第23章 庇哩亚和雅典
§1
第23章 庇哩亚和雅典
§2
Chap. 23 - Berea and Athens
§3
（本章根据：徒17:11-34）
§4
保罗在庇哩亚，遇到一班愿意研究他所教导之真理的犹太人。路加的记载论到他们说：“这地方的人贤于帖撒罗尼迦的人，甘心领受真道，天天考查《圣经》，要晓得这道是与不是。所以他们中间多有相信的；又有希腊尊贵的妇女，男子也不少。”[1]{AA 231.1 }
§5
At Berea Paul found Jews who were willing to investigate the truths he taught. Lukes record declares of them: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. {AA 231.1 }[1]
§6
庇哩亚人并没有因偏见而心胸狭窄。他们乐愿研究使徒所传讲之道理的真实性。他们查考《圣经》，并不是出于好奇，而是为要学习其中有关应许之弥赛亚的写作。他们天天考查那出自灵感的记录；当他们将经文互相对照时，天上的使者就在他们身边，启发他们的思想并感动他们的心灵。[2]{AA 231.2 }
§7
The minds of the Bereans were not narrowed by prejudice. They were willing to investigate the truthfulness of the doctrines preached by the apostles. They studied the Bible, not from curiosity, but in order that they might learn what had been written concerning the promised Messiah. Daily they searched the inspired records, and as they compared scripture with scripture, heavenly angels were beside them, enlightening their minds and impressing their hearts. {AA 231.2 }[2]
§8
福音的真理无论在何处传开，总有一些诚心乐意行义的人因而殷勤查考《圣经》。在世界历史的最后几幕正在演变时，如果那些听见那具有考验作用之真理的人能效法庇哩亚人的榜样，天天查考《圣经》，并将那传给他们的信息与上帝的话作一比较，那么现今信主之人较为稀少的地方就必有很多人忠守上帝律法的训诲了。可惜每当那不受人欢迎的《圣经》真理提出时，许多人却不肯这样着手查考。他们虽不能反驳《圣经》中简明的教训，却对研究所提供的凭据显出一种极端嫌厌的态度。还有一些人认为即使这些道理是真的，但接受这种新的亮光与否却是无关重要的；而且他们还拘守仇敌所用来引人陷入迷途的悦耳虚言。这样，他们的心就因谬道而昏蒙，于是他们就与上天隔绝了。[3]{AA 232.1 }
§9
Wherever the truths of the gospel are proclaimed, those who honestly desire to do right are led to a diligent searching of the Scriptures. If, in the closing scenes of this earths history, those to whom testing truths are proclaimed would follow the example of the Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily, and comparing with Gods word the messages brought them, there would today be a large number loyal to the precepts of Gods law, where now there are comparatively few. But when unpopular Bible truths are presented, many refuse to make this investigation. Though unable to controvert the plain teachings of Scripture, they yet manifest the utmost reluctance to study the evidences offered. Some assume that even if these doctrines are indeed true, it matters little whether or not they accept the new light, and they cling to pleasing fables which the enemy uses to lead souls astray. Thus their minds are blinded by error, and they become separated from heaven. {AA 232.1 }[3]
§10
人人都要按照已赐予的亮光受审判。主差遣他的使者出去传扬救恩的信息；那些听他的人都要为他们以怎样的方式对待他仆人的话而负责。凡诚心寻求真理的人，必要根据上帝的圣言仔细研究所提供他们的道理。[4]{AA 232.2 }
§11
All will be judged according to the light that has been given. The Lord sends forth His ambassadors with a message of salvation, and those who hear He will hold responsible for the way in which they treat the words of His servants. Those who are sincerely seeking for truth will make a careful investigation, in the light of Gods word, of the doctrines presented to them. {AA 232.2 }[4]
§12
帖撒罗尼迦那些不信的犹太人对于使徒满怀嫉妒和仇恨，他们将使徒赶出他们的城还不以为足，竟追踪到庇哩亚来，鼓动下流社会之人暴怒的情绪来攻击使徒。弟兄们唯恐保罗仍留该处必遭毒害，便送他到雅典去，并派庇哩亚几个新近信道的人陪他同去。[5]{AA 232.3 }
§13
The unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica, filled with jealousy and hatred of the apostles, and not content with having driven them from their own city, followed them to Berea and aroused against them the excitable passions of the lower class. Fearing that violence would be done to Paul if he remained there, the brethren sent him to Athens, accompanied by some of the Bereans who had newly accepted the faith. {AA 232.3 }[5]
§14
逼迫就是这样逐城地追随着真理的教师。基督的仇敌不能阻止福音的进展，但他们却颇为成功地使使徒的工作非常艰苦。然而保罗竟冒着反对和冲突而稳步前进，坚决执行上帝在耶路撒冷的异象中所向他启示的旨意：“我要差你远远的往外邦人那里去。”（徒22:21）[6]{AA 233.1 }
§15
Thus persecution followed the teachers of truth from city to city. The enemies of Christ could not prevent the advancement of the gospel, but they succeeded in making the work of the apostles exceedingly hard. Yet in the face of opposition and conflict, Paul pressed steadily forward, determined to carry out the purpose of God as revealed to him in the vision at Jerusalem: I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. Acts 22:21. {AA 233.1 }[6]
§16
保罗的匆匆离开庇哩亚，致使他没有机会按照预定计划去访问帖撒罗尼迦的弟兄。[7]{AA 233.2 }
§17
Pauls hasty departure from Berea deprived him of the opportunity he had anticipated of visiting the brethren at Thessalonica. {AA 233.2 }[7]
§18
使徒到了雅典，就打发庇哩亚的弟兄带信回去，叫西拉和提摩太立即到他这里来。提摩太曾在保罗离开之前到了庇哩亚，并与西拉一同留在那里维持那已有良好成绩的工作，将信仰的原则教导那些新近悔改的人。[8]{AA 233.3 }
§19
On arriving at Athens, the apostle sent the Berean brethren back with a message to Silas and Timothy to join him immediately. Timothy had come to Berea prior to Pauls departure, and with Silas had remained to carry on the work so well begun there, and to instruct the new converts in the principles of the faith. {AA 233.3 }[8]
§20
雅典城乃是当时信奉异教者的中心都市。保罗在这里所遇到的，并不是一群像在路司得城所遇到的那样无知而轻信的平民，而是一班以知识和文化而闻名的人。到处所见的尽是他们历史上和诗歌中的神祗与尊崇为神之英雄的塑像，又有伟大的建筑和绘画代表国家的光荣与对异教神明的普遍敬拜。人们的感觉都因艺术的华美和壮丽而陶醉了。各处都有花费巨大、建筑宏伟的殿堂庙宇。也有许多雕刻、神龛和碑匾记念军事的胜利和名人的事迹。这一切使雅典成了一个庞大的美术陈列馆。[9]{AA 233.4 }
§21
The city of Athens was the metropolis of heathendom. Here Paul did not meet with an ignorant, credulous populace, as at Lystra, but with a people famous for their intelligence and culture. Everywhere statues of their gods and of the deified heroes of history and poetry met the eye, while magnificent architecture and paintings represented the national glory and the popular worship of heathen deities. The senses of the people were entranced by the beauty and splendor of art. On every hand sanctuaries and temples, involving untold expense, reared their massive forms. Victories of arms and deeds of celebrated men were commemorated by sculpture, shrines, and tablets. All these made Athens a vast gallery of art. {AA 233.4 }[9]
§22
当保罗看到周围富丽堂皇的景象，并看到全城沉溺于拜偶像之风时，他就为那位在各方面受到侮辱的上帝而大发热心；他的心对于雅典的人民也深表怜惜，因为他们虽有昌明的文化，却不认识真神上帝。[10]{AA 234.1 }
§23
As Paul looked upon the beauty and grandeur surrounding him, and saw the city wholly given to idolatry, his spirit was stirred with jealousy for God, whom he saw dishonored on every side, and his heart was drawn out in pity for the people of Athens, who, notwithstanding their intellectual culture, were ignorant of the true God. {AA 234.1 }[10]
§24
使徒并没有因在这学术中心所看到的事物而有所迷惑。他那属灵的天性敏于为天上的事物所吸引，以致在他的眼中，那四周的奢华壮丽若比起那永不衰残之丰盛所有的喜乐和光荣，就毫无价值了。当他看到雅典的宏伟时，他就体会到它对于爱好美术和科学之人的盅惑力，而他心中也就深深地感到当前工作的重要了。[11]{AA 234.2 }
§25
The apostle was not deceived by that which he saw in this center of learning. His spiritual nature was so alive to the attraction of heavenly things that the joy and glory of the riches which will never perish made valueless in his eyes the pomp and splendor with which he was surrounded. As he saw the magnificence of Athens he realized its seductive power over lovers of art and science, and his mind was deeply impressed with the importance of the work before him. {AA 234.2 }[11]
§26
保罗在这不敬拜上帝的大城市中，颇为寂寞之感所困扰，而渴望他同工的同情与协助。就人类的友谊来说，他觉得自己是全然孤独的。在他写给帖撒罗尼迦人的书信中，他用“独自等在雅典”（帖前3:1）一句话来说明他当时的心境。那些摆在他面前显然无法克服的障碍，使他几乎觉得并无希望企图打动人们的心。[12]{AA 234.3 }
§27
In this great city, where God was not worshiped, Paul was oppressed by a feeling of solitude, and he longed for the sympathy and aid of his fellow laborers. So far as human friendship was concerned, he felt himself to be utterly alone. In his epistle to the Thessalonians he expresses his feelings in the words, Left at Athens alone. 1 Thessalonians 3:1. Obstacles that were apparently insurmountable presented themselves before him, making it seem almost hopeless for him to attempt to reach the hearts of the people. {AA 234.3 }[12]
§28
保罗在等待西拉和提摩太的时候并不是闲懒的。他“在会堂里，与犹太人和虔敬的人，并每日在市上所遇见的人辩论。”但是他在雅典城主要的工作，乃是要将救恩的信息传给那些对于上帝和他为堕落人类所有旨意并无明智观念的人。这位使徒很快就要遇见最诡谲最诱人方式的邪教了。[13]{AA 234.4 }
§29
While waiting for Silas and Timothy, Paul was not idle. He disputed . . . in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. But his principal work in Athens was to bear the tidings of salvation to those who had no intelligent conception of God and of His purpose in behalf of the fallen race. The apostle was soon to meet paganism in its most subtle, alluring form. {AA 234.4 }[13]
§30
雅典的大人物不久就听说有一位很特别的教师来到该城，向民众传扬一种新奇的道理。其中有几个人找到保罗，和他谈论。很快就有一大群听众聚集在他们周围。有些人蓄意要讥诮这位使徒，认为他在社会地位和知识上还不如他们，这些人互相嘲笑说：“这胡言乱语的人要说什么？”其它的人则“因保罗传讲耶稣与复活的道，”就说：“他似乎是传说外邦鬼神的。”[14]{AA 235.1 }
§31
The great men of Athens were not long in learning of the presence in their city of a singular teacher who was setting before the people doctrines new and strange. Some of these men sought Paul out and entered into conversation with him. Soon a crowd of listeners gathered about them. Some were prepared to ridicule the apostle as one who was far beneath them both socially and intellectually, and these said jeeringly among themselves, What will this babbler say? Others, because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection, said, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods. {AA 235.1 }[14]
§32
那些在市上与保罗争论的人中，有的是“以彼古罗和斯多亚两门的学士”，但这些人连同一切与他接触到的人不久就看出他的学识比他们还丰富。他的智力博得了学者的尊敬，而他那热切而合乎逻辑的理论以及他的口才吸引了所有听众的注意。他的听众认明他并不是一个初出茅庐的人，却能以折服人的论据支持他所讲的道理，来应付各阶层的人。保罗就是这样勇敢地对抗，根据那反对他的人自己的理由去应付他们，以论理应付论理，以哲学应付哲学，以口才应付口才。[15]{AA 235.2 }
§33
Among those who encountered Paul in the market place were certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics; but they, and all others who came in contact with him, soon saw that he had a store of knowledge even greater than their own. His intellectual power commanded the respect of the learned; while his earnest, logical reasoning and the power of his oratory held the attention of all in the audience. His hearers recognized the fact that he was no novice, but was able to meet all classes with convincing arguments in support of the doctrines he taught. Thus the apostle stood undaunted, meeting his opposers on their own ground, matching logic with logic, philosophy with philosophy, eloquence with eloquence. {AA 235.2 }[15]
§34
他那信奉异教的反对者要他注意那因传说外邦鬼神而被定死罪的苏格拉底的厄运；他们劝诫保罗不要以同样的方式冒性命的危险。但使徒的讲论吸住了众人的注意，他那纯朴的智慧博得了他们的尊敬和钦佩。他并没有因这些哲学的讥讽或学问而哑口无言；反而使他们确信他是坚决要在他们中间完成自己的使命，并甘冒一切的危险来传讲自己的信息，因此他们决定给他一个公正的发言机会。[16]{AA 236.1 }
§35
His heathen opponents called his attention to the fate of Socrates, who, because he was a setter forth of strange gods, had been condemned to death, and they counseled Paul not to endanger his life in the same way. But the apostles discourses riveted the attention of the people, and his unaffected wisdom commanded their respect and admiration. He was not silenced by the science or the irony of the philosophers, and satisfying themselves that he was determined to accomplish his errand among them, and, at all hazards, to tell his story, they decided to give him a fair hearing. {AA 236.1 }[16]
§36
于是他们把他带到亚略巴古。这是全雅典一个最神圣的场所，一回忆或联想到这个地点，就使人不由得生出迷信式的尊敬，甚至有些人会生出畏惧的心理。凡有关宗教的事项都要在这个地方，由一班对有关道德和政治的重大问题担任最后仲裁者予以慎重的考虑。[17]{AA 236.2 }
§37
They accordingly conducted him to Mars Hill. This was one of the most sacred spots in all Athens, and its recollections and associations were such as to cause it to be regarded with a superstitious reverence that in the minds of some amounted to dread. It was in this place that matters connected with religion were often carefully considered by men who acted as final judges on all the more important moral as well as civil questions. {AA 236.2 }[17]
§38
这里既远离熙攘街道的喧嚣，也没有嘈杂辩论的骚乱，因而使徒得以畅言无阻。在他的四周聚集了一班诗人、美术家和哲学家、雅典的学者和哲士。他们对他说：“你所讲的这新道，我们也可以知道吗？因为你有些奇怪的事，传到我们耳中；我们愿意知道这些事是什么意思。”[18]{AA 236.3 }
§39
Here, away from the noise and bustle of crowded thoroughfares, and the tumult of promiscuous discussion, the apostle could be heard without interruption. Around him gathered poets, artists, and philosophers--the scholars and sages of Athens, who thus addressed him: May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? for thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know thereof what these things mean. {AA 236.3 }[18]
§40
在那责无旁贷的严肃时刻，使徒却从容不迫，泰然自若。他心中负有传扬紧要信息的重任，他口中发出的言论使听众深信他并非胡言乱语的人。他说：“众位雅典人哪！我看你们凡事很敬畏鬼神。我游行的时候，观看你们所敬拜的，遇见一座坛，上面写着未识之神；你们所不认识而敬拜的，我现在告诉你们。”他们虽然具有一切的智慧和普通知识，但对于创造宇宙的上帝，却是蒙昧无知的。然而他们中间还有一些渴望更大亮光的人。这些人正在伸手寻找无穷之主。[19]{AA 237.1 }
§41
In that hour of solemn responsibility, the apostle was calm and self-possessed. His heart was burdened with an important message, and the words that fell from his lips convinced his hearers that he was no idle babbler. Ye men of Athens, he said, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you. With all their intelligence and general knowledge, they were ignorant of the God who created the universe. Yet there were some who were longing for greater light. They were reaching out toward the Infinite. {AA 237.1 }[19]
§42
保罗举手指着那满置偶像的庙宇，倾吐了他心灵中的烦累，并说明了雅典人所信奉宗教的虚妄。听众中最有智慧的人听到他的理论也不胜惊愕。他显明自己熟悉他们的美术、文学和宗教。他指着他们的雕像和神像，宣称上帝决不能比拟人所设计的形象。这些雕刻的神像一点也不能代表耶和华的荣耀。他提醒他们说这些神像没有生命，而是受人力支配的，不借人手它就不能移动；因此那些敬拜偶像的人，无论在哪一方面都比他们所敬拜的偶像高出一筹。[20]{AA 237.2 }
§43
With hand outstretched toward the temple crowded with idols, Paul poured out the burden of his soul, and exposed the fallacies of the religion of the Athenians. The wisest of his hearers were astonished as they listened to his reasoning. He showed himself familiar with their works of art, their literature, and their religion. Pointing to their statuary and idols, he declared that God could not be likened to forms of mans devising. These graven images could not, in the faintest sense, represent the glory of Jehovah. He reminded them that these images had no life, but were controlled by human power, moving only when the hands of men moved them; and therefore those who worshiped them were in every way superior to that which they worshiped. {AA 237.2 }[20]
§44
保罗指引他那拜偶像之听众的心思，超越他们虚假宗教的范围，而注意到他们所称为“未识之神”的上帝，并对他具有正确的见解。他这时向他们所宣布的这位真神乃是不依靠人的，也不需要从人手中得什么，来增进他的权柄和荣耀。[21]{AA 237.3 }
§45
Paul drew the minds of his idolatrous hearers beyond the limits of their false religion to a true view of the Deity, whom they had styled the Unknown God. This Being, whom he now declared unto them, was independent of man, needing nothing from human hands to add to His power and glory. {AA 237.3 }[21]
§46
保罗诚恳而合理地提出真神上帝的圣德，他创造的大能以及他掌管万有之美意的存在，众人都惊异出神了。使徒以恳挚而热切的口才说：“创造宇宙和其中万物的上帝，既是天地的主，就不住人手所造的殿；也不用人手服侍，好像缺少什么，自己倒将生命、气息、万物，赐给万人。”诸天尚且不足上帝居住的，何况人手所造的殿呢？[22]{AA 238.1 }
§47
The people were carried away with admiration for Pauls earnest and logical presentation of the attributes of the true God--of His creative power and the existence of His overruling providence. With earnest and fervid eloquence the apostle declared, God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with mens hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. The heavens were not large enough to contain God, how much less were the temples made by human hands! {AA 238.1 }[22]
§48
在那个讲究阶级制度的时代中，人权时常是得不到认可的，而保罗竟提出四海之内皆兄弟的伟大真理。宣称上帝“从一本造出万族的人，住在全地上。”在上帝看来，人人一律平等；各人都当尊创造主为至上。随后使徒又说明上帝恩典和慈悲的旨意，是如何像一条金线般，交织在他对待人类的一切作为中。他“预先定准他们的年限，和所住的疆界；要叫他们寻求上帝，或者可以揣摩而得，其实他离我们各人不远。”[23]{AA 238.2 }
§49
In that age of caste, when the rights of men were often unrecognized, Paul set forth the great truth of human brotherhood, declaring that God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth. In the sight of God all are on an equality, and to the Creator every human being owes supreme allegiance. Then the apostle showed how, through all Gods dealings with man, His purpose of grace and mercy runs like a thread of gold. He hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us. {AA 238.2 }[23]
§50
他指着他周围高贵的人们，并借用他们自己诗人的话语说明无穷尽的上帝为父，而他们乃是他的儿女。他说：“我们生活、动作、存留，都在乎他；就如你们作诗的，有人说：我们也是他所生的。我们既是上帝所生的，就不当以为上帝的神性像人用手艺、心思所雕刻的金、银、石。”[24]{AA 238.3 }
§51
Pointing to the noble specimens of manhood about him, with words borrowed from a poet of their own he pictured the infinite God as a Father, whose children they were. In Him we live, and move, and have our being, he declared; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and mans device. {AA 238.3 }[24]
§52
“世人蒙昧无知的时候，上帝并不监察；如今却吩咐各处的人都要悔改。”在基督降临以前的黑暗时期中，神圣的统治者并不计较异教徒拜偶像的罪，然而现在他已借他的儿子将真理的光赐给人；所以他指望人人，不单是那些贫穷卑微的人，连那些骄傲的哲学家和地上的君王都要悔改，以致得救。“因为他已经定了日子，要借着他所设立的人，按公义审判天下；并且叫他从死里复活，给万人作可信的凭据。”保罗一提到从死里复活的话，“就有讥诮他的，又有人说：我们再听你讲这个吧。”[25]{AA 239.1 }
§53
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. In the ages of darkness that had preceded the advent of Christ, the divine Ruler had passed lightly over the idolatry of the heathen; but now, through His Son, He had sent men the light of truth; and He expected from all repentance unto salvation, not only from the poor and humble, but from the proud philosopher and the princes of the earth. Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead. As Paul spoke of the resurrection from the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. {AA 239.1 }[25]
§54
使徒在这异邦的学术中心雅典城的工作就此结束了；因为雅典人坚决不肯放弃拜偶像的习惯，而转离了真宗教的亮光。当一个民族完全满足于其本身的成就时，就不容易再期望他们有什么进步了。雅典人虽然以学术及文化而自豪，但他们的生活却不断地日趋腐败，并愈益满足于拜偶像的玄虚奥秘。[26]{AA 239.2 }
§55
Thus closed the labors of the apostle at Athens, the center of heathen learning, for the Athenians, clinging persistently to their idolatry, turned from the light of the true religion. When a people are wholly satisfied with their own attainments, little more need be expected of them. Though boasting of learning and refinement, the Athenians were constantly becoming more corrupt and more content with the vague mysteries of idolatry. {AA 239.2 }[26]
§56
在那些听保罗讲道的人中，有一些人因所传的真理而生出了感悟；可是他们不肯自卑承认上帝，也不肯接受救恩的计划。雄辩的辞令或有力的论据都不足以使一个罪人悔改，唯有上帝的能力才能使真理深入人心。但那坚决转离这能力的人却无法达到。希腊人虽然追求智慧，但十字架的信息在他们倒看为愚拙，因为他们认为自己的智慧较比那从上头来的智慧更高。[27]{AA 239.3 }
§57
Among those who listened to the words of Paul were some to whose minds the truths presented brought conviction, but they would not humble themselves to acknowledge God and to accept the plan of salvation. No eloquence of words, no force of argument, can convert the sinner. The power of God alone can apply the truth to the heart. He who persistently turns from this power cannot be reached. The Greeks sought after wisdom, yet the message of the cross was to them foolishness because they valued their own wisdom more highly than the wisdom that comes from above. {AA 239.3 }[27]
§58
雅典人因智慧和人的聪明而骄傲自满，这乃是福音的信息在他们中间没有多少果效的原因。具有属世智慧的人若以可怜丧亡的罪人身份来到基督面前，他们就必具有“得救的智慧”；但是那些以高贵身份前来，并表扬自己的智慧的人，就必得不着唯有他才能赐予的真光和知识。[28]{AA 240.1 }
§59
In their pride of intellect and human wisdom may be found the reason why the gospel message met with comparatively little success among the Athenians. The worldly-wise men who come to Christ as poor lost sinners, will become wise unto salvation; but those who come as distinguished men, extolling their own wisdom, will fail of receiving the light and knowledge that He alone can give. {AA 240.1 }[28]
§60
保罗就是这样应付当日的异教。他在雅典的工作并不是完全徒劳无功的。最有名望的公民之一丢尼修，和一些别的人，接受了福音的信息，并与信徒完全联合一致。[29]{AA 240.2 }
§61
Thus Paul met the paganism of his day. His labors in Athens were not wholly in vain. Dionysius, one of the most prominent citizens, and some others, accepted the gospel message and united themselves fully with the believers. {AA 240.2 }[29]
§62
《圣经》的记载使我们得以窥见雅典人生活的一斑，他们虽然拥有一切的知识、文化和艺术，却依然沉溺于罪恶之中；也得以看出上帝如何借着他的仆人，谴责了拜偶像之风与骄傲自满之人的罪恶。灵感之笔所记录的使徒的言论，以及有关他的态度与环境的描述，都要留传以后各世代，为他那毫不动摇的信心，他那在孤寂和苦难中的勇敢，以及他那在异教中心为基督教获致的胜利作见证。[30]{AA 240.3 }
§63
Inspiration has given us this glance into the life of the Athenians, who, with all their knowledge, refinement, and art, were yet sunken in vice, that it might be seen how God, through His servant, rebuked idolatry and the sins of a proud, self-sufficient people. The words of the apostle, and the description of his attitude and surroundings, as traced by the pen of inspiration, were to be handed down to all coming generations, bearing witness of his unshaken confidence, his courage in loneliness and adversity, and the victory he gained for Christianity in the very heart of paganism. {AA 240.3 }[30]
§64
保罗的言论包含了对教会的知识宝藏。他在当时的情势之下，可能很容易地说一些话，以致触犯他那些骄傲的听众，而使自己陷于困难的境地。如果他的话直接打击到他们的神明和城内的大人物，他就难免有遭遇苏格拉底之厄运的危险。但他以一种出于神圣之爱的机智，小心翼翼地向他们显示他们所不认识的真神上帝，借此引导他们的思想转离异教的神明。[31]{AA 241.1 }
§65
Pauls words contain a treasure of knowledge for the church. He was in a position where he might easily have said that which would have irritated his proud listeners and brought himself into difficulty. Had his oration been a direct attack upon their gods and the great men of the city, he would have been in danger of meeting the fate of Socrates. But with a tact born of divine love, he carefully drew their minds away from heathen deities, by revealing to them the true God, who was to them unknown. {AA 241.1 }[31]
§66
今日，《圣经》的真理也要传给世上的大人物，让他们可以在服从上帝的律法，与忠顺邪恶之君二者之间作一选择。上帝将永远的真理，就是那使他们有得救智慧的真理摆在他们面前，但他并不勉强他们接受。如果他们转离真理，他就任凭他们，让他们去自食其果。[32]{AA 241.2 }
§67
Today the truths of Scripture are to be brought before the great men of the world in order that they may choose between obedience to Gods law and allegiance to the prince of evil. God sets everlasting truth before them--truth that will make them wise unto salvation, but He does not force them to accept it. If they turn from it, He leaves them to themselves, to be filled with the fruit of their own doings. {AA 241.2 }[32]
§68
“因为十字架的道理，在那灭亡的人为愚拙；在我们得救的人，却为上帝的大能。就如经上所记：我要灭绝智慧人的智慧，废弃聪明人的聪明。”“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，被人厌恶的，以及那无有的，为要废掉那有的。”（林前1:18-19,27-28）许多最伟大的学者和政治家，世界上最卓越的人物，必要在这末后的日子转离真光，因为世人凭自己的智慧不认识上帝。然而上帝的仆人仍须善用每一项机会，将真理传达给这班人。其中必有一些人承认自己对于上帝的事蒙昧无知，并在那位大教师耶稣的脚前作谦卑的领教者。[33]{AA 241.3 }
§69
The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 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. 1 Corinthians 1:18, 19, 27, 28. Many of the greatest scholars and statesmen, the worlds most eminent men, will in these last days turn from the light because the world by wisdom knows not God. Yet Gods servants are to improve every opportunity to communicate the truth to these men. Some will acknowledge their ignorance of the things of God and will take their place as humble learners at the feet of Jesus, the Master Teacher. {AA 241.3 }[33]
§70
为上帝作工的人在努力接近上流社会人士时，须具有坚强的信心。从外表上看来，似乎是形势险恶，但即使在黑暗的时辰，上方仍有亮光。那些爱上帝并侍奉他的人必定每日重新得力。无穷之主的智慧可以任凭他们取用，使他们在实行他的旨意时不至于犯错误。这些工人务必坚持信心，始终不渝，总要记得上帝真理的光辉必须照耀在笼罩着这世界的黑暗之中。上帝的工作是不容有灰心丧志的。献身工人的信心必须经得起一切的考验。上帝能以并且愿意赋予他仆人所需要的一切力量，并赐给他们在各种困难情势下所必需的智慧。他必为那些信靠他的人成就一切超过他们所求所想的。[34]{AA 242.1 }
§71
In every effort to reach the higher classes, the worker for God needs strong faith. Appearances may seem forbidding, but in the darkest hour there is light above. The strength of those who love and serve God will be renewed day by day. The understanding of the Infinite is placed at their service, that in carrying out His purposes they may not err. Let these workers hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, remembering that the light of Gods truth is to shine amid the darkness that enshrouds our world. There is to be no despondency in connection with Gods service. The faith of the consecrated worker is to stand every test brought to bear upon it. God is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the strength they need and to give them the wisdom that their varied necessities demand. He will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. {AA 242.1 }[34]