第16章 哥林多后书
§1
第16章 哥林多后书
§2
Chapter 16—Second Epistle to the Corinthians
§3
保罗从以弗所前往特罗亚，抱着始终如一的宗旨向人宣扬靠基督得救之道。他上一次访问这个城市的时候，曾在异象中看见一个马其顿人，恳切地呼喊“请过来帮助我们”，因此他决定去欧洲传福音。这次他在特罗亚逗留的时间比较短，不能按原来的计划在那里工作。但他说主已为他开了门户。他奠定了一个教会的基础，教会的人数迅速增加。{LP 172.2}[1]
§4
From Ephesus Paul went to Troas, with the same object which was ever before him, that of making known to the people the way of salvation through Christ. It was while visiting this city upon a former journey that the vision of the man of Macedonia and the imploring cry, “Come over and?help us,” had decided him to preach the gospel in Europe. His stay in Troas was thus shortened, and he was prevented from laboring there as he had purposed; but he states that a door was now open to him of the Lord, and he laid the foundation of a church, which rapidly increased.?{LP 172.2}[1]
§5
保罗曾指示提多从哥林多回来时到特罗亚与他会合。他等待着这位亲爱同工的到来，以便了解哥林多教会的情况。一周一周地过去了。提多仍没有来，保罗的挂念几乎到了难以忍受的地步。他说：“因为没有遇见兄弟提多，我心里不安”（林后2：13）。所以他离开特罗亚，前往腓立比，在那里他遇见他福音里的儿子提摩太。{LP 173.1}[2]
§6
Paul had directed Titus, on his return from Corinth, to rejoin him at Troas, and he awaited the coming of this beloved fellow-laborer, hoping to receive some tidings from the Corinthian church. But week after week passed, and Titus came not. The apostle’s solicitude became almost insupportable. He says, “My spirit found no rest, because of Titus, my brother.” He left Troas, and went to Philippi, where he met Timothy, his son in the gospel.?{LP 173.1}[2]
§7
这里的教会用信心和行为证明他们对福音的热爱。弟兄们对于上帝使者的信心从来没有动摇过。保罗在《腓立比书》中没有责备他们，而是热情地表扬他们。福音的真理完全地改变了他们。这个教会经常慷慨地供给保罗传福音时的需要，尽管保罗多次不肯接受他们出于自愿的奉献。他坚持要自力更生，以便不给敌人留下话柄说他是为了个人利益而传道。可是腓立比人不肯失去帮助上帝使者的特权，奉献钱财供他需用。保罗在帖撒罗尼迦的时候，刚悔改不久的腓立比信徒两次奉献钱财给他。后来他在哥林多传道时，他们又接济他。当保罗在罗马被囚的时候，腓立比的弟兄们又慈仁地关心他安慰他以表明他们忠实的爱。{LP 173.2}[3]
§8
Here was a church which had proved its love for the gospel of Christ by its faith and works. The brethren had not swerved from their confidence in the Lord’s messenger. Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, does not censure them, but speaks words of warm approval. The truth of the gospel had thoroughly converted them. This church could not be prevented from making donations to the apostle for his support while preaching the gospel, although he had repeatedly refused to accept their liberality. He was very persistent in his determination to sustain himself, lest occasion might be given his enemies to say that he labored for his personal gain. But the Philippians would not be denied the privilege of aiding the Lord’s ambassador by bestowing of their means to meet his necessities. Twice while he was at Thessalonica, immediately after their conversion, they urged their gifts upon him. Again they sent him relief while he was preaching?at Corinth, and working for his own support. Also when the apostle was a prisoner at Rome, the faithful love of his Philippian brethren was evinced by their kindly care for his comfort.?{LP 173.2}[3]
§9
腓立比教会并不富足。保罗论到他们说：“就是他们在患难中受大试炼的时候，仍有满足的快乐，在极穷之间还格外显出他们乐捐的厚恩。我可以证明，他们是按着力量，而且也过了力量，自己甘心乐意地捐助，再三地求我们，准他们在这供给圣徒的恩情上有份；并且他们所作的，不但照我们所想望的，更照上帝的旨意先把自己献给主，又归附了我们” （林后8：2-5）。{LP 174.1}[4]
§10
The church at Philippi were not wealthy. Paul says of these brethren: “In a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”?{LP 174.1}[4]
§11
保罗这次行程的目的之一是筹集捐款帮助耶路撒冷穷苦的信徒。他曾在哥林多教会建立了每周奉献的制度，像在加拉太教会一样。他吩咐提多在访问哥林多的时候，特别注意促进这个慈善的工作。使徒这样做，不仅是希望解救犹太弟兄的困难，而且希望外邦信徒这种爱心和同情的明显表现，会减少许多犹太信徒对外邦人所抱的偏见。腓立比的教会虽然贫穷，却乐意加入保罗的计划，劝他接受他们的奉献供给耶路撒冷困难的基督徒。他们绝对信任他的忠直和见解，认为他是负责他们奉献的最佳人选。{LP 174.2}[5]
§12
It had been one object of the apostle, in this journey, to collect means for the relief of the poor saints at Jerusalem. He had established in the Corinthian church, as also in Galatia, a system of weekly offerings, and had enjoined upon Titus, in his visit to Corinth, to give special attention to forwarding this benevolent enterprise. Not only was the apostle actuated by a desire to relieve the sufferings of his Jewish brethren, but he hoped that this tangible expression of the love and sympathy of the Gentile converts would soften the bitter feelings cherished toward them by many of the believers in Judea. Notwithstanding the poverty of the Philippian church, they joined readily in the apostle’s plan, and urged him to accept their bounty for the needy Christians at Jerusalem. They had the utmost confidence in his integrity and judgment, and considered him the proper person to take charge of their gifts.?{LP 174.2}[5]
§13
腓立比人并没有抓住他们小小的属世财产不放，却把这些财产看作是为行善而用的。他们就这样体验了基督之话的真实性——“施比受更为有福”。他们认识到基督的圣工在各地乃是一个整体。所以他们虽然贫穷，仍要求帮助其他比他们更需要的教会。{LP 175.1}[6]
§14
The Philippians did not hold their small earthly possessions with a tenacious grasp, but considered them as theirs only to use in doing good. They thus experienced the truth of the words of Christ, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” They felt that the cause of Christ was one everywhere. They therefore, in their poverty, felt called out to help other churches more needy than themselves.?{LP 175.1}[6]
§15
这种慷慨无私的精神也应当成为今日教会的特征。他们应不断感觉到自己有责任推进上帝在各地的圣工。施舍乃是宇宙的基础。上帝就是人类的施给者。祂源源不断地发出良善和慈爱。天父把祂的爱子赐下拯救人类脱离灭亡，从而表现了祂的爱。{LP 175.2}[7]
§16
This spirit of unsectional liberality should characterize the churches of today. They should continually keep the burden on their souls for the advancement of the cause of God in any and every place. Benevolence is the very foundation of the universe. God is a benefactor of the human family. He is a being of inexhaustible goodness and love. The love of the Father for man was expressed in the gift of his beloved Son to save the race from ruin.?{LP 175.2}[7]
§17
基督为人类施舍了祂的性命。祂本是天庭的君王，却自愿离开荣华富贵，来到地上，成为贫穷卑微，使我们能在天国获得富足和幸福。福音的启示会使接受其神圣真理的人在行善，造福人类，度克已慷慨的生活方面效法他们伟大的“榜样”。圣经里特别斥责贪婪的罪。贪爱世俗是与基督教的真原则相违背的。慈善劳动的生活乃是基督教的树木上所结出来的果实。{LP 175.3}[8]
§18
Christ gave his life for man. He was a monarch in the courts of Heaven, yet he voluntarily left his riches and honor, and came to earth, becoming poor and lowly that we might be made rich and happy in the kingdom of Heaven. The revelation of the gospel should lead all who accept its sacred truths to imitate the great Exemplar in doing good, in blessing humanity, and in living a life of self-denial and benevolence. The sin of covetousness is specially denounced in the Scriptures. Worldliness is at war with the true principles of Christianity. A life of beneficent labor is the fruit borne by the Christian tree.?{LP 175.3}[8]
§19
保罗为哥林多教会焦虑，心中大为忧伤。他在腓立比提笔给他们写了第二封书信，因为他深深惦念着他们。因这种忧郁的心情，他的身体大为衰弱了。他不能从事积极的服务，心情更加不安。但当他为救灵而工作的时候，他却不顾身体的软弱。他觉得他所生的病是他从事大工的可怕障碍，所以不断地求上帝解除他的病疾。上帝认为立时应允他的祷告并不合适，但仍向他保证神的恩典是够他所用的。{LP 175.4}[9]
§20
A deep sadness still rested upon the mind and heart of Paul because of his apprehensions concerning the Corinthian church. While at Philippi he commenced his second epistle to them; for they hung as a heavy weight upon his soul. The?depression of spirits from which the apostle suffered was, however, attributable in a great degree to bodily infirmities, which made him very restless when not engaged in active service. But when working for the salvation of souls, he rose superior to physical debility. He felt that the disease under which he suffered was a terrible impediment to him in his great work, and repeatedly besought the Lord to relieve him. God did not see fit to answer his prayers in this respect, though he gave him assurance that divine grace should be sufficient for him.?{LP 175.4}[9]
§21
保罗为哥林多人所负的重担直到他到马其顿遇见提多以后才放下来。他说：“我们……身体也不得安宁，周围遭患难，外有争战，内有惧怕。但那安慰丧气之人的上帝藉着提多来安慰了我们”（林后7：5，6）。这个忠心的使者带来了令人鼓舞的消息。哥林多教会大部分的信徒已经接受了使徒的批评，并表明自己深深地痛悔那给基督教带来羞辱的罪。他们马上与那些犯了罪而又为自己的罪恶行径辩护的人分开，而且慷慨地响应了帮助耶路撒冷穷苦圣徒的呼吁。{LP 176.1}[10]
§22
Paul’s burden because of the Corinthians did not leave him until he reached Macedonia, where he met Titus. He states, “Our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless, God that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” The report of this faithful messenger greatly relieved the mind of Paul. Titus assured him that the greater part of the church at Corinth had submitted to the injunctions of the apostle, and had given proof of the deepest repentance for the sins that had brought a reproach upon Christianity. They had immediately separated from their fellowship the ones who had sinned, and who had sought to justify their corrupt course. They had also nobly responded to the appeal in behalf of the poor saints at Jerusalem.?{LP 176.1}[10]
§23
保罗在《哥林多后书》中表达了因他们所成就之善工而得的喜乐。“我先前写信叫你们忧愁，我后来虽然懊悔，如今却不懊悔”（林后7：8）。当他怕自己的话会被轻视而心中苦闷的时候，他曾有些后悔自己写出那么武断而严厉的话。他继续写道：“如今我欢喜，不是因你们忧愁，是因你们从忧愁中生出懊悔来。你们依着上帝的意思忧愁，凡事就不至于因我们受亏损了。因为依着上帝的意思忧愁，就生出没有后悔的懊悔来，以致得救” （林后7：9，10）。那由于上帝的恩典在人心中的影响而产生的懊悔必要使人承认并离弃罪。这就是保罗所说，他在哥林多信徒的生活中所看到的效果。“从此就生出何等的殷勤、自诉、自恨、恐惧、想念、热心” （林后7：11）。{LP 176.2}[11]
§24
In this second epistle to the church, the apostle expressed his joy at the good work which had been wrought in them: “Though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent”—when tortured with fear that his words would be despised, and half regretting?that he had written so decidedly and severely. He continues: “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart, will lead to the confession and forsaking of sin. Such were the fruits which the apostle declares had been manifested by the Corinthian church: “What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal.”?{LP 176.2}[11]
§25
在哥林多仍有一小部分的人顽固地抵挡使徒为纯洁教会所作的努力，然而他们的行为使得没有人会上他们的当。他们表现出一种最恶毒的精神，竟敢斥责保罗，指责他以贪财为动机，指责他传福音的方式，以及处理教会问题的做法。他们指控他想从外邦信徒的周济捐款中捞取个人好处。在另一方面，一些人因保罗没有要求他所建立起来的教会的支持，就对他的使徒身份提出疑问。反对他的人所提出来的指控就是这样自相矛盾，毫无根据。{LP 177.1}[12]
§26
Still there was a small minority of the Corinthians who stubbornly resisted all efforts of the apostle for the purification of the church; but their course was such that none could be deceived in them. They displayed a most bitter spirit, and were bold in denunciation of Paul, accusing him of mercenary motives, and craft in preaching the gospel and dealing with the churches. They charged him with receiving personal advantage from the means contributed by the brethren for various benevolent purposes. On the other hand, some challenged his claims to apostleship, because he did not demand support from the churches which he had raised up. Thus the accusations of his opposers were conflicting, and without a shadow of foundation.?{LP 177.1}[12]
§27
在我们的时代也会遇到同样不讲道理的人。他们一方面自称相信真理，一方面又反对圣工的推展。他们不肯与教会组织配合。他们的工作就是论断弟兄们的品格，散布流言蜚语和怀疑的气氛。许多诚实的人被这些中伤者所欺骗。他们的意图比起赤裸裸的谎言来不是那么容易被识破的。{LP 177.2}[13]
§28
Just such unreasonable persons are to be met in our times, men who set themselves against the progress of the work of God, while professing to believe the truth. They refuse to come into harmony with the body of the church, the burden of?their work being to dissect the characters of their brethren, to raise dark suspicions, and circulate covert insinuations. Many honest persons are deceived by these calumniators, whose purpose are not so readily discerned as they would be if the traducer dealt in bare-faced falsehoods.?{LP 177.2}[13]
§29
保罗在《哥林多后书》中表达了他对这个教会的信心和希望。当他们为基督的缘故受人辱骂的时候，他们绝不会被撇在困难和试炼之中没有安慰。教会中大部分信徒是忠于原则，坚定正直的；他们分担他们福音之父的忧虑，并为一些自称相信基督教者的罪恶而难过。{LP 178.1}[14]
§30
Paul, in his second epistle to the Corinthians, expresses his faith and hope in that church, that, as they had suffered reproach for Christ’s sake, they would not be left in perplexities and trials without consolation. The majority of the church were true to principle, and of firm integrity; they shared in the sorrows and anxiety of their father in the gospel, and greatly deplored the sins of some who professed the Christian faith.?{LP 178.1}[14]
§31
保罗告诉哥林多信徒他在亚细亚所遭受的苦难，他说他们“被压太重，力不能胜，甚至连活命的指望都绝了”（林后1：8）。在《哥林多前书》中他提到自己在以弗所“同野兽战斗”，在这里所指的是那些想要夺他性命的狂暴的群众。这些人不像人而更像凶残的野兽。保罗以感恩的心回顾了他所遭遇的危险和得蒙拯救。在以弗所的时候，他曾以为自己工作的人生将要结束了，主所说他最终将为信仰牺牲的应许将要实现了。但是上帝保守了他。他所获得的奇妙拯救使他相信自己的工作还没有结束。{LP 178.2}[15]
§32
Paul informed the Corinthians of his trouble in Asia, where, he says, “We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” In his first epistle he speaks of fighting with beasts at Ephesus. He thus refers to the fanatical mob that clamored for his life. They were indeed more like furious wild beasts than men. With gratitude to God, Paul reviews his danger and his deliverance. He had thought when at Ephesus, that his life of usefulness was about to close, that the promise made to him that he should at last die for his faith, was about to be fulfilled. But God had preserved him, and his remarkable to deliverance made him hope that his labors were not at an end.?{LP 178.2}[15]
§33
使徒提到他为众教会所背负的重担而心里悲伤。这担子有时是那么沉重，甚至他难以胜任。外有危险，内有惧怕，使他无法承担。有假师傅起来煽动弟兄对他产生偏见；他们诬篾他，破坏他在他所建立起来的教会中的影响。然而在一切的迫害和失望之中，他仍因从基督里得到的安慰而欢喜快乐。{LP 178.3}[16]
§34
The apostle mentions his distress because of the burden of the churches. The pressure was sometimes so great that he could scarcely endure it. Outward dangers and inward fears had harassed him beyond his own power to bear. False teachers had prejudiced his brethren against him;?they had made false charges against him to destroy his influence among the churches which he had raised up. But, amid all his persecutions and discouragements, he could rejoice in the consolation which he found in Christ.?{LP 178.3}[16]
§35
保罗的良心并没有指责他不忠于自己的委托。所以他能拿着上帝的恩典欢喜快乐，去从事他的传道工作，不是用自己的口才去博得人的称赞，而是靠着圣灵，用纯朴的语言，唯一的目的就是救人。他始终敬畏上帝。基督的爱支持着他。他没有隐瞒自己的思想，他工作不是为了得荣誉或智慧的名声。他把上帝所赐的智慧用来拯救处在错谬和迷信黑暗之中的人，巩固并建设信奉最圣洁之信仰的教会。{LP 179.1}[17]
§36
His conscience did not accuse him of dishonesty or unfaithfulness to his trust. It was a cause of joy to him that he had been enabled, through the grace of God, to labor in the ministry, not using his natural eloquence, to receive the praise of men, but with simplicity and pureness, in the Spirit of God, his only aim being the good of souls. The fear of God had been ever before him; the love of Christ had ever sustained him. He had not dissembled, he had not labored to obtain honor, or a reputation for wisdom. The wisdom given him of God he had exercised to rescue souls from the darkness of error and superstition, and to strengthen and build up the churches in the most holy faith.?{LP 179.1}[17]
§37
他看守着信徒，好像要向上帝交帐的人。反对、诬蔑，弟兄的偏见，敌人的逼迫，都不能使他偏离自己的目标。他把无私的爱和辛劳付给了他所访问的世界各地。他怀着真诚的心用朴素的语言传扬基督。哥林多教会是不会同意对他所作的指责的。{LP 179.2}[18]
§38
He had been watchful for souls as one who must give account to God. He had not been turned from his purpose by opposition, falsehoods, the prejudice of his brethren, or the persecution of his enemies. He had given his disinterested love and labors alike to all parts of the world that he had visited. He had preached Christ with sincerity and simplicity, and the church at Corinth could sustain no charges against him.?{LP 179.2}[18]
§39
他向他们提起自己曾答应去马其顿之前访问哥林多的事。他告诉他们上帝不许他按自己的意思前去。因为他当时就去，就可能造成一个危机，对人产生不利影响。如果他离开以弗所以后马上去哥林多，就免不了对他们的行为做出应有的指责。如果他们拒绝指责，上帝的能力就会藉着他追讨那些邪恶的工人。上帝看出这次行程当时没有好处，就引导他的仆人到别的地方去。他已发出第一封信，指出他们的错误，好让他们悔改，并对那些因淫荡的行为羞辱了教会的人采取措施。{LP 179.3}[19]
§40
He refers to the promise which he made them, to the effect that he would visit them before going to Macedonia. He tells them that God had not permitted him to visit them according to his intention; for his presence at that time would have precipitated a crisis which might have endangered souls. Had he visited them immediately?after leaving Ephesus, he could not have withheld the reproof that their course deserved. Had they then resisted him, the power of God, through him, would have been visited upon the evil workers. God saw that this course was not proper at that time, and guided his servant in another direction. He had sent his first epistle to present before them the evil of their course, that they might manifest repentance, and take action against those who were disgracing the church by their lascivious conduct.?{LP 179.3}[19]
§41
由于上帝的引导，他放弃了自己访问哥林多的初衷，好让他下次去时，不至拿着管教的杖，而是带着仁爱、嘉悦和温柔的精神。他知道他当时写信的效果可能比他亲自去更好。在他亲自访问哥林多之前，他用信劝诫了他们放弃他们中间所流行的种种罪恶。{LP 180.1}[20]
§42
It was through the counsel of God that he had been turned away from his original purpose of visiting them, so that when he should go to them, it would not be with the rod of correction, but with love, approval, and the spirit of meekness. He had felt that more could be gained by his letter than by his presence at that time. He had admonished them to put away the evils existing among them, before he should visit Corinth in person.?{LP 180.1}[20]
§43
保罗对他们的同情表现在他劝弟兄们凭爱心接纳那些因犯罪而受到处理，但已显出悔改明证的人。他们可以代表他对悔改的罪人随意采取行动。如果他们能饶恕和接纳悔改的人，他就代表基督批准他们的行动。保罗就是这样表示他信任教会的智慧，承认他们有权重新接纳那些因犯罪而妨害了圣工，但已真心悔改的人。{LP 180.2}[21]
§44
His compassion for them is evinced by his advice that the ones who had been dealt with for their sins, having given proof of their repentance, should be received with love and kindness. They were at liberty to act in his behalf toward the repenting sinner. If they could forgive and accept the penitent, he, acting in Christ’s stead, would ratify their action. Thus the apostle shows his confidence in the wisdom of the church, and recognizes their authority to receive again into their fellowship those who had once injured the cause by their wicked course, but had now become truly penitent.?{LP 180.2}[21]
§45
教会里反对保罗的人利用他没有如约访问哥林多的事，指责他不守信用，反复无常随意改变计划。然而使徒严肃地对哥林多弟兄说，这些说法是不真实的，他们对他的指控只能证明他们的不公正。他改变计划，无论从什么角度讲，都不能证明他讲的道是飘摇不定的。正如上帝是信实的，保罗的讲道从来不会飘摇不定，自相矛盾的。自从他开始传扬基督的道理以来，凡他在基督里说“是”的，从来不说“不”，换一句话说，他从来不收回凭着上帝的话所确立起来的论点。他的证言是直率、一致、和谐，并以自己的生活作为例证的。{LP 180.3}[22]
§46
Paul’s opposers in the church made use against him of his failure to visit Corinth according to?his promise, and argued that he was inconsistent and vacillating, changing his plans according to his convenience or inclination. But the apostle solemnly assures his Corinthian brethren that the reports were untrue, and that their knowledge of him should convince them of their injustice. His change of purpose, viewed from any standpoint, was no evidence that his doctrine was uncertain. As God was true and faithful, Paul’s preaching was not in uncertainty or contradiction. After he had once declared the doctrine of Christ, he had said yea in Christ, and had never after said nay; or, in other words, had never retracted a single point which he had established by the word of God. His testimony had been straightforward, uniform, and harmonious, and exemplified by his own life.?{LP 180.3}[22]
§47
他和他的同工所传讲的教训和道理，是前后一致的。他们的做法是始终如一的。他们一直设法使听众们确信，只有在基督里才能得着拯救。至于习惯和礼仪，使徒宣称他们已聪明地在什么地方作什么人，使任何人都不至于因向他们推行无关紧要的东西而转离真理。{LP 181.1}[23]
§48
He and his fellow-laborers had been, in their teachings and doctrine, unchangeable. Their course had been consistent and unwavering. They had ever assured their hearers that salvation was to be found alone in Christ. In matters of customs and ceremonies, the apostle declared that he had wisely met the people where they were, that none might be turned from the truth by pressing upon them that which was of no vital importance. He had carefully instructed them in the truly essential matters of the faith.?{LP 181.1}[23]
§49
使徒宣称，他们之所以相信福音的真理，不是由于他们教师的智慧话语。人的能力不可能造成这种大改变。他们离开异教所归依的不是保罗或其他任何人，而是基督教。上帝已经接纳他们，使他们成为祂的儿女，并藉着祂的灵和恩典改变人心的能力把祂神圣的形象印在他们的心中。然而在他们中间那些歪曲基督福音，败坏祂所教导纯正道理的人，必须予以斥责，使所有的人都因看到上帝对那些信仰的敌人所表示的不悦而得到警告。{LP 181.2}[24]
§50
The apostle declares that their belief in the truths of the gospel was not the result of wisdom of words in their teachers. No human power had worked the great change. They had not been converted from heathenism to Paul or to any other man, but to Christianity. God had accepted them and made them his children, stamping his divine image upon their hearts?through the transforming power of his Spirit and grace. But it was necessary that those among them who had perverted the gospel of Christ, and corrupted the pure doctrines taught by him, should be rebuked, to prevent them from corrupting others, and that all might be warned by seeing that the frown of God was upon those enemies of the faith.?{LP 181.2}[24]
§51
他在告诉弟兄们他原先为他们的深深忧虑和提多来到以后他所感到的宽心之后，就发出了赞美和胜利的声音：“感谢上帝！常率领我们在基督里夸胜，并藉着我们在各处显扬那因认识基督而有的香气。因为我们在上帝面前，无论在得救的人身上，或灭亡的人身上，都有基督馨香之气”9林后2：14，15）。保罗这里所用的比喻，讲的是按照当时的风俗，一个将军出征凯旋时，总要带一批俘虏回来。在这种场合，必要安排一些拿香的人。当大军整队胜利归来时，那作为胜利标志的馨香的气味对于指定处死刑的俘虏就是死的香气，表明他们被执行死刑的时候到了。但对于那些蒙恩得以保全性命的俘虏它乃是活的香气，表明他们得释放的时候近了。{LP 182.1}[25]
§52
After informing his brethren of his great anxiety in their behalf, and the relief that he experienced at the coming of Titus, the apostle breaks forth with a voice of praise and triumph: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.” The figure in the apostle’s mind was that of a general returning from a victorious warfare, followed by a train of captives, according to the custom of the day. On such occasions there were persons appointed as incense-bearers. As the army marched triumphantly home, the fragrant odors, the signal of victory, were to the captives appointed to die a savor of death, in that it showed them they were nearing the time of their execution. But to those of the prisoners who had found favor with their captors, and whose lives were to be spared, it was a savor of life, in that it showed them that their freedom was near.?{LP 182.1}[25]
§53
保罗曾经是福音的热心反对者，但他后来被天上来的光所征服了，他就成了基督的俘虏，他成了一名拿香的人，作为基督战胜敌人的标志。如今他满有信心和希望。他深觉撒但无法胜过上帝的工作，他从心里倾发出赞美和感恩像宝贵的膏油一样。他决心让基督的圣名和救恩像馨香散布开来。他和他的同工要庆祝他们对于基督和真理之仇敌的胜利。他们愿意以新的热情出去传播有关基督的知识，像芬芳的香气弥漫于全世界。对于那些接受基督的人，福音的信息必要作“活的香气”叫他们活；但对于那些坚决不信的人，就要作“死的香气”叫他们死。{LP 182.2}[26]
§54
Paul had been an ardent opposer of the gospel, but he had been conquered by light from Heaven, and had yielded himself a captive of Christ. He had become an incense-bearer, signaling the victory of Christ over his enemies. Paul was now full of hope and faith. He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God. The praise and gratitude of his heart was poured forth as a precious ointment. He determined that the name and salvation of Jesus should be diffused by him as a sweet odor. He and his fellow-laborers would celebrate their victory over the enemies of Christ and the truth. They would go forth to their duties with new zeal and courage to spread the knowledge of Christ, as a stream of fragrant incense, through the world. To those who would accept Christ, the message would be a savor of life unto life; but to those who would persist in unbelief, it would be a savor of death unto death.?{LP 183.2}[26]
§55
保罗体会到这工作的重大关系，不禁感叹说：“这事谁能当得起呢?”谁能如此传讲基督，以致他的仇敌拿不出正当的理由来藐视他或他所传的信息呢?保罗希望信徒理解传福音之人的严肃责任。传福音的人唯有忠心传道，再加上纯洁和言行一致的生活，他们的工作才能蒙上帝悦纳并造福人群。今日心中感到责任重大的传道人正该与保罗一同感叹说：“这事谁能当得起呢?” {LP 183.1}[27]
§56
Paul, feeling the overwhelming magnitude of the work, exclaims, “And who is sufficient for these things?” Who is competent to preach Christ in such a way that his enemies shall have no just cause to despise him or the message which he bears? Paul would impress upon believers the solemn responsibility of the gospel ministry. Faithfulness in preaching the word, joined to a pure and consistent life, would alone make the efforts of ministers acceptable to God, and profitable to souls. Ministers of our day, burdened with a sense of the greatness of the work, may well exclaim, with the apostle, “Who is sufficient for these things?”?{LP 183.1}[27]