第44章 该撒家里的人
§1
第44章 该撒家里的人
§2
Chap. 44 - Caesars Household
§3
福音工作，素来是在较卑微的人中获有最大的成功。原来那“蒙召的，按着肉体有智慧的不多，有能力的不多，有尊贵的也不多。”（林前1:26）一个可怜而孤立无友的囚犯保罗，实在无法期望，他能获得富有与尊贵阶层的罗马公民的注意。对于这一等人，邪恶风俗提供了五光十色的诱惑，迫使他们甘心作俘虏。然而就在这些被压迫的辛劳疲惫与缺衣乏食的受害人中，甚至于从那些可怜的奴隶之中，却有许多人乐于听从保罗的话，并因相信基督而获致希望和平安，使他们在艰苦的命运之下也欢欣鼓舞起来。[1]{AA 461.1 }
§4
The gospel has ever achieved its greatest success among the humbler classes. Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 1 Corinthians 1:26. It could not be expected that Paul, a poor and friendless prisoner, would be able to gain the attention of the wealthy and titled classes of Roman citizens. To them vice presented all its glittering allurements and held them willing captives. But from among the toilworn, want-stricken victims of their oppression, even from among the poor slaves, many gladly listened to the words of Paul and in the faith of Christ found a hope and peace that cheered them under the hardships of their lot. {AA 461.1 }[1]
§5
使徒的工作虽然是在卑微低贱的人中间开始，但其影响却逐渐扩大，直至达到皇帝的宫廷中。[2]{AA 461.2 }
§6
Yet while the apostles work began with the humble and the lowly, its influence extended until it reached the very palace of the emperor. {AA 461.2 }[2]
§7
这时罗马乃是欧西世界的都市。傲慢的该撒，几乎为地上的每一个国家制法定律。君王和朝臣，若不是根本不认识那位卑微的拿撒勒人，就是以仇恨和嘲弄对待他。但是不到两年，福音竟从这个囚犯的陋室，一直传到帝国的宫廷里。保罗虽然像作恶的人一样被捆绑，“然而上帝的道，却不被捆绑。”（提后2:9）[3]{AA 461.3 }
§8
Rome was at this time the metropolis of the world. The haughty Caesars were giving laws to nearly every nation upon the earth. King and courtier were either ignorant of the humble Nazarene or regarded Him with hatred and derision. And yet in less than two years the gospel found its way from the prisoners lowly home into the imperial halls. Paul is in bonds as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound. 2 Timothy 2:9. {AA 461.3 }[3]
§9
保罗往年曾以得人的能力，公开传扬基督的信仰；并且借着神迹奇事，为其神圣性质作了不容误解的见证。他曾本着刚毅的精神屹然站立在希腊的哲士面前，以他的知识和口才驳倒骄傲哲学的论证。他也曾以不屈不挠的勇气，站在君王和巡抚面前，讲论公义、节制和将来的审判，直到这些傲慢的统治者恐惧战兢，似乎是已经看到上帝大日的忿怒一样。[4]{AA 462.1 }
§10
In former years the apostle had publicly proclaimed the faith of Christ with winning power, and by signs and miracles he had given unmistakable evidence of its divine character. With noble firmness he had risen up before the sages of Greece and by his knowledge and eloquence had put to silence the arguments of proud philosophy. With undaunted courage he had stood before kings and governors, and reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, until the haughty rulers trembled as if already beholding the terrors of the day of God. {AA 462.1 }[4]
§11
如今再没有这样的机会给予使徒了，他被禁闭在自己的寓所，只能向那些来找他的人宣讲真理。他并未像摩西和亚伦一样，有神的命令要他到荒淫的王面前去，奉“自有永有的”大君的名，谴责他暴虐和压迫的行为。然而就在这福音的主要代言人显然无法公开传道时。福音却获得了一次重大的胜利，从帝王的家里竟有人加入了教会。[5]{AA 462.2 }
§12
No such opportunities were now granted the apostle, confined as he was to his own dwelling, and able to proclaim the truth to those only who sought him there. He had not, like Moses and Aaron, a divine command to go before the profligate king and in the name of the great I AM rebuke his cruelty and oppression. Yet it was at this very time, when its chief advocate was apparently cut off from public labor, that a great victory was won for the gospel; for from the very household of the king, members were added to the church. {AA 462.2 }[5]
§13
再没有什么地方较比罗马宫廷中存着有与基督教更不相宜的气氛了。尼罗似乎已从他的心灵中消灭了最后一点像上帝的性情，甚至于连人性也没有了，他简直是受了撒但的印记。他的侍从和朝臣的品格大都与他一样凶恶、堕落、与腐化。基督教若要在尼罗的宫廷中取得一点立足之地，显然是绝对不可能的。[6]{AA 462.3 }
§14
Nowhere could there exist an atmosphere more uncongenial to Christianity than in the Roman court. Nero seemed to have obliterated from his soul the last trace of the divine, and even of the human, and to bear the impress of Satan. His attendants and courtiers were in general of the same character as himself--fierce, debased, and corrupt. To all appearance it would be impossible for Christianity to gain a foothold in the court and palace of Nero. {AA 462.3 }[6]
§15
不过在这件事上，正像在其它许多事上一样，证明保罗所断言他争战的兵器“乃是在上帝面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒，”这话确是真理（林后10:4）。甚至在尼罗的家里，十字架也赢得了战利品。从一个更邪恶之君王的邪恶侍从中，竟有人悔改成为上帝的儿女。这些人不是暗地，而是公开作基督徒的。他们并不以自己的信仰为耻。[7]{AA 463.1 }
§16
Yet in this case, as in so many others, was proved the truth of Pauls assertion that the weapons of his warfare were mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:4. Even in Neros household, trophies of the cross were won. From the vile attendants of a viler king were gained converts who became sons of God. These were not Christians secretly, but openly. They were not ashamed of their faith. {AA 463.1 }[7]
§17
基督教究竟凭借什么方法，得以进入那似乎不可能进入的地方，而获致一个坚固的立足点呢？保罗在致腓立比人的书信中，将他从尼罗的家里得人悔改传道的成绩，归因于他自己的被囚。他唯恐他们认为他的苦难妨碍了福音的进展，因此确切地告诉他们：“弟兄们，我愿意你们知道，我所遭遇的事，更是叫福音兴旺。”（腓1:12）[8]{AA 463.2 }
§18
And by what means was an entrance achieved and a firm footing gained for Christianity where even its admission seemed impossible? In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul ascribed to his own imprisonment his success in winning converts to the faith from Neros household. Fearful lest it might be thought that his afflictions had impeded the progress of the gospel, he assured them: I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12. {AA 463.2 }[8]
§19
当基督众教会起初听说保罗要去访问罗马时，他们曾期待福音在该城能有显著的胜利。保罗曾将真理传到许多地方；他曾在许多大城市中宣讲真理。这个信心的勇士岂不能在这个世界的都市，也成功地引领多人归向基督么？但是他们一听到保罗以囚犯的身份到罗马去的消息，他们的希望就粉碎了。他们曾满心希望见到福音在这个伟大的中心一建设起来，就可迅速地扩展到各国，成为地上优越的势力。这时他们的失望该是何等惨重啊！人的期望虽然断绝，但上帝的旨意却必成全。[9]{AA 463.3 }
§20
When the Christian churches first learned that Paul was to visit Rome, they looked forward to a signal triumph of the gospel in that city. Paul had borne the truth to many lands; he had proclaimed it in great cities. Might not this champion of the faith succeed in winning souls to Christ even in the metropolis of the world? But their hopes were crushed by the tidings that Paul had gone to Rome as a prisoner. They had confidently hoped to see the gospel, once established at this great center, extend rapidly to all nations and become a prevailing power in the earth. How great their disappointment! Human expectations had failed, but not the purpose of God. {AA 463.3 }[9]
§21
宫廷之所以注意基督教，并不是由于保罗的讲道，而是由于他的捆锁。正因他的被囚，他这次竟打破了许多人在罪恶奴役中的枷锁。结果并不止此。他说：“并且那在主里的弟兄，多半因我受的捆锁，就笃信不疑，越发放胆传上帝的道，无所惧怕。”（腓1:14）[10]{AA 464.1 }
§22
Not by Pauls sermons, but by his bonds, was the attention of the court attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:14. {AA 464.1 }[10]
§23
保罗在长期受不公道的监禁之中，所表现的忍耐和愉快精神，他的勇敢和信心，乃是一种经常不断的说教。他那与世人迥然不同的精神，证明有一种比较地上能力更高的能力经常与他同在。由于他的榜样，鼓舞了其它基督徒以更大的能力，维护保罗所退出的公共布道事业。保罗的捆锁就这样发挥了影响，以致正当他的能力和效用似乎被割断，而他显然不能有所作为时，他却能在那似乎全与他隔离的地区，为基督收集禾捆。[11]{AA 464.2 }
§24
Pauls patience and cheerfulness during his long and unjust imprisonment, his courage and faith, were a continual sermon. His spirit, so unlike the spirit of the world, bore witness that a power higher than that of earth was abiding with him. And by his example, Christians were impelled to greater energy as advocates of the cause from the public labors of which Paul had been withdrawn. In these ways were the apostles bonds influential, so that when his power and usefulness seemed cut off, and to all appearance he could do the least, then it was that he gathered sheaves for Christ in fields from which he seemed wholly excluded. {AA 464.2 }[11]
§25
在那两年的监禁届满之前，保罗能这样说：“我受的捆锁，在御营全军和其余的人中，已经显明是为基督的缘故；”而且在那些附笔问候腓立比信徒的人中，他特别提到“在该撒家里的人”（腓1:13；4:22）。[12]{AA 464.3 }
§26
Before the close of that two years imprisonment, Paul was able to say, My bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places, and among those who sent greetings to the Philippians he mentions chiefly them that are of Caesars household. Verse 13; 4:22. {AA 464.3 }[12]
§27
忍耐和勇敢同样是可以获得胜利的。在试炼下的温柔，也和在事业上的勇气一样，可以领人归向基督。那在伤恸和苦难之下，表现忍耐与愉快精神的基督徒，那以出于毫不动摇之信心的宁静和镇定，来应付死亡的基督徒，可能较比他长时期忠心工作，为福音所有的成就更大。往往当上帝的仆人退出工作岗位时，我们以近视眼光而为之悲哀的这种不可思议的安排，却正是上帝所命定，要借此成就一番其它方法所决不能成就的工作。[13]{AA 465.1 }
§28
Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done. {AA 465.1 }[13]
§29
跟从基督的人，切莫认为一旦他不能再为上帝和他的真理公开而积极地工作时，他就不能再作什么服务，也不能再得什么报赏了。基督的忠实见证人，是决不至被废弃的。不论是健康或患病，是生或死，上帝仍然要使用他们。当基督的仆人因撒但的毒恨而遭受逼迫，以致他们的积极工作受到阻碍时，当他们被下在监里，或被拖到断头台或火刑柱时，那可能就是真理得到更大胜利的时候。当这些忠心人们，用自己的鲜血来印证他们的见证时，那许多以前怀疑犹豫的人，就必因而信服基督，并勇敢地为他而站立。从殉道者的尸灰中竟为上帝生出了丰盛的庄稼。[14]{AA 465.2 }
§30
Let not the follower of Christ think, when he is no longer able to labor openly and actively for God and His truth, that he has no service to render, no reward to secure. Christs true witnesses are never laid aside. In health and sickness, in life and death, God uses them still. When through Satans malice the servants of Christ have been persecuted, their active labors hindered, when they have been cast into prison, or dragged to the scaffold or to the stake, it was that truth might gain a greater triumph. As these faithful ones sealed their testimony with their blood, souls hitherto in doubt and uncertainty were convinced of the faith of Christ and took their stand courageously for Him. From the ashes of the martyrs has sprung an abundant harvest for God. {AA 465.2 }[14]
§31
保罗及其同工所有的热诚与忠贞，和这班悔改相信基督教之人，在非常险恶的情况下所表现的信心与顺从，都同样的谴责怠惰和对基督使者的缺少信心。使徒和他的同人尽可辩解：要号召尼罗的臣仆悔改相信基督必是徒然的，因为他们是遭受着猛烈的试探，被难以克服的阻碍所包围，又容易招惹苦毒反对的。即使他们感服真理，他们又怎能顺从呢？但保罗并没有这样推究，他凭着信心将福音传给这些人。在那些听他宣讲的人中，居然有人不惜任何代价决意顺从。他们纵使遭受种种障碍和危险，仍愿接受真光，并信靠上帝帮助他们将光照耀其它的人。[15]{AA 465.3 }
§32
The zeal and fidelity of Paul and his fellow workers, no less than the faith and obedience of these converts to Christianity, under circumstances so forbidding, rebuke slothfulness and lack of faith in the minister of Christ. The apostle and his associate workers might have argued that it would be vain to call to repentance and faith in Christ the servants of Nero, subjected, as they were, to fierce temptations, surrounded by formidable hindrances, and exposed to bitter opposition. Even should they be convinced of the truth, how could they render obedience? But Paul did not reason thus; in faith he presented the gospel to these souls, and among those who heard were some who decided to obey at any cost. Notwithstanding obstacles and dangers, they would accept the light, and trust God to help them let their light shine forth to others. {AA 465.3 }[15]
§33
该撒家里的人不但有人悔改相信真理，而且他们在悔改之后，依然留在该撒家中。他们并没有因为环境不再适合而有意离开他们的岗位。他们在那里相信真理，就仍然留在那里，借着生活和品格的改变而为这信仰的变化之能作见证。[16]{AA 466.1 }
§34
Not only were converts won to the truth in Caesars household, but after their conversion they remained in that household. They did not feel at liberty to abandon their post of duty because their surroundings were no longer congenial. The truth had found them there, and there they remained, by their changed life and character testifying to the transforming power of the new faith. {AA 466.1 }[16]
§35
有人想以环境作为借口，原谅自己不为基督作见证么？请他们想一想那些生活在该撒家里在皇帝的败德，朝廷的荒淫之中，门徒们的处境吧。我们很难想象得到，有较比这些悔改之人所处的更不利于宗教生活，并招惹更大牺牲及反对的环境。但他们在艰难和危险之中却依然保持他们的忠贞。一个基督徒由于障碍的似乎难以胜过，尽可寻求自己不顺从耶稣真理的借口；但他所能提出的托辞都是不堪一驳的。如果他真能提出，那他就证明上帝是不公平的，并证明他为他的儿女曾经订立了一些他们所不能应从的得救条件。[17]{AA 466.2 }
§36
Are any tempted to make their circumstances an excuse for failing to witness for Christ? Let them consider the situation of the disciples in Caesars household--the depravity of the emperor, the profligacy of the court. We can hardly imagine circumstances more unfavorable to a religious life, and entailing greater sacrifice or opposition, than those in which these converts found themselves. Yet amidst difficulties and dangers they maintained their fidelity. Because of obstacles that seem insurmountable, the Christian may seek to excuse himself from obeying the truth as it is in Jesus; but he can offer no excuse that will bear investigation. Could he do this he would prove God unjust in that He had made for His children conditions of salvation with which they could not comply. {AA 466.2 }[17]
§37
凡专心侍奉上帝的人，就必寻找机会为他作见证。凡决心先求上帝的国和他的义的人，任何困难都无力拦阻他。他既借着祈祷和读经而获得力量，就必追求德行，放弃罪恶。信徒既仰望那位为我们信心创始成终、并忍受罪人顶撞他自己的耶稣，他就必甘心乐意冒侮辱与嘲笑的危险。那位说话信实的主，已经应许赐予帮助和恩典，以应付各样的处境。凡向他求助的人，他必以永久的膀臂怀抱他们。我们在他的看顾之下，可以万无一失地安息，说：“我惧怕的时候要倚靠你。”（诗56:3）上帝对于凡信靠他的人，都必履行他的应许。[18]{AA 467.1 }
§38
He whose heart is fixed to serve God will find opportunity to witness for Him. Difficulties will be powerless to hinder him who is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In the strength gained by prayer and a study of the word, he will seek virtue and forsake vice. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith, who endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, the believer will willingly brave contempt and derision. And help and grace sufficient for every circumstance are promised by Him whose word is truth. His everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to Him for aid. In His care we may rest safely, saying, What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. Psalm 56:3. To all who put their trust in Him, God will fulfill His promise. {AA 467.1 }[18]
§39
救主借着他自己的榜样，已经显明他的门徒可能在世界上，却不属于世界。他到世上来并不是要享受其中谬妄的宴乐，被其中的风俗所支配，并随从其中的恶习；乃是要遵行他父的旨意，寻找拯救失丧的人。基督徒若将这个目标摆在面前，就可以在任何环境中站立得住，而不受沾染了。不问他的身份或环境如何，或高贵或卑微，他都必在忠心履行本分的事上显明真宗教的力量。[19]{AA 467.2 }
§40
By His own example the Saviour has shown that His followers can be in the world and yet not of the world. He came not to partake of its delusive pleasures, to be swayed by its customs, and to follow its practices, but to do His Fathers will, to seek and save the lost. With this object before him the Christian may stand uncontaminated in any surroundings. Whatever his station or circumstances, exalted or humble, he will manifest the power of true religion in the faithful performance of duty. {AA 467.2 }[19]
§41
基督徒的品格并不是因脱离试炼，而是在试炼中培植发展的。遭受挫折和反对，导使基督的门徒更加警醒，更加恳切祈求那位大能的帮助者。靠着上帝的恩典而忍受强烈的试炼就可以发展忍耐、警戒、刚毅等美德，并令人深切恒久地信靠上帝。基督徒信仰的胜利在其能使信从的人虽然受苦，却能刚强；虽然屈服，却因而制胜；虽然天天冒死，却仍存活；虽然背负十字架，却因而获得荣耀的冠冕。[20]{AA 467.3 }
§42
Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory. {AA 467.3 }[20]