第25章 致帖撒罗尼迦人的书信
§1
第25章 致帖撒罗尼迦人的书信
§2
Chap. 25 - The Thessalonian Letters
§3
（本章根据：帖前、帖后二书）
§4
当保罗逗留在哥林多时，西拉和提摩太从马其顿来了，这使保罗得到很大的安慰。他们带来了有关福音使者初次访问帖撒罗尼迦时,那些接受真理之人的“信心和爱心的好消息。”保罗深深同情这些在考验和逆境之中依然效忠上帝的信徒。他渴望能亲自再去访问他们，但因当时不能抽身，所以他就写信给他们。[1]{AA 255.1 }
§5
The arrival of Silas and Timothy from Macedonia, during Pauls sojourn in Corinth, had greatly cheered the apostle. They brought him good tidings of the faith and charity of those who had accepted the truth during the first visit of the gospel messengers to Thessalonica. Pauls heart went out in tender sympathy toward these believers, who, in the midst of trial and adversity, had remained true to God. He longed to visit them in person, but as this was not then possible, he wrote to them. {AA 255.1 }[1]
§6
在保罗写给帖撒罗尼迦人的书信中，他因听到他们信心增长的好消息而表示感谢上帝。他写道：“弟兄们！我们在一切困苦患难之中，因着你们的信心就得了安慰；你们若靠主站立得稳，我们就活了。我们在上帝面前，因着你们甚是喜乐，为这一切喜乐，可用何等的感谢，为你们报答上帝呢？我们昼夜切切的祈求，要见你们的面，补满你们信心的不足。”[2]{AA 255.2 }
§7
In this letter to the church at Thessalonica the apostle expresses his gratitude to God for the joyful news of their increase of faith. Brethren, he wrote, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? {AA 255.2 }[2]
§8
“我们为你们众人常常感谢上帝，祷告的时候提到你们；在上帝我们的父面前，不住的记念你们因信心所作的工夫，因爱心所受的劳苦，因盼望我们主耶稣基督所存的忍耐。”[3]{AA 256.1 }
§9
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father. {AA 256.1 }[3]
§10
在帖撒罗尼迦的信徒中，有许多人曾“离弃偶像归向上帝，要服侍那又真又活的上帝。”他们曾“在大难之中……领受真道；”他们的心也充满了“圣灵所赐的喜乐。”保罗声称他们本着在跟从主的事上所表现的忠诚，“作了马其顿和亚该亚所有信主之人的榜样。”这些称赞的话也不是过奖的；保罗写道：“因为主的道从你们那里已经传扬出来，你们向上帝的信心不但在马其顿和亚该亚，就是在各处，也都传开了。”[4]{AA 256.2 }
§11
Many of the believers in Thessalonica had turned . . . from idols to serve the living and true God. They had received the word in much affliction; and their hearts were filled with joy of the Holy Ghost. The apostle declared that in their faithfulness in following the Lord they were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. These words of commendation were not unmerited; for from you, he wrote, sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad. {AA 256.2 }[4]
§12
帖撒罗尼迦的信徒是真正的布道士。他们为救主大发热心，因为他已经救他们“脱离将来的忿怒”之恐惧。由于基督的恩典，他们的生活已起了奇妙的变化；而且他们所传讲的上帝的话是带有能力的。许多人的心被所传的真理感化了，以致信徒的人数大大增加。[5]{AA 256.3 }
§13
The Thessalonian believers were true missionaries. Their hearts burned with zeal for their Saviour, who had delivered them from fear of the wrath to come. Through the grace of Christ a marvelous transformation had taken place in their lives, and the word of the Lord, as spoken through them, was accompanied with power. Hearts were won by the truths presented, and souls were added to the number of believers. {AA 256.3 }[5]
§14
在保罗致帖撒罗尼迦人的第一封书信中，他提到他在他们中间作工的方式。他说明自己并没有用诱骗或诡诈的方法争取新的信徒。“上帝既然验中了我们，把福音托付我们，我们就照样讲；不是要讨人喜欢，乃是要讨那察验我们心的上帝喜欢。因为我们从来没有用过谄媚的话，这是你们知道的；也没有藏着贪心，这是上帝可以作见证的；我们作基督的使徒，虽然可以叫人尊重，却没有向你们或向别人求荣耀。只在你们中间存心温柔，如同母亲乳养自己的孩子；我们既是这样爱你们，不但愿意将上帝的福音给你们，连自己的性命也愿意给你们，因你们是我们所疼爱的。”[6]{AA 256.4 }
§15
In this first epistle, Paul referred to his manner of labor among the Thessalonians. He declared that he had not sought to win converts through deception or guile. As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. {AA 256.4 }[6]
§16
使徒继续说：“我们向你们信主的人，是何等圣洁、公义、无可指摘，有你们作见证，也有上帝作见证。你们也晓得我们怎样劝勉你们，安慰你们；嘱咐你们各人，好像父亲待自己的儿女一样；要叫你们行事对得起那召你们进他国得他荣耀的上帝。”[7]{AA 257.1 }
§17
Ye are witnesses, and God also, the apostle continued, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. {AA 257.1 }[7]
§18
“为此，我们也不住的感谢上帝，因你们听见我们所传上帝的道就领受了，不以为是人的道，乃以为是上帝的道；这道实在是上帝的，并且运行在你们信主的人心中。”“我们的盼望和喜乐，并所夸的冠冕，是什么呢？岂不是我们主耶稣来的时候你们在他面前站立得住吗？因为你们就是我们的荣耀、我们的喜乐。”[8]{AA 257.2 }
§19
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy. {AA 257.2 }[8]
§20
保罗在他致帖撒罗尼迦人的第一封书信中，就尽力将有关人死后的实在情形教导他们。他说死了的人乃是睡了，是在一种毫无知觉的状态中：“论到睡了的人，我们不愿意弟兄们不知道，恐怕你们忧伤，像那些没有指望的人一样。我们若信耶稣死而复活了，那已经在耶稣里睡了的人，上帝也必将他与耶稣一同带来。……因为主必亲自从天降临，有呼叫的声音和天使长的声音，又有上帝的号吹响：那在基督里死了的人必先复活。以后我们这活着还存留的人，必和他们一同被提到云里，在空中与主相遇；这样，我们就要和主永远同在。”[9]{AA 257.3 }
§21
In his first epistle to the Thessalonian believers, Paul endeavored to instruct them regarding the true state of the dead. He spoke of those who die as being asleep--in a state of unconsciousness: I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. . . . For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. {AA 257.3 }[9]
§22
帖撒罗尼迦的信徒曾热切地持守着那说明基督将要复临、使一切活着的忠心信徒改变形体、并将他们接到他那里去的观念。因此他们曾小心保护自己亲友们的性命，唯恐他们死亡而失去他们所指望在救主复临时要得到的福分。但是他们所爱的人竟一个一个地相继死去了；因此每当帖撒罗尼迦的信徒在痛苦中看他们死去亲友的最后一面时，他们很难敢于希望在来生还有相见的机会。[10]{AA 258.1 }
§23
The Thessalonians had eagerly grasped the idea that Christ was coming to change the faithful who were alive, and to take them to Himself. They had carefully guarded the lives of their friends, lest they should die and lose the blessing which they looked forward to receiving at the coming of their Lord. But one after another their loved ones had been taken from them, and with anguish the Thessalonians had looked for the last time upon the faces of their dead, hardly daring to hope to meet them in a future life. {AA 258.1 }[10]
§24
当他们打开保罗的书信阅读时，其中阐明死人真实状况的话给教会带来了极大的快乐与安慰。保罗说明那些在基督再来时还活着的人，断不至在那些于耶稣里睡了的人之先迎见救主。那时天使长和上帝号筒的声音要传到睡了之人的耳中，于是在基督里死了的人，必在上帝将不朽坏的生命赐给活着的信徒之先复活起来，“以后我们这活着还存留的人，必和他们一同被提到云里，在空中与主相遇；这样，我们就要和主永远同在。所以你们当用这些话彼此劝慰。”[11]{AA 258.2 }
§25
As Pauls epistle was opened and read, great joy and consolation was brought to the church by the words revealing the true state of the dead. Paul showed that those living when Christ should come would not go to meet their Lord in advance of those who had fallen asleep in Jesus. The voice of the Archangel and the trump of God would reach the sleeping ones, and the dead in Christ should rise first, before the touch of immortality should be given to the living. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. {AA 258.2 }[11]
§26
我们很难体会到这个保证所给帖撒罗尼迦幼稚教会带来的希望和欣慰。他们相信并重视他们这在福音里的父亲所写给他们的信，于是他们就深深地敬爱他。他以前固然也曾向他们讲过这些道理；但那时他们的思想正在竭力要领会许多似乎新奇的道理；所以也难怪有某几点真意未能生动地印刻在他们的心中。但他们一直是渴慕真理的，因此保罗的书信给予他们新的指望和力量，并使他们对那位借自己的死将不能坏的生命彰显出来的主，有了更坚固的信心和更深厚的情感。[12]{AA 259.1 }
§27
The hope and joy that this assurance brought to the young church at Thessalonica can scarcely be appreciated by us. They believed and cherished the letter sent to them by their father in the gospel, and their hearts went out in love to him. He had told them these things before; but at that time their minds were striving to grasp doctrines that seemed new and strange, and it is not surprising that the force of some points had not been vividly impressed on their minds. But they were hungering for truth, and Pauls epistle gave them new hope and strength, and a firmer faith in, and a deeper affection for, the One who through His death had brought life and immortality to light. {AA 259.1 }[12]
§28
现在他们大大欢喜，因为知道他们信主的亲友将要从坟墓里起来，并在上帝的国里永远存活。那曾笼罩在死者安息之所的黑影也消散了。有新的光荣表彰基督徒的信仰，他们也在基督的生与死以及复活中看出新的荣耀来。[13]{AA 259.2 }
§29
Now they rejoiced in the knowledge that their believing friends would be raised from the grave to live forever in the kingdom of God. The darkness that had enshrouded the resting place of the dead was dispelled. A new splendor crowned the Christian faith, and they saw a new glory in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. {AA 259.2 }[13]
§30
保罗写道：“那已经在耶稣里睡了的人，上帝也必将他与耶稣一同带来。”许多人以为这一句话是说睡了的人要与耶稣一同从天上带来；但保罗的意思乃是说基督怎样从死里复活，上帝也照样从坟墓里唤醒睡了的圣徒，带他们和他一同到天上去。这是多么宝贵的安慰！多么光荣的希望！不单给予帖撒罗尼迦的教会，也给予无论置身何处的所有基督徒。[14]{AA 259.3 }
§31
Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him, Paul wrote. Many interpret this passage to mean that the sleeping ones will be brought with Christ from heaven; but Paul meant that as Christ was raised from the dead, so God will call the sleeping saints from their graves and take them with Him to heaven. Precious consolation! glorious hope! not only to the church of Thessalonica, but to all Christians wherever they may be. {AA 259.3 }[14]
§32
当保罗在帖撒罗尼迦作工的时候，他曾充分地讲论过各项时兆的题目，说明人子驾着天云显现之前将有什么事情发生，因此他认为无需在信中详述这事。虽然如此，他还是明确地提到自己先前的教训，他说：“论到时候日期，不用写信给你们。因为你们自己明明晓得，主的日子来到，好像夜间的贼一样。人正说平安稳妥的时候，灾祸忽然临到他们。”[15]{AA 259.4 }
§33
While laboring at Thessalonica, Paul had so fully covered the subject of the signs of the times, showing what events would occur prior to the revelation of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, that he did not think it necessary to write at length regarding this subject. He, however, pointedly referred to his former teachings. Of the times and the seasons, he said, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them. {AA 259.4 }[15]
§34
现今在世上有许多人故意闭眼不看基督所用以警告世人关于他行将复临的证据。他们反而设法镇抚人们的忧惧，但同时末日的预兆却在迅速地出现，世界也在加速催促人子在天云中显现的时辰。保罗教训人说若不关心那预指基督再来的兆头，那就有罪了。他称这样疏忽的人为黑夜和幽暗之子。他以如下的话勉励那些警醒自守的人说：“弟兄们！你们却不在黑暗里，叫那日子临到你们像贼一样。你们都是光明之子，都是白昼之子；我们不是属黑夜的，也不是属幽暗的。所以我们不要睡觉，像别人一样；总要警醒谨守。”[16]{AA 260.1 }
§35
There are in the world today many who close their eyes to the evidences that Christ has given to warn men of His coming. They seek to quiet all apprehension, while at the same time the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling, and the world is hastening to the time when the Son of man shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven. Paul teaches that it is sinful to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ. Those guilty of this neglect he calls children of the night and of darkness. He encourages the vigilant and watchful with these words: But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. {AA 260.1 }[16]
§36
使徒在这一方面的教训，对于现代教会特别的重要。保罗以下的话对于凡生存于十分接近那大结局的人理应格外具有效力：“我们既然属乎白昼，就应当谨守，把信和爱当作护心镜遮胸；把得救的盼望当作头盔戴上。因为上帝不是预定我们受刑，乃是预定我们借着我们主耶稣基督得救；他替我们死，叫我们无论醒着睡着，都与他同活。”[17]{AA 260.2 }
§37
Especially important to the church in our time are the teachings of the apostle upon this point. To those living so near the great consummation, the words of Paul should come with telling force: Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. {AA 260.2 }[17]
§38
一个警醒的基督徒必是一个作工的基督徒，热心地尽力设法推进福音的圣工。他爱救赎主的心越深，他也就越爱他的同胞。他虽然像他的夫子一样遭遇严重的试炼，但他决不容苦难使他的脾气变为暴戾，或破坏他的心情的平和。他知道若能好好经受考验，这就必提炼而且洁净他，并使他与基督发生更亲密的交往。那些与基督一同受苦的人，也必分享到他的安慰，并最后与他同得荣耀。[18]{AA 261.1 }
§39
The watchful Christian is a working Christian, seeking zealously to do all in his power for the advancement of the gospel. As love for his Redeemer increases, so also does love for his fellow men. He has severe trials, as had his Master; but he does not allow affliction to sour his temper or destroy his peace of mind. He knows that trial, if well borne, will refine and purify him, and bring him into closer fellowship with Christ. Those who are partakers of Christs sufferings will also be partakers of His consolation and at last sharers of His glory. {AA 261.1 }[18]
§40
保罗在帖撒罗尼迦人的书信中继续说：“弟兄们！我们劝你们敬重那在你们中间劳苦的人，就是在主里面治理你们，劝诫你们的；又因他们所作的工，用爱心格外尊重他们；你们也要彼此和睦。”[19]{AA 261.2 }
§41
We beseech you, brethren, Paul continued in his letter to the Thessalonians, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. And be at peace among yourselves. {AA 261.2 }[19]
§42
帖撒罗尼迦的信徒常因一些提倡离奇荒诞之思想和道理的人进入他们中间而受到困扰。有些人“不按规矩而行，什么工都不作，反倒专管闲事。”教会已经正式组织成立了，并有职员选派出来作传道人和执事。但总有一些固执已见、性情急躁的人，不肯服从那些在教会中负有权责的人。他们非但坚持独立的意见，同时还公然勉强教会接受他们的看法。保罗有见及此，就劝帖撒罗尼迦人注意，务要尊重那些被选在教会中负有权责的人。[20]{AA 261.3 }
§43
The Thessalonian believers were greatly annoyed by men coming among them with fanatical ideas and doctrines. Some were disorderly, working not at all, but . . . busy-bodies. The church had been properly organized, and officers had been appointed to act as ministers and deacons. But there were some, self-willed and impetuous, who refused to be subordinate to those who held positions of authority in the church. They claimed not only the right of private judgment, but that of publicly urging their views upon the church. In view of this, Paul called the attention of the Thessalonians to the respect and deference due to those who had been chosen to occupy positions of authority in the church. {AA 261.3 }[20]
§44
使徒渴望帖撒罗尼迦的信徒能以敬畏上帝的精神行事为人，因此请求他们要在日常生活上表现实际的敬虔。他写道：“弟兄们！我还有话说：我们靠着主耶稣求你们，劝你们，你们既然受了我们的教训，知道该怎样行，可以讨上帝的喜悦，就要照你们现在所行的，更加勉励。你们原晓得我们凭主耶稣传给你们什么命令。上帝的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁，远避淫行。”“上帝召我们，本不是要我们沾染污秽，乃是要我们成为圣洁。”[21]{AA 262.1 }
§45
In his anxiety that the believers at Thessalonica should walk in the fear of God, the apostle pleaded with them to reveal practical godliness in the daily life. We beseech you, brethren, he wrote, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. {AA 262.1 }[21]
§46
保罗深觉自己应为那些因他的工作而悔改之信徒的属灵幸福多多负责。他对于他们的愿望，乃是要他们在对独一真神和他所差来的耶稣基督的认识上有所长进。他在从事传道工作时，经常和小群的男女信徒一同聚会，一同跪下祈祷，求上帝教训他们如何与他保持活泼的联络。他经常和他们一同商讨将福音真理传给世人的最佳方法。而且往往在他离开了他所这样帮助过的人之后，他仍然恳求上帝保守他们脱离邪恶，并帮助他们作热诚而活跃的布道士。[22]{AA 262.2 }
§47
The apostle felt that he was to a large extent responsible for the spiritual welfare of those converted under his labors. His desire for them was that they might increase in a knowledge of the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He had sent. Often in his ministry he would meet with little companies of men and women who loved Jesus, and bow with them in prayer, asking God to teach them how to maintain a living connection with Him. Often he took counsel with them as to the best methods of giving to others the light of gospel truth. And often, when separated from those for whom he had thus labored, he pleaded with God to keep them from evil and help them to be earnest, active missionaries. {AA 262.2 }[22]
§48
真实悔改的最有力凭据之一乃是对上帝与对人所怀存的爱。凡接受耶稣为自己救赎主的人对于其它具备相同宝贵信仰的人，必存有深切而真诚的爱心。帖撒罗尼迦的信徒便是如此。使徒写道：“论到弟兄们相爱，不用人写信给你们；因为你们自己蒙了上帝的教训，叫你们彼此相爱。你们向马其顿全地的众弟兄固然是这样行；但我劝弟兄们要更加勉励。又要立志作安静人，办自己的事，亲手作工，正如我们从前所吩咐你们的；叫你们可以向外人行事端正，自己也就没有什么缺乏了。”[23]{AA 262.3 }
§49
One of the strongest evidences of true conversion is love to God and man. Those who accept Jesus as their Redeemer have a deep, sincere love for others of like precious faith. Thus it was with the believers at Thessalonica. As touching brotherly love, the apostle wrote, ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. {AA 262.3 }[23]
§50
“愿主叫你们彼此相爱的心，并爱众人的心，都能增长、充足，如同我们爱你们一样；好使你们当我们主耶稣同他众圣徒来的时候，在我们父上帝面前心里坚固，成为圣洁，无可责备。”[24]{AA 263.1 }
§51
The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. {AA 263.1 }[24]
§52
“我们又劝弟兄们！要警戒不守规矩的人，勉励灰心的人，扶助软弱的人；也要向众人忍耐。你们要谨慎，无论是谁都不可以恶报恶；或是彼此相待，或是待众人，常要追求良善。要常常喜乐；不住的祷告；凡事谢恩；因为这是上帝在基督耶稣里向你们所定的旨意。”[25]{AA 263.2 }
§53
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. {AA 263.2 }[25]
§54
使徒警告帖撒罗尼迦人不可轻看预言的恩赐。他用以下的话嘱咐他们要仔细辨明真伪：“不要消灭圣灵的感动；不要藐视先知的讲论；但要凡事察验；善美的要持守。”他又恳求他们“各样的恶事要禁戒不作；”并以祷告结束他的这封书信，求上帝使他们全然成圣，以便他们的“灵与魂与身子得蒙保守，在我主耶稣基督降临的时候，完全无可指摘。”他还加上一句话说：“那召你们的本是信实的，他必成就这事。”[26]{AA 263.3 }
§55
The apostle cautioned the Thessalonians not to despise the gift of prophecy, and in the words, Quench not the Spirit; despise not prophesyings; prove all things; hold fast that which is good, he enjoined a careful discrimination in distinguishing the false from the true. He besought them to abstain from all appearance of evil; and closed his letter with the prayer that God would sanctify them wholly, that in Spirit and soul and body they might be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, he added, who also will do it. {AA 263.3 }[26]
§56
保罗在他第一封书信中所给予帖撒罗尼迦人有关基督再来的训诲，原是与他先前的教训完全相符的。然而他的话还是被帖撒罗尼迦的某些弟兄们误会了。他们以为他说他自己希望要活着目睹救主降临。这一信念使他们趋于狂热激动。那些原先疏忽自己责任与本分的人，这时就越发坚决地提倡自己错谬的看法了。[27]{AA 264.1 }
§57
The instruction that Paul sent the Thessalonians in his first epistle regarding the second coming of Christ, was in perfect harmony with his former teaching. Yet his words were misapprehended by some of the Thessalonian brethren. They understood him to express the hope that he himself would live to witness the Saviours advent. This belief served to increase their enthusiasm and excitement. Those who had previously neglected their responsibilities and duties, now became more persistent in urging their erroneous views. {AA 264.1 }[27]
§58
保罗在第二封书信中设法纠正这些人对于他教训所作的误解，并向他们表明他真实的立场。他再度表示他信任他们的正直，并且感谢上帝因他们的信心坚强，他们彼此相爱和热爱主的圣工的心也都充足。他告诉他们：他常将他们的恒久忍耐，持守信心，以及勇敢忍受逼迫与磨难，作为榜样提供给别的教会；同时他又使他们的心想到基督再来的时候，那时上帝的子民就必止息他们一切的操心和烦恼了。[28]{AA 264.2 }
§59
In his second letter Paul sought to correct their misunderstanding of his teaching and to set before them his true position. He again expressed his confidence in their integrity, and his gratitude that their faith was strong, and that their love abounded for one another and for the cause of their Master. He told them that he presented them to other churches as an example of the patient, persevering faith that bravely withstands persecution and tribulation, and he carried their minds forward to the time of the second coming of Christ, when the people of God shall rest from all their cares and perplexities. {AA 264.2 }[28]
§60
他写道：“我们在上帝的各教会里为你们夸口，都因你们在所受的一切逼迫患难中仍旧存忍耐和信心。……使你们这受患难的人，与我们同得平安；那时，主耶稣同他有能力的天使，从天上在火焰中显现，要报应那不认识上帝和那不听从我主耶稣福音的人。他们要受刑罚，就是永远沉沦，离开主的面和他权能的荣光。……因此我们常为你们祷告，愿我们的上帝看你们配得过所蒙的召，又用大能成就你们一切所羡慕的良善，和一切因信心所作的工夫；叫我们主耶稣的名在你们身上得荣耀，你们也在他身上得荣耀，都照着我们的上帝并主耶稣基督的恩。”[29]{AA 264.3 }
§61
We ourselves, he wrote, glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: . . . and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. . . . Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. {AA 264.3 }[29]
§62
但在基督再来之前，预言中所指明的那要发生在宗教界的重要事件必要发生。保罗宣称：“无论有灵、有言语、有冒我名的书信，说主的日子现在到了，不要轻易动心，也不要惊慌。人不拘用什么法子，你们总不要被他诱惑；因为那日子以前，必有离道反教的事；并有那大罪人，就是沉沦之子，显露出来；他是抵挡主，高抬自己，超过一切称为神的，和一切受人敬拜的；甚至坐在上帝的殿里，自称是上帝。”[30]{AA 265.1 }
§63
But before the coming of Christ, important developments in the religious world, foretold in prophecy, were to take place. The apostle declared: Be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. {AA 265.1 }[30]
§64
保罗不愿有人误解他的话。也不愿有人传说他获得特别启示，曾警告帖撒罗尼迦人说基督即将复临。这种情形势必造成信仰上的混乱；因为失望往往会引起不信。因此使徒警戒弟兄们不可以为这样的信息乃是出于他的；所以他强调先知但以理所清楚形容的事实，就是罗马天主教皇的势力将要兴起与上帝的子民作战。在这一势力尚未实行其罪大恶极的亵渎工作之前，教会若想望主的复临必是枉然的。保罗发问说：“我还在你们那里的时候，曾把这些事告诉你们，你们不记得吗？”[31]{AA 265.2 }
§65
Pauls words were not to be misinterpreted. It was not to be taught that he, by special revelation, had warned the Thessalonians of the immediate coming of Christ. Such a position would cause confusion of faith; for disappointment often leads to unbelief. The apostle therefore cautioned the brethren to receive no such message as coming from him, and he proceeded to emphasize the fact that the papal power, so clearly described by the prophet Daniel, was yet to rise and wage war against Gods people. Until this power should have performed its deadly and blasphemous work, it would be in vain for the church to look for the coming of their Lord. Remember ye not, Paul inquired, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? {AA 265.2 }[31]
§66
那要临到真教会的考验是极其可怕的。甚至在保罗写这书信的时候，这“不法的隐意”就已经发动了。而且将来所有的发展也必“是照撒但的运动，行各样的异能神迹，和一切虚假的奇事，并且在那沉沦的人身上，行各样出于不义的诡诈。”[32]{AA 266.1 }
§67
Terrible were the trials that were to beset the true church. Even at the time when the apostle was writing, the mystery of iniquity had already begun to work. The developments that were to take place in the future were to be after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. {AA 266.1 }[32]
§68
关于那些“不领受爱真理的心”的人，保罗所说的话是特别严肃的。他论到一切故意拒绝真理信息的人说：“故此，上帝就给他们一个生发错误的心，叫他们信从虚谎；使一切不信真理，倒喜爱不义的人，都被定罪。”人们不能拒绝上帝出于怜悯所传给他们的警告而无罪免罚。上帝要从那些坚持背离这些警告的人收回他的圣灵，任凭他们去受他们所喜爱的各种欺骗。[33]{AA 266.2 }
§69
Especially solemn is the apostles statement regarding those who should refuse to receive the love of the truth. For this cause, he declared of all who should deliberately reject the messages of truth, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Men cannot with impunity reject the warnings that God in mercy sends them. From those who persist in turning from these warnings, God withdraws His Spirit, leaving them to the deceptions that they love. {AA 266.2 }[33]
§70
保罗就这样概述了基督再来之前，那连续在数世纪黑暗与逼迫长时期中恶势力的工作。帖撒罗尼迦的信徒曾指望立即得蒙拯救；现在保罗却劝他们以敬畏上帝的精神勇敢地负起当前的工作。这位使徒嘱咐他们不可疏忽自己的本分，不可任意闲懒地等待着。在他们热切预期立即得蒙拯救之后，日常生活的事务以及所必须遭受的反对，就难免显得格外难堪了。因此他督促他们务要在信仰上坚定不移：[34]{AA 266.3 }
§71
Thus Paul outlined the baleful work of that power of evil which was to continue through long centuries of darkness and persecution before the second coming of Christ. The Thessalonian believers had hoped for immediate deliverance; now they were admonished to take up bravely and in the fear of God the work before them. The apostle charged them not to neglect their duties or resign themselves to idle waiting. After their glowing anticipations of immediate deliverance the round of daily life and the opposition that they must meet would appear doubly forbidding. He therefore exhorted them to steadfastness in the faith: {AA 266.3 }[34]
§72
“你们要站立得稳，凡所领受的教训不拘是我们口传的，是信上写的，都要坚守。但愿我们主耶稣基督和那爱我们的，开恩将永远的安慰并美好的盼望，赐给我们的父上帝，安慰你们的心，并且在一切善行善言上坚固你们！”“主是信实的，要坚固你们，保护你们脱离那恶者。我们靠主深信你们现在是遵行我们所吩咐的，后来也必要遵行，愿主引导你们的心，叫你们爱上帝并学基督的忍耐！”[35]{AA 267.1 }
§73
Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. {AA 267.1 }[35]
§74
信徒们的工作乃是上帝所分派给他们的。他们务要借着忠心坚守真理，将自己所领受的真光传给别人。这位使徒劝他们行善不可丧志，并向他们提供自己的榜样，如何一方面不息不倦地热心为基督的工作效劳，另一方面也在属世的事上殷勤努力。他责备那些耽于懒惰与漫无目标而兴奋的人，并指示他们“要安静作工，吃自己的饭。”他也吩咐教会不要和那些一直不听上帝仆人教训的人交往。然而他却加上一句：“但不要以他为仇人，要劝他如弟兄。”[36]{AA 267.2 }
§75
The work of the believers had been given them by God. By their faithful adherence to the truth they were to give to others the light which they had received. The apostle bade them not to become weary in well-doing, and pointed them to his own example of diligence in temporal matters while laboring with untiring zeal in the cause of Christ. He reproved those who had given themselves up to sloth and aimless excitement, and directed that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. He also enjoined upon the church to separate from their fellowship anyone who should persist in disregarding the instruction given by Gods ministers. Yet, he added, count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. {AA 267.2 }[36]
§76
保罗又在以祈祷结束这一封书信时，求上帝的平安和主耶稣基督的恩典，可以在人生的劳苦和磨难中作他们的安慰和倚靠。[37]{AA 268.1 }
§77
This epistle also Paul concluded with a prayer that amidst lifes toils and trials the peace of God and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ might be their consolation and support. {AA 268.1 }[37]