第49章 保罗最后的书信
§1
第49章 保罗最后的书信
§2
Chap. 49 - Pauls Last Letter
§3
（本章根据：提摩太后书）
§4
保罗从该撒的审判厅回到他的牢房，认明自己这次所得到的不过是短暂的缓刑。他明知他的仇敌若不达成致于他死命的目的，是决不罢休的。但他也知道真理已经一时得到胜利了。能以在一大群听他讲论的人面前宣扬一位被钉而又复活的救主，这事本身就是一次胜利。那一天已经发动了一种工作，这工作必要扩展、加强、且是尼罗和其它一切与基督为敌的人所企图拦阻或破坏而徒劳无功的。[1]{AA 498.1 }
§5
From the judgment hall of Caesar, Paul returned to his cell, realizing that he had gained for himself only a brief respite. He knew that his enemies would not rest until they had compassed his death. But he knew also that for a time truth had triumphed. To have proclaimed a crucified and risen Saviour before the vast crowd who had listened to him, was in itself a victory. That day a work had begun which would grow and strengthen, and which Nero and all other enemies of Christ would seek in vain to hinder or destroy. {AA 498.1 }[1]
§6
保罗日复一日地坐在他那幽暗的牢房中，知道只要尼罗说一句话或点一下头，他的性命就要牺牲了，因此他想念到提摩太，并决定差人去请他来。提摩太因奉命照料以弗所的教会，所以当保罗最后一次来到罗马时，他就留在那里。保罗和提摩太二人之间的感情非常深厚坚强。提摩太自悔改以来就常与保罗同辛劳共患难，因此他们二人之间的友谊日益坚强深厚，而且更加神圣，直至提摩太对于这位年迈力衰的使徒有如儿子对于敬爱的父亲一般。无怪乎保罗在孤独寂寞之中渴望见他一面。[2]{AA 498.2 }
§7
Sitting day after day in his gloomy cell, knowing that at a word or a nod from Nero his life might be sacrificed, Paul thought of Timothy and determined to send for him. To Timothy had been committed the care of the church at Ephesus, and he had therefore been left behind when Paul made his last journey to Rome. Paul and Timothy were bound together by an affection unusually deep and strong. Since his conversion, Timothy had shared Pauls labors and sufferings, and the friendship between the two had grown stronger, deeper, and more sacred, until all that a son could be to a loved and honored father, Timothy was to the aged, toilworn apostle. It is little wonder that in his loneliness and solitude, Paul longed to see him. {AA 498.2 }[2]
§8
提摩太从小亚细亚到达罗马，在最顺利的情况之下，也需要经过几个月的时间。保罗知道自己的性命悬悬无定，深恐提摩太不及赶来见他。他有紧要的劝告和教训，要传给这个负有非常重大责任的青年；他一方面催促提摩太赶紧到他这里来，一方面也将他或许不能面述的临终遗言笔录下来。保罗对于这个在福音里所生的儿子和他所看管的教会，心中充满亲爱的关怀，因此设法要将提摩太须忠于所受神圣委托的重要性铭刻在他的心中。[3]{AA 499.1 }
§9
Under the most favorable circumstances several months must pass before Timothy could reach Rome from Asia Minor. Paul knew that his life was uncertain, and he feared that Timothy might arrive too late to see him. He had important counsel and instruction for the young man, to whom so great responsibility had been entrusted; and while urging him to come without delay, he dictated the dying testimony that he might not be spared to utter. His soul filled with loving solicitude for his son in the gospel and for the church under his care, Paul sought to impress Timothy with the importance of fidelity to his sacred trust. {AA 499.1 }[3]
§10
保罗用问候的话开始他的信说：“写信给我亲爱的儿子提摩太：愿恩惠、怜悯、平安，从父上帝和我们主基督耶稣归与你！我感谢上帝，就是我接续祖先，用清洁的良心所侍奉的上帝，祈祷的时候，不住的想念你。”[4]{AA 499.2 }
§11
Paul began his letter with the salutation: To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day. {AA 499.2 }[4]
§12
这位使徒随即劝勉提摩太必须在信仰上坚定不移。他写道：“为此我提醒你，使你将上帝借我按手所给你的恩赐，再如火挑旺起来。因为上帝赐给我们，不是胆怯的心；乃是刚强、仁爱、谨守的心。你不要以给我们的主作见证为耻，也不要以我这为主被囚的为耻；总要按上帝的能力，与我为福音同受苦难。”保罗恳劝提摩太要记得他已经蒙受“圣召”去传扬那位“借着福音，将不能坏的生命彰显出来”之主的能力。他自称：“我为这福音奉派作传道的，作使徒、作师傅。为这缘故，我也受这些苦难；然而我不以为耻；因为知道我所信的是谁，也深信他能保全我所交付他的，直到那日。”[5]{AA 499.3 }
§13
The apostle then urged upon Timothy the necessity of steadfastness in the faith. I put thee in remembrance, he wrote, that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. Paul entreated Timothy to remember that he had been called with a holy calling to proclaim the power of Him who had brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: whereunto, he declared, I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. {AA 499.3 }[5]
§14
保罗在他那长期的服务中，从来没有在效忠救主的事上犹豫畏缩。他无论在什么地方，不拘是在横眉怒目的法利赛人，或在罗马当局面前；不拘是在路司得狂怒的暴徒，或在马其顿监狱中已判刑的罪犯面前；无论是在破坏的船只上向惊慌失措的水手讲话，或孤立在尼罗阶下为自己的性命辩护，他从不以自己所维护的事业为耻。他基督徒生活的一个大目的，就是侍奉他所曾一度轻蔑其圣名的主；没有什么反对或逼迫能使他偏离这目的。他那因努力而刚强、因牺牲而纯洁的信心支持了他，也坚固了他。[6]{AA 500.1 }
§15
Through his long term of service, Paul had never faltered in his allegiance to his Saviour. Wherever he was--whether before scowling Pharisees, or Roman authorities; before the furious mob at Lystra, or the convicted sinners in the Macedonian dungeon; whether reasoning with the panic-stricken sailors on the shipwrecked vessel, or standing alone before Nero to plead for his life--he had never been ashamed of the cause he was advocating. The one great purpose of his Christian life had been to serve Him whose name had once filled him with contempt; and from this purpose no opposition or persecution had been able to turn him aside. His faith, made strong by effort and pure by sacrifice, upheld and strengthened him. {AA 500.1 }[6]
§16
保罗继续说：“我儿啊！你要在基督耶稣的恩典上刚强起来。你在许多见证人面前听见我所教训的，也要交托那忠心能教导别人的人。你要和我同受苦难，好像基督耶稣的精兵。”[7]{AA 500.2 }
§17
Thou therefore, my son, Paul continued, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. {AA 500.2 }[7]
§18
上帝的真实传道人决不规避困难或责任。他从那向来不使诚心寻求神能之人失望的“源头”领取力量，使他能以应付并得胜试探，也能履行上帝所放在他身上的本分。他所领受之恩典的性质，能扩大他认识上帝和他圣子的能力。他的心灵渴慕为主作得蒙悦纳的服务。当他在基督徒的历程上向前迈进时，他就得以“在基督耶稣的恩典上刚强起来。”这种恩典能使他为所听见的事作忠心的见证人。他不至轻视或疏忽他从上帝那里所已领受的知识，却将这知识交托忠心的人，叫他们再去教导别人。[8]{AA 501.1 }
§19
The true minister of God will not shun hardship or responsibility. From the Source that never fails those who sincerely seek for divine power, he draws strength that enables him to meet and overcome temptation, and to perform the duties that God places upon him. The nature of the grace that he receives, enlarges his capacity to know God and His Son. His soul goes out in longing desire to do acceptable service for the Master. And as he advances in the Christian pathway he becomes strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This grace enables him to be a faithful witness of the things that he has heard. He does not despise or neglect the knowledge that he has received from God, but commits this knowledge to faithful men, who in their turn teach others. {AA 501.1 }[8]
§20
保罗在写给提摩太的最后一封书信中，将一种高尚的理想摆在这个青年同工面前，指明那授与他作基督使者的种种本分。使徒写道：“你当竭力在上帝面前得蒙喜悦，作无愧的工人，按着正意分解真理的道。”“你要逃避少年的私欲，同那清心祷告主的人追求公义、信德、仁爱、和平；唯有那愚拙无学问的辩论，总要弃绝，因为知道这等事是起争竞的。然而主的仆人不可争竞，只要温温和和的待众人，善于教导，存心忍耐，用温柔劝诫那抵挡的人；或者上帝给他们悔改的心，可以明白真道。”[9]{AA 501.2 }
§21
In this his last letter to Timothy, Paul held up before the younger worker a high ideal, pointing out the duties devolving on him as a minister of Christ. Study to show thyself approved unto God, the apostle wrote, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. {AA 501.2 }[9]
§22
使徒警告提摩太务要防备那些设法潜入教会的假师傅。他说：“你该知道末世必有危险的日子来到。因为那时，人要专顾自己，贪爱钱财，自夸，狂傲，谤讟，违背父母，忘恩负义，心不圣洁，……有敬虔的外貌，却背了敬虔的实意；这等人你要躲开。”[10]{AA 502.1 }
§23
The apostle warned Timothy against the false teachers who would seek to gain entrance into the church. This know also, he declared, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy; . . . having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. {AA 502.1 }[10]
§24
他接着说：“只是作恶的和迷惑人的，必越久越恶，他欺哄人，也被人欺哄。但你所学习的，所确信的，要存在心里；因为你知道是跟谁学的，并且知道你是从小明白《圣经》，这《圣经》能使你……有得救的智慧。《圣经》都是上帝所默示的，于教训、督责、使人归正、教导人学义，都是有益的，叫属上帝的人得以完全，预备行各样的善事。”上帝已经为我们准备了充足的武器，使我们与那在世上的恶者作战时可以获胜。《圣经》是我们的武器库，我们可从而获得装备从事斗争。我们必须以真理束腰。我们必须以公义护胸。我们必须手拿信德的藤牌，头戴救恩的头盔；并用圣灵的宝剑，就是上帝的道，从罪恶的诸般障碍和拦阻之中打开一条出路。[11]{AA 502.2 }
§25
Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, he continued, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation. . . . All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. God has provided abundant means for successful warfare against the evil that is in the world. The Bible is the armory where we may equip for the struggle. Our loins must be girt about with truth. Our breastplate must be righteousness. The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of sin. {AA 502.2 }[11]
§26
保罗知道教会前途将有一段大危险的时期。他知道那些担负众教会之责任的人必须作成一番忠心而热诚的工作；他写信给提摩太说：“我在上帝面前，并在将来审判活人死人的基督耶稣面前，凭着他的显现和他国度嘱咐你：务要传道，无论得时不得时，总要专心，并用百般的忍耐、各样的教训，责备人、警戒人、劝勉人。”[12]{AA 502.3 }
§27
Paul knew that there was before the church a time of great peril. He knew that faithful, earnest work would have to be done by those left in charge of the churches; and he wrote to Timothy, I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. {AA 502.3 }[12]
§28
这一向提摩太如此热诚而忠心的人所发的严肃训言，乃是一个强有力的见证，说明福音使者工作的重要和责任。保罗将提摩太传唤到上帝的审判台前，嘱咐他务要传道，不可传人的虚谈和习俗；要随时准备，一有机会无论是在人数众多的大会前或在私人家庭中，在路旁或在炉边，向朋友或向仇敌，不论是在平安稳妥或遭遇困难及危险、耻辱及丧亡的时候，都要为上帝作见证。[13]{AA 503.1 }
§29
This solemn charge to one so zealous and faithful as was Timothy is a strong testimony to the importance and responsibility of the work of the gospel minister. Summoning Timothy before the bar of God, Paul bids him preach the word, not the sayings and customs of men; to be ready to witness for God whenever opportunity should present itself--before large congregations and private circles, by the way and at the fireside, to friends and to enemies, whether in safety or exposed to hardship and peril, reproach and loss. {AA 503.1 }[13]
§30
保罗唯恐提摩太的温良柔顺的性情会使他规避一项必须的工作，因此劝他务要忠心谴责罪恶，甚至用锐利的言语责备那些犯了严重过失的人。但他仍必须以“百般的忍耐和各样的教训”来进行这事。他必须显出基督的忍耐和仁爱，用《圣经》的真理来说明并加强他责备的话。[14]{AA 503.2 }
§31
Fearing that Timothys mild, yielding disposition might lead him to shun an essential part of his work, Paul exhorted him to be faithful in reproving sin and even to rebuke with sharpness those who were guilty of gross evils. Yet he was to do this with all long-suffering and doctrine. He was to reveal the patience and love of Christ, explaining and enforcing his reproofs by the truths of the word. {AA 503.2 }[14]
§32
要一面恨恶并谴责罪恶，而同时对于罪人表示怜悯与温和，的确是一件不易作到的事。我们自己追求心灵与生活方面之圣洁的努力愈恳切，我们对于罪恶的感觉就必愈敏锐，我们对于任何偏离正义之事的反对就必愈坚决。我们必须谨防对于行错事的人过分严厉；同时我们也必须小心，不可忽视罪的非常恶劣。对于有过失的人，需要表现基督化的忍耐和仁爱，但也不可对于他的过失太过于容忍，以免他以为自己原不应受责备，并以为责备乃是不必需不公正的因而加以拒绝。[15]{AA 503.3 }
§33
To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult attainment. The more earnest our own efforts to attain to holiness of heart and life, the more acute will be our perception of sin and the more decided our disapproval of any deviation from the right. We must guard against undue severity toward the wrongdoer, but we must also be careful not to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. There is need of showing Christlike patience and love for the erring one, but there is also danger of showing so great toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and unjust. {AA 503.3 }[15]
§34
福音的使者往往会因宽恕犯错的人而落到容许罪恶、甚至参与罪恶的地步，以致造成极大的危害。他们这样作，就是导致原谅并文饰上帝所谴责的罪恶；过了一时，他们就会成为盲目无知的，甚至称赞上帝所要他们责备的人。那曾经不正当地宽容凡为上帝所谴责之人而致使自己属灵见解趋于鲁钝的人，不久就必因以严厉苛刻的手段对待上帝所悦纳之人而致犯更大的罪。[16]{AA 504.1 }
§35
Ministers of the gospel sometimes do great harm by allowing their forbearance toward the erring to degenerate into toleration of sins and even participation in them. Thus they are led to excuse and palliate that which God condemns, and after a time they become so blinded as to commend the very ones whom God commands them to reprove. He who has blunted his spiritual perceptions by sinful leniency toward those whom God condemns, will erelong commit a greater sin by severity and harshness toward those whom God approves. {AA 504.1 }[16]
§36
许多自称为基督徒并自觉有资格教导别人的人，由于矜夸属世的智慧，轻蔑圣灵的感动，并厌弃《圣经》的真理，就必被诱转离上帝所要求的条件。保罗对提摩太说：“时候要到，人必厌烦纯正的真理；耳朵发痒，就随从自己的情欲，增添好些师傅；并且掩耳不听真道，偏向荒渺的言语。”[17]{AA 504.2 }
§37
By the pride of human wisdom, by contempt for the influence of the Holy Spirit, and by disrelish for the truths of Gods word, many who profess to be Christians, and who feel competent to teach others, will be led to turn away from the requirements of God. Paul declared to Timothy, The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. {AA 504.2 }[17]
§38
使徒在这里所提到的，并不是公开反宗教信仰的人，而是自命为基督徒、却以自己的意向为依归而致成为自己奴隶的人。这等人只乐意听那些不谴责他们的罪恶或不严咎他们爱宴乐的行为的道理。他们被基督忠心仆人所讲直率的话所触怒；而宁愿选择那称赞他们谄媚他们的教师，无怪乎在自称为传道的人中间，竟有只传讲人的意见，而不传讲上帝圣言的。他们既不忠于所托，就将那些仰望他们作属灵领导的人引入歧途了。[18]{AA 504.3 }
§39
The apostle does not here refer to the openly irreligious, but to the professing Christians who make inclination their guide, and thus become enslaved by self. Such are willing to listen to those doctrines only that do not rebuke their sins or condemn their pleasure-loving course. They are offended by the plain words of the faithful servants of Christ and choose teachers who praise and flatter them. And among professing ministers there are those who preach the opinions of men instead of the word of God. Unfaithful to their trust, they lead astray those who look to them for spiritual guidance. {AA 504.3 }[18]
§40
上帝在他圣律法的训词中，已经给予我们一个完全的人生标准；他已经声明这个一点一划也不改变的律法，要在人类身上保持它的权威，直到末时。基督来乃是要使律法为大为尊。他说明这律法是建立在爱上帝与爱人的广大基础上的，顺从它的律例便笼括了全部人所当尽的本分。他在自己的生活上留下了顺从上帝律法的榜样。他在福山宝训中说明了律法的要求如何超越外表的行为，如何涉及内心的思想和意向。[19]{AA 505.1 }
§41
In the precepts of His holy law, God has given a perfect rule of life; and He has declared that until the close of time this law, unchanged in a single jot or tittle, is to maintain its claim upon human beings. Christ came to magnify the law and make it honorable. He showed that it is based upon the broad foundation of love to God and love to man, and that obedience to its precepts comprises the whole duty of man. In His own life He gave an example of obedience to the law of God. In the Sermon on the Mount He showed how its requirements extend beyond the outward acts and take cognizance of the thoughts and intents of the heart. {AA 505.1 }[19]
§42
人若顺从律法，就必“除去不敬虔的心和世俗的情欲，在今世自守，公义、敬虔度日。”（多2:12）但那众善的仇敌业已将世界掳去，并已引诱世人违背律法。正如保罗所预先看到的，许多人已经离弃上帝圣言中简明而鉴察人心的真理，而去偏向那些传讲他们所爱听的荒渺言语的师傅。在传道人和民众中间，有许多人正将上帝的诫命践踏脚下。这样，世界的创造主便受了侮辱，而撒但则欢庆自己诡计的成功了。[20]{AA 505.2 }
§43
The law, obeyed, leads men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus 2:12. But the enemy of all righteousness has taken the world captive and has led men and women to disobey the law. As Paul foresaw, multitudes have turned from the plain, searching truths of Gods word and have chosen teachers who present to them the fables they desire. Many among both ministers and people are trampling under their feet the commandments of God. Thus the Creator of the world is insulted, and Satan laughs in triumph at the success of his devices. {AA 505.2 }[20]
§44
由于上帝律法的日益遭受轻视，人们就愈益厌烦宗教，愈益自夸狂傲，喜爱宴乐、违背父母、任意妄为；各处的有心人士不禁焦急地询问：当怎样行才能纠正这些惊人的邪恶呢？在保罗给提摩太的训言中可以找到答案，那就是“传道”。在《圣经》中可以找到唯一可靠的行为准则。《圣经》乃是上帝旨意的副本，是神圣智慧的表达。它向人的悟性启明人生的大问题：对于一切听它训词的人，它必成为正确无讹的向导，使他们不致在错误的方向耗费精力，虚度一生。[21]{AA 506.1 }
§45
With the growing contempt for Gods law there is an increasing distaste for religion, an increase of pride, love of pleasure, disobedience to parents, and self-indulgence; and thoughtful minds everywhere are anxiously inquiring, What can be done to correct these alarming evils? The answer is found in Pauls exhortation to Timothy, Preach the word. In the Bible are found the only safe principles of action. It is a transcript of the will of God, an expression of divine wisdom. It opens to mans understanding the great problems of life, and to all who heed its precepts it will prove an unerring guide, keeping them from wasting their lives in misdirected effort. {AA 506.1 }[21]
§46
上帝已经显示他的旨意，人若对他口中所出的话有疑问，真是愚不可及。在无穷的智慧者发言之后，就不可能有什么疑难的问题须待人来解决，也不能有什么未定的可能性还待他去调整，所需要他作的，只是赤诚而热切地遵循上帝所已昭示的旨意。服从乃是理智与良心二者的最高指示。[22]{AA 506.2 }
§47
God has made known His will, and it is folly for man to question that which has gone out of His lips. After Infinite Wisdom has spoken, there can be no doubtful questions for man to settle, no wavering possibilities for him to adjust. All that is required of him is a frank, earnest concurrence in the expressed will of God. Obedience is the highest dictate of reason as well as of conscience. {AA 506.2 }[22]
§48
保罗继续嘱咐说：“你却要凡事谨慎，忍受苦难，作传道的工夫，尽你的职分。”保罗行将跑完他所当跑的路，所以他渴望提摩太继承他的职位，保护教会脱离仇敌那种种足以引诱他们偏离纯正福音的荒渺言语和异端。保罗劝诫他务要规避一切足以拦阻他完全献己为上帝作工的属世事业与牵累；务要以愉快的心情忍受那因他的忠心所引起的反对、辱骂和逼迫；并用尽各种方法为基督所为之而死的人造福，以克尽他传道的职分。[23]{AA 506.3 }
§49
Paul continued his charge: Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Paul was about to finish his course, and he desired Timothy to take his place, guarding the church from the fables and heresies by which the enemy, in various ways, would endeavor to lead them from the simplicity of the gospel. He admonished him to shun all temporal pursuits and entanglements that would prevent him from giving himself wholly to his work for God; to endure with cheerfulness the opposition, reproach, and persecution to which his faithfulness would expose him; to make full proof of his ministry by employing every means within his reach of doing good to those for whom Christ died. {AA 506.3 }[23]
§50
保罗的生活乃是他所教导之真理的例证；他的能力乃在于此。他的心充满了深切而持续的责任感；他一面工作，一面与那为公义、恩慈与真理之根源的主保持亲密的交往。他坚持基督的十字架为他成功的唯一保证。救主的爱乃是他永恒的动机，在他与自我斗争及与邪恶挣扎中支持着他，当他为基督服务时，能冒着世人的敌视与仇敌的反对而奋勇前进。[24]{AA 507.1 }
§51
Pauls life was an exemplification of the truths he taught, and herein lay his power. His heart was filled with a deep, abiding sense of his responsibility, and he labored in close communion with Him who is the fountain of justice, mercy, and truth. He clung to the cross of Christ as his only guarantee of success. The love of the Saviour was the undying motive that upheld him in his conflicts with self and in his struggles against evil as in the service of Christ he pressed forward against the unfriendliness of the world and the opposition of his enemies. {AA 507.1 }[24]
§52
教会在现今危险的时日中所需要的，乃是一大队工人，正像保罗一样，业已造就自己成为有用的人，在上帝的事上具有深切的经验，并且是充满诚恳与热心的。现今所需要的乃是一班圣洁而自我牺牲的人，不至规避患难与职责的人，勇敢而真诚的人，有基督在心里“成了有荣耀盼望”的人；以及嘴唇沾过圣火而愿意“传道”的人。正因缺少这样的工人，所以上帝的圣工便衰弱无力，所以种种严重的异端便像致命的毒物一样败坏德行，并挫折大部分人类的希望。[25]{AA 507.2 }
§53
What the church needs in these days of peril is an army of workers who, like Paul, have educated themselves for usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of God, and who are filled with earnestness and zeal. Sanctified, self-sacrificing men are needed; men who will not shun trial and responsibility; men who are brave and true; men in whose hearts Christ is formed the hope of glory, and who with lips touched with holy fire will preach the word. For want of such workers the cause of God languishes, and fatal errors, like a deadly poison, taint the morals and blight the hopes of a large part of the human race. {AA 507.2 }[25]
§54
当忠心尽职而劳累衰弱的执掌旗帜者，为真理的缘故献上他们的生命时，有谁前来接替他们的地位呢？我们的青年人是否愿意从他们的父老手中接受这神圣的委托呢？他们是否在准备补充那忠心之人死亡所留下的空缺呢？在蛊惑青年的自私及野心的煽动之下，使徒的遗命是否会受到注意，那尽职的号召是否会听从呢？[26]{AA 507.3 }
§55
As the faithful, toilworn standard-bearers are offering up their lives for the truths sake, who will come forward to take their place? Will our young men accept the holy trust at the hands of their fathers? Are they preparing to fill the vacancies made by the death of the faithful? Will the apostles charge be heeded, the call to duty be heard, amidst the incitements to selfishness and ambition that allure the youth? {AA 507.3 }[26]
§56
保罗以个人给几位的传言来结束他的这封信，并且重新催促提摩太尽可能地在冬天以前到他这里来。他提到自己的孤寂无伴，因为有几个朋友遗弃了他，也有因需要而离去的；保罗唯恐提摩太迟迟不来，又怕以弗所的教会需要他的工作，所以就说明自己已经打发推基古去填补提摩太的空缺。[27]{AA 508.1 }
§57
Paul concluded his letter with personal messages to different ones and again repeated the urgent request that Timothy come to him soon, if possible before the winter. He spoke of his loneliness, caused by the desertion of some of his friends and the necessary absence of others; and lest Timothy should hesitate, fearing that the church at Ephesus might need his labors, Paul stated that he had already dispatched Tychicus to fill the vacancy. {AA 508.1 }[27]
§58
保罗述说自己在尼罗面前受审的情形，他被弟兄遗弃，以及守约之上帝的恩典如何支撑他之后，便结束他的书信，将亲爱的提摩太交托与“牧长”的保护；虽然他手下的牧人可能被打倒，但他仍必照样看顾他的羊群。[28]{AA 508.2 }
§59
After speaking of the scene of his trial before Nero, the desertion of his brethren, and the sustaining grace of a covenant-keeping God, Paul closed his letter by commending his beloved Timothy to the guardianship of the Chief Shepherd, who, though the undershepherds might be stricken down, would still care for His flock. {AA 508.2 }[28]