第03章 伟大的使命
§1
第03章 伟大的使命
§2
Chap. 3 - The Great Commission
§3
门徒在基督受难之后，几乎为沮丧所挫败。他们的夫子既已被人弃绝、定罪，并且钉死。祭司和官长也曾经讥诮说：“他救了别人，不能救自己。他是以色列人的王，现在可以从十字架上下来，我们就信他。”（太27:42）这时门徒的希望之光已告没落，夜幕已笼罩在他们的心上了。他们反复重说“我们素来所盼望要赎以色列民的就是他”这一句话（路24:21）。他们心中既感到孤寂伤痛，就不禁想起他的话来：“这些事既行在有汁水的树上，那枯干的树，将来怎么样呢？”（路23:31）[1]{AA 25.1 }
§4
After the death of Christ the disciples were well-nigh overcome by discouragement. Their Master had been rejected, condemned, and crucified. The priests and rulers had declared scornfully, He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. Matthew 27:42. The sun of the disciples hope had set, and night settled down upon their hearts. Often they repeated the words, We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel. Luke 24:21. Lonely and sick at heart, they remembered His words, If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? Luke 23:31. {AA 25.1 }[1]
§5
耶稣曾经多次尝试向门徒说明将来的事，但他们从未留心思考他所说的话。因此，他的死令他们颇感惊异；及至事后检点过去，他们看到了自己不信的后果，便满心忧伤起来。当基督被钉死时，他们并不相信他会复活。虽然他曾明说第三日他必复活，但他们却不明白他的意思。这种缺乏理解力的情形，竟使他们在他受死时陷入完全绝望之中，他们大失所望了。他们的信心未曾突破撒但所投射在其眼界中的阴影。一切的事对于他们似乎都是模糊而不可思议的。如果他们相信救主的话，则可省去多少的悲伤啊！[2]{AA 25.2 }
§6
Jesus had several times attempted to open the future to His disciples, but they had not cared to think about what He said. Because of this His death had come to them as a surprise; and afterward, as they reviewed the past and saw the result of their unbelief, they were filled with sorrow. When Christ was crucified, they did not believe that He would rise. He had stated plainly that He was to rise on the third day, but they were perplexed to know what He meant. This lack of comprehension left them at the time of His death in utter hopelessness. They were bitterly disappointed. Their faith did not penetrate beyond the shadow that Satan had cast athwart their horizon. All seemed vague and mysterious to them. If they had believed the Saviours words, how much sorrow they might have been spared! {AA 25.2 }[2]
§7
门徒在因绝望、忧伤与悲观而致意气消沉之余，聚集在那间楼房之中，将所有的门都关上锁牢，唯恐其爱师的命运也会落在他们身上。救主复活之后，就是在这里向门徒显现的。[3]{AA 26.1 }
§8
Crushed by despondency, grief, and despair, the disciples met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, fearing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might be theirs. It was here that the Saviour, after His resurrection, appeared to them. {AA 26.1 }[3]
§9
基督又在地上停留了四十天，一方面准备门徒应付当前的工作，同时并为他们解释以前他们所不能了解的事。他论到那有关他的降世，他被犹太人拒绝，以及他受害的种种预言，指明这些预言都一一应验了。他告诉他们：要将这预言的应验当作一种保证，证明在他们的未来工作中必有能力随着他们。《圣经》记着说：“于是耶稣开他们的心窍，使他们能明白《圣经》；又对他们说：照经上所写的，基督必受害，第三日从死里复活；并且人要奉他的名传悔改赦罪的道，从耶路撒冷起直传到万邦。”随后他又说：“你们就是这些事的见证。”（路24:45-48）[4]{AA 26.2 }
§10
For forty days Christ remained on the earth, preparing the disciples for the work before them and explaining that which heretofore they had been unable to comprehend. He spoke of the prophecies concerning His advent, His rejection by the Jews, and His death, showing that every specification of these prophecies had been fulfilled. He told them that they were to regard this fulfillment of prophecy as an assurance of the power that would attend them in their future labors. Then opened He their understanding, we read, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And He added, Ye are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:45-48. {AA 26.2 }[4]
§11
门徒在基督和他们同在的这些日子中，获得了一种新的经验。当他们听到他们敬爱的夫子根据一切过去所发生的事来解释《圣经》时，他们对他的信仰就完全坚定了。他们已达到可以说我“知道我所信的是谁”的地步了。这时他们才开始认清自己工作的性质与范围，才看出他们乃是要将那交托他们的真理传与世人。基督一生的事迹，他的受难与复活，指明这些事的预言，救赎计划的奥秘，耶稣赦罪的权柄。他们是这一切事的见证人，而且也要由他们传与世人知悉。他们要传扬平安的福音，以及借悔改而得救与救主的大能。[5]{AA 27.1 }
§12
During these days that Christ spent with His disciples, they gained a new experience. As they heard their beloved Master explaining the Scriptures in the light of all that had happened, their faith in Him was fully established. They reached the place where they could say, I know whom I have believed. 2 Timothy 1:12. They began to realize the nature and extent of their work, to see that they were to proclaim to the world the truths entrusted to them. The events of Christs life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies pointing to these events, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins--to all these things they had been witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour. {AA 27.1 }[5]
§13
基督在升天之前，曾将门徒的使命交付他们。他告诉门徒，他们就是他那将永生财宝传赠世人之遗嘱的执行人。他对他们说：你们曾经目睹我为世人而牺牲的生活。你们看见过我为以色列家的劳力。我的子民虽然不肯归向我因而得到生命，祭司和官长们虽然曾经任意对待过我，他们虽然拒绝过我，但他们仍必有接受上帝儿子的另一次机会。你们已经看见过所有到我这里来承认自己罪过的人，我都乐意接受。凡来就我的人，我决不至丢弃他。我的门徒啊！我将这一恩典的信息交托给你们。这信息要传给犹太人也要传给外邦人，——先是以色列家，然后是各国、各族、各民。凡相信的都要团聚在一个教会之内。[6]{AA 27.2 }
§14
Before ascending to heaven, Christ gave His disciples their commission. He told them that they were to be the executors of the will in which He bequeathed to the world the treasures of eternal life. You have been witnesses of My life of sacrifice in behalf of the world, He said to them. You have seen My labors for Israel. And although My people would not come to Me that they might have life, although priests and rulers have done unto Me as they listed, although they have rejected Me, they shall have still another opportunity of accepting the Son of God. You have seen that all who come to Me confessing their sins, I freely receive. Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to both Jews and Gentiles--to Israel, first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. All who believe are to be gathered into one church. {AA 27.2 }[6]
§15
福音的使命乃是基督之国的大布道宪章。门徒们要热心地从事救灵工作，将恩典的邀请传送与众人。他们不应等候民众来就自己；乃要将信息带到民众那里去。[7]{AA 28.1 }
§16
The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christs kingdom. The disciples were to work earnestly for souls, giving to all the invitation of mercy. They were not to wait for the people to come to them; they were to go to the people with their message. {AA 28.1 }[7]
§17
门徒要奉基督的名推进他们的工作。他们的一言一行都要专注于他的名，因为他的名具有使罪人得救的大能。他们的信心要集中在那为恩典与能力之根源的主身上。他们要奉他的名向天父祈求，就必得蒙允准。他们要奉父、子、圣灵的名给人施洗。基督的名要作为他们的口号，他们特殊的标记，他们团结的力量，他们行径的根据，和他们成功的资源。凡在他国里被认可的，没有一样不是具有他名号的。[8]{AA 28.2 }
§18
The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christs name. Their every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that vital power by which sinners may be saved. Their faith was to center in Him who is the source of mercy and power. In His name they were to present their petitions to the Father, and they would receive answer. They were to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christs name was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing was to be recognized in His kingdom that did not bear His name and superscription. {AA 28.2 }[8]
§19
当基督向门徒说要奉我的名出去，使一切相信的人都集合在教会之内的时候，他清楚地向他们说明保持纯朴的必要。因为越少夸张和炫耀，则他们的感化力就必越大。门徒说话要如同基督说话一样的纯朴。他们要将他所教训他们的铭刻在自己听众的心中。[9]{AA 28.3 }
§20
When Christ said to the disciples, Go forth in My name to gather into the church all who believe, He plainly set before them the necessity of maintaining simplicity. The less ostentation and show, the greater would be their influence for good. The disciples were to speak with the same simplicity with which Christ had spoken. They were to impress upon their hearers the lessons He had taught them. {AA 28.3 }[9]
§21
基督并未告诉门徒，说他们的工作乃是轻省的。他指示他们那向他们严阵以待的强大恶势力同盟。他们必须“与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战。”（弗6:12）但他们是决不至于孤军作战的。他向他们保证要与他们同在；只要他们凭着信心出发，就必在全能者的荫庇之下前进。他吩咐他们要刚强壮胆；因为那较比众天使更有大能的一位——就是天军的统帅，也必在他们的行列中。他已为他们任务的进行作了充分的准备，并为其成功自行负责。只要他们听从他的话，与他联合工作，就决不致失败。他吩咐他们要往普天下去，要往地球上最遥远之处去；即使在那里，我也必与你们同在。务须凭着忠诚与信赖而工作；因为我绝不致有丢弃你们之日。我必常与你们同在，协助你们克尽职责、引导、安慰、认可，并支持你们，使你们在说话上获得成功，得以吸引别人的注意力朝向上天。[10]{AA 29.1 }
§22
Christ did not tell His disciples that their work would be easy. He showed them the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them. They would have to fight against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12. But they would not be left to fight alone. He assured them that He would be with them; and that if they would go forth in faith, they should move under the shield of Omnipotence. He bade them be brave and strong; for One mightier than angels would be in their ranks--the General of the armies of heaven. He made full provision for the prosecution of their work and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe and be assured that My presence will be with you even there. Labor in faith and confidence; for the time will never come when I will forsake you. I will be with you always, helping you to perform your duty, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, sustaining you, giving you success in speaking words that shall draw the attention of others to heaven. {AA 29.1 }[10]
§23
基督为人类所作的牺牲乃是充分而完全的。赎罪的条件已经履行了。他到这世界来的任务已经完成了。他已经得国。那是他从撒但手中夺回来的，而他也成为承受万有的了。他要迈向上帝的宝座，要受天军的崇敬。他赋有无限的权威，将使命交托给他的门徒说：“所以你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，奉父、子、圣灵的名，给他们施洗；凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守；我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了。”（太28:19-20）[11]{AA 29.2 }
§24
Christs sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete. The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work for which He had come to this world had been accomplished. He had won the kingdom. He had wrested it from Satan and had become heir of all things. He was on His way to the throne of God, to be honored by the heavenly host. Clothed with boundless authority, He gave His disciples their commission, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end. Matthew 28:19, 20. {AA 29.2 }[11]
§25
基督在即将离别门徒之前，又再度说明他国度的性质。他唤起他们回想从前他所告诉他们有关天国的事。他声明他的目的并不是要在此世建立一个属世的国度。他并未被派要跻登大卫的宝座，作地上的君王掌权。当门徒问他：“主啊，你复兴以色列国，就在这时候吗？” 他回答说：“父凭着自己的权柄，所定的时候日期，不是你们可以知道的。”（徒1:6-7）除了他已使他们所能看到的启示之外，他们实无看到遥远将来的必要。他们的任务乃是传扬福音的信息。[12]{AA 30.1 }
§26
Just before leaving His disciples, Christ once more plainly stated the nature of His kingdom. He recalled to their remembrance things He had previously told them regarding it. He declared that it was not His purpose to establish in this world a temporal kingdom. He was not appointed to reign as an earthly monarch on Davids throne. When the disciples asked Him, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? He answered, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. Acts 1:6, 7. It was not necessary for them to see farther into the future than the revelations He had made enabled them to see. Their work was to proclaim the gospel message. {AA 30.1 }[12]
§27
基督之可见的仪容行将与门徒分离，但他们却要获得新能力的赐予。有圣灵要沛降给他们，印证他们去从事工作。救主说：“我要将我父所应许的降在你们身上；你们要在城里等候，直到你们领受从上头来的能力。”（路24:49）“约翰是用水施洗，但不多几日，你们要受圣灵的洗。”“但圣灵降在你们身上，你们就必得着能力；并要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地和撒玛利亚，直到地极，作我的见证。”（徒1:5,8）[13]{AA 30.2 }
§28
Christs visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work. Behold, the Saviour said, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:5, 8. {AA 30.2 }[13]
§29
救主明知任何辩证，不论是如何地合乎逻辑，也不足融化刚硬的心，或突破世俗与自私的壁垒。他明知他的门徒必须领受天来的恩赐；也知道唯有对那位身为道路、真理与生命之主具有活泼的认识，因而产生出火热的心与能言善辩的嘴唇，才能将福音有效地传开。那委托给门徒的任务非具有伟大的效能不可，因为那邪恶的潮流汹涌而且强烈地和他们冲突。而统率那幽暗势力的，乃是一位机警而坚决的首领，因此凡跟从基督的人唯有靠赖上帝借着圣灵所给予他们的援助，才能为正义而从事战斗。[14]{AA 31.1 }
§30
The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Spirit, would give them. {AA 31.1 }[14]
§31
基督告诉过他的门徒，要他们在耶路撒冷开始工作。该城原是他为人类作惊人牺牲的场所。他曾取了人的形象，在那里与人同行共话，也有少数的人看出了天国是何等地临近人间。他也曾在那里被定罪受害。在耶路撒冷有不少的人暗中相信拿撒勒人耶稣就是弥赛亚，同时也有很多人却已受了祭司和官长们的欺骗。福音必须要传给这些人，他们要蒙召悔改。那唯有借着基督才得免罪的奇妙真理，要向人解释明白，并且正值耶路撒冷合城被最近数周来惊人大事所激动之时，门徒的宣讲就必造成最深刻的印象。[15]{AA 31.2 }
§32
Christ told His disciples that they were to begin their work at Jerusalem. That city had been the scene of His amazing sacrifice for the human race. There, clad in the garb of humanity, He had walked and talked with men, and few had discerned how near heaven came to earth. There He had been condemned and crucified. In Jerusalem were many who secretly believed Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah, and many who had been deceived by priests and rulers. To these the gospel must be proclaimed. They were to be called to repentance. The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission of sins be obtained, was to be made plain. And it was while all Jerusalem was stirred by the thrilling events of the past few weeks, that the preaching of the disciples would make the deepest impression. {AA 31.2 }[15]
§33
耶稣在他从事传道工作的时期中，曾将门徒要在他那使世界从被罪恶奴役中复原的工作上与他合而为一的这一事实，经常摆在他们的面前。当他差遣十二个门徒、后来又差遣七十个人出去传扬上帝的国时，他教训这些人：他们的责任乃是要将他所教导他们的转授别人。在他所有的工作中，他都是训练他们作个人之工，并要在他们人数增加之时予以扩大，终于直到地极。他给予跟随他的人的最后教训，就是他们已受托为世人保管这救恩的佳音。[16]{AA 32.1 }
§34
During His ministry, Jesus had kept constantly before the disciples the fact that they were to be one with Him in His work for the recovery of the world from the slavery of sin. When He sent forth the Twelve and afterward the Seventy, to proclaim the kingdom of God, He was teaching them their duty to impart to others what He had made known to them. In all His work He was training them for individual labor, to be extended as their numbers increased, and eventually to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth. The last lesson He gave His followers was that they held in trust for the world the glad tidings of salvation. {AA 32.1 }[16]
§35
当基督行将上升到他父那里去的时候，他就领门徒出城到伯大尼去。他在这里停了下来，门徒就团聚在他的身旁，这时他伸出手来祝福，好像发出护卫的保证一般，他就缓缓地从他们中间升上去。“正祝福的时候，他就离开他们，被带到天上去了。”（路24:51）[17]{AA 32.2 }
§36
When the time came for Christ to ascend to His Father, He led the disciples out as far as Bethany. Here He paused, and they gathered about Him. With hands outstretched in blessing, as if in assurance of His protecting care, He slowly ascended from among them. It came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. Luke 24:51. {AA 32.2 }[17]
§37
门徒正举目望天，要看他们那上升之主最后一眼的时候，他已被成队欢呼的天使迎接了去。当这队天使护送他升往天庭时，他们高唱着凯旋之歌：“世上的列国啊！你们要向上帝歌唱；愿你们歌颂主，歌颂那自古驾行在诸天以上的主。……你们要将能力归给上帝；他的威荣在以色列之上，他的能力是在穹苍。”（诗68:32-34）[18]{AA 32.3 }
§38
While the disciples were gazing upward to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, He was received into the rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these angels escorted Him to the courts above, they sang in triumph, Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens. . . . Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the heavens. Psalm 68:32-34, margin. {AA 32.3 }[18]
§39
门徒们仍在热切地举目望天，这时“忽然有两个人身穿白衣，站在旁边，说：加利利人哪，你们为什么站着望天呢？这离开你们被接升天的耶稣，你们见他怎样往天上去，他还要怎样来。”（徒1:10-11）[19]{AA 33.1 }
§40
The disciples were still looking earnestly toward heaven when, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:10, 11. {AA 33.1 }[19]
§41
基督再来的应许乃要永远常新地铭记在他门徒的心中。他们曾经看见他升天的这同一位耶稣必定再来，接那些在地上献身为他服务的人到他那里去。那对门徒说“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”的同一个声音，也必欢迎他们进入天国到他的面前。[20]{AA 33.2 }
§42
The promise of Christs second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His service. The same voice that had said to them, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end, would bid them welcome to His presence in the heavenly kingdom. {AA 33.2 }[20]
§43
大祭司是怎样在预表的仪式中脱下了他大祭司的外袍，穿上那执行普通祭司职务的白细麻布衣服；基督也照样脱下了他的王服，亲自披上人的形体而献祭，他自己既是祭司，也亲自作祭牲。大祭司怎样在圣所执行任务之后，穿着大祭司的外袍出来，到那迎候他的会众之前；基督也必再度降临，穿上极其洁白，是“地上漂布的，没有一个能漂得那样白”的外袍（可9:3）。他必在他自己的荣耀和他天父的荣耀中，并由全部的天军一路护卫着降临。[21]{AA 33.3 }
§44
As in the typical service the high priest laid aside his pontifical robes and officiated in the white linen dress of an ordinary priest; so Christ laid aside His royal robes and garbed Himself with humanity and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes; so Christ will come the second time, clothed in garments of whitest white, so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9:3. He will come in His own glory, and in the glory of His Father, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way. {AA 33.3 }[21]
§45
这样就应验了基督所给他门徒的应许：我“必再来接你们到我那里去。”（约14:3）凡爱慕他并等候他的人，他必将荣耀、尊贵和永生赐给他们为冠冕。那死了的义人要从坟墓里出来，凡活着的义人必和他们一同被提到空中与主相遇。他们必听见耶稣那较比任何音乐更为甜蜜悦耳的声音向他们说：你们的战斗已经完成了。“你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国。”（太25:34）[22]{AA 34.1 }
§46
Thus will be fulfilled Christs promise to His disciples, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself. John 14:3. Those who have loved Him and waited for Him, He will crown with glory and honor and immortality. The righteous dead will come forth from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. They will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to them, Your warfare is accomplished. Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34. {AA 34.1 }[22]
§47
因此门徒便得以在他们主再来的指望中欢喜快乐了。[23]{AA 34.2 }
§48
Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lords return. {AA 34.2 }[23]