{DA 812.4}
§33
The first work that Christ entrusted to Peter on restoring him to the ministry was to feed the lambs. This was a work in which Peter had little experience. It would require great care and tenderness, much patience and perseverance. It called him to minister to those who were young in the faith, to teach the ignorant, to open the Scriptures to them, and to educate them for usefulness in Christs service. Heretofore Peter had not been fitted to do this, or even to understand its importance. But this was the work which Jesus now called upon him to do. For this work his own experience of suffering and repentance had prepared him. {DA 812.4}[15]
§34
彼得未跌倒之前，他常因一时的冲动而轻率发言。他常在没有彻底了解自己，或考虑应怎样说话之前，就想改正别人，并发表自己的意见。但悔改之后的彼得完全不同。他仍有先前的热诚，但现在有基督的恩典在掌握他的热诚。他不再急躁、自信、自高自大，而是镇静、沉着并善于受教，这样他就能喂养基督羊群中的羊，也能喂养每只小羊。[16]{DA 812.5}
§35
Before his fall, Peter was always speaking unadvisedly, from the impulse of the moment. He was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind, before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But the converted Peter was very different. He retained his former fervor, but the grace of Christ regulated his zeal. He was no longer impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted, but calm, 8self-possessed, and teachable. He could then feed the lambs as well as the sheep of Christs flock. {DA 812.5}[16]
§36
救主对待彼得的方法，对他和他的弟兄都是寓意深长的：教导他们要以忍耐，同情和宽恕的爱来对待有过错的人。彼得虽然否认了他的救主，但耶稣对他的爱丝毫没有动摇。凡在大牧人手下作牧者的，都应以同样的爱来对待那些交托给他的羊和小羊。彼得若常回想自己的软弱和失败，就必温和地对待他的羊群，如同基督对待他一样。[17]{DA 815.1}
§37
The Saviours manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for his brethren. It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him never faltered. Just such love should the undershepherd feel for the sheep and lambs committed to his care. Remembering his own weakness and failure, Peter was to deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him. {DA 815.1}[17]
§38
基督向彼得所发的是意味深长的问题。他只提出一个作门徒和服务的条件。他说：“你爱我吗？”这是不可缺少的资格。彼得即使有了每一种其他资格而没有基督的爱，他就不能作一个管理主羊群的忠心牧人。知识、善意、口才、感恩和热心，在圣工上都有帮助；但是心中若没有耶稣的爱，则传道服务的工作必然失败。[18]{DA 815.2}
§39
The question that Christ had put to Peter was significant. He mentioned only one condition of discipleship and service. Lovest thou Me? He said. This is the essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the Lords flock. Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, gratitude, and zeal are all aids in the good work; but without the love of Jesus in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure. {DA 815.2}[18]
§40
耶稣和彼得一同散步去了，因他有些事要单独对彼得讲。耶稣受死之前曾对他说：“我所去的地方，你现在不能跟我去，后来却要跟我去。”对这句话，彼得曾回答说：“主啊，我为什么现在不能跟你去？我愿意为你舍命。”（约13:36-37）他说这句话的时候，一点也不知道基督所要领他走的是一条何等崎岖艰难的路。这次考验来到时，彼得失败了，但他还要有机会来证明他对基督的爱。救主为了坚固他的信心来应付最后的考验，就把他的未来展开在他面前。救主告诉他，在他度过了为人造福的一生之后，到年迈力衰时，他真要跟从他的主了。耶稣说：“‘你年少的时候，自己束上带子，随意往来；但年老的时候，你要伸出手来，别人要把你束上，带你到不愿意去的地方。’耶稣说这话，是指着彼得要怎样死，荣耀上帝。”[19]{DA 815.3}
§41
Jesus walked alone with Peter, for there was something which He wished to communicate to him only. Before His death, Jesus had said to him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. To this Peter had replied, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. John 13:36, 37. When he said this, he little knew to what heights and depths Christs feet would lead the way. Peter had failed when the test came, but again he was to have opportunity to prove his love for Christ. That he might be strengthened for the final test of his faith, the Saviour opened to him his future. He told him that after living a life of usefulness, when age was telling upon his strength, he would indeed follow his Lord. Jesus said, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. {DA 815.3}[19]
§42
这样，连彼得死的样式耶稣都向他说明了，甚至预言彼得将要伸出手来，被人钉在十字架上。于是他再嘱咐他说：“你跟从我吧！”彼得没有因这个启示而丧失勇气。他愿意为他的主受任何方式的死。[20]{DA 815.4}
§43
Jesus thus made known to Peter the very manner of his death; He even foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross. Again He bade His disciple, Follow Me. Peter was not disheartened by the revelation. He felt willing to suffer any death for his Lord. {DA 815.4}[20]
§44
以前彼得是凭着外貌认识基督,像现在许多人认识他一样，但是如今他对主的认识，将不再是这样有限的了。他从前的认识是仅仅在人性上与耶稣来往，但现在不同了。他从前以基督为一个人，一个从天上差来的教师而爱他，如今则要以基督为上帝而爱他。他已经学会一个教训：对他来说，基督就是一切。如今他已准备分担主牺牲的使命。到最后彼得被钉十字架时，他觉得与他的夫子按同一方式受苦的光荣，是他不配担当的；所以自己要求被倒钉十字架。[21]{DA 815.5}
§45
Heretofore Peter had known Christ after the flesh, as many know Him now; but he was no more to be thus limited. He knew Him no more as he had known Him in his association with Him in humanity. 8He had loved Him as a man, as a heaven-sent teacher; he now loved Him as God. He had been learning the lesson that to him Christ was all in all. Now he was prepared to share in his Lords mission of sacrifice. When at last brought to the cross, he was, at his own request, crucified with his head downward. He thought it too great an honor to suffer in the same way as his Master did. {DA 815.5}[21]
§46
耶稣对彼得所说，“你跟从我吧！”的话，是满有教训的。这教训不但是为他的死而发，也是针对他一生中的每一步所讲的。在这以前，彼得动辄擅自行事。他常自行为上帝的工作订出计划,而没有等候去执行上帝的计划。但他这样跑在主前面，结果并没有得到任何好处。耶稣吩咐他说：“你跟从我吧！”不要跑到我前头去，这样你就不会单独去应付撒但的大军了。让我行在你前面，你就必不至被仇敌所胜！[22]{DA 816.1}
§47
To Peter the words Follow Me were full of instruction. Not only for his death, but for every step of his life, was the lesson given. Hitherto Peter had been inclined to act independently. He had tried to plan for the work of God, instead of waiting to follow out Gods plan. But he could gain nothing by rushing on before the Lord. Jesus bids him, Follow Me. Do not run ahead of Me. Then you will not have the hosts of Satan to meet alone. Let Me go before you, and you will not be overcome by the enemy. {DA 816.1}[22]
§48
当彼得和耶稣散步时，他看见约翰跟在后面。他想知道约翰的将来如何，于是“就问耶稣说：‘主啊，这人将来如何？’耶稣对他说：‘我若要他等到我来的时候，与你何干？你跟从我吧！’”彼得应该知道，他的主必将一切与他有益的事告诉他。各人的本分就是自己跟从基督，而不必过分思虑分派给别人的工作。耶稣所说关于约翰的话：“我若要他等到我来的时候”并不是保证这个门徒要活到主第二次降临。他不过是申明自己有无上的权柄，并说明即使他要约翰等到他来，也丝毫不影响彼得的工作。约翰和彼得二人的将来，都掌握在主手中。顺服地跟从他，是他们各人应尽的本分。[23]{DA 816.2}
§49
As Peter walked beside Jesus, he saw that John was following. A desire came over him to know his future, and he saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me. Peter should have considered that his Lord would reveal to him all that it was best for him to know. It is the duty of everyone to follow Christ, without undue anxiety as to the work assigned to others. In saying of John, If I will that he tarry till I come, Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the Lords second coming. He merely asserted His own supreme power, and that even if He should will this to be so, it would in no way affect Peters work. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of their Lord. Obedience in following Him was the duty required of each. {DA 816.2}[23]
§50
今日像彼得这样的人真不知有多少啊！他们对别人的事情极感兴趣，并很想知道别人的本分，而他们自己有忽略自己本分的危险。我们的工作就是要仰望基督并跟从他。我们在别人的生活上，总能看到些错误，在别人的品格上，总能看到一些缺点。血肉之躯，难免有软弱；只有在基督里才能找到完美。仰望基督，我们就能变成他的样式。[24]{DA 816.3}
§51
How many today are like Peter! They are interested in the affairs of others, and anxious to know their duty, while they are in danger of neglecting their own. It is our work to look to Christ and follow Him. We shall see mistakes in the lives of others, and defects in their character. Humanity is encompassed with infirmity. But in Christ we shall find perfection. Beholding Him, we shall become transformed. {DA 816.3}[24]
§52
约翰后来得享高寿，亲眼看见了耶路撒冷的毁灭和那庄严的圣殿成为废墟世界最后毁灭的一个象征。直到终年，约翰紧紧地跟从他的主。他对众教会作见证的中心思想是：“亲爱的弟兄啊，我们应当彼此相爱，”“住在爱里面的，就是住在上帝里面，上帝也住在他里面。”（约一4:7,16）[25]{DA 816.4}
§53
John lived to be very aged. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, and the ruin of the stately temple,--a symbol of the final ruin of the world. To his latest days John closely followed his Lord. The burden of his testimony to the churches was, Beloved, let us love one another; he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:7, 16. {DA 816.4}[25]
§54
彼得已经恢复了他使徒的身份，但是他从基督所领受的尊荣和权柄，并没有给他一个高过他弟兄们的位分。这一点，在基督回答彼得的问题：“这人将来如何”的一句话里，就已经说明了。他说：“与你何干？你跟从我吧！”彼得并没有得到作教会之首的尊荣。基督宽恕了彼得的背信，并向他施恩，委托他喂养群羊，以及彼得自己跟从基督的忠心，这一切使他赢得了弟兄们的信任。他在教会中大有感化力。但是基督在加利利海边所给予彼得的教训，他毕生没有忘记。他在圣灵感动之下写信给教会，说：[26]{DA 817.1}
§55
Peter had been restored to his apostleship, but the honor and authority he received from Christ had not given him supremacy over his brethren. This Christ had made plain when in answer to Peters question, What shall this man do? He had said, What is that to thee? follow thou Me. Peter was not honored as the head of the church. The favor which Christ had shown him in forgiving his apostasy, and entrusting him with the feeding of the flock, and Peters own faithfulness in following Christ, won for him the confidence of his brethren. He had much influence in the church. But the lesson which Christ had taught him by the Sea of Galilee Peter carried with him throughout his life. Writing by the Holy Spirit to the churches, he said: {DA 817.1}[26]
§56
“我这作长老、作基督受苦的见证、同享后来所要显现之荣耀的，劝你们中间与我同作长老的人，务要牧养在你们中间上帝的群羊，按着上帝旨意照管他们。不是出于勉强，乃是出于甘心；也不是因为贪财，乃是出于乐意；也不是辖制所托付你们的，乃是作群羊的榜样。到了牧长显现的时候，你们必得那永不衰残的荣耀冠冕。”（彼前5:1-4）[27]{DA 817.2}
§57
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:1-4. {DA 817.2}[27]