第14章 试炼与胜利
§1
第14章 试炼与胜利
§2
Chapter 14—Trials and Victories of Paul
§3
以弗所作为保罗工作的中心，达三年之久。那里形成了一个很兴旺的教会，福音便从这个城市传播到亚细亚省的犹太人和外邦人之中。{LP 140.2}[1]
§4
For upwards of three years, Ephesus was the center of Paul’s work. A flourishing church was raised up here, and from this city the gospel spread throughout the province of Asia, among both Jews and Gentiles.?{LP 140.2}[1]
§5
使徒保罗在一段时间里一直考虑作再一次的布道行程。他希望重访马其顿和亚该亚的各教会，在哥林多逗留一段时间后，再去耶路撒冷。此后，他还希望到罗马去传福音。根据这个计划，他就先派提摩太和西拉都往马其顿去。他既感到以弗所的圣工还需要他帮助，就决定先留在那里，直到过了五旬节。但不久发生了一件事，使他提早离开。
§6
The apostle had for some time contemplated another missionary journey. He desired again to visit the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, and after spending some time at Corinth, to go to Jerusalem, after which he hoped to preach the gospel at Rome. In pursuance of his plan, he sent Timothy and Erastus before him into Macedonia; but feeling that the cause in Ephesus still?demanded his presence, he decided to remain till after Pentecost. An event soon occurred, however, which hastened his departure.?{LP 140.3}[2]
§7
五月是特别用来敬拜以弗所女神的时间，要为女神举行大规模的庆典。女神庙和女神崇拜的隆重场面吸引了亚细亚省各地许多人前来参加。在这期间人们进行许多极为显赫的庆祝活动。有专人选出来代表诸神受人敬拜，并通过游行，献祭和奠酒予以尊崇。音乐比赛，运动员的技艺，人兽的激烈搏斗，把大批仰慕者吸引到大剧院里。选出来主持这场隆重庆典的官员乃是亚细亚省各主要城市中的最有声望的人。这些人拥有大笔财富，作为充任如此体面的职务的报答，他们要支付全部的活动费用。全城一派狂欢和富丽堂皇的景象。神气活现的游行队伍涌向宏伟的庙宇。欢呼声响彻云霄。人们纵情欢宴，狂饮淫乐。{LP 141.1}[3]
§8
The month of May was specially devoted to the worship of the goddess of Ephesus. The universal honor in which this deity was held, the magnificence of her temple and her worship, attracted an immense concourse of people from all parts of the province of Asia. Throughout the entire month the festivities were conducted with the utmost pomp and splendor. The gods were represented by persons chosen for the purpose, who were regarded as objects of worship, and were honored by processions, sacrifices, and libations. Musical contests, the feats of athletes, and the fierce combats of men and beasts, drew admiring crowds to the vast theaters. The officers chosen to conduct this grand celebration were the men of highest distinction in the chief cities of Asia. They were also persons of vast wealth, for in return for the honor of their position, they were expected to defray the entire expense of the occasion. The whole city was a scene of brilliant display and wild revelry. Imposing processions swept to the grand temple. The air rung with sounds of joy. The people gave themselves up to feasting, drunkenness, and the vilest debauchery.?{LP 141.1}[3]
§9
这一个欢庆的时期对于那些新近信奉基督的人来说是一个考验的时期。那些在推喇奴学房里聚会的人乃是节日欢乐歌声中的杂音，因此人们任意讥讽辱骂他们。保罗在以弗所的工作已经使邪教受到沉重的打击，结果来参加全国庙会的人数显然减少了；而前来朝拜之人的热忱也不如从前。可见保罗教训的影响不限于那些正式信奉基督的人。连许多没有公开接受这新道理的人也都受了真理的光照，以致对于自己的假神完全失去信心。保罗在以弗所的存在使人特别注意这个事实，声嘶力竭的咒骂声都落到了他的身上。{LP 141.2}[4]
§10
This gala season was a trying occasion to the disciples who had newly come to the faith. The company of believers who met in the school of Tyrannus were an inharmonious note in the festive chorus. Ridicule, reproach, and insult were freely heaped upon them. By the labors of Paul at Ephesus, the heathen worship had received a telling blow. There was a perceptible?falling-off in attendance at the national festival, and in the enthusiasm of the worshipers. The influence of his teachings extended far beyond the actual converts to the faith. Many who had not openly accepted the new doctrines, became so far enlightened as to lose all confidence in heathen gods. The presence of Paul in the city called special attention to this fact, and curses loud and deep were uttered against him.?{LP 141.2}[4]
§11
当时还存在着另一个令人不满的因素。在异教国家中，长期以来就有制作女神像和神龛来代表他们所最喜爱之崇拜对象的习惯。有人专门仿照亚底米的大神像制作小神像，在地中海沿岸地区非常流行。装有神像的神龛也是人们所十分喜欢的。这些东西都被当作崇拜的对象。在游行队伍的前面，在出门或远征时，人们都带上它们。在以弗所，制作贩卖神龛和神像，成了一项范围广大，利润丰厚的事业。{LP 142.1}[5]
§12
Another cause of dissatisfaction existed. It had long been customary among heathen nations to make use of small images or shrines to represent their favorite objects of worship. Portable statues were modeled after the great image of Diana, and were widely circulated in the countries along the shores of the Mediterranean. Models of the temple which enshrined the idol were also eagerly sought. Both were regarded as objects of worship, and were carried at the head of processions, and on journeys and military expeditions. An extensive and profitable business had grown up at Ephesus from the manufacture and sale of these shrines and images.?{LP 142.1}[5]
§13
那些属于这个行业的人发现自己的收入减少了，于是大家都把这种变化怪罪于保罗的工作。一个制造神龛的银匠底米丢召集了他的许多同行，用激烈的语言竭力煽动人们对保罗的不满。说他们的行业受到威胁，并指出如果再容许保罗引人离开他们古老的信仰，他们就会蒙受极大的损失。接着他煽起他们狂热的迷信，说：“这保罗不但在以弗所，也几乎在亚细亚全地，引诱迷惑许多人，说：‘人手所造的不是神。’这是你们所看见、所听见的。这样，不独我们这事业被人藐视，就是大女神亚底米的庙也要被人轻忽，连亚细亚全地，普天下所敬拜之大女神之威荣也要消灭了。”这话就像火上加油，引起了群众的愤恨，他们就“怒气填胸，喊着说：大哉以弗所人的亚底米啊”（徒19：28）！{LP 142.2}[6]
§14
Those who were interested in this branch of industry found their gains diminishing. All united in attributing the unwelcome change to Paul’s labors. Demetrius, a manufacturer of silver shrines, called together the workmen of his craft, and by a violent appeal endeavored to stir up their indignation against Paul. He represented that their traffic was endangered, and pointed out the great loss which they would sustain if the apostle were allowed to turn the people away from their ancient worship. He then appealed to their ruling superstition, saying: “Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at?Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods which are made with hands; so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.” This speech acted as fire to the stubble. The excited passions of the people were roused, and burst forth in the cry, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”?{LP 142.2}[6]
§15
这一番讲演很快传遍城内。吵闹声真是可怕，满城都轰动起来。很快就有大群的人聚集起来，冲往犹太人居住区亚居拉的工场去寻找保罗。他们在狂怒之中要把保罗撕成碎片，但却找不到。弟兄们看出形势不对，早已把他藏了起来。上帝也派天使去保护忠心的使徒，因为他为道殉身的时候还没有到。{LP 143.1}[7]
§16
A report of the speech of Demetrius was rapidly circulated. The uproar was terrific. The whole city seemed in commotion. An immense crowd soon collected, and a rush was made to the workshop of Aquila, in the Jewish quarters, with the object of securing Paul. In their insane rage they were ready to tear him in pieces. But the apostle was not to be found. His brethren, receiving an intimation of the danger, had hurried him from the place. Angels of God were sent to guard the faithful apostle. His time to die a martyr’s death had not yet come.?{LP 143.1}[7]
§17
暴徒们既找不到发泄愤怒的对象，就抓住他的两个同伴该犹和亚里达古，带着他们涌往戏院。保罗藏身的地方离戏院不远，所以很快就听说他所爱弟兄的危险。他这时充满勇气，准备为了他的主冲到前线去。他忘记了自己的安全，愿意立即到戏院里去向众人讲话，但他的朋友不让他去这样牺牲。该犹和亚里达古不是众人所寻找的对象，所以总不至于遭害的，但一旦众人看到保罗那灰白疲惫的脸，势必生出最激烈的情绪，结果若想靠人的力量营救他，是不可能的了。{LP 143.2}[8]
§18
Failing to find the object of their wrath, the mob seized two of his companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and with them hurried on to the theater. Paul’s place of concealment was not far distant, and he soon learned of the peril of his beloved brethren. His courage was in keeping with the occasion. He was ever ready to press to the front in the battle for his Master. Forgetful of his own safety, he desired to go at once to the theater, to address the rioters. But his friends refused to permit him thus to sacrifice himself. Gaius and Aristarchus were not the?prey that the people sought; no serious harm to them was apprehended. But should the apostle’s pale, care-worn face be seen, it would arouse at once the worst passions of the mob, and there would not be the least human possibility of saving his life.?{LP 143.2}[8]
§19
保罗很迫切地想要当着群众为真理辩护，但最后有人从戏院送信来阻止他。在首领中有几位最尊贵最有影响的人，打发人叫他不要去冒这样大的危险。亚细亚的领袖人物出来保护保罗，这说明其为人非常正直。{LP 144.1}[9]
§20
Paul was still eager to defend the truth before the multitude; but he was at last deterred by a message of warning from the theater. Several of the most honorable and influential among the magistrates sent him an earnest request not to venture into a situation of so great peril. This proof of the regard in which Paul was held by the leading men of Asia was no mean tribute to the sterling integrity of his character.?{LP 144.1}[9]
§21
剧院里的情形越来越乱了，“有喊叫这个的，有喊叫那个的；大半不知道是为什么聚集”（徒19：32）。保罗和他的一些同仁是希伯来民族的，犹太人觉得群众的愤怒是针对他们的，他们自己的安全可能受到威胁。他们希望声明他们是不同情基督徒的，就推举一个代表来向众人表白这事。所选的发言人名叫亚力山大，是一个铜匠，关于这个人，保罗后来说是给他不少难处的。亚力山大是一个很有才干的人，他尽力设法使众人的愤恨完全落在保罗和他的同伴头上。但群众没有耐心作仔细的辨别。他们看见亚力山大是个犹太人，就把他推倒，“大家同声喊着说：‘大哉以弗所人的亚底米啊！’如此约有两小时”（徒19：34）。{LP 144.2}[10]
§22
The tumult at the theater was continually increasing. “Some cried one thing, and some another; and the more part knew not wherefore they had come together.” From the fact that Paul and some of his companions were of Hebrew extraction, the Jews felt that odium was cast upon them, and that their own safety might be endangered. Wishing it to be understood that they had no sympathy with the Christians, they thrust forward one of their own number to set the matter before the people. The speaker chosen was Alexander, one of the craftsmen, a coppersmith, to whom Paul afterward referred as having done him much evil. Alexander was a man of considerable ability, and he bent all his energies to direct the wrath of the people exclusively against Paul and his companions. But the crowd were in no mood to make nice distinctions. Seeing that Alexander was a Jew, they thrust him aside, the uproar continually increasing as all with one voice cried out, “Great is?Diana of the Ephesians!” This cry continued for two hours.?{LP 144.2}[10]
§23
最后，众人精疲力竭，停止喊叫。城里的书记受到众人的注意，由于他的职位众人愿意听他讲话。他的审慎和良好的判断，很快就使大家安静下来了。{LP 145.1}[11]
§24
At last there came a momentary silence, from sheer exhaustion. Then the recorder of the city arrested the attention of the crowd, and by virtue of his office obtained a hearing. By his prudence and good judgment he soon succeeded in quieting the excitement.?{LP 145.1}[11]
§25
他拿众人自己的话应付他们，并说明这一次的骚乱是毫无理由的。他要众人凭着理智想一想，来到他们中间的外人究竟能不能改变全地的人对于他们守护女神的看法。他说：“以弗所人哪，谁不知道以弗所人的城是看守大亚底米的庙，和从宙斯那里落下来的像呢?这事既是驳不倒的，你们就当安静，不可造次” （徒19：35，36）。他叫他们想一想保罗和他的同伴并没有偷窃亚底米庙中之物，也没有辱骂女神而触怒任何人的情感。{LP 145.2}[12]
§26
He met the people on their own ground, and showed that there was no cause for the present tumult. He appealed to their reason to decide whether the strangers who had come among them could change the opinions of the whole world regarding their ruling goddess. Said he: “Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of Ephesus is a worshiper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.” He bade them consider that Paul and his companions had not profaned the temple of Diana, nor outraged the feelings of any by reviling the goddess.?{LP 145.2}[12]
§27
然后他机智地转过话题责备底米丢的行为：“若是底米丢和他同行的人有控告人的事，自有放告的日子，也有方伯可以彼此对告。你们若问别的事，就可以照例聚集断定” （徒19：38，39）。他最后警告说，他们这样无缘无故地聚众骚乱，会引起罗马人的查问，以致使以弗所失去目前所享有的自由，并宣布不能再有这样的事发生。书记用这样的话使骚乱的群众完全平静下来之后，就叫众人散去。{LP 145.3}[13]
§28
He then skillfully turned the subject, and reproved the course of Demetrius: “Wherefore if Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies; let them implead one another. But if ye inquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.” He closed by warning them that such an uproar, raised without apparent cause, might subject the city of Ephesus to the censure of the Romans, thus causing a restriction of her present liberty, and intimating that there must not be a repetition of the scene. Having by this?speech completely tranquilized the disturbed elements, the recorder dismissed the assembly.?{LP 145.3}[13]
§29
底米丢所说的话，道出了以弗所那一次骚乱的真正原因，也说明了使徒们在宣扬真理的工作中常常遭遇迫害的缘故。底米丢说“我们是依靠这生意发财”，如今这生意受到威胁。底米丢和他的同行看出福音的广传威胁到制造偶像的事业。这件事直接影响邪教祭司和手艺人的收入，因此他们煽动众人对使徒进行最恶毒的攻击，不肯接受或了解一下新的宗教，使他们获得“得救的智慧”。 {LP 146.1}[14]
§30
The words of Demetrius reveal the real cause of the tumult at Ephesus, and also the cause of much of the persecution which followed the apostles in their work of promulgating the truth. “This, our craft, is in danger.” With Demetrius and his fellows, the profitable business of image-making was endangered by the teaching and spread of the gospel. The income of pagan priests and artisans was at stake; and for this reason they instituted the most bitter opposition to the apostle, and refused to receive or investigate the new religion, which would have made them wise unto salvation.?{LP 146.1}[14]
§31
保罗在以弗所的工作终于结束了。他感到群众所流露的激动情绪不利于福音的传播。他满心感谢上帝，因为他的性命得蒙保全，同时基督教并没有因以弗所的骚乱而受到羞辱。书记的决定，以及其他在市内有尊贵地位的人的判断，都向众人声明保罗并没有犯过什么不合法的事。这的确是基督教又一次战胜了谬道和迷信。上帝竟兴起一位官长为他的使徒申辩，并遏制那吵闹的群众。{LP 146.2}[15]
§32
Paul’s labors in Ephesus were at length concluded. He felt that the excitement which prevailed was unfavorable to the preaching of the gospel. His heart was filled with gratitude to God that his life had been preserved, and that Christianity had not been brought into disrepute by the tumult at Ephesus. The decision of the recorder and of others holding honorable offices in the city, had set Paul before the people as one innocent of any unlawful act. This was another triumph of Christianity over error and superstition. God had raised up a great magistrate to vindicate his apostle, and hold the tumultuous mob in check.?{LP 146.2}[15]
§33
保罗满怀深情地辞别了他在信仰上的子女，动身前往马其顿，打算顺路访问特罗亚。这一次有两位以弗所人推基古和特拉非摩陪他。这两位弟兄一直作他忠心的伴侣和同工直到他生命的结束。{LP 146.3}[16]
§34
Paul parted from his children in the faith with an affectionate farewell. He set out on his journey to Macedonia, designing on the way thither to visit Troas. He was accompanied by Tychicus and Trophimus, both Ephesians, who remained his faithful companions and fellow-laborers to the close of his life.?{LP 146.3}[16]
§35
保罗在以弗所的工作期间常处在不断的操劳，许多的考验和精神上的痛苦之中。他一直受到不信的犹太人的反对。他们不遗余力地想尽办法煽动众人来反对他。他一再受到暴徒的攻击，侮辱和谩骂。真理的敌人千方百计地破坏他救人工作的效果。{LP 147.1}[17]
§36
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus had been a season of incessant labor, of many trials, and deep anguish. He taught the people in public and from house to house, instructing and warning them with many tears. He was continually opposed by the unbelieving Jews, who lost no opportunity to stir up the popular feeling against him. Again and again he was attacked by the mob, and subjected to insult and abuse. By every means which they could employ, the enemies of truth sought to destroy the effects of his labor for the salvation of men.?{LP 147.1}[17]
§37
保罗就是这样与反对的势力作战，以不息不倦的热忱推进福音的圣工，并看守一个信心幼小的教会，同时在心上一直为众教会背负沉重的担子。他甚至也不能摆脱体力劳动的担子。在这里，他像在哥林多一样，用自己的双手供给自己的需要。虽然不停的劳动和经常遭遇的危险使他疲倦痛苦，疾病使他身体虚弱，有时他的意志消沉了，但他仍坚定不移地进行他的工作。{LP 147.2}[18]
§38
And while thus battling against opposition, and with untiring zeal pushing forward the gospel work and guarding the interests of a church yet young in the faith, Paul was bearing upon his soul the burden of all the churches. Nor was he released even from the tax of physical labor. Here, as at Corinth, he worked with his own hands to supply his necessities. In weariness and painfulness from unceasing toil and constant danger, enfeebled by disease, and at times depressed in spirits, he steadfastly pursued his work.?{LP 147.2}[18]
§39
当他听说他所奠定的教会有离道反教的事，就深为忧伤。他唯恐他为他们所尽的劳力将要归于徒然。每当他听说别人用什么方法反对他的工作时，他就时常整夜祈祷、沉思、默想。一有机会，他就要根据各处教会的需要写信给他们，责备、指导、劝诫并勉励他们。保罗很少在信中讲论自己所受的磨练，但其中也偶然提到他在基督的圣工上所尽到的辛劳和所遭受的痛苦，鞭打和监禁，寒冷和饥渴，陆地和海上的危险，城市和旷野的遭遇，自己同胞和外邦异教徒以及假弟兄的陷害——这一切他都为真理的缘故忍受了。他曾“被人毁谤”，“被人咒骂”，“被人看作万物中的渣滓”，“心里作难”，“遭逼迫”，“四面受敌”，“时刻冒险”，“常为耶稣被交于死地”。 {LP 147.3}[19]
§40
The news which he received, of apostasy in churches of his own planting, caused him deep anguish. He greatly feared that his efforts in their behalf would prove to have been in vain. Many a sleepless night was spent in prayer and earnest thought, as he learned of the new and varied methods employed to counteract his work. As he had opportunity, he wrote to the churches, giving reproof, counsel, admonition, and encouragement, as their state demanded. In his epistles the apostle does not dwell on his own trials, yet there are occasional glimpses of his labors and sufferings?in the cause of Christ. Stripes and imprisonment, cold and hunger and thirst, perils by land and sea, in the city and in the wilderness, from his own countrymen, from the heathen, and from false brethren,—all these he endured for the truth’s sake. He was defamed, reviled, “made the offscouring of all things,” “perplexed, persecuted, troubled on every side,” “in jeopardy every hour,” “alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake.”?{LP 147.3}[19]
§41
在反对的暴风雨，敌人的恫吓和友人的遗弃之下，这个刚毅的使徒几乎丧胆了。但他再向髑髅地一看，便以新的热忱向前挺进，为要推广认识钉十字架之救主的知识。保罗无非是在追随基督所走的血染之路。他绝不退出战场，直到他必须在救赎主脚前卸下盔甲为止。{LP 148.1}[20]
§42
Amid the constant storm of opposition, the clamor of enemies, and the desertion of friends, the intrepid apostle at times almost lost heart. But he looked back to Calvary, and with new ardor pressed on to spread the knowledge of the Crucified. He was but treading the blood-stained path which Christ had trodden before him. He sought no discharge from the warfare till he should lay off his armor at the feet of his Redeemer.?{LP 148.1}[20]
§43
自从使徒们歇息了他们的劳苦以来，已有一千八百多年过去了；但他们为基督的缘故所付出的劳苦和牺牲的历史，依然是教会最珍贵的遗产。这一部历史是在圣灵的指示之下写成的，记在经中作为各世代基督门徒的勉励，使他们在救主的圣工上发出更大的热心，做出更忠诚的服务。{LP 148.2}[21]
§44
Eighteen centuries have passed since the apostle rested from his labors; yet the history of his toils and sacrifices for Christ’s sake are among the most precious treasures of the church. That history was recorded by the Holy Spirit, that the followers of Christ in every age might thereby be incited to greater zeal and faithfulness in the cause of their Master.?{LP 148.2}[21]
§45
今天在各级传道岗位上自我放纵，贪爱安逸的人与这位信心的英雄相比显得何等渺小。在遇到一般的困难和试炼时，许多人就觉得自己的道路太艰难了。但他们为圣工究竟做了什么，受了什么苦呢?他们所做的又怎能同这位大使徒相比呢?他们为罪人得救，心灵上究竟负过什么担子呢?他们不知道舍已牺牲。他们为自己所拥有一切品格上的优点和所享有的一切福惠而负债于基督的恩典。他们所有的一切以及他们自身都是基督用宝血买来的。当基督的仆人遭遇反对和迫害的时候，他们不可以灰心丧胆。有基督作他们帮助。他们能够抵挡一切仇敌，克服一切困难。他们身上也负有那催促使徒不息不倦地工作的同样责任。只有那些像他那样忠贞的人，才能和他一起获得生命的冠冕。{LP 148.3}[22]
§46
How does this hero of faith tower above the self-indulgent, ease-loving men who are today crowding the ranks of the ministry. When subjected to the ordinary difficulties and trials of life, many feel that their lot is hard. But what have they done or suffered for the cause of Christ? How does their record appear when compared with that of this great apostle? What burden of soul have they felt for the salvation of sinners??They know little of self-denial or sacrifice. They are indebted to the grace of Christ for all the excellences of character which they possess, for every blessing which they enjoy. All that they are, and all that they have, is the purchase of the blood of Christ. As the servants of Christ encounter opposition and persecution, they should not permit their faith to grow dim or their courage to fail. With Christ as a helper, they can resist every foe, and overcome every difficulty. The same obligation rests upon them which impelled the apostle to his unwearied labors. Only those who emulate his fidelity, will share with him the crown of life.?{LP 148.3}[22]