第33章 在艰难困苦中工作
§1
第33章 在艰难困苦中工作
§2
Chap. 33 - Laboring Under Difficulties
§3
保罗虽然小心翼翼地，将《圣经》中有关正当维持上帝圣工的明训，摆在悔改信主的人面前，他虽然声称自己为传福音的，“有权柄不作工，”（林前9:6）不以世俗的业务为自养的方法，但他在他传道的时期，却多次在各文化中心都市从事手艺来维持自己的生活。[1]{AA 346.1 }
§4
While Paul was careful to set before his converts the plain teaching of Scripture regarding the proper support of the work of God, and while he claimed for himself as a minister of the gospel the power to forbear working (1 Corinthians 9:6) at secular employment as a means of self-support, yet at various times during his ministry in the great centers of civilization he wrought at a handicraft for his own maintenance. {AA 346.1 }[1]
§5
在犹太人中，体力劳动并不算为奇异或低贱的事。希伯来人曾借着摩西而受教，要训练他们的儿女养成勤劳的习惯；任凭青少年长大而不谙体力劳动，便算是罪。即使一个儿童要受教担任圣职，实际生活的知识仍是不可少的。每一个青少年，不论他的父母是贫是富，都要受某种职业的训练。凡不为自己儿女准备这种训练的父母，就要算为违背了耶和华的训诲。保罗遵照这种风俗，早已学会了制造帐棚的手艺。[2]{AA 346.2 }
§6
Among the Jews physical toil was not thought strange or degrading. Through Moses the Hebrews had been instructed to train their children to industrious habits, and it was regarded as a sin to allow the youth to grow up in ignorance of physical labor. Even though a child was to be educated for holy office, a knowledge of practical life was thought essential. Every youth, whether his parents were rich or poor, was taught some trade. Those parents who neglected to provide such a training for their children were looked upon as departing from the instruction of the Lord. In accordance with this custom, Paul had early learned the trade of tentmaking. {AA 346.2 }[2]
§7
保罗在作基督门徒之前曾身居高位，不必倚靠手工自给。但后来他既已将所有的经济都用在推进基督的圣工上了，因此他往往必须靠他的手艺谋生。尤其是在人们可以误会他的动机的地方，更须如此。[3]{AA 347.1 }
§8
Before he became a disciple of Christ, Paul had occupied a high position and was not dependent upon manual labor for support. But afterward, when he had used all his means in furthering the cause of Christ, he resorted at times to his trade to gain a livelihood. Especially was this the case when he labored in places where his motives might have been misunderstood. {AA 347.1 }[3]
§9
我们最先读到保罗亲手作工自养传道，乃是他在帖撒罗尼迦的时候。后来他写信给该地教会的信徒，提醒他们他“虽然可以叫人尊重，”但他却说：“弟兄们！你们记念我们的辛苦劳碌，昼夜作工，传上帝的福音给你们，免得叫你们一人受累。”（帖前2:6,9）以后他又在给他们的第二封信中声称他和他的同工在他们中间的时候，“未尝白吃人的饭，”而是昼夜作工。他写道：“免得叫你们一人受累。这并不是因我们没有权柄，乃是要给你们作榜样，叫你们效法我们。”（帖后3:8-9）[4]{AA 347.2 }
§10
It is at Thessalonica that we first read of Pauls working with his hands in self-supporting labor while preaching the word. Writing to the church of believers there, he reminded them that he might have been burdensome to them, and added: Ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:6, 9. And again, in his second epistle to them, he declared that he and his fellow laborer while with them had not eaten any mans bread for nought. Night and day we worked, he wrote, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 9. {AA 347.2 }[4]
§11
保罗在帖撒罗尼迦曾遭遇到一些不肯亲手作工的人。他后来写信论到这一等人说：“在你们中间有人不按规矩而行，什么工都不作，反倒专管闲事。我们靠主耶稣基督，吩咐劝诫这样的人，要安静作工，吃自己的饭。”保罗在帖撒罗尼迦工作的时候，曾谨慎地给这等人立下正确的榜样。他写道：“我们在你们那里的时候，曾吩咐你们说：若有人不肯作工，就不可吃饭。”（帖后3:11-12,10）[5]{AA 347.3 }
§12
At Thessalonica Paul had met those who refused to work with their hands. It was of this class that he afterward wrote: There are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. While laboring in Thessalonica, Paul had been careful to set before such ones a right example. Even when we were with you, he wrote, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Verses 11, 12, 10. {AA 347.3 }[5]
§13
撒但在每一个世代都曾设法在教会中引起狂热的精神，借以削弱上帝仆人所作的努力。保罗的日子如此，后来在宗教改革的时期中也是如此。威克里夫、路德、以及许多其他的人曾以他们的感化力和信仰造福世人，却意外遭遇到仇敌所用以企图引诱过分热心，精神失常，与不圣洁之人趋于宗教狂的诡计。这些误入歧途的人教训人说：真圣洁的造诣使人超脱一切属世的思想，并使人完全禁戒劳作。另有人则谬解某几段经文而采取极端的看法，教人以为劳动乃是罪恶，基督徒不应挂念自己和家庭的今世幸福，却当将其一生完全奉献给属灵的事。使徒保罗的教训和榜样对于这一类的极端看法，正是一种谴责。[6]{AA 348.1 }
§14
In every age Satan has sought to impair the efforts of Gods servants by introducing into the church a spirit of fanaticism. Thus it was in Pauls day, and thus it was in later centuries during the time of the Reformation. Wycliffe, Luther, and many others who blessed the world by their influence and their faith, encountered the wiles by which the enemy seeks to lead into fanaticism overzealous, unbalanced, and unsanctified minds. Misguided souls have taught that the attainment of true holiness carries the mind above all earthly thoughts and leads men to refrain wholly from labor. Others, taking extreme views of certain texts of Scripture, have taught that it is a sin to work--that Christians should take no thought concerning the temporal welfare of themselves or their families, but should devote their lives wholly to spiritual things. The teaching and example of the apostle Paul are a rebuke to such extreme views. {AA 348.1 }[6]
§15
保罗在帖撒罗尼迦的时候并不是完全靠双手作工自给。他后来提到在该城的经验，写给腓立比的信徒答谢他们当时送给他的礼物，说：“就是我在帖撒罗尼迦，你们也一次两次的打发人供给我的需用。”（腓4:16）他虽然事实上得到这样的帮助，但他还是谨慎地在帖撒罗尼迦人面前立下勤劳的榜样，以致无人能有所借口说他贪心，同时也给予那些对于体力劳动持狂热看法的人一个具体的谴责。[7]{AA 348.2 }
§16
Paul was not wholly dependent upon the labor of his hands for support while at Thessalonica. Referring later to his experiences in that city, he wrote to the Philippian believers in acknowledgment of the gifts he had received from them while there, saying, Even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Philippians 4:16. Notwithstanding the fact that he received this help he was careful to set before the Thessalonians an example of diligence, so that none could rightfully accuse him of covetousness, and also that those who held fanatical views regarding manual labor might be given a practical rebuke. {AA 348.2 }[7]
§17
当保罗初次访问哥林多的时候，他发现自己是置身于一班怀疑外人动机之人中间。住在沿海口岸的希腊人都是精明的商人。他们已经习练成商界的斫轮老手，以致他们相信敬虔为得利的门路，并认为赚钱的事，无论采用光明正大或卑鄙龌龊的手段都是值得嘉许的。保罗熟悉他们的特性，他不愿给他们任何借口说他传福音乃是为要发财致富。他原有权要求从哥林多的听众获得供应；但他宁愿放弃这种权利，以免因受不当的怀疑他是为得利而传福音，而致影响到他作福音执事的功能与成效。他要设法去掉一切足以使人误解的借口，使他所传的信息不致失去力量。[8]{AA 349.1 }
§18
When Paul first visited Corinth, he found himself among a people who were suspicious of the motives of strangers. The Greeks on the seacoast were keen traders. So long had they trained themselves in sharp business practices, that they had come to believe that gain was godliness, and that to make money, whether by fair means or foul, was commendable. Paul was acquainted with their characteristics, and he would give them no occasion for saying that he preached the gospel in order to enrich himself. He might justly have claimed support from his Corinthian hearers; but this right he was willing to forgo, lest his usefulness and success as a minister should be injured by the unjust suspicion that he was preaching the gospel for gain. He would seek to remove all occasion for misrepresentation, that the force of his message might not be lost. {AA 349.1 }[8]
§19
保罗来到哥林多之后不久，“遇见一个犹太人名叫亚居拉，他生在本都，……新近带着妻百基拉，从意大利来。”这两人是与他“同业”的，因为革老丢的谕旨命令一切犹太人都离开罗马，所以亚居拉和百基拉就到哥林多来，他们开办了制造帐棚的事业。保罗打听他们，知道他们是敬畏上帝并尽力远避四周邪恶影响的，他“就投奔了他们，和他们同住作工。每逢安息日，保罗在会堂里辩论，劝化犹太人和希腊人。”（徒18:2-4）[9]{AA 349.2 }
§20
Soon after his arrival at Corinth, Paul found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla. These were of the same craft with himself. Banished by the decree of Claudius, which commanded all Jews to leave Rome, Aquila and Priscilla had come to Corinth, where they established a business as manufacturers of tents. Paul made inquiry concerning them, and learning that they feared God and were seeking to avoid the contaminating influences with which they were surrounded, he abode with them, and wrought. . . . And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Acts 18:2-4. {AA 349.2 }[9]
§21
后来，西拉和提摩太来到哥林多与保罗同工。这两位弟兄从马其顿教会带来了款项作为维持圣工之用。[10]{AA 350.1 }
§22
Later, Silas and Timothy joined Paul at Corinth. These brethren brought with them funds from the churches in Macedonia, for the support of the work. {AA 350.1 }[10]
§23
保罗在哥林多建立一个坚强的教会之后，他在写给该地信徒的第二封信中回顾自己在他们中间生活的方式。他问道：“我因为白白传上帝的福音给你们，就自居卑微，叫你们高升，这算是我犯罪吗？我亏负了别的教会，向他们取了工价来，给你们效力。我在你们那里缺乏的时候，并没有累着你们一个人；因我所缺乏的，那从马其顿来的弟兄们都补足了。我向来凡事谨守，后来也必谨守，总不至于累着你们。既有基督的诚实在我里面，就无人能在亚该亚一带地方阻挡我这自夸。”（林后11:7-10）[11]{AA 350.2 }
§24
In his second letter to the believers in Corinth, written after he had raised up a strong church there, Paul reviewed his manner of life among them. Have I committed an offense, he asked, in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 2 Corinthians 11:7-10. {AA 350.2 }[11]
§25
保罗说明他在哥林多之所以这样作的原因，乃是不给那些“寻机会的人”以指摘的借口。（见林后11:12）他既一面从事制造帐棚，一面也忠心地宣传福音。他论到自己的工作说：“我在你们中间，用百般的忍耐，借着神迹奇事异能，显出使徒的凭据来。”他又说：“除了我不累着你们这一件事，你们还有什么事不及别的教会呢？这不公之处，求你们饶恕我吧！如今我打算第三次到你们那里去，也必不累着你们；因我所求的是你们，不是你们的财物；……我也甘心乐意为你们的灵魂费财费力。”（林后12:12-15）[12]{AA 350.3 }
§26
Paul tells why he had followed this course in Corinth. It was that he might give no cause for reproach to them which desire occasion. 2 Corinthians 11:12. While he had worked at tentmaking he had also labored faithfully in the proclamation of the gospel. He himself declares of his labors, Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. And he adds, For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong. Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you. . . . And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. 2 Corinthians 12:12-15. {AA 350.3 }[12]
§27
保罗在以弗所一带地方进行积极传道的工作达三年之久；在那一段长时期中，他又从事他的职业。使徒在以弗所，也像在哥林多一样，因有亚居拉和百基拉与他同在而甚感愉快，他们在保罗第二次布道行程结束时曾与他一同回到亚西亚。[13]{AA 351.1 }
§28
During the long period of his ministry in Ephesus, where for three years he carried forward an aggressive evangelistic effort throughout that region, Paul again worked at his trade. In Ephesus, as in Corinth, the apostle was cheered by the presence of Aquila and Priscilla, who had accompanied him on his return to Asia at the close of his second missionary journey. {AA 351.1 }[13]
§29
当时有人反对保罗亲手从事劳作，认为那是与福音执事的工作不相称的。保罗既是一个最高级的福音执事，他为什么这样将手艺与传道结合在一起呢？难道工人不当得工价吗？他为什么要将那显然可用在更好事业上的光阴耗费在制造帐棚上呢？[14]{AA 351.2 }
§30
There were some who objected to Pauls toiling with his hands, declaring that it was inconsistent with the work of a gospel minister. Why should Paul, a minister of the highest rank, thus connect mechanical work with the preaching of the word? Was not the laborer worthy of his hire? Why should he spend in making tents time that to all appearance could be put to better account? {AA 351.2 }[14]
§31
但保罗并不认为制造帐棚乃是耗费光阴。当他与亚居拉一同作工的时候，他经常与那位大教师保持接触，并没有丧失为救主作见证和帮助凡需要帮助之人的机会。他的心智总在追求属灵的知识。他在属灵的事上教导他的同工，并留下勤劳和审慎的榜样。他是一个敏捷熟练的工人，殷勤作事，“心里火热，常常服侍主。”（罗12:11）当这位使徒从事他的职业时，他就能接触到一班无从用其它方法接近的人。他向他的同伴显明：普通手艺的技能乃是上帝的恩赐，他赐与人这种恩赐，又赐与人善用这一恩赐的智慧。他教人知道：即使在日常的操劳上，也当荣耀上帝。他那因劳作而生出胼胝的双手，并没有减损他作基督执事所发感人之呼吁的力量。[15]{AA 351.3 }
§32
But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked with Aquila he kept in touch with the Great Teacher, losing no opportunity of witnessing for the Saviour, and of helping those who needed help. His mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge. He gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skillful worker, diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11. As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached. He showed his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who provides both the gift and the wisdom to use it aright. He taught that even in everyday toil God is to be honored. His toil-hardened hands detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister. {AA 351.3 }[15]
§33
保罗有时不分昼夜地作工，不单为了供养自己，也为了帮助他的同工。他曾与路加分享他所赚来的钱，他也帮助过提摩太。有时为解救别人的亟需起见，他自己还要挨饿呢。他所度的生活乃是一种无私的生活。当他的传道工作即将结束，他在米利都向以弗所的长老临别赠言时，他竟能在他们面前举起那粗糙的双手，说：“我未曾贪图一个人的金、银、衣服。我这两只手，常供给我和同人的需用，这是你们自己知道的。我凡事给你们作榜样，叫你们知道应当这样劳苦，扶助软弱的人，又当记念主耶稣的话说：施比受更为有福。”（徒20:33-35）[16]{AA 352.1 }
§34
Paul sometimes worked night and day, not only for his own support, but that he might assist his fellow laborers. He shared his earnings with Luke, and he helped Timothy. He even suffered hunger at times, that he might relieve the necessities of others. His was an unselfish life. Toward the close of his ministry, on the occasion of his farewell talk to the elders of Ephesus, at Miletus, he could lift up before them his toilworn hands, and say, I have coveted no mans silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:33-35. {AA 352.1 }[16]
§35
如果传福音的人认为他们在基督的圣工上遭受着艰难和穷乏，他们可以在想象中去参观保罗的工场。他们要记得：当这位蒙上帝拣选的人裁剪帆布的时候，他正是在为他作使徒的工作分所应得的酬劳而工作呢。[17]{AA 352.2 }
§36
If ministers feel that they are suffering hardship and privation in the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the workshop where Paul labored. Let them bear in mind that while this chosen man of God is fashioning the canvas, he is working for bread which he has justly earned by his labors as an apostle. {AA 352.2 }[17]
§37
劳动乃是幸福，而不是咒诅。懒惰的精神实足以破坏敬虔，而使上帝的灵担忧。停滞的水池必然发臭，而纯洁流动的河川则必散布健康和喜乐于全地。保罗知道那些忽略体力劳动的人不久就要变为衰弱。他渴望教训青年的传道人知道：借着亲手作工，借着操练自己的肌肉筋骨，他们就必身强力壮，足以忍受那在传福音区域中迎待着他们的辛苦和穷乏。他也体会到：如果他自己没有适当地操练全身，则他的教训就必缺少生气与活力。[18]{AA 352.3 }
§38
Work is a blessing, not a curse. A spirit of indolence destroys godliness and grieves the Spirit of God. A stagnant pool is offensive, but a pure, flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land. Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled. He desired to teach young ministers that by working with their hands, by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils and privations that awaited them in the gospel field. And he realized that his own teachings would lack vitality and force if he did not keep all parts of the system properly exercised. {AA 352.3 }[18]
§39
懒惰的人丧失了那借忠心履行普通生活职责而得的非常贵重的经验。非仅少数，而是千万人生存在世，徒然消耗上帝凭他慈怜所赐予他们的福惠。他们忘记为主所已交托他们的财富而奉献感恩捐给他。他们忘记自己当借善用主所赋予他们的才能，不单作消费的人，也要作生产的人。如果他们明白主要他们作他助手所当作的工，他们就不至于逃避责任了。[19]{AA 353.1 }
§40
The indolent forfeit the invaluable experience gained by a faithful performance of the common duties of life. Not a few, but thousands of human beings exist only to consume the benefits which God in His mercy bestows upon them. They forget to bring to the Lord gratitude offerings for the riches He has entrusted to them. They forget that by trading wisely on the talents lent them they are to be producers as well as consumers. If they comprehended the work that the Lord desires them to do as His helping hand they would not shun responsibility. {AA 353.1 }[19]
§41
那些感觉自己是蒙上帝呼召去传道的青年人，他们的效用乃在于他们如何从事工作的方式。凡蒙上帝选召担任传道工作的人必为自己崇高的恩召提出证明，并要竭尽一切可能的方法，以求发展成为能干的工人。他们必尽力获得经验，以使自己适于计划、组织、与执行。他们既体会到自己职责的神圣，就必借着自律使自己愈来愈像他们的主，表现他的良善、慈爱和诚实。当他们在运用上帝所交托他们的才干上表现热忱时，教会就当酌量地协助他们。[20]{AA 353.2 }
§42
The usefulness of young men who feel that they are called by God to preach, depends much upon the manner in which they enter upon their labors. Those who are chosen of God for the work of the ministry will give proof of their high calling and by every possible means will seek to develop into able workmen. They will endeavor to gain an experience that will fit them to plan, organize, and execute. Appreciating the sacredness of their calling, they will, by self-discipline, become more and still more like their Master, revealing His goodness, love, and truth. And as they manifest earnestness in improving the talents entrusted to them, the church should help them judiciously. {AA 353.2 }[20]
§43
那些感觉自己业已蒙召从事传道的人，不应都受到鼓励将供给他们自己和家庭的经济责任忽然之间全交给教会。这样作有一种危险，就是一些经验有限的人会因过分称赞而致骄纵，又因不智的勉励而在自己尚未尽到任何重大努力之前，就期望获得全部的供养。那奉献作为扩展上帝圣工的经费，不应用在一些单为获得供养而传道的人身上，去如此满足他们贪图安逸的私欲。[21]{AA 354.1 }
§44
Not all who feel that they have been called to preach, should be encouraged to throw themselves and their families at once upon the church for continuous financial support. There is danger that some of limited experience may be spoiled by flattery, and by unwise encouragement to expect full support independent of any serious effort on their part. The means dedicated to the extension of the work of God should not be consumed by men who desire to preach only that they may receive support and thus gratify a selfish ambition for an easy life. {AA 354.1 }[21]
§45
凡愿意在传道工作上运用自己才干的青年人，必能从保罗在帖撒罗尼迦、哥林多、以弗所、以及其它各处所留下的榜样获得有益的教训。保罗虽然是一个大有口才的演讲家，并得蒙上帝拣选作特别的工作，但他却从不以从事劳作为耻，也从未厌烦为他所热爱的圣工而牺牲。他写信给哥林多人说：“直到如今，我们还是又饥、又渴、又赤身露体、又挨打、又没有一定的住处，并且劳苦，亲手作工。被人咒骂，我们就祝福；被人逼迫，我们就忍受。”（林前4:11-12）[22]{AA 354.2 }
§46
Young men who desire to exercise their gifts in the work of the ministry, will find a helpful lesson in the example of Paul at Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places. Although an eloquent speaker, and chosen by God to do a special work, he was never above labor, nor did he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved. Even unto this present hour, he wrote to the Corinthians, we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it. 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12. {AA 354.2 }[22]
§47
人世间最伟大教师之一的保罗正如履行最崇高的本分一样，愉快地履行了最低的本分。当他为主服务时，如果环境需要，他就甘心乐意地从事他的手艺。虽然如此，但他却随时准备放下他属世的工作，以便应付福音仇敌的反对，或是利用特别的机会去引领人归向耶稣。他的热诚和勤劳对于懒惰和贪图安逸乃是一种谴责。[23]{AA 354.3 }
§48
One of the greatest of human teachers, Paul cheerfully performed the lowliest as well as the highest duties. When in his service for the Master circumstances seemed to require it, he willingly labored at his trade. Nevertheless, he ever held himself ready to lay aside his secular work, in order to meet the opposition of the enemies of the gospel, or to improve a special opportunity to win souls to Jesus. His zeal and industry are a rebuke to indolence and desire for ease. {AA 354.3 }[23]
§49
保罗立下一个榜样，反驳了当时在教会中逐渐得势的意见，就是认为唯有那些完全摆脱体力劳动的人才有效地传扬福音。他以实际的方式证明献身的信徒，可以在许多不认识福音真理之处有何等的成就。他的行为鼓舞了许多谦卑的劳动者。使他们乐愿尽其所能的推进上帝的圣工，而同时依然以日常的劳作自养自给。亚居拉和百基拉并未蒙召奉献全部光阴从事传福音的工作；但上帝却用这两个谦卑的工人将真理的道更完全地指示亚波罗。主使用各样不同的器皿来成全他的旨意；固然有一些具有特别才能的人蒙拣选、奉献全部精力以从事宣传并教导福音的工作，但也有许多没有受过世人按手礼而分别为圣的人蒙召，在救灵的事工上担任重要的职务。[24]{AA 355.1 }
§50
Paul set an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in a practical way what might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the gospel. His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the same time they supported themselves in daily labor. Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the ministry of the gospel, yet these humble laborers were used by God to show Apollos the way of truth more perfectly. The Lord employs various instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose, and while some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in soulsaving. {AA 355.1 }[24]
§51
有一片广大的工作园地在自养的传道人面前展开着。许多人可以一面传福音，一面以部分时间从事某种手艺，因而获得宝贵的经验；而且借着这种方法，可以培养一些强有力的工人在有需要的地区担任重要工作。[25]{AA 355.2 }
§52
There is a large field open before the self-supporting gospel worker. Many may gain valuable experiences in ministry while toiling a portion of the time at some form of manual labor, and by this method strong workers may be developed for important service in needy fields. {AA 355.2 }[25]
§53
一个“劳苦传道教导人”而牺牲自我的上帝仆人，他的心上常带着沉重的负担。他不以钟点来计量自己的工作。他的薪资不致影响他的努力，他也不致因情势不利而偏离自己的职责。他的使命既是从上天领受的，所以当那交托他的任务完成时，他也指望从上天获得他的报赏。[26]{AA 355.3 }
§54
The self-sacrificing servant of God who labors untiringly in word and doctrine, carries on his heart a heavy burden. He does not measure his work by hours. His wages do not influence him in his labor, nor is he turned from his duty because of unfavorable conditions. From heaven he received his commission, and to heaven he looks for his recompense when the work entrusted to him is done. {AA 355.3 }[26]
§55
上帝的旨意是要这样的工人摆脱不必要的挂虑，以便他们能有充分的机会去顺从保罗所给提摩太的训言：“这些事你要殷勤去作，并要在此专心。”（提前4:15）他们固然应当注意到充分的操练以保持身心的健壮，可是上帝的计划却并不要他们迫不得已而用大部分时间来从事属世的业务。[27]{AA 356.1 }
§56
It is Gods design that such workers shall be freed from unnecessary anxiety, that they may have full opportunity to obey the injunction of Paul to Timothy, Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them. 1 Timothy 4:15. While they should be careful to exercise sufficiently to keep mind and body vigorous, yet it is not Gods plan that they should be compelled to spend a large part of their time at secular employment. {AA 356.1 }[27]
§57
这些忠心的工人虽然甘心乐意为福音费财费力，却仍不免遭受试探。当他们因教会未曾给予他们相当的经济供应而致为焦虑所困累烦扰时，有人就要被那试探人的所猛烈袭击了。当他们看到自己的辛劳如此被人轻视时，他们就意志消沉了。固然他们是指望在审判大日得到公义的报赏，这事也使他们大得鼓舞；但在此时此地他们的家属也必须有衣有食。如果他们能感觉到自己已解除所负神圣的使命，他们就必欣然亲手操作了。虽然那些应当为他们准备充足经济的人眼光短小，但是他们却认明自己的光阴乃是属于上帝的。他们不为那经营业务以求自己早日免于穷乏的试探所动；而依然继续努力，以推进那较比自己性命更为宝贵的圣工。可是他们为了要这样作，就不得不效法保罗的榜样，有时一面从事手艺劳作，一面继续进行传道的工作。他们这样行并不是为求一己的利益，而是为求上帝在地上圣工的利益。[28]{AA 356.2 }
§58
These faithful workers, though willing to spend and be spent for the gospel, are not exempt from temptation. When hampered and burdened with anxiety because of a failure on the part of the church to give them proper financial support, some are fiercely beset by the tempter. When they see their labors so lightly prized, they become depressed. True, they look forward to the time of the judgment for their just award, and this buoys them up; but meanwhile their families must have food and clothing. If they could feel that they were released from their divine commission they would willingly labor with their hands. But they realize that their time belongs to God, notwithstanding the shortsightedness of those who should provide them with sufficient funds. They rise above the temptation to enter into pursuits by which they could soon place themselves beyond the reach of want, and they continue to labor for the advancement of the cause that is dearer to them than life itself. In order to do this, they may, however, be forced to follow the example of Paul and engage for a time in manual labor while continuing to carry forward their ministerial work. This they do to advance not their own interests, but the interests of Gods cause in the earth. {AA 356.2 }[28]
§59
有时候上帝的仆人似乎不可能从事他们所必需完成的任务，因为缺少经济来进行一种坚强牢固的工作。有的人唯恐仅凭他们所能使用的一点物资，实不足以应付他们分所当作的一切工作。但如果他们凭着信心前进，上帝的救恩就必显明，而他们的努力也必奏效。那吩咐门徒到世界各处去的主必支持每一顺从他命令以谋求传扬他信息的工人。[29]{AA 357.1 }
§60
There are times when it seems to the servant of God impossible to do the work necessary to be done, because of the lack of means to carry on a strong, solid work. Some are fearful that with the facilities at their command they cannot do all that they feel it their duty to do. But if they advance in faith, the salvation of God will be revealed, and prosperity will attend their efforts. He who has bidden His followers go into all parts of the world will sustain every laborer who in obedience to His command seeks to proclaim His message. {AA 357.1 }[29]
§61
主在建立他的工作时，并不一定要将一切事项都指示他的仆人。他有时试验他子民的信任心，使他们临到一种不得不凭信心前进的环境。他往往领他们到困窘和难堪的境地，当他们的脚似乎接触到约旦河水的时候，仍吩咐他们前进。正在这样的时机，当上帝仆人们的祷告以热切的信心升达他面前时，他就要为他们敞开前进的门路，领他们进入宽阔之地。[30]{AA 357.2 }
§62
In the upbuilding of His work the Lord does not always make everything plain before His servants. He sometimes tries the confidence of His people by bringing about circumstances which compel them to move forward in faith. Often He brings them into strait and trying places, and bids them advance when their feet seem to be touching the waters of Jordan. It is at such times, when the prayers of His servants ascend to Him in earnest faith, that God opens the way before them and brings them out into a large place. {AA 357.2 }[30]
§63
当上帝的福音使者认明他们对于主葡萄园内有需要之处所负的责任，并以那位大工师的精神不息不倦地为人们的悔改而工作时，上帝的天使就必在他们面前预备道路，那为推进圣工所必需的经济也必准备妥当。那些得蒙光照的人必要慷慨地捐输，维持那为他们的缘故所进行的工作。他们必要充分地响应每一个求助的号召，上帝的灵也必感动他们的心，使他们不但支持在本地、也要支持在远方的主的圣工。这样，别处的工作人员就必坚强起来，主的工作也必照着他所指定的方法前进。[31]{AA 357.3 }
§64
When Gods messengers recognize their responsibilities toward the needy portions of the Lords vineyard, and in the spirit of the Master Worker labor untiringly for the conversion of souls, the angels of God will prepare the way before them, and the means necessary for the carrying forward of the work will be provided. Those who are enlightened will give freely to support the work done in their behalf. They will respond liberally to every call for help, and the Spirit of God will move upon their hearts to sustain the Lords cause not only in the home fields, but in the regions beyond. Thus strength will come to the working forces in other places, and the work of the Lord will advance in His own appointed way. {AA 357.3 }[31]