第14章 真理的追求者
§1
第14章 真理的追求者
§2
Chap. 14 - A Seeker for Truth
§3
（本章根据：徒9:32-11:18）
§4
使徒彼得在他的传道行程中，访问了吕大的信徒。他在这里医好了一位卧病八年的瘫子以尼雅。这位使徒说：“以尼雅，耶稣基督医好你了；起来，收拾你的褥子。”“他就立刻起来了。凡住在吕大和沙仑的人，都是看见了他，就归服主。”[1]{AA 131.1 }
§5
In the course of his ministry the apostle Peter visited the believers at Lydda. Here he healed Aeneas, who for eight years had been confined to his bed with palsy. Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole, the apostle said; arise, and make thy bed. He arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. {AA 131.1 }[1]
§6
在靠近吕大的约帕有一个妇人叫多加，她的善行使她博得一般人的挚爱；她实在不愧作耶稣的门徒，而她的一生也充满了仁慈的行为。她知道那些人需要舒适的衣服，那些人需要同情，她也慷慨地为穷苦和伤心的人服务。她不但运用口舌，更是使用她灵巧的手积极活动。[2]{AA 131.2 }
§7
At Joppa, which was near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas, whose good deeds had made her greatly beloved. She was a worthy disciple of Jesus, and her life was filled with acts of kindness. She knew who needed comfortable clothing and who needed sympathy, and she freely ministered to the poor and the sorrowful. Her skillful fingers were more active than her tongue. {AA 131.2 }[2]
§8
“当时，她患病而死。”约帕教会痛惜她的丧亡，信徒既听说彼得在吕大，“就打发两个人去见他，央求他说，快到我们那里去，不要耽延。彼得就起身和他们同去；到了，便有人领他上楼。众寡妇都站在彼得旁边哭，拿多加与他们同在时，所做的里衣外衣给他看。”鉴于多加一生所度的服务生活，无怪乎他们要哀哭，热泪要落在那无生命的遗体之上。[3]{AA 131.3 }
§9
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died. The church in Joppa realized their loss, and hearing that Peter was at Lydda, the believers sent messengers to him, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. In view of the life of service that Dorcas had lived, it is little wonder that they mourned, that warm teardrops fell upon the inanimate clay. {AA 131.3 }[3]
§10
这位使徒看见他们的悲伤，甚感同情。于是他便叫那些哀哭的友人离开那房间，自己跪下恳切地祈求上帝使多加恢复生命和健康。他转身对着死人说：“大比大，起来！她就睁开眼睛，见了彼得，便坐起来。”多加过去对于教会大有贡献，所以上帝认为合宜将她从仇敌的领地带回来，以便她的手艺和活力能再为他人造福，同时也要因这一次上帝大能的表显而巩固基督的事业。[4]{AA 132.1 }
§11
The apostles heart was touched with sympathy as he beheld their sorrow. Then, directing that the weeping friends be sent from the room, he kneeled down and prayed fervently to God to restore Dorcas to life and health. Turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Dorcas had been of great service to the church, and God saw fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and energy might still be a blessing to others, and also that by this manifestation of His power the cause of Christ might be strengthened. {AA 132.1 }[4]
§12
彼得蒙上帝呼召将福音传给该撒利亚的哥尼流，也是在他仍然寄居约帕的时候。[5]{AA 132.2 }
§13
It was while Peter was still at Joppa that he was called by God to take the gospel to Cornelius, in Caesarea. {AA 132.2 }[5]
§14
哥尼流是罗马军营的百夫长。他出身高贵，拥有财富，并负有光荣重任。他虽生为异教之人，也受过异教的教育和熏陶，但因与犹太人接触，就得以认识上帝，并且真心敬拜上帝，又周济穷人借以表示他信仰的真诚。他的善行遐迩皆知，而他公正廉洁的生活使他在犹太人和外邦人中都有良好的名声。他的影响所及，使凡与他接触的人都蒙受福惠。《圣经》论到他说：“他是个虔诚人，他和全家都敬畏上帝，多多周济百姓，常常祷告上帝。”[6]{AA 132.3 }
§15
Cornelius was a Roman centurion. He was a man of wealth and noble birth, and his position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of God, and he worshiped Him with a true heart, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He was known far and near for his beneficence, and his righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles. His influence was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact. The inspired record describes him as a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. {AA 132.3 }[6]
§16
哥尼流既相信上帝为创造天地的主，他就崇敬衪，承认衪的权威，并在人生的一切事务上求问上帝的旨意。他在家庭生活和自己职务上都效忠耶和华。他已经在家中建立了家庭祭坛；因为他除非先得上帝的帮助，就不敢试图实行自己的计划，或担负自己的责任。[7]{AA 133.1 }
§17
Believing in God as the Creator of heaven and earth, Cornelius revered Him, acknowledged His authority, and sought His counsel in all the affairs of life. He was faithful to Jehovah in his home life and in his official duties. He had erected the altar of God in his home, for he dared not attempt to carry out his plans or to bear his responsibilities without the help of God. {AA 133.1 }[7]
§18
哥尼流虽然相信预言，并仰望弥赛亚的来临，但他还未曾听过由基督的生平与死难而显示的福音。他不是犹太教的教徒，所以不免被拉比们视为异教徒和不洁净的人。但那位论到亚伯拉罕说“我眷顾他”的神圣守望者，也眷顾了哥尼流，并从天上直接传给他一道信息。[8]{AA 133.2 }
§19
Though Cornelius believed the prophecies and was looking for the Messiah to come, he had not a knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ. He was not a member of the Jewish church and would have been looked upon by the rabbis as a heathen and unclean. But the same Holy Watcher who said of Abraham, I know him, knew Cornelius also, and sent a message direct from heaven to him. {AA 133.2 }[8]
§20
天使在哥尼流祈祷的时候向他显现。那百夫长一听见天使叫他的名字，就甚惧怕，然而他知道这位使者一定是从上帝那里来的，因此他说：“主啊，什么事呢？”天使回答说：“你的祷告和你的周济，达到上帝面前已蒙记念了。现在你当打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来；他住在海边一个硝皮匠西门的家里，房子在海边上。”[9]{AA 133.3 }
§21
The angel appeared to Cornelius while he was at prayer. As the centurion heard himself addressed by name, he was afraid, yet he knew that the messenger had come from God, and he said, What is it, Lord? The angel answered, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. {AA 133.3 }[9]
§22
这个详细确定的指示甚至提到了彼得所寄居之人家的职业，足以显明上天对于各种身分之人的经历和事业都是非常清楚的。上帝熟悉一个卑微工人的经验与工作，正像他熟悉一个在位的君王一般。[10]{AA 133.4 }
§23
The explicitness of these directions, in which was named even the occupation of the man with whom Peter was staying, shows that Heaven is acquainted with the history and business of men in every station of life. God is familiar with the experience and work of the humble laborer, as well as with that of the king upon his throne. {AA 133.4 }[10]
§24
“你当打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来。”上帝是如此地显出证据，表明衪重视传福音的职分和衪有组织的教会。天使并没有奉命将十字架的故事告诉哥尼流。要向哥尼流传讲被钉与复活之救主的，乃是一个像百夫长自己一般具有人类的弱点而易受试探的人。[11]{AA 134.1 }
§25
Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon. Thus God gave evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for His organized church. The angel was not commissioned to tell Cornelius the story of the cross. A man subject, even as the centurion himself, to human frailties and temptations, was to be the one to tell him of the crucified and risen Saviour. {AA 134.1 }[11]
§26
上帝并不拣选那从未堕落的天使，却拣选一班与他们所要拯救之人性情一样的人，在人间作衪的代表。基督也取了人的性情，以便接触到人类。为了要将救恩带给世人，就需要一位兼具神、人二性的救主。至于宣传“基督那测不透的丰富”的神圣委托，则已交付给一班普通的男女了。[12]{AA 134.2 }
§27
As His representatives among men, God does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took humanity that He might reach humanity. A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation to the world. And to men and women has been committed the sacred trust of making known the unsearchable riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8. {AA 134.2 }[12]
§28
主本乎衪的智慧，使那些寻找真理的人得与明白真理的人接触。上天的计划乃是要凡已领受真光的人将光传给那处于黑暗之中的人们。具有血肉之体的人要从伟大的智慧之源领受效能，俾作为工具，作为业务代理人，借以使福音在世人的心智上发挥其变化之能。[13]{AA 134.3 }
§29
In His wisdom the Lord brings those who are seeking for truth into touch with fellow beings who know the truth. It is the plan of Heaven that those who have received light shall impart it to those in darkness. Humanity, drawing its efficiency from the great Source of wisdom, is made the instrumentality, the working agency, through which the gospel exercises its transforming power on mind and heart. {AA 134.3 }[13]
§30
哥尼流就欢欢喜喜地顺从了这异象。这位百夫长在天使离去之后，便“叫了两个家人，和常伺候他的一个虔诚兵来；把这事都述说给他们听，就打发他们往约帕去。”[14]{AA 134.4 }
§31
Cornelius was gladly obedient to the vision. When the angel had gone, the centurion called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; and when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. {AA 134.4 }[14]
§32
那位天使在访问哥尼流之后，便到约帕去找彼得。当时彼得正在他住所的房顶上祷告，《圣经》说：“他觉得饿了，想要吃；那家的人正预备饭的时候，彼得魂游象外。”彼得不单是饿了，想吃肉体方面的食物。当他从房顶上俯瞰约帕城和四郊乡村时，他便如饥饿般地期盼他的同胞得救。他热烈地希望从《圣经》中向他们指明那有关基督受苦受死的预言。[15]{AA 135.1 }
§33
The angel, after his interview with Cornelius, went to Peter, in Joppa. At the time, Peter was praying upon the housetop of his lodging, and we read that he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance. It was not for physical food alone that Peter hungered. As from the housetop he viewed the city of Joppa and the surrounding country he hungered for the salvation of his countrymen. He had an intense desire to point out to them from the Scriptures the prophecies relating to the sufferings and death of Christ. {AA 135.1 }[15]
§34
彼得在异象中“看见天开了，有一物降下，好像一块大布，系着四角，缒在地上；里面有地上各样四足的走兽和昆虫，并天上的飞鸟。又有声音向他说：彼得，起来，宰了吃！彼得却说：主啊，这是不可的；凡俗物和不洁净的物，我从来没有吃过。第二次有声音向他说：上帝所洁净的，你不可当作俗物。这样一连三次，那物随即收回天上去了。”[16]{AA 135.2 }
§35
In the vision Peter saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. {AA 135.2 }[16]
§36
这个异象给彼得深深的责备和教训。它向他启示了上帝的旨意，——那就是外邦人也当借着基督的死，与犹太人同作救恩之福的承受者。直到现在，门徒中还没有一个人向外邦人传过福音。在他们看来，那因基督的死而已经拆毁的“中间隔断的墙”仍旧存在，所以他们的工作始终限于对犹太人；因为他们总认为外邦人与福音的恩惠无分。这时主正在设法要教导彼得明白这包括普世范围的神圣计划。[17]{AA 135.3 }
§37
This vision conveyed to Peter both reproof and instruction. It revealed to him the purpose of God--that by the death of Christ the Gentiles should be made fellow heirs with the Jews to the blessings of salvation. As yet none of the disciples had preached the gospel to the Gentiles. In their minds the middle wall of partition, broken down by the death of Christ, still existed, and their labors had been confined to the Jews, for they had looked upon the Gentiles as excluded from the blessings of the gospel. Now the Lord was seeking to teach Peter the world-wide extent of the divine plan. {AA 135.3 }[17]
§38
过去有许多外邦人曾作过彼得和其它使徒颇感兴味的听众，也有许多说希腊话的犹太人信服了基督，但哥尼流的悔改却要成为外邦人中最重要的。[18]{AA 136.1 }
§39
Many of the Gentiles had been interested listeners to the preaching of Peter and the other apostles, and many of the Greek Jews had become believers in Christ, but the conversion of Cornelius was to be the first of importance among the Gentiles. {AA 136.1 }[18]
§40
时候已到，基督的教会将要进入一个完全新的局面了。过去许多悔改的犹太人向外邦人所紧闭的门户现在要开放了。而且所有接受福音的外邦人将要与犹太门徒享有平等的地位，而毋需受割礼。[19]{AA 136.2 }
§41
The time had come for an entirely new phase of work to be entered upon by the church of Christ. The door that many of the Jewish converts had closed against the Gentiles was now to be thrown open. And the Gentiles who accepted the gospel were to be regarded as on an equality with the Jewish disciples, without the necessity of observing the rite of circumcision. {AA 136.2 }[19]
§42
主是多么慎重地设法，要破除彼得心中因受犹太人的训练而养成的对外邦人顽固的偏见啊！他要用那一块布和其中所载各物的异象从这位使徒脑中去除这种偏见，并教导一项重要的真理，那就是上天决不偏待人；在上帝看来，犹太人和外邦人都是一样宝贵的；而且借着基督，不信上帝的异教徒也能与福音的恩惠和特权有份。[20]{AA 136.3 }
§43
How carefully the Lord worked to overcome the prejudice against the Gentiles that had been so firmly fixed in Peters mind by his Jewish training! By the vision of the sheet and its contents He sought to divest the apostles mind of this prejudice and to teach the important truth that in heaven there is no respect of persons; that Jew and Gentile are alike precious in Gods sight; that through Christ the heathen may be made partakers of the blessings and privileges of the gospel. {AA 136.3 }[20]
§44
正当彼得在沉思这异象的意义时，哥尼流所差来的人已到了约帕，站在彼得所住的房门外。于是圣灵对他说：“有三个人来找你。起来，下去，和他们同住，不要疑惑，因为是我差他们来的。”[21]{AA 136.4 }
§45
While Peter was meditating on the meaning of the vision, the men sent from Cornelius arrived in Joppa and stood before the gate of his lodginghouse. Then the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. {AA 136.4 }[21]
§46
这对彼得来说，真是一个难堪的命令，他去实践所交给他的任务，每一阶段都是很勉强的，但他不敢违命。“于是彼得下去见那些人说：我就是你们所找的人。你们来是为什么缘故？”他们就将他们特别的使命告诉他，说：“百夫长哥尼流是个义人，敬畏上帝，为犹太通国所称赞。他蒙一位圣天使指示，叫他请你到他家里去，听你的话。”[22]{AA 137.1 }
§47
To Peter this was a trying command, and it was with reluctance at every step that he undertook the duty laid upon him; but he dared not disobey. He went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? They told him of their singular errand, saying, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. {AA 137.1 }[22]
§48
使徒遵照他方才从上帝得到的指示，答应和他们同去。次日早晨，他就出发到该撒利亚去，并有六位弟兄同行。他要这些弟兄为他在访问外邦人时所讲所行的作见证；因为彼得知道他这样直接违犯犹太人的教义，是一定会遭到质问的。[23]{AA 137.2 }
§49
In obedience to the directions just received from God, the apostle promised to go with them. On the following morning he set out for Caesarea, accompanied by six of his brethren. These were to be witnesses of all that he should say or do while visiting the Gentiles, for Peter knew that he would be called to account for so direct a violation of the Jewish teachings. {AA 137.2 }[23]
§50
当彼得走进那外邦人的家时，哥尼流并没有将他当作普通的来宾接待，却看他为上天所重尊和上帝所差来的一位。依照东方的习俗，向君王或高官显贵须鞠躬致敬，儿女向父母也须鞠躬致敬；但哥尼流既非常尊敬这位上帝所差派来教导他的，就俯伏在使徒脚前拜他。彼得大吃一惊，连忙拉这百夫长起来，说：“你起来，我也是人。”[24]{AA 137.3 }
§51
As Peter entered the house of the Gentile, Cornelius did not salute him as an ordinary visitor, but as one honored of Heaven and sent to him by God. It is an Eastern custom to bow before a prince or other high dignitary and for children to bow before their parents; but Cornelius, overwhelmed with reverence for the one sent by God to teach him, fell at the apostles feet and worshiped him. Peter was horror-stricken, and he lifted the centurion up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. {AA 137.3 }[24]
§52
在哥尼流的使者奉命前往的同时，百夫长曾“请了他的亲属密友，”以便他们能像他一样听聆福音的传讲。因此当彼得到达时，他就发现有一大群人在热切地等候听他所讲。[25]{AA 138.1 }
§53
While the messengers of Cornelius had been gone upon their errand, the centurion had called together his kinsmen and near friends, that they as well as he might hear the preaching of the gospel. When Peter arrived, he found a large company eagerly waiting to listen to his words. {AA 138.1 }[25]
§54
彼得先对那些聚集的人提起犹太人的风俗，说犹太人和外邦人发生社交关系是不合例的，若是这样作，他们必致受到礼节方面的污秽。他说：“你们知道犹太人和别国的人亲近来往，本是不合例的；但上帝已经指示我，无论什么人，都不可看作俗而不洁净的。所以我被请的时候，就不推辞而来；现在请问，你们叫我来有什么意思呢？”[26]{AA 138.2 }
§55
To those assembled, Peter spoke first of the custom of the Jews, saying that it was looked upon as unlawful for Jews to mingle socially with the Gentiles, that to do this involved ceremonial defilement. Ye know, he said, how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? {AA 138.2 }[26]
§56
于是哥尼流就叙述自己的经验和天使的话，最后说：“所以我立时打发人去请你，你来了很好；现今我们都在上帝面前，要听主所吩咐你的一切话。”[27]{AA 138.3 }
§57
Cornelius then related his experience and the words of the angel, saying in conclusion, Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. {AA 138.3 }[27]
§58
彼得说：“我真看出上帝是不偏待人。原来各国中、那敬畏主行义的人，都为主所悦纳。”[28]{AA 138.4 }
§59
Peter said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. {AA 138.4 }[28]
§60
于是使徒就向那班凝神静听的人传讲基督，——衪的生活、衪的神迹、衪的被卖和被钉、衪的复活和升天，以及衪在天上作人类代表和中保的工作。当彼得向那些在场的人传讲耶稣为罪人唯一的指望时，他自己就更充分地明了所见异象的意义，而他的心也因自己所讲真理的精义而火热起来了。[29]{AA 138.5 }
§61
Then to that company of attentive hearers the apostle preached Christ--His life, His miracles, His betrayal and crucifixion, His resurrection and ascension, and His work in heaven as mans representative and advocate. As Peter pointed those present to Jesus as the sinners only hope, he himself understood more fully the meaning of the vision he had seen, and his heart glowed with the spirit of the truth that he was presenting. {AA 138.5 }[29]
§62
忽然之间他的讲辞被圣灵的下降所打断了。“彼得还说这话的时候，圣灵降在一切听道的人身上。那些奉割礼和彼得同来的信徒，见圣灵的恩赐也浇在外邦人身上，就都希奇。因听见他们说方言，称赞上帝为大。”[30]{AA 139.1 }
§63
Suddenly the discourse was interrupted by the descent of the Holy Spirit. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. {AA 139.1 }[30]
§64
“于是彼得说：这些人既受了圣灵，与我们一样，谁能禁止用水给他们施洗呢？就吩咐奉耶稣基督的名给他们施洗。”[31]{AA 139.2 }
§65
Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. {AA 139.2 }[31]
§66
福音就是这样传给那些曾“作外人和客旅”的人，使他们“与圣徒同国，”作“上帝家里的人。”哥尼流和他全家的悔改，只不过是将要收割之庄稼的初熟果子。从这一个家庭起始，有一个范围广大的工作在那异邦的城市中发动了。[32]{AA 139.3 }
§67
Thus was the gospel brought to those who had been strangers and foreigners, making them fellow citizens with the saints, and members of the household of God. The conversion of Cornelius and his household was but the first fruits of a harvest to be gathered in. From this household a wide-spread work of grace was carried on in that heathen city. {AA 139.3 }[32]
§68
今日上帝在上流社会中寻找生灵，正像在卑微的人中寻找一样。有许多像哥尼流的人，乃是主所希望要加入衪在世上之圣工的。他们是同情上帝百姓的，但那将他们缠在世界上的关系却顽强地操持着他们。若要他们出来承认基督，就非需要正义之勇不可。应当特别为这一等人致力，因为他们所负的责任和所置身的社会，使他们处于极大的危险之中。[33]{AA 139.4 }
§69
Today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as the lowly. There are many like Cornelius, men whom the Lord desires to connect with His work in the world. Their sympathies are with the Lords people, but the ties that bind them to the world hold them firmly. It requires moral courage for them to take their position for Christ. Special efforts should be made for these souls, who are in so great danger, because of their responsibilities and associations. {AA 139.4 }[33]
§70
上帝呼召一班热心而谦卑的工人，他们必将福音传给上流社会的人士。必有真诚悔改的神迹要行出来，——这种神迹现在尚未为人洞悉。地上最伟大的人物也并不超越施行奇事之上帝神能以外。如果那些与上帝同工的都是善用机会的人，勇敢而忠心地克尽自己的本分，上帝就必使一些身居负责要职的人，有知识有势力的人悔改。由于圣灵的能力，许多人必要接受神圣的原理。他们既接受了真理，就必成为上帝手里的器皿，将真理传给他人。他们必为这班被忽略的人负起特别的责任。光阴和金钱必奉献出来维持主的圣工，于是教会就必得到新的效能和力量了。[34]{AA 140.1 }
§71
God calls for earnest, humble workers, who will carry the gospel to the higher class. There are miracles to be wrought in genuine conversions,--miracles that are not now discerned. The greatest men of this earth are not beyond the power of a wonder-working God. If those who are workers together with Him will be men of opportunity, doing their duty bravely and faithfully, God will convert men who occupy responsible positions, men of intellect and influence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit many will accept the divine principles. Converted to the truth, they will become agencies in the hand of God to communicate the light. They will have a special burden for other souls of this neglected class. Time and money will be consecrated to the work of the Lord, and new efficiency and power will be added to the church. {AA 140.1 }[34]
§72
哥尼流既然遵从自己所领受的一切教训而生活，因此上帝就安排一切，使他领受更多的真理。有从天庭差来的一位使者到这罗马官员和彼得那里，以便哥尼流可以和那能引领他进入更大明光的人联络。[35]{AA 140.2 }
§73
Because Cornelius was living in obedience to all the instruction he had received, God so ordered events that he was given more truth. A messenger from the courts of heaven was sent to the Roman officer and to Peter in order that Cornelius might be brought into touch with one who could lead him into greater light. {AA 140.2 }[35]
§74
世界上有许多人距离上帝的国，较比我们所想象的更近。主在这个黑暗的罪恶世界中有许多的珍宝，衪要引导衪的使者到他们那里去。各方各处都有许多愿意承认基督的人。许多人将要重视上帝的智慧过于任何属世的利益，并要作忠心的擎光者。他们既受基督之爱的激励，就必转而激励别人归向衪。[36]{AA 140.3 }
§75
There are in our world many who are nearer the kingdom of God than we suppose. In this dark world of sin the Lord has many precious jewels, to whom He will guide His messengers. Everywhere there are those who will take their stand for Christ. Many will prize the wisdom of God above any earthly advantage, and will become faithful light bearers. Constrained by the love of Christ, they will constrain others to come to Him. {AA 140.3 }[36]
§76
当犹太地的众弟兄听说彼得竟到外邦人的家里去，并向那些聚会的人传道，他们就感到惊异并颇为不悦。他们深恐这种在他们看来是僭越的行为，会抵消他自己所传讲的教训。所以及至他们下次遇到彼得时，就严厉责难他说：“你进入未受割礼之人的家，和他们一同吃饭了。”[37]{AA 141.1 }
§77
When the brethren in Judea heard that Peter had gone to the house of a Gentile and preached to those assembled, they were surprised and offended. They feared that such a course, which looked to them presumptuous, would have the effect of counteracting his own teaching. When they next saw Peter they met him with severe censure, saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. {AA 141.1 }[37]
§78
于是彼得将这事的全部经过向他们陈明。他讲述自己得见异象的经历，并申辩说这个异象指示他不再注重受割礼与不受割礼那种仪式上的区别，也不可看外邦人为不洁净的。他向他们述说那吩咐他到外邦人那里去的命令，使者的到来，他的去到该撒利亚，以及他会见哥尼流的事。他又详细说明他和百夫长会见的旨趣，以及百夫长所告诉他的那个借以得蒙指示派人去找彼得的异象。[38]{AA 141.2 }
§79
Peter laid the whole matter before them. He related his experience in regard to the vision and pleaded that it admonished him to observe no longer the ceremonial distinction of circumcision and uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gentiles as unclean. He told them of the command given him to go to the Gentiles, of the coming of the messengers, of his journey to Caesarea, and of the meeting with Cornelius. He recounted the substance of his interview with the centurion, in which the latter had told him of the vision by which he had been directed to send for Peter. {AA 141.2 }[38]
§80
彼得叙述自己的经验，说：“我一开讲，圣灵便降在他们身上，正像当初降在我们身上一样。我就想起主的话说：约翰是用水施洗，但你们要受圣灵的洗。上帝既然给他们恩赐，像在我们信主耶稣基督的时候，给了我们一样。我是谁，能拦阻上帝呢？”[39]{AA 141.3 }
§81
As I began to speak, he said, in relating his experience, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? {AA 141.3 }[39]
§82
弟兄们听了这一番说明，就无言可答。他们确信彼得所行的乃是直接遵行上帝的计划，而他们的偏见和排外习气则是完全与福音精神背道而驰的，于是他们归荣耀与上帝说：“这样看来，上帝也赐恩给外邦人，叫他们悔改得生命了。”[40]{AA 142.1 }
§83
On hearing this account, the brethren were silenced. Convinced that Peters course was in direct fulfillment of the plan of God, and that their prejudices and exclusiveness were utterly contrary to the spirit of the gospel, they glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. {AA 142.1 }[40]
§84
这样，教会中竟没有发生争论，就破除了偏见，并放弃了那世代相传而根深蒂固的排外观念，而福音传到外邦的道路也就此开通了。[41]{AA 142.2 }
§85
Thus, without controversy, prejudice was broken down, the exclusiveness established by the custom of ages was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles. {AA 142.2 }[41]