第15章 蒙救出监
§1
第15章 蒙救出监
§2
Chap. 15 - Delivered From Prison
§3
（本章根据：徒12:1-23）
§4
“那时，希律王下手苦害教会中几个人。”当时犹太的政权操纵在希律亚基帕手中，而他则臣服于罗马皇帝喀劳狄。希律也是加利利分封的王。他在名义上是信奉犹太教的，并且表面上非常热心履行犹太律法的种种礼仪。实际是他为要博得犹太人的欢心，希望如此能维持自己的地位和尊荣，于是就依从犹太人的愿望，下手逼迫基督的教会，破坏信徒的房屋和财产，并将教会中的领导人下在监里。他将约翰的哥哥关押在监里，并交派刽子手用刀把他杀死，正如另一个希律斩了先知约翰的头一样，他发现犹太人很喜悦这些事，于是又将彼得监禁起来。[1]{AA 143.1 }
§5
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. The government of Judea was then in the hands of Herod Agrippa, subject to Claudius, the Roman emperor. Herod also held the position of tetrarch of Galilee. He was professedly a proselyte to the Jewish faith, and apparently very zealous in carrying out the ceremonies of the Jewish law. Desirous of obtaining the favor of the Jews, hoping thus to make secure his offices and honors, he proceeded to carry out their desires by persecuting the church of Christ, spoiling the houses and goods of the believers, and imprisoning the leading members of the church. He cast James, the brother of John, into prison, and sent an executioner to kill him with the sword, as another Herod had caused the prophet John to be beheaded. Seeing that the Jews were well pleased with these efforts, he imprisoned Peter also. {AA 143.1 }[1]
§6
这些残虐之事进行的时候，正值逾越节。犹太人一方面在记念他们从埃及地得蒙拯救，一方面假装非常热心遵行上帝的律法，与此同时他们又在逼迫并杀害基督的信徒，就这样他们违犯着律法的每一项原则。[2]{AA 144.1 }
§7
It was during the Passover that these cruelties were practiced. While the Jews were celebrating their deliverance from Egypt and pretending great zeal for the law of God, they were at the same time transgressing every principle of that law by persecuting and murdering the believers in Christ. {AA 144.1 }[2]
§8
雅各的死曾使信徒大为忧伤，惶恐不已。因此彼得一被监禁，全教会就开始禁食祷告了。[3]{AA 144.2 }
§9
The death of James caused great grief and consternation among the believers. When Peter also was imprisoned, the entire church engaged in fasting and prayer. {AA 144.2 }[3]
§10
希律将雅各处死的行为大得犹太人的赞赏，但还有一些人埋怨他为什么用秘密的方式来执行，如果坚持公开执行，必能更彻底地恫吓信徒和那些同情他们的人。因此希律监禁彼得，意欲拿他的死来示众，借以更加满足犹太人的心愿。但有人却认为当着那时聚集在耶路撒冷的众人面前，将这老练的使徒执行死刑，乃是不妥当的。唯恐群众一见他被拉出去处死，就会激起同情心来。[4]{AA 144.3 }
§11
Herods act in putting James to death was applauded by the Jews, though some complained of the private manner in which it was accomplished, maintaining that a public execution would have more thoroughly intimidated the believers and those sympathizing with them. Herod therefore held Peter in custody, meaning still further to gratify the Jews by the public spectacle of his death. But it was suggested that it would not be safe to bring the veteran apostle out for execution before all the people then assembled in Jerusalem. It was feared that the sight of him being led out to die might excite the pity of the multitude. {AA 144.3 }[4]
§12
祭司和长老们也非常害怕，唯恐彼得再发表他那屡次引起众人研究耶稣生平和品德的有力申诉，而这些申诉正是他们用尽论据都无法反驳的。彼得维护基督圣工的热心曾引领许多人相信福音，所以官长们唯恐一旦给他机会在那些到耶路撒冷来礼拜的众人面前为他的信仰申辩，众人就会要求王将他释放。[5]{AA 144.4 }
§13
The priests and elders also feared lest Peter might make one of those powerful appeals which had frequently aroused the people to study the life and character of Jesus--appeals which they, with all their arguments, had been unable to controvert. Peters zeal in advocating the cause of Christ had led many to take their stand for the gospel, and the rulers feared that should he be given an opportunity to defend his faith in the presence of the multitude who had come to the city to worship, his release would be demanded at the hands of the king. {AA 144.4 }[5]
§14
执行彼得的死刑因种种借口而被延缓到逾越节之后，教会的同道就有时间进行深刻的反省和恳切的祷告了。他们不住地为彼得祈求。因为他们觉得他这时实在是圣工所不可或缺的人。他们认为他们已到达一种缺少上帝的特别帮助的局势，基督的教会就要被消灭了。[6]{AA 145.1 }
§15
While, upon various pretexts, the execution of Peter was being delayed until after the Passover, the members of the church had time for deep searching of heart and earnest prayer. They prayed without ceasing for Peter, for they felt that he could not be spared from the cause. They realized that they had reached a place where, without the special help of God, the church of Christ would be destroyed. {AA 145.1 }[6]
§16
此时来自各国的朝拜者都前往那专用为敬拜上帝的圣殿去。殿因黄金和宝石的装饰而闪烁发光，看上去景色确是富丽堂皇。可惜在这可爱的殿宇之中再也见不到耶和华了。以色列全国已经离弃了上帝。当基督行将结束他在地上的工作时，衪最后一次望着圣殿的内部，说：“看啊，你们的家成为荒场，留给你们。”（太23:38）在这之前，衪曾称圣殿为衪父的殿，但当上帝的儿子走出圣殿的墙垣时，上帝的临格也就从那为荣耀衪而造的圣殿永远收回了。[7]{AA 145.2 }
§17
Meanwhile worshipers from every nation sought the temple which had been dedicated to the worship of God. Glittering with gold and precious stones, it was a vision of beauty and grandeur. But Jehovah was no longer to be found in that palace of loveliness. Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. When Christ, near the close of His earthly ministry, looked for the last time upon the interior of the temple, He said, Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. Matthew 23:38. Hitherto He had called the temple His Fathers house; but as the Son of God passed out from those walls, Gods presence was withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory. {AA 145.2 }[7]
§18
彼得执行死刑的日子终于确定了，但信徒的祷告仍然上达天庭。当他们将全副精力与热情都用来迫切的祈求帮助时，上帝的使者却正在护卫着那被监禁的使徒呢。[8]{AA 145.3 }
§19
The day of Peters execution was at last appointed, but still the prayers of the believers ascended to heaven; and while all their energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals for help, angels of God were watching over the imprisoned apostle. {AA 145.3 }[8]
§20
希律记得以前那两位使徒从监狱逃脱的事，所以这一次就加倍警戒。为防止一切逃脱的可能性，彼得被置于十六个兵丁监管之下，日夜轮班看守。彼得在囚房里被安放在两个兵丁当中，用两条铁链锁着，每条铁链牢扣在一个兵丁的手腕上。他若移动，兵丁就一定会知道。再加上监门都紧紧地锁着，并都由卫兵在外加强看守，一切靠人力营救或逃脱的机会全都断绝了。但是人的穷途末路却正是上帝的机会。[9]{AA 145.4 }
§21
Remembering the former escape of the apostles from prison, Herod on this occasion had taken double precautions. To prevent all possibility of release, Peter had been put under the charge of sixteen soldiers, who, in different watches, guarded him day and night. In his cell he was placed between two soldiers and was bound by two chains, each chain being fastened to the wrist of one of the soldiers. He was unable to move without their knowledge. With the prison doors securely fastened, and a strong guard before them, all chance of rescue or escape through human means was cut off. But mans extremity is Gods opportunity. {AA 145.4 }[9]
§22
彼得被囚禁在一个由磐石凿出来的监房中，监门都很牢固地上闩落锁了，又有兵丁看守着，负责保证囚犯不致脱逃。铁闩铁锁和罗马的卫兵固然能切断所有人力营救的可能，但这实足以使上帝在拯救彼得的事上所获的胜利更为圆满。希律正在举手攻击无所不能之主，然而他将要全然失败。上帝即将施展他的大能，拯救犹太人所图谋杀害的宝贵性命。[10]{AA 146.1 }
§23
Peter was confined in a rock-hewn cell, the doors of which were strongly bolted and barred; and the soldiers on guard were made answerable for the safekeeping of the prisoner. But the bolts and bars and the Roman guard, which effectually cut off all possibility of human aid, were but to make more complete the triumph of God in the deliverance of Peter. Herod was lifting his hand against Omnipotence, and he was to be utterly defeated. By the putting forth of His might, God was about to save the precious life that the Jews were plotting to destroy. {AA 146.1 }[10]
§24
事情发生在彼得将要提出来执行死刑的前一夜。一位大能的天使奉差遣从天而来营救彼得。那囚禁上帝圣徒的坚固监门自动地敞开了。至高者的天使通过之后，门就无声无响地在他身后关闭了。他进入监房，只见彼得躺在那里，毫无挂虑地安然熟睡着。[11]{AA 146.2 }
§25
It is the last night before the proposed execution. A mighty angel is sent from heaven to rescue Peter. The strong gates that shut in the saint of God open without the aid of human hands. The angel of the Most High passes through, and the gates close noiselessly behind him. He enters the cell, and there lies Peter, sleeping the peaceful sleep of perfect trust. {AA 146.2 }[11]
§26
天使周围的荣光充满监房，但却没有惊醒使徒，直到他觉得天使用手拍他，并听见有声音说：“快快起来。”他才完全醒过来，只见他的监房被天上的亮光所照耀，并看见一位大有荣耀的天使站在他面前。他机械式地服从了那向他所说的话，起来的时候他举起手来，朦胧中觉得铁链已经从他手腕上脱落下来了。[12]{AA 146.3 }
§27
The light that surrounds the angel fills the cell, but does not rouse the apostle. Not until he feels the touch of the angels hand and hears a voice saying, Arise up quickly, does he awaken sufficiently to see his cell illuminated by the light of heaven, and an angel of great glory standing before him. Mechanically he obeys the word spoken to him, and as in rising he lifts his hands he is dimly conscious that the chains have fallen from his wrists. {AA 146.3 }[12]
§28
天上的使者又吩咐他说：“束上带子，穿上鞋。”彼得又机械式地遵从了，并以惊奇的眼光盯住这个来客，自以为是在作梦或见了异象。天使又一次吩咐他说：“披上外衣跟着我来。”天使朝向监门走去，后面跟着那平素多话而这时却惊奇得哑口无言的彼得。他们越过卫兵，走到那沉重而紧锁着的门，那门自行开启又立时关闭了，而门里门外的卫兵却在他们的岗位上毫无动静。[13]{AA 147.1 }
§29
Again the voice of the heavenly messenger bids him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals, and again Peter mechanically obeys, keeping his wondering gaze riveted upon his visitor and believing himself to be dreaming or in a vision. Once more the angel commands, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. He moves toward the door, followed by the usually talkative Peter, now dumb from amazement. They step over the guard and reach the heavily bolted door, which of its own accord swings open and closes again immediately, while the guards within and without are motionless at their post. {AA 147.1 }[13]
§30
到达第二道门也是里外把守着的。它也像第一道门一样打开了，既没有枢纽的辗轧声，也没有铁闩的磨擦声。他们出来之后，那门又无声无响地关起来了。同样，在他们经过第三道门后，发现已到了一条街上。谁也没有讲话，也没有听见什么脚步声。天使轻轻地在前面领路，有耀目的荣光环绕着。彼得则迷迷糊糊地跟着他的救助者，仍然以为自己是在梦中。他们这样走过一条街，这时天使的任务已经完成，忽然不见了。[14]{AA 147.2 }
§31
The second door, also guarded within and without, is reached. It opens as did the first, with no creaking of hinges or rattling of iron bolts. They pass through, and it closes again as noiselessly. In the same way they pass through the third gateway and find themselves in the open street. No word is spoken; there is no sound of footsteps. The angel glides on in front, encircled by a light of dazzling brightness, and Peter, bewildered, and still believing himself to be in a dream, follows his deliverer. Thus they pass on through one street, and then, the mission of the angel being accomplished, he suddenly disappears. {AA 147.2 }[14]
§32
上天的荣光消逝了，彼得觉得自己处于深沉的黑暗之中。但当他的眼睛习惯于黑暗时，黑暗也就渐渐减少了，于是他发现自己是孤独地站在一条寂静的街道上，夹杂着黑夜的凉风吹拂在他的脸上。这时他才知道自己已得释放，站在城内熟悉的一段地方。他认出这里是他素常往来，也是他预料第二天早晨最后要经过的地方。[15]{AA 147.3 }
§33
The heavenly light faded away, and Peter felt himself to be in profound darkness; but as his eyes became accustomed to the darkness, it gradually seemed to lessen, and he found himself alone in the silent street, with the cool night air blowing upon his brow. He now realized that he was free, in a familiar part of the city; he recognized the place as one that he had often frequented and had expected to pass on the morrow for the last time. {AA 147.3 }[15]
§34
他企图回忆过去片刻间的经过。他记起自己曾脱掉外衣和鞋子，绑在两个兵丁当中熟睡。如今检点自己，居然已经穿戴整齐，他那因带过刑具而肿胀的手腕也脱除了手铐。他这才认明自己已得释放并不是幻想，不是作梦，也不是见异象，而是一件可喜的事实。他原定第二天要被带出去处死的；但是，看啊，如今天使已经救他脱离监狱和死亡了。“彼得醒悟过来，说：我现在真的知道主差遣衪的使者，救我脱离希律的手，和犹太百姓所盼望的一样。”[16]{AA 148.1 }
§35
He tried to recall the events of the past few moments. He remembered falling asleep, bound between two soldiers, with his sandals and outer garments removed. He examined his person and found himself fully dressed and girded. His wrists, swollen from wearing the cruel irons, were free from the manacles. He realized that his freedom was no delusion, no dream or vision, but a blessed reality. On the morrow he was to have been led forth to die; but, lo, an angel had delivered him from prison and from death. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. {AA 148.1 }[16]
§36
彼得立时回到弟兄们聚集的那一家，那时他们正在那里为他恳切祷告。“彼得敲外门，有一个使女，名叫罗大，出来探听；听得是彼得的声音，就欢喜的顾不得开门，跑进去告诉众人说：彼得站在门外。他们说：你是疯了。使女极力地说：真是他。他们说：必是他的天使。”[17]{AA 148.2 }
§37
The apostle made his way at once to the house where his brethren were assembled and where they were at that moment engaged in earnest prayer for him. As Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peters voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. {AA 148.2 }[17]
§38
“彼得不住地敲门。他们开了门，看见他，就甚惊奇。彼得摆手，不要他们作声，就告诉他们主怎样领他出监。”于是彼得“出去，往别处去了”信徒心中充满了喜乐和颂赞，因为上帝已经听允他们的祷告，拯救彼得脱离了希律的手。[18]{AA 148.3 }
§39
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And Peter departed, and went into another place. Joy and praise filled the hearts of the believers, because God had heard and answered their prayers and had delivered Peter from the hands of Herod. {AA 148.3 }[18]
§40
到了早晨，有大群人集合要观看这位使徒被处死刑。希律派官员去将彼得提出监来，并准备用大队武装兵士大张声势地护送，不仅是为确保囚犯无法逃脱，也是要恫吓一切同情他的人，并夸耀王的威权。[19]{AA 149.1 }
§41
In the morning a large concourse of people gathered to witness the execution of the apostle. Herod sent officers to the prison for Peter, who was to be brought with a great display of arms and guards in order not only to ensure against his escape, but to intimidate all sympathizers and to show the power of the king. {AA 149.1 }[19]
§42
当看守监门的兵丁发现彼得已经脱逃的时候，他们就大为惊慌。命令曾明白规定他们的责任重大，必须以性命作抵；因此，他们曾特别地严加戒备。当官员来提彼得的时候，守兵仍在监门防守，铁闩铁条仍然紧锁着，铁链仍牢扣在两个兵丁的手腕上；可是囚犯却不见了。[20]{AA 149.2 }
§43
When the keepers before the door found that Peter had escaped, they were seized with terror. It had been expressly stated that their lives would be required for the life of their charge, and because of this they had been especially vigilant. When the officers came for Peter, the soldiers were still at the door of the prison, the bolts and bars were still fast, the chains were still secured to the wrists of the two soldiers; but the prisoner was gone. {AA 149.2 }[20]
§44
希律听到彼得脱逃的消息，不禁激怒如狂。他责怪守监的卫兵没有忠于职守，就下令将他们处死。希律明知拯救彼得的决非人力，但他坚决不承认那挫败他计划的乃是神的大能，故而大胆地反抗上帝。[21]{AA 149.3 }
§45
When the report of Peters escape was brought to Herod, he was exasperated and enraged. Charging the prison guard with unfaithfulness, he ordered them to be put to death. Herod knew that no human power had rescued Peter, but he was determined not to acknowledge that a divine power had frustrated his design, and he set himself in bold defiance against God. {AA 149.3 }[21]
§46
彼得蒙救出监牢之后不久，希律下到该撒利亚去。他在那里大设盛筵，为要引起众人的敬服，并博得他们的称赞。各处爱好宴乐的人都前来赴席，席间盛馔佳肴，觥筹交错。希律大张声势与威仪地出现在众人面前，鼓其如簧之舌向宾客致辞。他穿着金银色灿烂的外袍，阳光照耀其上，光耀夺目，气宇轩昂。他那高贵的威仪和巧饰的词令，颇具有魅力而使聚集的人欣赏出神。他们的感觉已因饱食纵饮而麻痹，现在又因他的服饰而目为之眩，并因他的风度与辞令而心为之醉；于是便狂热起来，竟奴颜婢膝地奉承谄媚，声称没有任何人能表现如此的威仪，能发出如此惊人的言论。他们更进一步地声称，他们过去一直尊崇他为君王，此后应敬拜他为神明了。[22]{AA 149.4 }
§47
Not long after Peters deliverance from prison, Herod went to Caesarea. While there he made a great festival designed to excite the admiration and gain the applause of the people. This festival was attended by pleasure lovers from all quarters, and there was much feasting and wine drinking. With great pomp and ceremony Herod appeared before the people and addressed them in an eloquent oration. Clad in a robe sparkling with silver and gold, which caught the rays of the sun in its glittering folds and dazzled the eyes of the beholders, he was a gorgeous figure. The majesty of his appearance and the force of his well-chosen language swayed the assembly with a mighty power. Their senses already perverted by feasting and wine drinking, they were dazzled by Herods decorations and charmed by his deportment and oratory; and wild with enthusiasm they showered adulation upon him, declaring that no mortal could present such an appearance or command such startling eloquence. They further declared that while they had ever respected him as a ruler, henceforth they should worship him as a god. {AA 149.4 }[22]
§48
有一些当时发声赞扬这个邪恶罪人的宾客，在不多几年前也曾疯狂地呼喊：除掉耶稣！钉衪十字架，钉衪十字架！犹太人早已拒绝接受基督，只因衪服装简陋，而且时染征尘，殊不知衪内里却蕴藏着一颗具有神圣之爱的心。虽然基督的神能已经借着衪那无人能行的作为，彰显在他们面前了，但他们的眼睛却不能在卑微的外表之下辨识生命和荣耀的主。如今这个傲慢的王虽然身披金银交辉的华丽衣袍，但内里隐藏的却是一颗腐败而残酷的心，而他们竟甘愿把他当作神明来敬拜。[23]{AA 150.1 }
§49
Some of those whose voices were now heard glorifying a vile sinner had but a few years before raised the frenzied cry, Away with Jesus! Crucify Him, crucify Him! The Jews had refused to receive Christ, whose garments, coarse and often travel-stained, covered a heart of divine love. Their eyes could not discern, under the humble exterior, the Lord of life and glory, even though Christs power was revealed before them in works that no mere man could do. But they were ready to worship as a god the haughty king whose splendid garments of silver and gold covered a corrupt, cruel heart. {AA 150.1 }[23]
§50
希律明知自己不配承受所给予他的赞扬和崇拜，但他却公然接受百姓的这种极度尊崇而以之为应得的。当他听见众人呼喊“这是神的声音，不是人的声音”时，他不禁心花怒放，意气昂扬而志得意满起来。[24]{AA 151.1 }
§51
Herod knew that he deserved none of the praise and homage offered him, yet he accepted the idolatry of the people as his due. His heart bounded with triumph, and a glow of gratified pride overspread his countenance as he heard the shout ascend, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. {AA 151.1 }[24]
§52
但是忽然他形色大变，面若死灰，浑身惨痛，汗流浃背。他一时站在那里，竟有如身负剧痛而呆若木鸡了；于是转过他那苍白而铁青的脸向旁边惊骇万状的友人，用沉浊而绝望的声音喊叫说：你们所高举为神明的已遭受死亡的侵袭了。[25]{AA 151.2 }
§53
But suddenly a terrible change came over him. His face became pallid as death and distorted with agony. Great drops of sweat started from his pores. He stood for a moment as if transfixed with pain and terror; then turning his blanched and livid face to his horror-stricken friends, he cried in hollow, despairing tones, He whom you have exalted as a god is stricken with death. {AA 151.2 }[25]
§54
他在极度难堪的惨痛中被人抬出那纵饮狂欢与炫耀的场所。片刻之前，他还在扬扬得意地接受大量群众的称赞和崇拜；现在他看出自己乃在一位较他更有能力之主宰的掌握中。这时他心中悔恨交加：他想起自己残酷无情地逼迫基督的门徒；他想起自己那杀害无辜之雅各的残酷命令，以及图谋治死使徒彼得的毒计；他想起自己怎样于抑郁烦闷与失望的忿怒中在守监卫兵身上发泻蛮横无理的仇恨。他觉得上帝这时正在处分他这个残酷无情的逼迫者。他身体上的病患和心灵上的痛苦已无可解救，他自知前途无望了。[26]{AA 151.3 }
§55
Suffering the most excruciating anguish, he was borne from the scene of revelry and display. A moment before he had been the proud recipient of the praise and worship of that vast throng; now he realized that he was in the hands of a Ruler mightier than himself. Remorse seized him; he remembered his relentless persecution of the followers of Christ; he remembered his cruel command to slay the innocent James, and his design to put to death the apostle Peter; he remembered how in his mortification and disappointed rage he had wreaked an unreasoning vengeance upon the prison guards. He felt that God was now dealing with him, the relentless persecutor. He found no relief from pain of body or anguish of mind, and he expected none. {AA 151.3 }[26]
§56
希律熟悉那明说“除了我以外，你不可有别的神”（出20:3）的上帝律法；他也知道自己既接受民众的敬拜，就使自己的恶贯满盈，而落在耶和华的义怒之下了。[27]{AA 151.4 }
§57
Herod was acquainted with the law of God, which says, Thou shalt have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3); and he knew that in accepting the worship of the people he had filled up the measure of his iniquity and brought upon himself the just wrath of Jehovah. {AA 151.4 }[27]
§58
那位奉命自天庭而来拯救彼得的天使，也就是为希律带来忿怒和刑罚的使者。天使拍醒彼得，使他从熟睡中起来，但他却用不同的一拍，击打这个邪恶的王，使他的威严扫地，并将全能者的刑罚降在他身上。因此希律遂在上帝报应的刑罚之下，而于身心的极大惨痛中死去。[28]{AA 152.1 }
§59
The same angel who had come from the royal courts to rescue Peter, had been the messenger of wrath and judgment to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him from slumber; it was with a different stroke that he smote the wicked king, laying low his pride and bringing upon him the punishment of the Almighty. Herod died in great agony of mind and body, under the retributive judgment of God. {AA 152.1 }[28]
§60
上帝这一次公义的显示，在众人身上发挥了强有力的影响。基督的使徒神奇地蒙救脱离监禁和死亡，而逼迫他的人则被上帝的咒诅击打而死。这个消息已经传到各地，并且成为引领许多人相信基督的媒介了。[29]{AA 152.2 }
§61
This demonstration of divine justice had a powerful influence upon the people. The tidings that the apostle of Christ had been miraculously delivered from prison and death, while his persecutor had been stricken down by the curse of God, were borne to all lands and became the means of leading many to a belief in Christ. {AA 152.2 }[29]
§62
腓利蒙天来的使者指引去到他会见寻求真理之人的地方；哥尼流蒙天使传给他上帝所赐的信息；遭受监禁而被判死刑的彼得蒙天使导领到达安全的所在。——这些人的经验都说明天与地之间的联络是何等的密切。[30]{AA 152.3 }
§63
The experience of Philip, directed by an angel from heaven to go to the place where he met one seeking for truth; of Cornelius, visited by an angel with a message from God; of Peter, in prison and condemned to death, led by an angel forth to safety--all show the closeness of the connection between heaven and earth. {AA 152.3 }[30]
§64
这些天使访问的记载，应当使为上帝工作的人得到力量和勇气。今日正与使徒的日子一样，天上的使者经常在广阔的大地上走来走去，设法安慰伤心的人，保护尚未悔悟的人，并引领人心归向基督。我们不能亲眼看见他们；虽然如此，但他们仍是与我们同在，而经常引领、指导、并保护我们的。[31]{AA 152.4 }
§65
To the worker for God the record of these angel visits should bring strength and courage. Today, as verily as in the days of the apostles, heavenly messengers are passing through the length and breadth of the land, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to protect the impenitent, to win the hearts of men to Christ. We cannot see them personally; nevertheless they are with us, guiding, directing, protecting. {AA 152.4 }[31]
§66
那梯基稳立地上，而梯顶直达无穷之主宝座那里的神秘梯子，已使天与地接近了。天使经常在这明光闪耀的梯子上，上去下来，将穷苦受难之人的祈祷送到天上的父那里，又将福惠与希望、勇气和援助带给世人。这些光明的天使制造一种属天的气氛环绕于人间，引领我们走向那眼所未见和永恒的世界。我们凭肉眼并不能看见他们的形体；唯有用属灵的眼光，我们才能辨识上天的事物。唯有属灵的耳朵才能听见上天和谐的声音。[32]{AA 153.1 }
§67
Heaven is brought near to earth by that mystic ladder, the base of which is firmly planted on the earth, while the topmost round reaches the throne of the Infinite. Angels are constantly ascending and descending this ladder of shining brightness, bearing the prayers of the needy and distressed to the Father above, and bringing blessing and hope, courage and help, to the children of men. These angels of light create a heavenly atmosphere about the soul, lifting us toward the unseen and the eternal. We cannot behold their forms with our natural sight; only by spiritual vision can we discern heavenly things. The spiritual ear alone can hear the harmony of heavenly voices. {AA 153.1 }[32]
§68
“耶和华的使者在敬畏衪的人四围安营，搭救他们。”（诗34:7）上帝委派衪的使者拯救衪所拣选的人脱离灾祸，保护他们脱离“黑夜行的瘟疫，”和“午间灭人的毒病。”（诗91:6）天使曾经屡次与人谈话，正如人与朋友谈话一般，并引领他们到达安全的所在。天使曾经多次用鼓励的话振奋忠心之人的萎靡精神，提升他们的心思超越属地的事，使他们因信而展望那洁白的衣袍、冠冕和胜利的棕树枝，就是当得胜的人们围绕在那白色大宝座之前所要领受的。[33]{AA 153.2 }
§69
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. God commissions His angels to save His chosen ones from calamity, to guard them from the pestilence that walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Psalm 91:6. Again and again have angels talked with men as a man speaketh with a friend, and led them to places of security. Again and again have the encouraging words of angels renewed the drooping spirits of the faithful and, carrying their minds above the things of earth, caused them to behold by faith the white robes, the crowns, the palm branches of victory, which overcomers will receive when they surround the great white throne. {AA 153.2 }[33]
§70
天使的工作乃是要来接近受磨炼、遭苦难、被试探的人。他们不息不倦地为基督所为之替死的人效力。当罪人被引领献身与救主时，天使就将这喜信带到天上，于是天军之中便欢声雷动。“一个罪人悔改，在天上也要这样为他欢喜，较比为九十九个不用悔改的义人欢喜更大。”（路15:7）每逢我们驱散黑暗并散播有关基督之知识的努力获致成功，就有讯息送到天上。当天使将这种行为在天父面前禀报时，全部的天军就为之鼓舞欢欣。[34]{AA 153.3 }
§71
It is the work of the angels to come close to the tried, the suffering, the tempted. They labor untiringly in behalf of those for whom Christ died. When sinners are led to give themselves to the Saviour, angels bear the tidings heavenward, and there is great rejoicing among the heavenly host. Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7. A report is borne to heaven of every successful effort on our part to dispel the darkness and to spread abroad the knowledge of Christ. As the deed is recounted before the Father, joy thrills through all the heavenly host. {AA 153.3 }[34]
§72
天上执政的、掌权的，经常注视着上帝的仆人在显然不利的情况之下所进行的战争。当基督徒聚集在他们救赎主的旗帜之下，出去为信心打那美好的仗时，他们就必赢得新的胜利，获得新的尊荣。天上所有的天使都在为那谦卑而有信心的上帝子民服务；当主在地上的工作队伍唱出他们的赞美诗时，天上的歌唱队也必与他们一同将颂赞归与上帝和他的圣子。[35]{AA 154.1 }
§73
The principalities and powers of heaven are watching the warfare which, under apparently discouraging circumstances, Gods servants are carrying on. New conquests are being achieved, new honors won, as the Christians, rallying round the banner of their Redeemer, go forth to fight the good fight of faith. All the heavenly angels are at the service of the humble, believing people of God; and as the Lords army of workers here below sing their songs of praise, the choir above join with them in ascribing praise to God and to His Son. {AA 154.1 }[35]
§74
我们需要比过去更明白天使的任务。最好要记得：每一个上帝真实的儿女都有天上的使者合作。凡相信并有权承受上帝应许之柔和谦卑的人，都有看不见的光明有力的大军护卫着。站在上帝右边的基路伯和撒拉弗，以及有大能的天使“都是服役的灵，奉差遣为那将要承受救恩的人效力。”（来1:14）[36]{AA 154.2 }
§75
We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angels. It would be well to remember that every true child of God has the co-operation of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim, and angels that excel in strength, stand at Gods right hand, all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14. {AA 154.2 }[36]