第41章 “几乎叫我作基督徒了”
§1
第41章 “几乎叫我作基督徒了”
§2
Chap. 41 - Almost Thou Persuadest
§3
（本章根据：徒25:13-27；26：）
§4
保罗既要上告于该撒，非斯都只得将他解往罗马。但他必须等待一段时间，才能找到合适的船只；并且还有其它的囚犯要与保罗一同解往罗马，而处理他们的案件也有了耽延。这就给予保罗一次机会向该撒利亚的尊贵人，并向最后的一个希律，亚基帕王第二，说明他信仰的缘由。[1]{AA 433.1 }
§5
Me Paul had appealed to Caesar, and Festus could not do otherwise than send him to Rome. But some time passed before a suitable ship could be found; and as other prisoners were to be sent with Paul, the consideration of their cases also occasioned delay. This gave Paul opportunity to present the reasons of his faith before the principal men of Caesarea, and also before King Agrippa II, the last of the Herods. {AA 433.1 }[1]
§6
“过了些日子，亚基帕王、和百尼基氏、来到该撒利亚，问非斯都安。在那里住了多日。非斯都将保罗的事告诉王，说：这里有一个人，是腓力斯留在监里的。我在耶路撒冷的时候，祭司长和犹太的长老、将他的事禀报了我，求我定他的罪。”他概述那导致这个囚犯上告于该撒的种种原因，并述说保罗最近在他面前受审的经过，又说犹太人所控告保罗的并没有他所逆料的那等恶事，“不过是有几样……他们自己敬鬼神的事，又为一个人名叫耶稣，是已经死了，保罗却说他是活着的。”[2]{AA 433.2 }
§7
After certain days King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Pauls cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. He outlined the circumstances that led to the prisoners appeal to Caesar, telling of Pauls recent trial before him, and saying that the Jews had brought against Paul no accusation such as he had supposed they would bring, but certain questions . . . of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. {AA 433.2 }[2]
§8
当非斯都述说他的经历时，亚基帕王甚感兴趣，说：“我自己也愿听这人辩论。”为了符合他的愿望，就在次日安排了一次聚会。“第二天，亚基帕和百尼基大张威势而来，同着众千夫长和城里的尊贵人，进了公厅；非斯都吩咐一声，就有人将保罗带进来。”[3]{AA 434.1 }
§9
As Festus told his story, Agrippa became interested and said, I would also hear the man myself. In harmony with his wish, a meeting was arranged for the following day. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus commandment Paul was brought forth. {AA 434.1 }[3]
§10
非斯都为尊敬他的宾客起见，设法使这一次的场面极显赫炫耀。巡抚和他的贵客所穿华丽的衣服，兵士的刀剑，千夫长的甲胄，使当时的景象大为煊赫。[4]{AA 434.2 }
§11
In honor of his visitors, Festus had sought to make this an occasion of imposing display. The rich robes of the procurator and his guests, the swords of the soldiers, and the gleaming armor of their commanders, lent brilliancy to the scene. {AA 434.2 }[4]
§12
这时保罗仍然带着锁链，站在聚集的众人面前，这是何等的一种对照啊！亚基帕和百尼基拥有权势和地位，因此世人都恭维他们。可是他们缺少上帝所看重的品质。他们是违犯他律法的，心灵生活都腐化了。他们的行为是上天所憎恶的。[5]{AA 434.3 }
§13
And now Paul, still manacled, stood before the assembled company. What a contrast was here presented! Agrippa and Bernice possessed power and position, and because of this they were favored by the world. But they were destitute of the traits of character that God esteems. They were transgressors of His law, corrupt in heart and life. Their course of action was abhorred by heaven. {AA 434.3 }[5]
§14
这个用铁链锁在卫兵手上的老年囚犯，他在外表上并没有什么足以使人尊敬之处。然而这个显然没有朋友、财富，或地位，并为信仰上帝的儿子而被囚的人，却是全天庭所关怀的。这时有天使作他的侍从。这些发光的使者只要有一位闪出他的荣耀，则君王的威风和骄傲就必黯然失色；王和朝臣必被击倒在地，正如罗马守兵在基督坟前的情形一般。[6]{AA 434.4 }
§15
The aged prisoner, chained to his soldier guard, had in his appearance nothing that would lead the world to pay him homage. Yet in this man, apparently without friends or wealth or position, and held a prisoner for his faith in the Son of God, all heaven was interested. Angels were his attendants. Had the glory of one of those shining messengers flashed forth, the pomp and pride of royalty would have paled; king and courtiers would have been stricken to the earth, as were the Roman guards at the sepulcher of Christ. {AA 434.4 }[6]
§16
非斯都亲自向聚集的人介绍保罗，说：“亚基帕王和在这里的诸位啊！你们看这人，就是一切犹太人在耶路撒冷和这里曾向我恳求、呼叫说：不可容他再活着。但我查明他没有犯什么该死的罪；并且他自己上告于皇帝，所以我定意把他解去。论到这人，我没有确实的事，可以奏明主上。因此我带他到你们面前，也特意带他到你亚基帕王面前，为要在查问之后，有所陈奏。据我看来，解送囚犯，不指明他的罪案，是不合理的。”[7]{AA 435.1 }
§17
Festus himself presented Paul to the assembly with the words: King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O King Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. {AA 435.1 }[7]
§18
于是亚基帕王准许保罗自由申辩。使徒并没有因当时这显赫的炫耀或听众的高贵地位而惊惶失措；因为他知道属世的财富和地位是多么没有价值。地上的炫耀和权势不能片刻挫折他的勇气，或使他失去自制之力。[8]{AA 435.2 }
§19
King Agrippa now gave Paul liberty to speak for himself. The apostle was not disconcerted by the brilliant display or the high rank of his audience; for he knew of how little worth are worldly wealth and position. Earthly pomp and power could not for a moment daunt his courage or rob him of his self-control. {AA 435.2 }[8]
§20
他分诉说：“亚基帕王啊！犹太人所告我的一切事，今日得在你面前分诉，实为万幸！更可幸的，是你熟悉犹太人的规矩，和他们的辩论；所以求你耐心听我。”[9]{AA 435.3 }
§21
I think myself happy, King Agrippa, he declared, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. {AA 435.3 }[9]
§22
保罗述说自己从顽梗不信拿撒勒人耶稣为世界救赎主的景况中悔改归主的经历，他形容天上来的异象起初是怎样使他充满莫可言喻的恐惧，但后来却成为他最大安慰的根源；这异象乃是上帝荣耀的启示，在异象中坐在宝座上的，就是他所藐视所仇恨的主，而他当时所寻找杀害的却正是这位主的门徒。但从那时以后，保罗已经成了一个新人，成了耶稣的一个忠实热心的信徒，他成为这样的人完全是出于那改变人心的恩典。[10]{AA 436.1 }
§23
Paul related the story of his conversion from stubborn unbelief to faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the worlds Redeemer. He described the heavenly vision that at first had filled him with unspeakable terror, but afterward proved to be a source of the greatest consolation--a revelation of divine glory, in the midst of which sat enthroned He whom he had despised and hated, whose followers he was even then seeking to destroy. From that hour Paul had been a new man, a sincere and fervent believer in Jesus, made such by transforming mercy. {AA 436.1 }[10]
§24
保罗用清楚而有力的话在亚基帕王面前述说有关基督地上生活的大事。他证明预言中的弥赛亚已经现身为拿撒勒人耶稣。他说明旧约《圣经》曾如何声称弥赛亚要降世为人在人间显现；而耶稣的生活又如何已经应验了摩西和众先知所描述的每一特征。上帝的圣子为要救赎丧亡的世界起见，已经忍受了十字架的苦难，轻看羞辱，并已升上高天，得胜死亡和坟墓。[11]{AA 436.2 }
§25
With clearness and power Paul outlined before Agrippa the leading events connected with the life of Christ on earth. He testified that the Messiah of prophecy had already appeared in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. He showed how the Old Testament Scriptures had declared that the Messiah was to appear as a man among men, and how in the life of Jesus had been fulfilled every specification outlined by Moses and the prophets. For the purpose of redeeming a lost world, the divine Son of God had endured the cross, despising the shame, and had ascended to heaven triumphant over death and the grave. {AA 436.2 }[11]
§26
保罗推论说：基督必须从死里复活，为什么看作是不可信的呢？他自己曾经一度看这事为不可信；但后来既然亲自看见听见，他又怎能不信呢？他已经在大马士革城门口亲眼看到被钉而复活的基督，就是那曾经在耶路撒冷街道上行走过，死在髑髅地，打破死亡的捆绑，并升到高天的主。他曾像矶法、雅各、约翰，或任何其它门徒一样，亲眼见过他，并与他谈过话。那“声音”既然吩咐他传扬一位复活救主的福音，他又怎能违背呢？因此他在大马士革，在耶路撒冷，犹太全地，并在远方，都曾为被钉的耶稣作见证。劝勉各等人“应当悔改归向上帝，行事与悔改的心相称。”[12]{AA 436.3 }
§27
Why, Paul reasoned, should it seem incredible that Christ should rise from the dead? Once it had thus seemed to him, but how could he disbelieve that which he himself had seen and heard? At the gate of Damascus he had verily looked upon the crucified and risen Christ, the same who had walked the streets of Jerusalem, died on Calvary, broken the bands of death, and ascended to heaven. As verily as had Cephas, James, John, or any others of the disciples, he had seen and talked with Him. The Voice had bidden him proclaim the gospel of a risen Saviour, and how could he disobey? In Damascus, in Jerusalem, throughout all Judea, and in the regions afar off, he had borne witness of Jesus the Crucified, showing all classes that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. {AA 436.3 }[12]
§28
使徒诉说：“因此，犹太人在殿里拿住我，想要杀我。然而我蒙上帝的帮助，直到今日还站得住，对着尊贵卑贱老幼作见证；所讲的，并不外乎众先知和摩西所说，将来必成的事：就是基督必须受害，并且因从死里复活，要首先把光明的道，传给百姓和外邦人。”[13]{AA 437.1 }
§29
For these causes, the apostle declared, the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. {AA 437.1 }[13]
§30
全体聚集的人都凝神倾听保罗述说他奇妙的经验。使徒所讲论的正是他最得意的题目。没有一个听他讲论的人能怀疑他的诚意。但正当他那劝服人的口才达到最高潮的时候，非斯都竟打断他的话，大声说：“保罗！你癫狂了吧；你的学问太大，反叫你癫狂了。”[14]{AA 437.2 }
§31
The whole company had listened spellbound to Pauls account of his wonderful experiences. The apostle was dwelling upon his favorite theme. None who heard him could doubt his sincerity. But in the full tide of his persuasive eloquence he was interrupted by Festus, who cried out, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. {AA 437.2 }[14]
§32
保罗回答说：“非斯都大人！我不是癫狂，我说的乃是真实明白话。王也晓得这些事，所以我向王放胆直言，我深信这些事，没有一件向王隐藏的；因都不是在背地里做的。”于是他转向亚基帕王，直接对他说：“亚基帕王啊！你信先知么？我知道你是信的。”[15]{AA 437.3 }
§33
The apostle replied, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these thing are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. Then, turning to Agrippa, he addressed him directly, King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. {AA 437.3 }[15]
§34
亚基帕深受感动；他一时竟忘记了周围的景象和自己地位的尊严。他感觉到的只是所听见的真理，看到的只是那站在他面前身为上帝使者的卑微囚犯。他不由自主地回答说：“你这样劝我，几乎叫我作基督徒了。”[16]{AA 438.1 }
§35
Deeply affected, Agrippa for the moment lost sight of his surroundings and the dignity of his position. Conscious only of the truths which he had heard, seeing only the humble prisoner standing before him as Gods ambassador, he answered involuntarily, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. {AA 438.1 }[16]
§36
保罗热切地回答说：“无论是少劝，是多劝，我向上帝所求的，不但你一个人，就是今天一切听我的，都要像我一样。”他又举起他那带着锁链的双手，加上一句说：“只是不要像我有这些锁链。”[17]{AA 438.2 }
§37
Earnestly the apostle made answer, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, adding, as he raised his fettered hands, except these bonds. {AA 438.2 }[17]
§38
按理，非斯都、亚基帕和百尼基应当带上那捆绑保罗的锁链。他们都犯过严重的罪。这些犯罪的人那一天都已听到那借着基督的名所提供给他们的救恩。其中至少有一个人几乎被劝接受所提供的恩典和赦免。可惜亚基帕放弃了那施与他的恩慈，拒绝接受被钉之救赎主的十字架。[18]{AA 438.3 }
§39
Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice might in justice have worn the fetters that bound the apostle. All were guilty of grievous crimes. These offenders had that day heard the offer of salvation through the name of Christ. One, at least, had been almost persuaded to accept the grace and pardon offered. But Agrippa put aside the proffered mercy, refusing to accept the cross of a crucified Redeemer. {AA 438.3 }[18]
§40
王的好奇心既得了满足，就从位上起来，表示这一次接见就此结束。聚集的人散开之后，他们彼此谈论说：“这人并没有犯什么该死该绑的罪。”[19]{AA 438.4 }
§41
The kings curiosity was satisfied, and, rising from his seat, he signified that the interview was at an end. As the assembly dispersed, they talked among themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. {AA 438.4 }[19]
§42
亚基帕虽然是一个犹太人，他却没有法利赛人那种顽固的热心和盲目的偏见。他对非斯都说：“这人若没有上告于该撒，就可以释放了。”但这案件既已转呈到更高一级的法庭，这时已经不是非斯都或亚基帕的权力所能及的了。[20]{AA 438.5 }
§43
Though Agrippa was a Jew, he did not share the bigoted zeal and blind prejudice of the Pharisees. This man, he said to Festus, might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. But the case had been referred to that higher tribunal, and it was now beyond the jurisdiction of either Festus or Agrippa. {AA 438.5 }[20]