第56章 拔摩岛
§1
第56章 拔摩岛Chap. 56 - Patmos
§2
自基督教会创立以来，这时业已经过半个世纪以上了。在此时期中，福音的信息经常遭受反对。真理的仇敌从来没有松弛他们的努力，而且终于得到罗马皇帝的赞助来逼迫基督徒了。[1]{AA 568.1 }
§3
More than half a century had passed since the organization of the Christian church. During that time the gospel message had been constantly opposed. Its enemies had never relaxed their efforts, and had at last succeeded in enlisting the power of the Roman emperor against the Christians. {AA 568.1 }[1]
§4
使徒约翰在那随之而来的残酷逼迫中，曾费了很多心血来坚固并加强信徒的信心。他所作的见证既是他仇敌所无法辩驳的，也帮助了他的弟兄们以勇敢和忠贞来应付那临到他们身上的试炼。每当基督徒的信心似乎因他们所不得不应付的猛烈反对而有所动摇时，这位年老而足资信赖的耶稣的仆人、就以能力和口才重述那被钉而复活之救主的故事。他坚稳地保持了他的信仰，从他的口中总是发出这同一的喜乐信息：“论到从起初原有的生命之道，就是我们所听见、所看见、亲眼看过、亲手摸过的；……我们将所看见的、所听见的，传给你们。”（约一1:1-3）[2]{AA 568.2 }
§5
In the terrible persecution that followed, the apostle John did much to confirm and strengthen the faith of the believers. He bore a testimony which his adversaries could not controvert and which helped his brethren to meet with courage and loyalty the trials that came upon them. When the faith of the Christians would seem to waver under the fierce opposition they were forced to meet, the old, tried servant of Jesus would repeat with power and eloquence the story of the crucified and risen Saviour. He steadfastly maintained his faith, and from his lips came ever the same glad message: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. 1 John 1:1-3. {AA 568.2 }[2]
§6
约翰得享高寿。他曾眼见耶路撒冷的毁灭和那壮丽圣殿的荒废。他是那些曾与救主亲密交接之门徒中的仅存者，他所传讲的信息对于宣布耶稣为弥赛亚、为世界的救赎主这一事实，发挥了重大的影响。没有人能怀疑他的真诚，因此有许多人由于他的教训改变了他们不信的态度。[3]{AA 569.1 }
§7
John lived to be very old. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the ruin of the stately temple. The last survivor of the disciples who had been intimately connected with the Saviour, his message had great influence in setting forth the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, the Redeemer of the world. No one could doubt his sincerity, and through his teachings many were led to turn from unbelief. {AA 569.1 }[3]
§8
犹太人的官长因约翰不屈不挠地忠于基督的缘故，对他满怀毒恨。他们声称只要约翰的见证继续在民众耳中作响，则他们反对基督徒的努力势必徒劳无功。为了使人忘记耶稣的神迹和教训起见，这个勇敢见证人的声音务必使之止息。[4]{AA 569.2 }
§9
The rulers of the Jews were filled with bitter hatred against John for his unwavering fidelity to the cause of Christ. They declared that their efforts against the Christians would avail nothing so long as Johns testimony kept ringing in the ears of the people. In order that the miracles and teachings of Jesus might be forgotten, the voice of the bold witness must be silenced. {AA 569.2 }[4]
§10
约翰因此被传到罗马为他的信仰受审。在罗马，这位使徒所传的道理在当局面前被人歪曲。作假见证的人控告他传讲煽动性的异端。约翰的仇敌希望借着这些罪名将使徒置诸死地。[5]{AA 569.3 }
§11
John was accordingly summoned to Rome to be tried for his faith. Here before the authorities the apostles doctrines were misstated. False witnesses accused him of teaching seditious heresies. By these accusations his enemies hoped to bring about the disciples death. {AA 569.3 }[5]
§12
约翰以清楚而感服人的态度为自己申辩，他那简明率直的言词发挥了有力的影响。听他申诉的人无不因他的智慧和口才而感到惊异。然而他的见证愈令人信服，反对他之人的仇恨却愈益强烈。杜密先皇帝非常震怒。他既不能反驳这位基督的忠贞发言人所提出的论据，又不能敌对他所讲真理带有的能力；但他仍然决意要止息他的声音。[6]{AA 569.4 }
§13
John answered for himself in a clear and convincing manner, and with such simplicity and candor that his words had a powerful effect. His hearers were astonished at his wisdom and eloquence. But the more convincing his testimony, the deeper was the hatred of his opposers. The emperor Domitian was filled with rage. He could neither dispute the reasoning of Christs faithful advocate, nor match the power that attended his utterance of truth; yet he determined that he would silence his voice. {AA 569.4 }[6]
§14
约翰被投在滚沸的大油锅中，但主却保全了他忠仆的生命，正如他从前保全那在烈火窑中的三个希伯来人一般。当时有话说：凡相信那骗子拿撒勒人耶稣基督的，都要如此灭亡，约翰却声称：我的夫子曾忍受撒但和他的使者所能加在他身上的一切屈辱和折磨。他舍弃了生命以拯救世人。现在我很荣幸能蒙允许为他的缘故受苦。我是一个软弱有罪的人。基督原是圣洁、无邪恶、无玷污的。他并没有犯罪，口里也没有诡诈。[7]{AA 570.1 }
§15
John was cast into a caldron of boiling oil; but the Lord preserved the life of His faithful servant, even as He preserved the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace. As the words were spoken, Thus perish all who believe in that deceiver, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, John declared, My Master patiently submitted to all that Satan and his angels could devise to humiliate and torture Him. He gave His life to save the world. I am honored in being permitted to suffer for His sake. I am a weak, sinful man. Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled. He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. {AA 570.1 }[7]
§16
这些话发挥了相当的影响，于是那些将约翰投在油锅里的人又把他拉上来了。[8]{AA 570.2 }
§17
These words had their influence, and John was removed from the caldron by the very men who had cast him in. {AA 570.2 }[8]
§18
逼迫的手又再度重重地压在这位使徒的身上。由于皇帝的命令，约翰“为上帝的道并为给耶稣作的见证”宣告有罪（启1:9），被放逐到拔摩岛上。他的仇敌以为在这里他的影响再也不会起作用了，他最后必因艰难困苦而致死亡。[9]{AA 570.3 }
§19
Again the hand of persecution fell heavily upon the apostle. By the emperors decree John was banished to the Isle of Patmos, condemned for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9. Here, his enemies thought, his influence would no longer be felt, and he must finally die of hardship and distress. {AA 570.3 }[9]
§20
拔摩岛乃是爱琴海中一个荒芜而颇多岩石的海岛，为罗马政府选定作为放逐罪犯之处；但这个凄凉之所，在上帝的仆人却成了天国之门。他在这里既与生活繁忙的环境隔绝，又停止了早年的活跃工作，却有上帝、基督及天使作伴，并从他们领受了有关将来各时代教会的教训。在今世历史结束的几幕景象中所将要发生的大事，都展现在他面前；他就在那里将从上帝所领受的异象记录下来。当他的声音不能再为他所敬爱所侍奉的主作见证时，在那荒芜的海岸上所赐给他的信息却要如同明灯发亮，宣扬主对于地上各国所有的确定旨意。[10]{AA 570.4 }
§21
Patmos, a barren, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, had been chosen by the Roman government as a place of banishment for criminals; but to the servant of God this gloomy abode became the gate of heaven. Here, shut away from the busy scenes of life, and from the active labors of former years, he had the companionship of God and Christ and the heavenly angels, and from them he received instruction for the church for all future time. The events that would take place in the closing scenes of this earths history were outlined before him; and there he wrote out the visions he received from God. When his voice could no longer testify to the One whom he loved and served, the messages given him on that barren coast were to go forth as a lamp that burneth, declaring the sure purpose of the Lord concerning every nation on the earth. {AA 570.4 }[10]
§22
约翰在拔摩岛的悬崖绝壁之间与他的创造主保持交往。他回顾自己过去的生活，一想到自己所领受的福惠，他的心中就充满了平安。他曾经度过基督徒的人生，这时他能凭着信心说：“我们……晓得是已经出死入生了。”（约一3:14）那放逐他的皇帝却不是如此。他回顾时只能看到战争和杀戮的战场，凄凉的家庭，痛哭的孤儿寡妇，这就是他妄自尊大之欲望的结果。[11]{AA 571.1 }
§23
Among the cliffs and rocks of Patmos, John held communion with his Maker. He reviewed his past life, and at thought of the blessings he had received, peace filled his heart. He had lived the life of a Christian, and he could say in faith, We know that we have passed from death unto life. 1 John 3:14. Not so the emperor who had banished him. He could look back only on fields of warfare and carnage, on desolated homes, on weeping widows and orphans, the fruit of his ambitious desire for pre-eminence. {AA 571.1 }[11]
§24
约翰在那孤寂的住处，能较以往更为仔细地研究上帝在自然的课本和《圣经》的篇幅中所显现的能力。默想创造的工作，敬拜那位神圣的“工师”，这在他乃是一种喜乐。他在过去的岁月中，眼目所接触的尽是森林密布的山头，青翠欲滴的峡谷，以及果实累累的平原。他总是欢喜在这自然的美景中，探究创造主的智慧和技巧。如今，他周围的景色在许多人看来乃是忧郁凄凉的；但对于约翰却并非如此。这时他的环境可能是荒凉颓废，但他头上的蓝天却与他那心爱的耶路撒冷上空同是一样的光明美丽。在荒芜崎岖的岩石间，在深渊的奇妙奥秘里，在穹苍的光华灿烂中，他学得了重要的教训。这一切都具有上帝之权能与荣耀的信息。[12]{AA 571.2 }
§25
In his isolated home John was able to study more closely than ever before the manifestations of divine power as recorded in the book of nature and in the pages of inspiration. To him it was a delight to meditate on the work of creation and to adore the divine Architect. In former years his eyes had been greeted by the sight of forest-covered hills, green valleys, and fruitful plains; and in the beauties of nature it had ever been his delight to trace the wisdom and skill of the Creator. He was now surrounded by scenes that to many would appear gloomy and uninteresting; but to John it was otherwise. While his surroundings might be desolate and barren, the blue heavens that bent above him were as bright and beautiful as the skies above his loved Jerusalem. In the wild, rugged rocks, in the mysteries of the deep, in the glories of the firmament, he read important lessons. All bore the message of Gods power and glory. {AA 571.2 }[12]
§26
这位使徒在他周围的景色中看到了洪水的明证，这洪水就是古时因地上居民胆敢违犯上帝律法而泛滥成灾的。这些被大水从深渊和地底下冲积出来的岩石，生动地使他感到上帝所倾降之忿怒的可怖。先知在众水的响声，深渊与深渊响应中听到创造主的声音。那被无情之风浪撞击的海洋，在他看来就代表被触犯了的上帝的忿怒。汹涌的狂涛大浪被禁制在那看不见之手所划定的界限以内，说明了无穷大能者的权威。同时他也相反地看出必死之人的软弱与愚妄，他们虽然不过是尘土中的虫豸，却竟以假想的智慧力量而自豪，存心反抗宇宙的主宰，以为上帝恰和他们一样。他因岩石就想起那为他力量的磐石基督，他可以隐藏在他的荫下而不必惧怕。这个被放逐的使徒，在岩石重叠的拔摩岛上发出了最热切的爱慕上帝之心，献上了最诚恳的祷告。[13]{AA 572.1 }
§27
All around him the apostle beheld witnesses to the Flood that had deluged the earth because the inhabitants ventured to transgress the law of God. The rocks thrown up from the great deep and from the earth by the breaking forth of the waters, brought vividly to his mind the terrors of that awful outpouring of Gods wrath. In the voice of many waters--deep calling unto deep--the prophet heard the voice of the Creator. The sea, lashed to fury by the merciless winds, represented to him the wrath of an offended God. The mighty waves, in their terrible commotion, restrained within limits appointed by an invisible hand, spoke of the control of an infinite Power. And in contrast he realized the weakness and folly of mortals, who, though but worms of the dust, glory in their supposed wisdom and strength, and set their hearts against the Ruler of the universe, as if God were altogether such a one as themselves. By the rocks he was reminded of Christ, the Rock of his strength, in whose shelter he could hide without fear. From the exiled apostle on rocky Patmos there went up the most ardent longing of soul after God, the most fervent prayers. {AA 572.1 }[13]
§28
约翰的历史提供一个有力的例证，说明上帝能如何使用老年的工人。当约翰被放逐在拔摩岛时，许多人以为他不能再有所贡献，以为他像一棵枯萎而折断的芦苇，随时可以倒下去。但主仍以他为使用的器皿。他虽然被放逐离开他从前工作的地点，但并未中止为真理作见证。即使在拔摩岛，他也结交了一些朋友，并引领了一些人悔改。他所传的乃是喜乐的信息，就是宣扬一位复活的救主在天上为他的子民代求，直到他回来接他们到他那里去。约翰在侍奉主到了年事已高之后，他从上天所领受的信息竟较比他过去一生年日中所得到的更多。[14]{AA 572.2 }
§29
The history of John affords a striking illustration of the way in which God can use aged workers. When John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, there were many who thought him to be past service, an old and broken reed, ready to fall at any time. But the Lord saw fit to use him still. Though banished from the scenes of his former labor, he did not cease to bear witness to the truth. Even in Patmos he made friends and converts. His was a message of joy, proclaiming a risen Saviour who on high was interceding for His people until He should return to take them to Himself. And it was after John had grown old in the service of his Lord that he received more communications from heaven than he had received during all the former years of his life. {AA 572.2 }[14]
§30
对于那些曾将一生心血贡献在上帝工作上的人，应当予以最亲切的关怀。这些年老的工人曾在风浪和考验之下忠贞不移。他们可能体弱力衰，但他们却仍具有才能，配在上帝的圣工上担负责任。他们虽然疲惫衰弱，不能担负较为年轻之人所能并且应当担负的比较重的责任，但他们所能给予的忠告却是具有最高价值的。[15]{AA 573.1 }
§31
The most tender regard should be cherished for those whose life interest has been bound up with the work of God. These aged workers have stood faithful amid storm and trial. They may have infirmities, but they still possess talents that qualify them to stand in their place in Gods cause. Though worn, and unable to bear the heavier burdens that younger men can and should carry, the counsel they can give is of the highest value. {AA 573.1 }[15]
§32
他们过去或许曾经犯过错误，但他们已经从失败的经验中学得了如何避免错误和危险，因此，他们岂不是很有资格提出明智的忠告么？他们曾经受考验和试炼，虽然现今他们元气稍衰，但主并不撇弃他们。他赐给他们特别的恩典和智慧。[16]{AA 573.2 }
§33
They may have made mistakes, but from their failures they have learned to avoid errors and dangers, and are they not therefore competent to give wise counsel? They have borne test and trial, and though they have lost some of their vigor, the Lord does not lay them aside. He gives them special grace and wisdom. {AA 573.2 }[16]
§34
那些在工作困难时依然侍奉主，并在仅有少数人坚持真理时依然忍受穷困而忠心到底的人，乃是当受尊荣与敬重的。主希望那较为年轻的工人与这些忠心的人联合同工，借此得到智慧、力量和熟练。比较年轻的人应当认明：有这样的工人在他们中间，乃是蒙受崇高的福惠。他们务要在他们的议会中给予这些工人以荣誉的地位。[17]{AA 573.3 }
§35
Those who have served their Master when the work went hard, who endured poverty and remained faithful when there were few to stand for truth, are to be honored and respected. The Lord desires the younger laborers to gain wisdom, strength, and maturity by association with these faithful men. Let the younger men realize that in having such workers among them they are highly favored. Let them give them an honored place in their councils. {AA 573.3 }[17]
§36
当那些毕生致力为基督服务的人临近他们地上职务的终点时，他们必要受圣灵的感动，说述他们在上帝的工作上所有的经验。有关上帝对待他子民之奇妙作为，与他拯救他们脱离试炼之仁慈的记录，均应向那些新近接受信仰的人反复述说。上帝渴望那些老成练达的工人固守他们的地位，尽他们的本分拯救男男女女，不受邪恶狂澜的扫荡，他要他们继续穿上军装，直到他吩咐他们将它卸下为止。[18]{AA 574.1 }
§37
As those who have spent their lives in the service of Christ draw near to the close of their earthly ministry, they will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to recount the experiences they have had in connection with the work of God. The record of His wonderful dealings with His people, of His great goodness in delivering them from trial, should be repeated to those newly come to the faith. God desires the old and tried laborers to stand in their place, doing their part to save men and women from being swept downward by the mighty current of evil. He desires them to keep the armor on till He bids them lay it down. {AA 574.1 }[18]
§38
使徒约翰在逼迫之下的经验，对于基督徒含有一个非常美好的有力和安慰的教训。上帝并不阻止恶人的阴谋，但他却使他们的计谋叫那些在试炼和斗争中仍然保持信仰与忠贞的人得益。传福音的工人往往必须在逼迫的风暴、苦毒的反对、以及不公平的侮辱之下进行工作。在这样的时候，他务要记取那在试炼和苦难的洪炉中所得的经验，乃是值得付出一切痛苦作为代价的。上帝就是这样导使他的儿女就近他，以便向他们显明他们的软弱和他的力量。他教他们倚靠他。上帝如此准备他们以便应付危机，充任负责的职位，并成全他赐给他们能力的崇高目的。[19]{AA 574.2 }
§39
In the experience of the apostle John under persecution, there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the Christian. God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them. {AA 574.2 }[19]
§40
历代以来，上帝所指派的见证人都曾为真理的缘故遭受侮辱和逼迫。约瑟曾因保持自己的清白和正直而遭受陷害与逼迫。上帝所拣选的使者大卫曾被他的仇敌像掠物一般地追逐。但以理因效忠上帝而被扔在狮子洞中。约伯曾丧失属世的一切财物，而且身受病患，以致为自己的亲友憎厌；然而他却依旧保持他的正直。耶利米不能禁制不讲上帝所吩咐他讲的话，结果他的见证激怒了君王和首领，以致被投在令人嫌厌的淤泥坑中。司提反因传讲基督并他的钉十字架而被石头砍死。保罗因忠心为上帝作外邦人的使者而被监禁、被棍打、被石砍、最后被处死。约翰“为上帝的道，并为给耶稣作的见证”被放逐到拔摩岛上。[20]{AA 575.1 }
§41
In all ages Gods appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truths sake. Joseph was maligned and persecuted because he preserved his virtue and integrity. David, the chosen messenger of God, was hunted like a beast of prey by his enemies. Daniel was cast into a den of lions because he was true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his relatives, and friends; yet he maintained his integrity. Jeremiah could not be deterred from speaking the words that God had given him to speak; and his testimony so enraged the king and princes that he was cast into a loathsome pit. Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and Him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, and finally put to death because he was a faithful messenger for God to the Gentiles. And John was banished to the Isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. {AA 575.1 }[20]
§42
这些先贤忠贞的榜样，都为上帝应许的信实可靠作见证，证明他的时常与人同在和以恩惠支持人。这些例证显明信心的力量足以抵抗世人的权势。人在最黑暗的时辰中信赖上帝，并无论如何经受严厉的试炼和猛烈的风暴，依然感觉天父在掌舵，这乃是信心的工作。唯有信心的眼睛才能看到将来的事，而正确估计永恒财宝的价值。[21]{AA 575.2 }
§43
These examples of human steadfastness bear witness to the faithfulness of Gods promises--of His abiding presence and sustaining grace. They testify to the power of faith to withstand the powers of the world. It is the work of faith to rest in God in the darkest hour, to feel, however sorely tried and tempest-tossed, that our Father is at the helm. The eye of faith alone can look beyond the things of time to estimate aright the worth of the eternal riches. {AA 575.2 }[21]
§44
耶稣并没有向跟从他的人提供获得地上荣华富贵的希望，也没有提供一个免受苦难的生活。反之，他呼召他们在克己和屈辱的路上跟从他。那来救赎世人的主曾受邪恶势力的联合反对。恶人和恶天使组成残酷无情的同盟，列阵整队来对抗和平之君。他的一言一行都彰显上帝的慈悲；又因他的行为与世人不同，所以就惹起了最苦毒的敌对。[22]{AA 576.1 }
§45
Jesus does not present to His followers the hope of attaining earthly glory and riches, of living a life free from trial. Instead He calls upon them to follow Him in the path of self-denial and reproach. He who came to redeem the world was opposed by the united forces of evil. In an unpitying confederacy, evil men and evil angels arrayed themselves against the Prince of Peace. His every word and act revealed divine compassion, and His unlikeness to the world provoked the bitterest hostility. {AA 576.1 }[22]
§46
凡立志在基督耶稣里敬虔度日的也必如此。逼迫和侮辱在等待着凡受基督的灵浇灌的人。逼迫的性质会随着时代而改变，但自从亚伯的日子以来，那杀害主所拣选之人的原则，逼迫的基本精神却是一样的。[23]{AA 576.2 }
§47
So it will be with all who will live godly in Christ Jesus. Persecution and reproach await all who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. The character of the persecution changes with the times, but the principle--the spirit that underlies it--is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel. {AA 576.2 }[23]
§48
历代以来，撒但经常逼迫上帝的子民。他曾折磨他们，置他们于死地，但他们却在临终时成了胜利者。他们为那位比撒但更有能力的主作了见证。恶人固然可以折磨杀害身体，但他们却不能伤害到那与基督一同藏在上帝里面的生命。他们能监禁男男女女在狱墙之内，但却无法束缚他们的心灵。[24]{AA 576.3 }
§49
In all ages Satan has persecuted the people of God. He has tortured them and put them to death, but in dying they became conquerors. They bore witness to the power of One mightier than Satan. Wicked men may torture and kill the body, but they cannot touch the life that is hid with Christ in God. They can incarcerate men and women in prison walls, but they cannot bind the spirit. {AA 576.3 }[24]
§50
上帝的荣耀、他的圣德借着试炼和逼迫，在他所拣选的人身上彰显出来了。那些被世人所恨恶所逼迫的基督信徒，乃是在基督的门下受教育受训练的。他们在地上行走在窄路上；他们是在苦难的镕炉中炼净的。他们在痛苦的斗争中跟从基督；他们忍受克己的生活，并经历痛苦的失望；但他们却因此而得以认识罪的本质及祸害，并视罪为可憎恨的了。他们既与基督一同受苦，就能透过幽暗看到那将来的荣耀，说：“我想现在的苦楚，若比起将来要显于我们的荣耀，就不足介意了。”（罗8:18）[25]{AA 576.4 }
§51
Through trial and persecution the glory--the character--of God is revealed in His chosen ones. The believers in Christ, hated and persecuted by the world, are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ. On earth they walk in narrow paths; they are purified in the furnace of affliction. They follow Christ through sore conflicts; they endure self-denial and experience bitter disappointments; but thus they learn the guilt and woe of sin, and they look upon it with abhorrence. Being partakers of Christs sufferings, they can look beyond the gloom to the glory, saying, I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18. {AA 576.4 }[25]