第13章 准备的时日
§1
第13章 准备的时日
§2
Chap. 13 - Days of Preparation
§3
（本章根据：徒9:19-30）
§4
保罗受洗之后，就停止禁食，“和大马士革的门徒同住了些日子。就在各会堂里宣传耶稣，说衪是上帝的儿子。”他大胆地宣扬拿撒勒人耶稣就是以色列人所长久仰望的弥赛亚，衪“照《圣经》所说，为我们的罪死了；而且埋葬了……第三天复活了。后来显给十二使徒和其它的人看。”保罗又说：“末了也显给我看；我如同未到产期而生的人一般。”（林前15:3-4,8）他从预言搜寻出来的论据是那么确凿，他的工作又是那么显然赋有上帝的能力，以致犹太人惊惶失措，无法应付。[1]{AA 123.1 }
§5
After his baptism, Paul broke his fast and remained certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Boldly he declared Jesus of Nazareth to be the long-looked-for Messiah, who died for our sins according to the Scriptures; . . . was buried, and . . . rose again the third day, after which He was seen by the Twelve and by others. And last of all, Paul added, He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 8. His arguments from prophecy were so conclusive, and his efforts were so manifestly attended by the power of God, that the Jews were confounded and unable to answer him. {AA 123.1 }[1]
§6
保罗悔改的消息使犹太人大为惊异。那“领了祭司长的权柄和命令，”（徒26:12）往大马士革去逮捕并控告信徒的人，如今竟在宣传一位被钉和复活之救主的福音，竟在加强那些已经作门徒之人的勇气，并在不断地引领新悔改的人皈依他所一度强烈反对的信仰。[2]{AA 123.2 }
§7
The news of Pauls conversion had come to the Jews as a great surprise. He who had journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests (Acts 26:12) to apprehend and persecute the believers was now preaching the gospel of a crucified and risen Saviour, strengthening the hands of those who were already its disciples, and continually bringing in new converts to the faith he had once so bitterly opposed. {AA 123.2 }[2]
§8
保罗过去是以热心维护犹太宗教和坚决逼迫耶稣门徒而闻名的。他行事勇敢，思想独立，意志坚决，他的天才和训练使他几乎足能胜任任何工作。他能用异常清晰的口才辩论，并用他那尖刻的讥讽使对手结舌无言。如今犹太人却看到这个非常有希望的青年居然与他从前所逼迫的人结交，并奉耶稣的名放胆传道。[3]{AA 124.1 }
§9
Paul had formerly been known as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion and an untiring persecutor of the followers of Jesus. Courageous, independent, persevering, his talents and training would have enabled him to serve in almost any capacity. He could reason with extraordinary clearness, and by his withering sarcasm could place an opponent in no enviable light. And now the Jews saw this young man of unusual promise united with those whom he formerly persecuted, and fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus. {AA 124.1 }[3]
§10
一员大将在战场上被杀，对他的军队来说固然是损失，但他的阵亡对敌方并不增加什么力量。可是当一个卓越的人物参加对方的阵营时，这不单是失去他的贡献，更是使他所参加的一方获得了绝对的优势。大数城的扫罗在往大马士革去的路上很容易被主击打而死，如此就可使逼迫之权势的实力大为减削。但上帝的美意不单要保存扫罗的生命，而且还要使他悔改，如此便将仇敌阵营中的一员战将转移到基督的阵营了。保罗是一个大有口才的演说家和颇为严格的批评家，他具有不屈不挠的意志和敢作敢为的勇气，拥有正为早期教会所需要的各种资格。[4]{AA 124.2 }
§11
A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy. But when a man of prominence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage. Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus, might easily have been struck dead by the Lord, and much strength would have been withdrawn from the persecuting power. But God in His providence not only spared Sauls life, but converted him, thus transferring a champion from the side of the enemy to the side of Christ. An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very qualifications needed in the early church. {AA 124.2 }[4]
§12
当保罗在大马士革宣讲基督的时候，所有听他讲论的人无不惊异，说：“在耶路撒冷残害求告这名的，不是这人么？并且他到这里来，特要捆绑他们带到祭司那里？”保罗声称自己信仰的改变，并不是由于情感或狂热的激动，而是由于压倒一切的证据所致。他宣传福音的时候，总是力图阐明有关基督第一次降临的预言。他确凿地指明这些预言都已字字应验在拿撒勒人耶稣的身上了。他信仰的基础乃是先知确切的预言。[5]{AA 124.3 }
§13
As Paul preached Christ in Damascus, all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? Paul declared that his change of faith had not been prompted by impulse or fanaticism, but had been brought about by overwhelming evidence. In his presentation of the gospel he sought to make plain the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ. He showed conclusively that these prophecies had been literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. The foundation of his faith was the sure word of prophecy. {AA 124.3 }[5]
§14
当保罗继续恳劝惊奇的听众当“悔改归向上帝，行事与悔改的心相称”时（徒26:20），他“越发有能力，驳倒住大马士革的犹太人，证明耶稣是基督。”但许多人却硬着心肠，拒绝响应他所传的信息；结果，他们对于他悔改的惊奇迅即变为苦毒的仇恨，竟像他们过去看待耶稣一般。[6]{AA 125.1 }
§15
As Paul continued to appeal to his astonished hearers to repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance (Acts 26:20), he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. But many hardened their hearts, refusing to respond to his message, and soon their astonishment at his conversion was changed into intense hatred like that which they had shown toward Jesus. {AA 125.1 }[6]
§16
反对的势力越来越凶猛，以致不容保罗继续他在大马士革的工作。有天上的使者来吩咐他暂时离开；于是他就“往亚拉伯去，”（加1:17）在那里找到了一个安全的隐居之所。[7]{AA 125.2 }
§17
The opposition grew so fierce that Paul was not allowed to continue his labors at Damascus. A messenger from heaven bade him leave for a time, and he went into Arabia (Galatians 1:17), where he found a safe retreat. {AA 125.2 }[7]
§18
保罗在这荒野的穷乡僻壤，得以有充分的机会从事宁静地研究与默想。他心平气和地回顾过去的经验，作成切实悔改的功夫。他全心寻求上帝，非到确知自己的悔改已蒙悦纳、自己的罪过已蒙赦免，决不罢休。他渴望获得耶稣要在他未来传道工作上与他同在的保证。他已从心中除掉那些前此形成他生活的偏见及遗传，并从真理的泉源领受了训诲。耶稣与他交通，使他在信心上建立坚固，并赐予他丰富的智慧和恩典。[8]{AA 125.3 }
§19
Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity for quiet study and meditation. He calmly reviewed his past experience and made sure work of repentance. He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned. He longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. He emptied his soul of the prejudices and traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth. Jesus communed with him and established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of wisdom and grace. {AA 125.3 }[8]
§20
当人的心意得与上帝的心意相通，有限的人与无限之主交往时，这人在身、心、灵各方面受到的影响真是无可估量的。从这样的交通中可获得最高的教育。这乃是上帝所钦定的发展方法。衪给予人类的信息乃是“你要认识上帝。”（伯22:21）[9]{AA 126.1 }
§21
When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate. In such communion is found the highest education. It is Gods own method of development. Acquaint now thyself with Him (Job 22:21), is His message to mankind. {AA 126.1 }[9]
§22
那在保罗会见亚拿尼亚时所给予他的严肃任命，在他心中的影响日益深重。当保罗听见“兄弟扫罗，你可以看见”的这一句话时，他乃是初次看到这个虔诚之人的脸面；亚拿尼亚在圣灵的感动之下，对他说：“我们祖宗的上帝，拣选了你，叫你明白衪的旨意，又得见那义者，听衪口中所出的声音。因为你要将所看见的、所听见的，对着万人为他作见证。现在你为什么耽延呢？起来，求告他的名受洗，洗去你的罪。”（徒22:14-16）[10]{AA 126.2 }
§23
The solemn charge that had been given Paul on the occasion of his interview with Ananias, rested with increasing weight upon his heart. When, in response to the word, Brother Saul, receive thy sight, Paul had for the first time looked upon the face of this devout man, Ananias under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said to him: The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:13-16. {AA 126.2 }[10]
§24
这些话与耶稣亲自向他所说的话乃是一致的。他在大马士革的路上阻止保罗时，曾对他说：“我特意向你显现，要派你作执事作见证，将人所看见的事，和我将要指示你的事，证明出来；我也要救你脱离百姓和外邦人的手。我差你到他们那里去，要叫他们的眼睛得开，从黑暗中归向光明，从撒但权下归向上帝；又因信我得蒙赦罪，和一切成圣的人同得基业。”（徒26:16-18）[11]{AA 126.3 }
§25
These words were in harmony with the words of Jesus Himself, who, when He arrested Saul on the journey to Damascus, declared: I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me. Acts 26:16-18. {AA 126.3 }[11]
§26
当保罗在心中反复思想这些事的时候，他就越来越清楚地明白自己蒙召的意义，就是“奉上帝旨意，蒙召作耶稣基督的使徒。”（林前1:1）他所得的呼召“不是由于人，也不是借着人，乃是借着耶稣基督，与……父上帝。”（加1:1）他面前之圣工的伟大使他多用功夫研究《圣经》，以便他可以在宣讲福音时“并不用智慧的言语，免得基督的十字架落了空。”“乃是用圣灵和大能的明证，”叫一切听见之人的信“不在乎人的智慧，只在乎上帝的大能。”（林前1:17；2:4-5）[12]{AA 127.1 }
§27
As he pondered these things in his heart, Paul understood more and more clearly the meaning of his call to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God. 1 Corinthians 1:1. His call had come, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father. Galatians 1:1. The greatness of the work before him led him to give much study to the Holy Scriptures, in order that he might preach the gospel not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that the faith of all who heard should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:4, 5. {AA 127.1 }[12]
§28
当保罗查考《圣经》的时候，他看出历代以来“蒙召的，按着肉体有智慧的不多，有能力的不多，有尊贵的也不多；上帝却拣选了世上愚拙的，叫有智慧的羞愧；又拣选了世上软弱的，叫那强壮的羞愧，上帝也拣选了世上卑贱的，以及那无有的，为要废掉那有的；使一切有血气的，在上帝面前一个也不能自夸。”（林前1:26-29）因此，保罗既根据十字架来检定世上的智慧，就“定了主意，……不知道别的，只知道耶稣基督，并衪钉十字架。”（林前2:2）[13]{AA 127.2 }
§29
As Paul searched the Scriptures, he learned that throughout the ages not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. And so, viewing the wisdom of the world in the light of the cross, Paul determined not to know anything, . . . save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2. {AA 127.2 }[13]
§30
保罗在他以后的一生服务中，一直没有忘记他智慧和能力的来源。请听他多年以后仍然宣称：“因我活着就是基督。”（腓1:21）又说：“我也将万事当作有损的，因我以认识我主基督耶稣为至宝。我为衪已经丢弃万事，……为要得着基督；并且得以在衪里面，不是有自己因律法而得的义，乃是有信基督的义，就是因信上帝而来的义。使我认识基督，晓得衪复活的大能，并且晓得和衪一同受苦。”（腓3:8-10）[14]{AA 128.1 }
§31
Throughout his later ministry, Paul never lost sight of the Source of his wisdom and strength. Hear him, years afterward, still declaring, For to me to live is Christ. Philippians 1:21. And again: I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, . . . that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. Philippians 3:8-10. {AA 128.1 }[14]
§32
保罗从亚拉伯“又回到大马士革。”（加1:17）并“奉耶稣的名放胆传道。”犹太人既无法抵挡他讲论辩驳的智慧，“就商议要杀扫罗。”他们昼夜谨守城门，以断绝他的逃脱之路。门徒因这危机而恳切地求告上帝；最后他们“在夜间，用筐子把他从城墙上缒下去。”（徒9:25）[15]{AA 128.2 }
§33
From Arabia Paul returned again unto Damascus (Galatians 1:17), and preached boldly . . . in the name of Jesus. Unable to withstand the wisdom of his arguments, the Jews took counsel to kill him. The gates of the city were diligently guarded day and night to cut off his escape. This crisis led the disciples to seek God earnestly, and finally they took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. Acts 9:25, R.V. {AA 128.2 }[15]
§34
保罗在逃出大马士革之后，就往耶路撒冷去，自从他悔改以后到现在约有三年之久。他这次访问的主要目的，据他后来说是去见彼得（见加1:18）。他到了这一座自己所一度以“逼迫人的扫罗”闻名的城，就“想与门徒结交；他们却都怕他，不信他是门徒。”他们很难相信一个作过那么多残害教会之事的顽固的法利赛人，竟能成为耶稣的一个忠实信徒。“唯有巴拿巴接待他，领去见使徒，把他在路上怎么看见主，主怎么向他说话，他在大马士革怎么奉耶稣的名放胆传道，都述说出来。”[16]{AA 128.3 }
§35
After his escape from Damascus, Paul went to Jerusalem, about three years having passed since his conversion. His chief object in making this visit, as he himself declared afterward, was to see Peter. Galatians 1:18. Upon arriving in the city where he had once been well known as Saul the persecutor, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. It was difficult for them to believe that so bigoted a Pharisee, and one who had done so much to destroy the church, could become a sincere follower of Jesus. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. {AA 128.3 }[16]
§36
门徒听了这话，就接纳他为他们中的一员。不久他们就获得许多凭据，证明他基督徒经验的真实。这个将来作外邦人使徒的保罗，这时正置身于他从前的许多同事所住的城中；他渴望向这些犹太领袖们解明有关弥赛亚的预言，说明这些预言已因救主第一次的降临应验了。保罗深觉他所一度熟识的这些以色列教师，必是和他自己一样真诚无伪的。可是他对于这些犹太弟兄们所有的精神却估计错了，而他既希望他们速速悔改，因此他也就注定要遭受惨痛的失望了。他虽然“奉主的名放胆传道，并与说希腊话的犹太人讲论辩驳，”但那些犹太教的领导人非但不肯相信，反而“想法子要杀他。”因此他满心忧伤。他情愿舍弃自己的性命，希望能借此引领一些人认识真理。他想起自己在司提反殉道的事上所采取的积极行动，便深感惭愧；现在他既渴望洗雪那加诸这位被诬告者身上的耻辱，故力图维护司提反所为之舍命的真理。[17]{AA 129.1 }
§37
Upon hearing this, the disciples received him as one of their number. Soon they had abundant evidence as to the genuineness of his Christian experience. The future apostle to the Gentiles was now in the city where many of his former associates lived, and to these Jewish leaders he longed to make plain the prophecies concerning the Messiah, which had been fulfilled by the advent of the Saviour. Paul felt sure that these teachers in Israel, with whom he had once been so well acquainted, were as sincere and honest as he had been. But he had miscalculated the spirit of his Jewish brethren, and in the hope of their speedy conversion he was doomed to bitter disappointment. Although he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians, those who stood at the head of the Jewish church refused to believe, but went about to slay him. Sorrow filled his heart. He would willingly have yielded up his life if by that means he might bring some to a knowledge of the truth. With shame he thought of the active part he had taken in the martyrdom of Stephen, and now in his anxiety to wipe out the stain resting upon one so falsely accused, he sought to vindicate the truth for which Stephen had given his life. {AA 129.1 }[17]
§38
保罗后来追述当时的情形说，他为那些不肯相信之人身负重忧，当他正在圣殿中祷告的时候，“魂游象外，”有天上的使者向他显现，说：”你赶紧的离开耶路撒冷，不可迟延，因你为我作的见证，这里的人必不领受。”（徒22:18）[18]{AA 130.1 }
§39
Burdened in behalf of those who refused to believe, Paul was praying in the temple, as he himself afterward testified, when he fell into a trance; whereupon a heavenly messenger appeared before him and said, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me. Acts 22:18. {AA 130.1 }[18]
§40
保罗甚愿留在耶路撒冷，以便应付反对的势力。在他看来，逃跑乃是一件怯懦的行为，如果因停留他可能在该城使一些顽固的犹太人信服福音的真理，即使因此而牺牲性命亦在所不惜。因此他回答说：“主啊！他们知道我从前把信你的人收在监里，又在各会堂里鞭打他们；并且你的见证人司提反被害流血的时候，我也站在旁边欢喜；又看守害死他之人的衣裳。”但上帝的旨意并不是要衪的仆人无故冒性命的危险；因此天上的使者回答说：“你去吧！我要差你远远的往外邦人那里去。”（徒22:19-21）[19]{AA 130.2 }
§41
Paul was inclined to remain at Jerusalem, where he could face the opposition. To him it seemed an act of cowardice to flee, if by remaining he might be able to convince some of the obstinate Jews of the truth of the gospel message, even if to remain should cost him his life. And so he answered, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: and when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I was also standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. But it was not in harmony with the purpose of God that His servant should needlessly expose his life; and the heavenly messenger replied, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. Acts 22:19-21. {AA 130.2 }[19]
§42
弟兄们听说这个异象，唯恐保罗被暗杀，就催他秘密逃离耶路撒冷。他们“送他下该撒利亚，打发他往大数去。”保罗的离去暂时止息了犹太人强烈的反对，教会一时也得有平安，信徒的人数也就增多了。[20]{AA 130.3 }
§43
Upon learning of this vision, the brethren hastened Pauls secret escape from Jerusalem, for fear of his assassination. They brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. The departure of Paul suspended for a time the violent opposition of the Jews, and the church had a period of rest, in which many were added to the number of believers. {AA 130.3 }[20]