第21章 在自己“以外的地方”
§1
第21章 在自己“以外的地方”
§2
Chap. 21 - In the Regions Beyond
§3
（本章根据：徒16:7-40）
§4
时候已到，福音必须传到小亚细亚境外。保罗和他的同工渡海到欧洲去的道路已经准备好了。在近地中海边的特罗亚，“夜间有异象现与保罗，有一个马其顿人，站着求他说：请你过到马其顿来帮助我们。”[1]{AA 211.1 }
§5
The time had come for the gospel to be proclaimed beyond the confines of Asia Minor. The way was preparing for Paul and his fellow workers to cross over into Europe. At Troas, on the borders of the Mediterranean Sea, a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. {AA 211.1 }[1]
§6
呼召紧急，不容迟延。那陪同保罗、西拉和提摩太往欧洲去的路加说：“保罗既看见这异象，我们随即想要往马其顿去，以为上帝召我们传福音给那里的人听。于是从特罗亚开船，一直行到撒摩特喇，第二天到了尼亚波利；从那里来到腓立比，就是马其顿这一方的头一个城，也是罗马的驻防城。”[2]{AA 211.2 }
§7
The call was imperative, admitting of no delay. After he had seen the vision, declares Luke, who accompanied Paul and Silas and Timothy on the journey across to Europe, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; and from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. {AA 211.2 }[2]
§8
路加继续写道：“当安息日，我们出城门，到了河边，知道那里有一个祷告的地方；我们就坐下，对那聚会的妇女讲道。有一个卖紫色布匹的妇人，名叫吕底亚，是推雅推喇城的人，素来敬拜上帝；她听见了，主就开导她的心。”吕底亚欣然接受了真理，她和她一家的人都悔改领了洗，并强留使徒住在她家里。[3]{AA 212.1 }
§9
On the Sabbath, Luke continues, we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshiped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened. Lydia received the truth gladly. She and her household were converted and baptized, and she entreated the apostles to make her house their home. {AA 212.1 }[3]
§10
当十字架的信使出去正要从事教训人的工作时，有一个被巫鬼附着的妇人跟随他们喊着说：“这些人是至高上帝的仆人，对你们传说救人的道。她一连多日这样喊叫。”[4]{AA 212.2 }
§11
As the messengers of the cross went about their work of teaching, a woman possessed of a spirit of divination followed them, crying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. {AA 212.2 }[4]
§12
这个妇人是撒但的一个特别工具，她曾用法术叫她的主人们大得财利。她的影响曾加强了拜偶像的风习。撒但知道他的国度在遭受着攻击，所以他采用这个手段来反对上帝的工作，希望以他的诡辩来混淆那些传福音信息之人所教导的真理。这个妇人所说推荐的话乃是有害于真理事业的，会使众人分心不注意使徒的教训，使福音受到羞辱；并使许多人相信那些本乎上帝的圣灵和能力说话的人，也是被这个撒但使者的同一个灵所鼓动的。[5]{AA 212.3 }
§13
This woman was a special agent of Satan and had brought to her masters much gain by soothsaying. Her influence had helped to strengthen idolatry. Satan knew that his kingdom was being invaded, and he resorted to this means of opposing the work of God, hoping to mingle his sophistry with the truths taught by those who were proclaiming the gospel message. The words of recommendation uttered by this woman were an injury to the cause of truth, distracting the minds of the people from the teachings of the apostles and bringing disrepute upon the gospel, and by them many were led to believe that the men who spoke with the Spirit and power of God were actuated by the same spirit as this emissary of Satan. {AA 212.3 }[5]
§14
使徒一时忍耐了这种反对；后来保罗在圣灵的感动之下吩咐邪灵离开那妇人。她的立时安静下来就证明使徒乃是上帝的仆人，鬼魔也认识他们，因而服从他们的命令。[6]{AA 212.4 }
§15
For some time the apostles endured this opposition; then under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost Paul commanded the evil spirit to leave the woman. Her immediate silence testified that the apostles were the servants of God and that the demon had acknowledged them to be such and had obeyed their command. {AA 212.4 }[6]
§16
那妇人身上的邪灵既被赶出并且恢复了理智，她就愿意作基督的门徒。于是她的主人们为自己的职业恐慌了。他们看出借着这妇人的法术和占卜得利的一切指望都已没有了，而且如果容许使徒继续宣传福音，则他们发财的门路不久就必完全断绝了。[7]{AA 213.1 }
§17
Dispossessed of the evil spirit and restored to her right mind, the woman chose to become a follower of Christ. Then her masters were alarmed for their craft. They saw that all hope of receiving money from her divinations and soothsayings was at an end and that their source of income would soon be entirely cut off if the apostles were allowed to continue the work of the gospel. {AA 213.1 }[7]
§18
城内还有许多其它的人也是借着撒但的欺骗而得利的；这些人也害怕这一有力的影响终止他们的事业，就大声喊叫攻击上帝的仆人。他们把使徒带到官长面前，控告他们说：“这些人原是犹太人，竟骚扰我们的城，传我们罗马人所不可受，不可行的规矩。”[8]{AA 213.2 }
§19
Many others in the city were interested in gaining money through satanic delusions, and these, fearing the influence of a power that could so effectually stop their work, raised a mighty cry against the servants of God. They brought the apostles before the magistrates with the charge: These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. {AA 213.2 }[8]
§20
众人被一种疯狂的情绪所鼓动，一同起来攻击门徒。暴乱的精神得了势，官长也默许他们，并吩咐剥下使徒的外衣，“……用棍打。打了许多棍，便将他们下在监里，嘱咐禁卒严紧看守。禁卒领了这样的命，就把他们下在监里，两脚上了木狗。”[9]{AA 213.3 }
§21
Stirred by a frenzy of excitement, the multitude rose against the disciples. A mob spirit prevailed and was sanctioned by the authorities, who tore the outer garments from the apostles and commanded that they should be scourged. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. {AA 213.3 }[9]
§22
使徒因为置身困境，足带刑具而感到痛苦非常，但他们并没有发怨言。反而在那暗无天日且寂寞凄凉的牢狱中，彼此用祈祷的话互相勉励，并因配为主的缘故受羞辱而赞美上帝。他们的心因深切热爱救赎主的圣工而鼓舞欢欣。保罗想起自己从前被利用作为工具逼迫基督的门徒，如今他的眼睛终于看到、心灵也感到他过去所一度轻视之光荣真理的能力，因而感到快乐。[10]{AA 213.4 }
§23
The apostles suffered extreme torture because of the painful position in which they were left, but they did not murmur. Instead, in the utter darkness and desolation of the dungeon, they encouraged each other by words of prayer and sang praises to God because they were found worthy to suffer shame for His sake. Their hearts were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer. Paul thought of the persecution he had been instrumental in bringing upon the disciples of Christ, and he rejoiced that his eyes had been opened to see, and his heart to feel, the power of the glorious truths which once he despised. {AA 213.4 }[10]
§24
其它囚犯听见内监发出来的祷告和唱诗的声音，不禁大为惊异。他们在更深夜静时听惯了尖叫、呻吟、咒诅和谩骂，却从未听到有祷告和颂赞的话语出自那幽暗的囚室中。卫兵和囚犯都感到惊异，心想这些人到底是什么人，怎么能在饥寒磨难之中仍然快乐呢。[11]{AA 214.1 }
§25
With astonishment the other prisoners heard the sound of prayer and singing issuing from the inner prison. They had been accustomed to hear shrieks and moans, cursing and swearing, breaking the silence of the night; but never before had they heard words of prayer and praise ascending from that gloomy cell. Guards and prisoners marveled and asked themselves who these men could be, who, cold, hungry, and tortured, could yet rejoice. {AA 214.1 }[11]
§26
这时官长均已回家，并因所作迅速而断然的措施竟平息了一次暴乱而深自庆幸。但是他们在路上又听到一些特别有关他们所判处责打囚禁之人的品格和工作的话。他们看到那脱离撒但权势的妇女，并因她容貌举止的改变而大为惊异。她在过去曾使该城受到许多困扰；如今竟成为安静温和的了。当他们觉察到自己很可能已在两个无辜的人身上施用了罗马律例苛酷的刑罚，他们就深自懊恼，并决定次日早晨下令私下释放使徒，护送他们出城，以免有遭遇暴徒逞凶的危险。[12]{AA 214.2 }
§27
Meanwhile the magistrates returned to their homes, congratulating themselves that by prompt and decisive measures they had quelled a tumult. But on the way they heard further particulars concerning the character and work of the men they had sentenced to scourging and imprisonment. They saw the woman who had been freed from satanic influence and were struck by the change in her countenance and demeanor. In the past she had caused the city much trouble; now she was quiet and peaceable. As they realized that in all probability they had visited upon two innocent men the rigorous penalty of the Roman law they were indignant with themselves and decided that in the morning they would command that the apostles be privately released and escorted from the city, beyond the danger of violence from the mob. {AA 214.2 }[12]
§28
然而正当世人表现残酷复仇的精神，或违命忽略那属于他们的严肃责任时，上帝却没有忘记恩待他的仆人。全天庭都注意那为基督的缘故受苦的人；有天使奉命到监牢中来了。他们一到，地就震动起来。深锁紧闩着的监门敞开了，锁链桎梏从囚犯的手脚上脱落了，监牢里也洋溢着灿烂的光辉。[13]{AA 215.1 }
§29
But while men were cruel and vindictive, or criminally negligent of the solemn responsibilities devolving upon them, God had not forgotten to be gracious to His servants. All heaven was interested in the men who were suffering for Christs sake, and angels were sent to visit the prison. At their tread the earth trembled. The heavily bolted prison doors were thrown open; the chains and fetters fell from the hands and feet of the prisoners; and a bright light flooded the prison. {AA 215.1 }[13]
§30
禁卒曾惊异地听到在囚禁中的使徒的祷告和唱诗。当他们关进来的时候，他曾看到他们身上青肿流血的伤痕，他又亲手将他们的脚锁在木狗上。他原想一定会听到他们发出痛苦的呻吟和咒诅；不料他所听到的却是喜乐和赞美的歌声。当这些声音正在他耳中萦回时，禁卒便睡着了，随后就被地震和监狱墙壁的摇动所惊醒。[14]{AA 215.2 }
§31
The keeper of the jail had heard with amazement the prayers and songs of the imprisoned apostles. When they were led in, he had seen their swollen and bleeding wounds, and had himself caused their feet to be fastened in the stocks. He had expected to hear from them bitter groans and imprecations, but he heard instead songs of joy and praise. With these sounds in his ears the jailer had fallen into a sleep from which he was awakened by the earthquake and the shaking of the prison walls. {AA 215.2 }[14]
§32
他在惶恐中惊醒过来，只见监门全开，便惊慌失措，以为囚犯都已逃走。他想起了昨晚将保罗、西拉交给他留心看管的明令，确知自己这一次显然的失职一定会受到死刑的处分。因此他在悲苦心情之中觉得不如自杀，以免遭受可耻死刑的执行。在他正要拔刀自刎时，却听见保罗出声说着安慰的话：“不要伤害自己，我们都在这里。”每一个人都被上帝借着一个同监的囚犯所施展的能力禁制住了，留在原处未动。[15]{AA 215.3 }
§33
Starting up in alarm, he saw with dismay that all the prison doors were open, and the fear flashed upon him that the prisoners had escaped. He remembered with what explicit charge Paul and Silas had been entrusted to his care the night before, and he was certain that death would be the penalty of his apparent unfaithfulness. In the bitterness of his spirit he felt that it was better for him to die by his own hand than to submit to a disgraceful execution. Drawing his sword, he was about to kill himself, when Pauls voice was heard in the words of cheer, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Every man was in his place, restrained by the power of God exerted through one fellow prisoner. {AA 215.3 }[15]
§34
禁卒所加于使徒的严酷待遇，并没有引起他们的愤慨。保罗和西拉所具有的乃是基督的精神，而不是报复的精神。他们心中既充满救主的爱，就没有仇恨那逼迫他们之人的余地了。[16]{AA 216.1 }
§35
The severity with which the jailer had treated the apostles had not aroused their resentment. Paul and Silas had the spirit of Christ, not the spirit of revenge. Their hearts, filled with the love of the Saviour, had no room for malice against their persecutors. {AA 216.1 }[16]
§36
禁卒放下他的刀，叫人拿灯来，赶紧到内监里去。他要看一看这些遭受残酷待遇而以德报怨的人到底是怎样的人。他到了使徒所在的地方，就俯伏在他们面前求他们饶恕。随后又领他们出到外院，问他们说：“二位先生，我当怎样行才可以得救？”[17]{AA 216.2 }
§37
The jailer dropped his sword and, calling for lights, hastened into the inner dungeon. He would see what manner of men these were who repaid with kindness the cruelty with which they had been treated. Reaching the place where the apostles were, and casting himself before them, he asked their forgiveness. Then, bringing them out into the open court, he inquired, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? {AA 216.2 }[17]
§38
禁卒看见上帝在地震中所显示的忿怒，因而恐惧战兢；当他想到囚犯都已逃走时，他曾准备自杀；但这一切比起他心中所感受到的新奇的恐惧，以及他对于使徒在苦难凌辱下所显示的平静与愉快所生羡慕的心情，那就似乎无足轻重了。他在他们的面容上看到天上的荣光；他知道上帝曾以神奇的方式亲自干涉，要拯救他们的性命；同时那被巫鬼附着的妇人所说的话特别有力地打动了他的心：“这些人是至高上帝的仆人，对你们传说救人的道。”[18]{AA 216.3 }
§39
The jailer had trembled as he beheld the wrath of God manifested in the earthquake; when he thought that the prisoners had escaped he had been ready to die by his own hand; but now all these things seemed of little consequence compared with the new, strange dread that agitated his mind, and his desire to possess the tranquillity and cheerfulness shown by the apostles under suffering and abuse. He saw in their countenances the light of heaven; he knew that God had interposed in a miraculous manner to save their lives; and with peculiar force the words of the spirit-possessed woman came to his mind: These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. {AA 216.3 }[18]
§40
他以深切自卑的心请求使徒给他指明生命之道。他们回答说：“当信主耶稣，你和你一家都必得救。”于是“他们就把主的道，讲给他和他全家的人听。”禁卒就在那时候洗了使徒的伤，并伺候他们，随后他和他一家的人都受了洗。有一种圣洁的影响并及监牢里一切的人，众人都敞开心门倾听使徒所讲的真理。他们深信这两个人所侍奉的上帝曾经神奇地拯救他们脱离了捆绑。[19]{AA 217.1 }
§41
With deep humility he asked the apostles to show him the way of life. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house, they answered; and they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. The jailer then washed the wounds of the apostles and ministered to them, after which he was baptized by them, with all his household. A sanctifying influence diffused itself among the inmates of the prison, and the minds of all were opened to listen to the truths spoken by the apostles. They were convinced that the God whom these men served had miraculously released them from bondage. {AA 217.1 }[19]
§42
腓立比的市民曾因地震而大起恐慌；到了早晨，管监的人将夜里所发生的事禀告官长，他们也感到惊慌，就打发差役去释放使徒。保罗却说：“我们是罗马人，并没有定罪，他们就在众人面前打了我们，又把我们下在监里，现在要私下撵我们出去吗？这是不行的，叫他们自己来领我们出去吧。”[20]{AA 217.2 }
§43
The citizens of Philippi had been greatly terrified by the earthquake, and when in the morning the officers of the prison told the magistrates of what had occurred during the night, they were alarmed and sent the sergeants to liberate the apostles. But Paul declared, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. {AA 217.2 }[20]
§44
这两位使徒都是罗马的公民。一个罗马人除非犯了穷凶极恶的罪，鞭打他就是非法的；况且没有经过公正的审判就剥夺他的自由，也是不合法的。保罗和西拉曾公开地被监禁，如今他们非经官长说明正当的理由，就不肯私下被释放。[21]{AA 217.3 }
§45
The apostles were Roman citizens, and it was unlawful to scourge a Roman, save for the most flagrant crime, or to deprive him of his liberty without a fair trial. Paul and Silas had been publicly imprisoned, and they now refused to be privately released without the proper explanation on the part of the magistrates. {AA 217.3 }[21]
§46
当这话传到官长那里时，他们唯恐使徒会向皇帝申诉，所以十分惊惧；于是立刻到监牢里去，为不公平和残酷的待遇向保罗和西拉道歉，并亲自领他们出监，请他们离开那城。官长害怕使徒所加在百姓身上的影响，同时他们也惧怕那为这两位无辜之人出面干涉的大能者。[22]{AA 217.4 }
§47
When this word was brought to the authorities, they were alarmed for fear that the apostles would complain to the emperor, and going at once to the prison, they apologized to Paul and Silas for the injustice and cruelty done them and personally conducted them out of the prison, entreating them to depart from the city. The magistrates feared the apostles influence over the people, and they also feared the Power that had interposed in behalf of these innocent men. {AA 217.4 }[22]
§48
使徒实行基督所给予的教训，不愿勉强居留在他们不受欢迎的地方。于是“二人出了监，往吕底亚家里去；见了弟兄们，劝慰他们一番，就走了。”[23]{AA 218.1 }
§49
Acting upon the instruction given by Christ, the apostles would not urge their presence where it was not desired. They went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. {AA 218.1 }[23]
§50
使徒并不认为自己在腓立比的工作乃是徒然的。他们曾经遭遇许多反对和逼迫；但上帝为他们的缘故而作的干预，以及禁卒和他一家的悔改，却实足以补偿他们所忍受的羞辱与苦难而有余。使徒受非法监禁以及神奇地蒙救的消息传遍了那一带地方，这事使他们的工作引起了许多用其它方法所不能接触之人的注意。[24]{AA 218.2 }
§51
The apostles did not regard as in vain their labors in Philippi. They had met much opposition and persecution; but the intervention of Providence in their behalf, and the conversion of the jailer and his household, more than atoned for the disgrace and suffering they had endured. The news of their unjust imprisonment and miraculous deliverance became known through all that region, and this brought the work of the apostles to the notice of a large number who otherwise would not have been reached. {AA 218.2 }[24]
§52
保罗在腓立比工作的结果，终于建立了一所教会，而且教友的人数不断增加。他的热心和专诚，尤其是他那乐意为基督受苦的心愿，在悔改信主的人身上发挥了深切而永久的影响。他们珍视使徒付出那么大的牺牲所传给他们的宝贵真理，并全心全意献身从事救赎主的圣工。[25]{AA 218.3 }
§53
Pauls labors at Philippi resulted in the establishment of a church whose membership steadily increased. His zeal and devotion, and, above all, his willingness to suffer for Christs sake, exerted a deep and lasting influence upon the converts. They prized the precious truths for which the apostles had sacrificed so much, and gave themselves with wholehearted devotion to the cause of their Redeemer. {AA 218.3 }[25]
§54
这个教会并未免于遭受逼迫，这事曾在保罗写给他们的书信中说明。他说：“因为你们蒙恩，不但得以信服基督，并要为他受苦。你们的争战，就与你们在我身上从前所看见的……一样。”然而他们在信仰上还是那么地坚定，以至保罗说：“我每逢想念你们，就感谢我的上帝。每逢为你们众人祈求的时候，常是欢欢喜喜的祈求；因为从头一天直到如今，你们是同心合意的兴旺福音。”（腓1:29-30,3-5）[26]{AA 218.4 }
§55
That this church did not escape persecution is shown by an expression in Pauls letter to them. He says, Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me. Yet such was their steadfastness in the faith that he declares, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:29, 30, 3-5. {AA 218.4 }[26]
§56
在真理的使者所奉召从事工作的重要都市中，善恶两大势力之间的斗争是非常剧烈的。保罗说：“因我们并不是与属血气的争战，乃是与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的……争战。”（弗6:12）上帝的教会与那些在恶天使控制下的人之间必有斗争，直到末时。[27]{AA 219.1 }
§57
Terrible is the struggle that takes place between the forces of good and of evil in important centers where the messengers of truth are called upon to labor. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, declares Paul, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world. Ephesians 6:12. Till the close of time there will be a conflict between the church of God and those who are under the control of evil angels. {AA 219.1 }[27]
§58
早期基督徒须经常与黑暗的权势发生正面冲突。仇敌力图用诡辩和逼迫使他们转离真道。现今，正当万物的结局迅速临近的时候，撒但要不顾死活地拼命诱惑世人。他正在千方百计地从事霸占人心，使之不注意那些得救所必需的真理。他的爪牙正在每一座城市中忙于将那些反对上帝律法的人结成党派。这个大骗子正在发动一些混乱和叛逆的因素，而人们竟被一种莫名其妙的热狂激动着。[28]{AA 219.2 }
§59
The early Christians were often called to meet the powers of darkness face to face. By sophistry and by persecution the enemy endeavored to turn them from the true faith. At the present time, when the end of all things earthly is rapidly approaching, Satan is putting forth desperate efforts to ensnare the world. He is devising many plans to occupy minds and to divert attention from the truths essential to salvation. In every city his agencies are busily organizing into parties those who are opposed to the law of God. The archdeceiver is at work to introduce elements of confusion and rebellion, and men are being fired with a zeal that is not according to knowledge. {AA 219.2 }[28]
§60
邪恶正要到达空前未有的巅峰了，然而许多传福音的人还在高呼“平安稳妥”。但是上帝忠心的信使却当稳步向前推进圣工。他们要穿戴天上的全副军装，一无所惧地胜利地前进，非等到他们所能接近的每一个人都接受了现代真理的信息，决不罢休。[29]{AA 220.1 }
§61
Wickedness is reaching a height never before attained, and yet many ministers of the gospel are crying, Peace and safety. But Gods faithful messengers are to go steadily forward with their work. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they are to advance fearlessly and victoriously, never ceasing their warfare until every soul within their reach shall have received the message of truth for this time. {AA 220.1 }[29]