第24章 哥林多
§1
第24章 哥林多Chap. 24 - Corinth（本章根据：徒18:1-18）
§2
在公元第一世纪中，哥林多不但是希腊，也是欧西世界的一个主要都市。它的街市上拥塞着希腊人、犹太人和罗马人，以及来自各地的旅客，都在热切地从事商业与寻求娱乐。这个商业中心既坐落于罗马帝国四通八达的中枢，因此也成了为上帝和他的真理建立纪念物的重要地点。[1]{AA 243.1 }
§3
During the first century of the Christian Era, Corinth was one of the leading cities, not only of Greece, but of the world. Greeks, Jews, and Romans, with travelers from every land, thronged its streets, eagerly intent on business and pleasure. A great commercial center, situated within easy access of all parts of the Roman Empire, it was an important place in which to establish memorials for God and His truth. {AA 243.1 }[1]
§4
在那些居留于哥林多的犹太侨民中有亚居拉和百基拉，这两个人后来成为著名热诚的基督工人。保罗既熟悉他们的为人，就“投奔了他们。”[2]{AA 243.2 }
§5
Among the Jews who had taken up their residence in Corinth were Aquila and Priscilla, who afterward became distinguished as earnest workers for Christ. Becoming acquainted with the character of these persons, Paul abode with them. {AA 243.2 }[2]
§6
保罗在这个交通中心一开始工作，就处处遇到一些推进工作的严重障碍。全城居民几乎都是拜偶像的，那最受人崇敬的乃是维纳斯女神；而在这对于维纳斯的敬拜中，却连带着有许多荒淫无耻的礼节与仪式。甚至在异教中，哥林多人也是以邪淫放荡而著名的。他们除了当前的寻欢取乐之外，似乎是毫无顾虑的了。[3]{AA 243.3 }
§7
At the very beginning of his labors in this thoroughfare of travel, Paul saw on every hand serious obstacles to the progress of his work. The city was almost wholly given up to idolatry. Venus was the favorite goddess, and with the worship of Venus were connected many demoralizing rites and ceremonies. The Corinthians had become conspicuous, even among the heathen, for their gross immorality. They seemed to have little thought or care beyond the pleasures and gaieties of the hour. {AA 243.3 }[3]
§8
使徒在哥林多传福音所用的方法，和他在雅典作工的方法不同。在雅典，他曾设法使自己的方式适应听众的个性；他曾以逻辑应付逻辑，以科学应付科学，以哲学应付哲学，当他涉想到自己这样耗费的光阴，就体认出自己在雅典的教训并没有结出多少果子来，故此决定在哥林多采取另一种工作计划，要努力引起一般粗心大意与漠不关心之人的注意。他决定避免复杂的争辩与讨论，而在哥林多人中间“不知道别的，只知道耶稣基督，并他钉十字架。”他向他们传道“不是用智慧委婉的言语，乃是用圣灵和大能的明证。”（林前2:2,4）[4]{AA 244.1 }
§9
In preaching the gospel in Corinth, the apostle followed a course different from that which had marked his labors at Athens. While in the latter place, he had sought to adapt his style to the character of his audience; he had met logic with logic, science with science, philosophy with philosophy. As he thought of the time thus spent, and realized that his teaching in Athens had been productive of but little fruit, he decided to follow another plan of labor in Corinth in his efforts to arrest the attention of the careless and the indifferent. He determined to avoid elaborate arguments and discussions, and not to know anything among the Corinthians save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. He would preach to them not with enticing words of mans wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:2, 4. {AA 244.1 }[4]
§10
保罗所打算向哥林多的希腊人传讲为基督的这位耶稣，乃是一个出身卑微而生长在以邪恶著称之村镇中的犹太人。他曾为自己的国人所弃绝，最后并被当作罪犯钉在十字架上。希腊人固然相信人类需要上进；但他们认为哲学与科学的研究，乃是人类达到真正高贵地步的不二法门。保罗能否导使这些人相信：只要信靠这一个无名的犹太人的能力，就可使人的每一项能力达到高贵的地步呢？[5]{AA 244.2 }
§11
Jesus, whom Paul was about to present before the Greeks in Corinth as the Christ, was a Jew of lowly origin, reared in a town proverbial for its wickedness. He had been rejected by His own nation and at last crucified as a malefactor. The Greeks believed that there was need of elevating the human race, but they regarded the study of philosophy and science as the only means of attaining to true elevation and honor. Could Paul lead them to believe that faith in the power of this obscure Jew would uplift and ennoble every power of the being? {AA 244.2 }[5]
§12
在现代许多人的心目中，髑髅地的十字架足以引起许多神圣的回忆。基督钉十字架的景象总是附带着许多神圣的联想。但在保罗的时代，十字架却被认为是令人感到嫌厌与惧怕的。要主张说人类的救主就是一个死在十字架上的人，自然要招致人们的嘲笑和反对。[6]{AA 245.1 }
§13
To the minds of multitudes living at the present time, the cross of Calvary is surrounded by sacred memories. Hallowed associations are connected with the scenes of the crucifixion. But in Pauls day the cross was regarded with feelings of repulsion and horror. To uphold as the Saviour of mankind one who had met death on the cross, would naturally call forth ridicule and opposition. {AA 245.1 }[6]
§14
保罗明知哥林多的犹太人和希腊人将要如何看待他所传的信息，他承认：“我们……传钉十字架的基督，在犹太人为绊脚石，在外邦人为愚拙。”（林前1:23）在他的犹太听众中，有许多听了他所要传的信息一定会感到愤怒的。而在希腊人看来，他的话必是荒诞可笑的妄言。他若试图说明十字架与提高民族或拯救人类有任何关系，那就必被看作是痴人说梦了。[7]{AA 245.2 }
§15
Paul well knew how his message would be regarded by both the Jews and the Greeks of Corinth. We preach Christ crucified, he admitted, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:23. Among his Jewish hearers there were many who would be angered by the message he was about to proclaim. In the estimation of the Greeks his words would be absurd folly. He would be looked upon as weak-minded for attempting to show how the cross could have any connection with the elevation of the race or the salvation of mankind. {AA 245.2 }[7]
§16
但在保罗，十字架乃是一个具有无上兴趣的对象。自从他逼迫那被钉之拿撒勒人的门徒的活动被制止以来，他始终未曾停止过以十字架夸口。他那一次曾从彰显在基督舍命的事上获得了有关上帝无限之爱的启示；因此他的生活就起了奇妙的改变，而使他将自己一切的计划与目的都与上天谐和。从那时起，他就是一个在基督里新造的人了。他在自己的经验中体会到：一个罪人若一度在上帝儿子的牺牲上看到天父的慈爱，并顺服神圣的感化，他的心就必发生一种改变，而且此后在他，基督便“是包括一切又住在各人之内”的了。[8]{AA 245.3 }
§17
But to Paul the cross was the one object of supreme interest. Ever since he had been arrested in his career of persecution against the followers of the crucified Nazarene he had never ceased to glory in the cross. At that time there had been given him a revelation of the infinite love of God, as revealed in the death of Christ; and a marvelous transformation had been wrought in his life, bringing all his plans and purposes into harmony with heaven. From that hour he had been a new man in Christ. He knew by personal experience that when a sinner once beholds the love of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His Son, and yields to the divine influence, a change of heart takes place, and henceforth Christ is all and in all. {AA 245.3 }[8]
§18
保罗在他悔改的时候，就充满一种热望，亟欲帮助自己的同胞仰望拿撒勒人耶稣为永生上帝的儿子，是大有能力施行改变与拯救的主。此后，保罗便完全献身致力于这种叙述被钉十字架之主的慈爱和能力的工作了。他那伟大的同情心笼括了各形各色的人。他说：“无论是希腊人、化外人、聪明人、愚拙人，我都欠他们的债。”（林后4:14）他对于自己过去在圣徒身上所施残酷无情的逼迫显示荣耀之主的爱，乃是他行为的主动原则，他的行事的原动力。如果有时他尽职的热忱减退了，只要一看十字架及其所显示的奇妙的爱，就足以使他重新振作起来，并在舍己为人的路上继续前进。[9]{AA 246.1 }
§19
At the time of his conversion, Paul was inspired with a longing desire to help his fellow men to behold Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of the living God, mighty to transform and to save. Henceforth his life was wholly devoted to an effort to portray the love and power of the Crucified One. His great heart of sympathy took in all classes. I am debtor, he declared, both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Romans 1:14. Love for the Lord of glory, whom he had so relentlessly persecuted in the person of His saints, was the actuating principle of his conduct, his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged, one glance at the cross and the amazing love there revealed, was enough to cause him to gird up the loins of his mind and press forward in the path of self-denial. {AA 246.1 }[9]
§20
请看这位使徒在哥林多的会堂里传道，看他根据摩西和众先知的著作进行辩论，一直讲到所应许之弥赛亚的降临。请听他说明救赎主为人类尊荣之大祭司的工作，他如何因牺牲自己的性命而作“只一次”赎罪的献身，然后在天上的圣所中开始工作。保罗使他的听众明白：他们所指望降临的弥赛亚已经来了；他的死乃是一切祭牲所预表的本体，而且他在天上圣所的工作乃是投影在过去的伟大真像，他阐明了犹太祭司身份的职任与服务。[10]{AA 246.2 }
§21
Behold the apostle preaching in the synagogue at Corinth, reasoning from the writings of Moses and the prophets, and bringing his hearers down to the advent of the promised Messiah. Listen as he makes plain the work of the Redeemer as the great high priest of mankind--the One who through the sacrifice of His own life was to make atonement for sin once for all, and was then to take up His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Pauls hearers were made to understand that the Messiah for whose advent they had been longing, had already come; that His death was the antitype of all the sacrificial offerings, and that His ministry in the sanctuary in heaven was the great object that cast its shadow backward and made clear the ministry of the Jewish priesthood. {AA 246.2 }[10]
§22
保罗“向犹太人证明耶稣是基督。”他先根据旧约《圣经》证明弥赛亚一定是依照预言与犹太人普遍的期望，从亚伯拉罕和大卫的后裔出来；于是他就追溯耶稣的家谱，一直到作王的诗人和先祖亚伯拉罕。他又宣读了众先知论到应许之弥赛亚的特性与工作，以及他在地上遭受的对待与待遇等所作的见证；然后再指明这些预言业已一一在拿撒勒人耶稣的生活、工作和死难上应验了。[11]{AA 247.1 }
§23
Paul testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. From the Old Testament Scriptures he showed that according to the prophecies and the universal expectation of the Jews, the Messiah would be of the lineage of Abraham and of David; then he traced the descent of Jesus from the patriarch Abraham through the royal psalmist. He read the testimony of the prophets regarding the character and work of the promised Messiah, and His reception and treatment on the earth; then he showed that all these predictions had been fulfilled in the life, ministry, and death of Jesus of Nazareth. {AA 247.1 }[11]
§24
保罗说明基督已经来，最先将救恩提供给那仰望弥赛亚的降临为其最高发展与光荣的国家。可惜这个国家已经拒绝了那要赐给他们生命的主，并已拣选了另一个领袖，而那个领袖统治的结局却是死亡。保罗竭力使听众感认到一项事实，那就是唯有悔改才能使犹太国在迫在眉睫的败亡中获救。他指明他们根本不懂那些他们所引以自豪自夸为完全明白的经文意义。他谴责他们的贪爱世俗，他们的喜好地位、衔头与炫耀，以及他们的过分自私自利。[12]{AA 247.2 }
§25
Paul showed that Christ had come to offer salvation first of all to the nation that was looking for the Messiahs coming as the consummation and glory of their national existence. But that nation had rejected Him who would have given them life, and had chosen another leader, whose reign would end in death. He endeavored to bring home to his hearers the fact that repentance alone could save the Jewish nation from impending ruin. He revealed their ignorance concerning the meaning of those Scriptures which it was their chief boast and glory that they fully understood. He rebuked their worldliness, their love of station, titles, and display, and their inordinate selfishness. {AA 247.2 }[12]
§26
保罗本着圣灵的大能述说了他自己奇妙转变的经历，以及他对于旧约《圣经》的信心，因那些经文均已十分完全地应验在拿撒勒人耶稣身上了。他的话是以严正地诚恳态度说出的，以致他的听众不能不看出他全心全意热爱那被钉而又复活的救主。他们看出他的心意乃是集中在基督身上，而且他的整个人生乃是与他的主密切联合的。他的话语是那么地动人，以致唯有那些对基督教充满最苦毒之仇恨的人才不会受感动。[13]{AA 247.3 }
§27
In the power of the Spirit, Paul related the story of his own miraculous conversion and of his confidence in the Old Testament Scriptures, which had been so completely fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. His words were spoken with solemn earnestness, and his hearers could not but discern that he loved with all his heart the crucified and risen Saviour. They saw that his mind was centered in Christ, that his whole life was bound up with his Lord. So impressive were his words, that only those who were filled with the bitterest hatred against the Christian religion could stand unmoved by them. {AA 247.3 }[13]
§28
可惜哥林多的犹太人闭眼不看使徒如此清楚提出的证据，不肯聆听他的申诉。那促使他们拒绝基督的同一精神，使他们满心恼恨他的仆人；倘若不是上帝特别保护他，使他可以继续向外邦人传福音的信息，他们就要结果他的性命了。[14]{AA 248.1 }
§29
But the Jews of Corinth closed their eyes to the evidence so clearly presented by the apostle, and refused to listen to his appeals. The same spirit that had led them to reject Christ, filled them with wrath and fury against His servant; and had not God especially protected him, that he might continue to bear the gospel message to the Gentiles, they would have put an end to his life. {AA 248.1 }[14]
§30
“他们既抗拒、毁谤，保罗就抖着衣裳，说：你们的罪归到你们自己头上，与我无干；从今以后，我要往外邦人那里去。于是离开那里，到了一个人的家中，这人名叫提多犹士都，是敬拜上帝的，他的家靠近会堂。”[15]{AA 248.2 }
§31
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain mans house, named Justus, one that worshiped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. {AA 248.2 }[15]
§32
这时西拉和提摩太已经“从马其顿来”帮助保罗，于是他们一同向外邦人作工。保罗与他的同伴向外邦人，也和向犹太人一样，都是传讲基督为堕落之人类的救主。这些十字架的使者避免复杂而牵强附会的理论，却详细叙述世界的创造主，宇宙的至高统治者的圣德。他们的心既因上帝和他儿子的爱而火热，就恳劝异教徒仰望那为人类的缘故所作的无限牺牲。他们确知：只要那些长久在异教的黑暗中摸索着的人，能看见那从髑髅地照射出来的光辉，他们就必被吸引来归救赎主了。救主曾说：“我若从地上被举起来，就要吸引万人来归我。”（约12:32）[16]{AA 248.3 }
§33
Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia to help Paul, and together they labored for the Gentiles. To the heathen, as well as to the Jews, Paul and his companions preached Christ as the Saviour of the fallen race. Avoiding complicated, far-fetched reasoning, the messengers of the cross dwelt upon the attributes of the Creator of the world, the Supreme Ruler of the universe. Their hearts aglow with the love of God and of His Son, they appealed to the heathen to behold the infinite sacrifice made in mans behalf. They knew that if those who had long been groping in the darkness of heathenism could but see the light streaming from Calvarys cross, they would be drawn to the Redeemer. I, if I be lifted up, the Saviour had declared, will draw all men unto Me. John 12:32. {AA 248.3 }[16]
§34
在哥林多的福音工作者感觉到那威胁着他们所要致力之人的危险；他们因为具有责任感，所以就传讲那在耶稣里的真理。他们所传的信息是清楚、简明、而确切的，若不是活的香气叫人活，便是死的香气叫人死。这福音非但在他们的言语中，而且也在他们的生活上显明出来了。有天使与他们合作，结果上帝的恩典和能力就在多人悔改的成绩上得以彰显了。“管会堂的基利司布和全家都信了主；还有许多哥林多人听了，就相信受洗。”[17]{AA 249.1 }
§35
The gospel workers in Corinth realized the terrible dangers threatening the souls of those for whom they were laboring; and it was with a sense of the responsibility resting on them that they presented the truth as it is in Jesus. Clear, plain, and decided was their message--a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. And not only in their words, but in the daily life, was the gospel revealed. Angels co-operated with them, and the grace and power of God was shown in the conversion of many. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. {AA 249.1 }[17]
§36
犹太人对使徒向来所怀的仇恨这时愈为剧烈了。基利司布的悔改受洗非但没有使那些顽抗的人感悟，反而使他们恼羞成怒。他们既不能提出什么论辩来反驳保罗的教训；又因缺少这一类的证据，所以就采取欺骗和恶毒攻击的手段。他们竟亵渎福音和耶稣的圣名。他们在盲目的激怒之下，竟不以任何言辞为太刻毒，不以任何手段为太卑鄙。他们无法否认基督曾行过神迹，但他们却宣称他是靠撒但的能力行出来的；所以他们竟敢武断保罗所行的奇事也是出于同一的能力。[18]{AA 249.2 }
§37
The hatred with which the Jews had always regarded the apostles was now intensified. The conversion and baptism of Crispus had the effect of exasperating instead of convincing these stubborn opposers. They could not bring arguments to disprove Pauls preaching, and for lack of such evidence they resorted to deception and malignant attack. They blasphemed the gospel and the name of Jesus. In their blind anger no words were too bitter, no device too low, for them to use. They could not deny that Christ had worked miracles; but they declared that He had performed them through the power of Satan; and they boldly affirmed that the wonderful works wrought by Paul were accomplished through the same agency. {AA 249.2 }[18]
§38
保罗虽然在哥林多有了相当的成功，但他在那腐败的城市中所见所闻的邪风恶俗几乎使他灰心丧志了。他在外邦人中所见到的堕落状况，以及他从犹太人中所受到的轻蔑和侮辱，使他精神上非常痛苦。他竟怀疑用他在该处所找的材料来试图建设教会，究竟是否上策。[19]{AA 250.1 }
§39
Though Paul had a measure of success in Corinth, yet the wickedness that he saw and heard in that corrupt city almost disheartened him. The depravity that he witnessed among the Gentiles, and the contempt and insult that he received from the Jews, caused him great anguish of spirit. He doubted the wisdom of trying to build up a church from the material that he found there. {AA 250.1 }[19]
§40
当他正打算离开该城到一个更有希望的工作园地，并热诚寻求明白自己的本分时，主便在异象中向他显现，说：“不要怕，只管讲，不要闭口；有我与你同在，必没有人下手害你；因为在这城里我有许多的百姓。”保罗认定这就是上帝叫他留在哥林多的命令，又是上帝使他所撒的种子有所收成的保证。他既得到了激励和鼓舞，便继续在该城热心而恒切地工作。[20]{AA 250.2 }
§41
As he was planning to leave the city for a more promising field, and seeking earnestly to understand his duty, the Lord appeared to him in a vision and said, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. Paul understood this to be a command to remain in Corinth and a guarantee that the Lord would give increase to the seed sown. Strengthened and encouraged, he continued to labor there with zeal and perseverance. {AA 250.2 }[20]
§42
保罗所致力的并不限于作公开的演讲；因为有许多人是不能用这种方法去接近的。他也用了不少工夫在挨家拜访的工作上，借此使自己得以在家庭范围内与人作亲密的来往。他拜访患病和忧伤的人，安慰受苦的人，并扶持受压迫的人。凡他所说所行的，无不尊耶稣的名为大。他就是这样地作工，“又软弱，又惧怕，又甚战兢。”（林前2:3）他战兢的是唯恐自己的教训会显出人的印记，而不能彰显神的印记。[21]{AA 250.3 }
§43
The apostles efforts were not confined to public speaking; there were many who could not have been reached in that way. He spent much time in house-to-house labor, thus availing himself of the familiar intercourse of the home circle. He visited the sick and the sorrowing, comforted the afflicted, and lifted up the oppressed. And in all that he said and did he magnified the name of Jesus. Thus he labored, in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 1 Corinthians 2:3. He trembled lest his teaching should reveal the impress of the human rather than the divine. {AA 250.3 }[21]
§44
后来保罗说：“然而在完全的人中，我们也讲智慧；但不是这世上的智慧，也不是这世上有权有位将要败亡之人的智慧；我们讲的，乃是从前所隐藏，上帝奥秘的智慧，就是上帝在万世以前，预定使我们得荣耀的；这智慧，世上有权有位的人没有一个知道的；他们若知道，就不把荣耀的主钉在十字架上了。如经上所记：“上帝为爱他的人所预备的，是眼睛未曾看见，耳朵未曾听见，人心也未曾想到的。”只有上帝借着圣灵向我们显明了，因为圣灵参透万事，就是上帝深奥的事也参透了。除了在人里头的灵，谁知道人的事？像这样，除了上帝的灵，也没有人知道上帝的事。”[22]{AA 250.4 }
§45
We speak wisdom among them that are perfect, Paul afterward declared; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. {AA 250.4 }[22]
§46
“我们所领受的，并不是世上的灵，乃是从上帝来的灵；叫我们能知道上帝开恩赐给我们的事。并且我们讲说这些事，不是用人智慧所指教的言语，乃是用圣灵所指教的言语；将属灵的话解释属灵的事。”[23]{AA 251.1 }
§47
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:6-13. {AA 251.1 }[23]
§48
保罗知道他的效能不在于自己，乃在乎圣灵与他同在，以恩惠的感化充满他的心，使他所有的心意都顺服基督。他说他自己“身上常带着耶稣的死，使耶稣的生，也显明在我们身上。”（林后4:10）在这位使徒的教训中，基督乃是中心人物。他说：”现在活着的，不再是我，乃是基督在我里面活着。”（加2:20）自我隐藏了，所彰显所高举的乃是基督。[24]{AA 251.2 }
§49
Paul realized that his sufficiency was not in himself, but in the presence of the Holy Spirit, whose gracious influence filled his heart, bringing every thought into subjection to Christ. He spoke of himself as always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:10. In the apostles teachings Christ was the central figure. I live, he declared, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Galatians 2:20. Self was hidden; Christ was revealed and exalted. {AA 251.2 }[24]
§50
保罗原是很有口才的演说家。在他悔改之前，他常乞灵于滔滔的雄辩来感动他的听众。但是现在他放弃这一切了。保罗不再寻章摘句，甘言饰词，徒然供人欣赏，引人入胜，而不能影响日常的生活；却设法运用简明的话语使重要的真理深入人心。鼓舌如簧的说理或许能令人感奋狂喜，但用这种方法传讲的真理，往往不能供给所需要的灵粮，而加强并坚固信徒以应付人生的斗争。那正在挣扎中的人的迫切需要以及当前的考验，这些都必须根据基督教的基本原理，用纯正的切实的教训来应付。[25]{AA 251.3 }
§51
Paul was an eloquent speaker. Before his conversion he had often sought to impress his hearers by flights of oratory. But now he set all this aside. Instead of indulging in poetic descriptions and fanciful representations, which might please the senses and feed the imagination, but which would not touch the daily experience, Paul sought by the use of simple language to bring home to the heart the truths that are of vital importance. Fanciful representations of truth may cause an ecstasy of feeling, but all too often truths presented in this way do not supply the food necessary to strengthen and fortify the believer for the battles of life. The immediate needs, the present trials, of struggling souls--these must be met with sound, practical instruction in the fundamental principles of Christianity. {AA 251.3 }[25]
§52
保罗在哥林多的努力并不是没有成效的。许多人离弃了偶像的崇拜转而侍奉永生的上帝，并有一个大教会投在基督的旌旗之下了。有一些是从外邦最放荡的人中拯救出来的，结果却成为上帝的怜悯和基督宝血洗净罪恶的功能之足资纪念的功业了。[26]{AA 252.1 }
§53
Pauls efforts in Corinth were not without fruit. Many turned from the worship of idols to serve the living God, and a large church was enrolled under the banner of Christ. Some were rescued from among the most dissipated of the Gentiles and became monuments of the mercy of God and the efficacy of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. {AA 252.1 }[26]
§54
保罗在宣讲基督的工作上所增加的成功激起了不信之犹太人更坚决的反对，他们组成团体，“同心起来攻击保罗，拉他到公堂，”当时是迦流作亚该亚的方伯。他们指望政府当局也像过去几次一样偏袒他们；于是他们带着愤怒而大声疾呼地控告保罗说：“这个人劝人不按着律法敬拜上帝。”[27]{AA 252.2 }
§55
The increased success that Paul had in presenting Christ, roused the unbelieving Jews to more determined opposition. They rose in a body and made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat of Gallio, who was then proconsul of Achaia. They expected that the authorities, as on former occasions, would side with them; and with loud, angry voices they uttered their complaints against the apostle, saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. {AA 252.2 }[27]
§56
当时犹太人的宗教受着罗马权势的保护，所以那些告保罗的人认为：他们若能将违犯宗教律法的罪名加在他的头上，就很可能会将他交给他们去审问判决。他们希望这样将他置诸死地。但迦流是一个正直的人，他不愿受那些嫉妒成性、阴谋诡诈之犹太人的利用。他厌恶他们的偏执顽固与自以为是，所以不理他们所作的控告。当保罗准备开口为自己辩护时，迦流告诉他没有辩护的必要。于是他转向那些怒气汹汹的原告说：“你们这些犹太人，如果是为冤枉或奸恶的事，我理当耐性听你们。但所争论的，若是关乎言语、名目、和你们的律法，你们自己去办吧；这样的事我不愿审问。就把他们撵出公堂。”[28]{AA 253.1 }
§57
The Jewish religion was under the protection of the Roman power, and the accusers of Paul thought that if they could fasten upon him the charge of violating the laws of their religion, he would probably be delivered to them for trial and sentence. They hoped thus to compass his death. But Gallio was a man of integrity, and he refused to become the dupe of the jealous, intriguing Jews. Disgusted with their bigotry and self-righteousness, he would take no notice of the charge. As Paul prepared to speak in self-defense, Gallio told him that it was not necessary. Then turning to the angry accusers, he said, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. And he drave them from the judgment seat. {AA 253.1 }[28]
§58
在场的犹太人和希腊人都在热切地等着要听迦流的判决，及至他认为这案件与公众利益无关而当场予以驳回时，犹太人只得狼狈而愤怒地退出。方伯坚决的措施使一般原来教唆犹太人的骚动群众看出了真相。自从保罗在欧洲开始工作以来，这还是第一次有暴徒转过来支持他；他们就当着方伯的面，凶狠地攻击那些带头控告使徒的人，方伯也没有加以干涉。“众人便揪住管会堂的所提尼，在堂前打他。这些事迦流都不管。”这样，基督教就获得了一次显著的胜利。[29]{AA 253.2 }
§59
Both Jews and Greeks had waited eagerly for Gallios decision; and his immediate dismissal of the case, as one that had no bearing upon the public interest, was the signal for the Jews to retire, baffled and angry. The proconsuls decided course opened the eyes of the clamorous crowd who had been abetting the Jews. For the first time during Pauls labors in Europe, the mob turned to his side; under the very eye of the proconsul, and without interference from him, they violently beset the most prominent accusers of the apostle. All the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. Thus Christianity obtained a signal victory. {AA 253.2 }[29]
§60
“保罗又住了多日。”如果使徒在这时被迫离开哥林多的话，那些悔改信奉耶稣的人就要处于极危险的境地。犹太人必力图乘虚而入占得便宜，甚或在那一带地方将基督教完全消灭。[30]{AA 254.1 }
§61
Paul after this tarried there yet a good while. If the apostle had at this time been compelled to leave Corinth, the converts to the faith of Jesus would have been placed in a perilous position. The Jews would have endeavored to follow up the advantage gained, even to the extermination of Christianity in that region. {AA 254.1 }[30]