第17章 重访哥林多
§1
第17章 重访哥林多
§2
Chapter 17—Paul Revisits Corinth
§3
到了秋天，保罗再次访问哥林多。他从远处眺望哥林多的塔楼和高耸的城堡。乌云笼罩着群山，给下面的城市投下了一层深影，似乎象征着错谬和邪恶正威胁着当地教会的兴旺发展。保罗此时思绪万千。他就要会见他在福音信仰里的子女了。他们当中有些人曾犯下严重的罪行。他原来的一些朋友忘记了他的爱以及过去的友谊和信任，变成他的敌人，对他是不是基督的真使徒，奉派传福音提出疑问。教会中大多数人虽然转离了他们的罪，听从保罗的吩咐，但不可能恢复到他们未犯罪时的那种状态。老师和学生之间，不大可能有他第一次访问时的那种联合、爱心和信任。{LP 183.2}[1]
§4
It was autumn when Paul again visited Corinth. As he beheld the Corinthian towers and lofty citadel in the distance, the clouds that?enshrouded the mountains and cast a shadow upon the city beneath, seemed a fitting emblem of the error and immorality which threatened the prosperity of the Christian church in that place. The mind of Paul was agitated by conflicting thoughts. He was to meet his children in the faith of the gospel. Some of them had been guilty of grievous sins. Some of his former friends had forgotten his love and the sweet friendship and confidence of earlier days. They had become his enemies, and questioned and disputed whether he was a true apostle of Christ, intrusted with the gospel. Though the majority of the church had turned from their sins and submitted to the commands of Paul, yet it could not be with them entirely as it was before their immorality. There could not exist that union, love, and confidence between teacher and people, as upon the occasion of his former visit.?{LP 183.2}[1]
§5
在教会中还有一些人，虽然受到保罗的斥责，却仍然坚持自己的罪恶行为，藐视他的警告，否认他的权威。时候已到，他必须采取果断措施来制止这种反对的势力。他曾警告过哥林多信徒他此行的目的是亲自处理那些顽固犯罪的人：“对那犯了罪的和其余的人说：‘我若再来，必不宽容，你们既然寻求基督在我里面说话的凭据，我必不宽容’”（林后13：2，3）。他曾推迟了他的访问，为了给他们时间反省和悔改。但是现在，所有继续坚持错误罪恶行为的人应当从教会里开除出去。他们过去曾因保罗凭爱心长期宽容他们而说他胆小软弱。他现在将不得不采取行动来驳斥这种指控。{LP 184.1}[2]
§6
There were still some in the church, who, when reproved by the apostle, had persisted in their sinful course, despising his warnings and defying his authority. The time had come when he must take decisive measures to put down this opposition. He had warned the Corinthians of his purpose to come and deal in person with the obstinate offenders: “I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that if I come again, I will not spare; since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me.” He had delayed his coming, to give them time for reflection and repentance. But now all who continued in their course of error and sin, must be separated from the church of Christ. They had charged Paul with timidity and weakness because of his long forbearance through love for their souls.?He would now be compelled to pursue a course which would disprove this charge.?{LP 184.1}[2]
§7
保罗这次走近哥林多，与他那次走近大马士革，其情形有了何等鲜明的对比啊！当时他“向主的门徒口吐威吓凶杀的话”（徒9：1）。这两次行程中，现在的保罗和当日的扫罗，在面貌，目的和精神上是何等不同啊！那时他拿着世俗权力的宝剑，作为犹太公会的代表，审讯信徒，要扑灭异端，寻索牺牲品予以囚禁，鞭打和用石头砸死。他踌躇满志，骑马往大马士革去，有仆人听他吩咐把囚犯解往耶路撒冷。现在他是步行的，没有显示身份和权力的外部标志，也没有司法官员听候他吩咐。对于那些藐视他权威的人，他所能做出的最高处罚就是把他们与被人视为无知卑贱的信徒团体分离开来。他的敌人说他身体状况虚弱，他的讲话没有什么了不起。可是使徒并不像他们所说的那么软弱。他负有万王之王的委任。全天庭都动员起来支持他。他的武器不是属于肉体的，而是靠着上帝摧毁罪恶和撒但堡垒的大能。{LP 185.1}[3]
§8
As Paul thus approaches Corinth, how striking the contrast to the close of a former journey, when Saul, “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,” drew near to Damascus! How widely different the appearance, purposes, and spirit of Saul and Paul! Then he was intrusted with the sword of secular power, he was the agent of the Sanhedrim, the Jewish inquisitor, the exterminator of heretics, seeking victims to imprison, to scourge, or to stone. Filled with pride, he rode toward Damascus, with servants at his command to convey his prisoners to Jerusalem. Now he journeys on foot, with no outward tokens of rank or power, and no officers of justice to do his bidding. The utmost that he can do to punish those who disregard his authority, is to separate them from a society whose members are everywhere regarded as ignorant and degraded. His enemies declare that his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Yet the apostle is not so powerless as he is represented. He bears a commission from the King of kings. All Heaven is enlisted to sustain him. His weapons are not carnal, but mighty through God to overthrow the strongholds of sin and Satan.?{LP 185.1}[3]
§9
使徒的外貌和精神状态都有了很大的改变。过去他“向主的门徒口吐威吓凶杀的话”，“残害教会”，“拉男女下在监里”，“强逼他们说亵渎的话”，“分外恼恨”一切尊崇耶稣圣名的人。他的心充满苦毒，恶意和仇恨，然而他受迷惑甚深，反以为自己是在为上帝工作，实际上却在做撒但的工作。现在，傲慢易怒的扫罗已经被基督恩典改变了。他的心惦念那些最苦毒地反对他的人。一想到他们，他就难过伤心。他写信给他的弟兄们说：“倘若我叫你们忧愁，……谁能叫我快乐呢?”他请他们原谅他不得不严厉地对待他们。扫罗身上一切美好高尚的品质仍然存在，在他心灵的祭坛上燃烧着同样的热情，只是已经过圣化纯炼献为基督服务了。{LP 185.2}[4]
§10
There has been as great a change in the spirit of the apostle, as in his outward appearance. Then he was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples;” he “made havoc of the church;” he “haled men and women to prison;” he “compelled them to blaspheme;” he was “exceedingly mad” against all who revered the name of Jesus. His heart was filled with?bitterness, malice, and hatred; yet he was so deluded as to imagine himself serving God, while in reality doing the work of Satan. Now the proud, passionate nature of Saul has been transformed by the grace of Christ. His heart yearns over his most bitter opponents. The thought of causing them pain, fills him with sorrow. He wrote to his brethren, “If I cause you grief, who is there to cause me joy?” He entreated them to spare him the necessity of dealing severely with them. All that was good and noble in the character of Saul remains, the same zeal burns upon the altar of his heart; but it has been purified, and sacredly consecrated to the service of Christ.?{LP 185.2}[4]
§11
陪伴保罗去哥林多的，有几个曾和他一起在马其顿同工，还有几个为耶路撒冷教会筹集捐款的助手。在目前的危机中他不能指望这些弟兄的同情和支持。虽然哥林多教会的状况在一些方面是令人痛心丧气的，但他也有高兴和感恩的理由。许多一度败坏堕落，崇拜偶像的人，现在成了基督真诚而谦卑的门徒了。不少人对使徒依然怀有深厚的感情，把他看作第一个传宝贵福音真光给他们的人。当他再次见到这些门徒并看到他们忠诚和热心的表现时，他就觉得自己的工作没有白费。保罗既能与他亲爱的同伴和忠心的信徒相聚，他那疲惫伤痛的心灵就得着安息和鼓励了。{LP 186.1}[5]
§12
Paul was accompanied to Corinth by a little band of fellow-laborers, some of whom had been his companions during the months spent in Macedonia, and his assistants in gathering funds for the church at Jerusalem. He could rely upon these brethren for sympathy and support in the present crisis. And though the condition of the Corinthian church was in some respects painful and discouraging, there were also reasons for joy and gratitude. Many who had once been corrupt and degraded worshipers of idols, were now sincere and humble followers of Christ. Not a few still regarded the apostle with warm affection, as the one who had first borne to them the precious light of the gospel. As he once more greeted these disciples, and saw the proof of their fidelity and zeal, he felt that his labor had not been in vain. In the society of his beloved companions and these faithful converts, his worn and troubled spirit found rest and encouragement.?{LP 186.1}[5]
§13
保罗在哥林多逗留的三个月时间里，一方面不息不倦地为当地教会工作，一方面有机会眺望更广阔的工作园地，为新的出征做准备。他仍在考虑从耶路撒冷到罗马去的计划。他最大的一个宿愿就是看到基督的信仰竖立在那个欧西世界的大中心。那时在罗马已经有教会建立，所以保罗希望得到那里信徒的合作，以完成圣工。这些同道弟兄既是他所不认识的，所以为了给将来到他们中间准备工作条件，他就给他们写了一封信，说明他打算访问罗马，并希望得到他们的帮助，在西班牙树立起十字架的旗帜。{LP 186.2}[6]
§14
For three months Paul stayed at Corinth.?During this period he not only labored unweariedly for the church in that city, but he found time to look forward to wider missions, and to prepare for new conquests. His thoughts were still occupied with his contemplated journey from Jerusalem to Rome. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world, was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been raised up at Rome, and the apostle desired to secure their co-operation in the work which he hoped to accomplish. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, as yet strangers, he addressed them by letter, announcing his purpose to visit Rome, and also by their aid to plant the standard of the cross in Spain.?{LP 186.2}[6]
§15
保罗在《罗马书》中说明了他想亲自去阐述的福音大原则。他对于当时犹太和外邦教会所纷纷议论的一些问题表白了自己的立场，并说明那曾一度专属犹太人的指望和应许现在也已提供给外邦人了。保罗非常清楚而有力地阐明了因信基督而称义的真理。保罗在给罗马的基督徒写信的时候，也希望其他教会从而得到教训。但他对于自己的言语所要发挥更远大的影响，当时所能料到的是多么有限啊！世世代代以来，《罗马书》所阐述的因信称义的伟大真理像光明的灯塔一样一直引领着悔改的罪人走上生命之路。那驱散马丁路德心灵中的黑暗，并向他显出基督宝血洗除罪恶之能力的，就是这光。这同一个光也已引领成千上万背负罪担的罪人找到赦罪与平安的源头。每一个基督徒都应当为《罗马书》而感谢上帝。{LP 187.1}[7]
§16
In his Epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel which he hoped to present in person. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and Gentile churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles. With great clearness and power he presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. While addressing the Roman Christians, Paul designed to instruct other churches also; but how little could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! The great truth of justification by faith, as set forth in this epistle, has stood through all the ages as a mighty beacon to guide the repentant sinner into the way of life. This light scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther’s mind, and revealed to him the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. It has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the same?source of pardon and peace. Every Christian has reason to thank God for that epistle to the church at Rome.?{LP 187.1}[7]
§17
正当保罗怀着兴趣和希望眺望西部的工作新园地时，却发生了一些事，使他为过去在东部的工作园地深为忧虑。在哥林多他得到了来自加拉太教会的消息，表明那里发生了很大的混乱，甚至公开背道。犹太师傅们反对使徒的工作，设法破坏他的工作成果。{LP 188.1}[8]
§18
While Paul looked with interest and hope to new fields of labor in the west, he had cause for serious apprehension concerning the fields of his former labor in the east. Tidings had been received at Corinth from the churches in Galatia, revealing a state of great confusion, and even of absolute apostasy. Judaizing teachers were opposing the work of the apostle, and seeking to destroy the fruit of his labors.?{LP 188.1}[8]
§19
在每一个教会中，几乎都有一些犹太人。犹太师傅很容易接近这些人，并通过他们在教会里站住了脚跟。他们无法用圣经的根据推翻保罗的教训，就采用最卑鄙的手段破坏他的影响，削弱他的权威。他们宣称他不是耶稣的门徒，没有受耶稣所委派，却竟敢宣传与彼得，雅各和其他使徒完全相违的道理。这些犹太教的代言人就是这样成功地使许多基督徒离开了他们福音的导师。达到了这一点之后，他们又劝诱信徒去遵守仪文律法作为得救的重要条件。信靠基督，顺从十诫的律法被认为是无关紧要的。加拉太一带的信徒很快发生了分裂，异端和放纵情欲的事。{LP 188.2}[9]
§20
In almost every church there were some members who were Jews by birth. To these converts the Jewish teachers found ready access, and through them gained a foot-hold in the churches. It was impossible, by scriptural arguments, to overthrow the doctrines taught by Paul; hence they resorted to the most unscrupulous measures to counteract his influence and weaken his authority. They declared that he had not been a disciple of Jesus, and had received no commission from him; yet he had presumed to teach doctrines directly opposed to those held by Peter, James, and the other apostles. Thus the emissaries of Judaism succeeded in alienating many of the Christian converts from their teacher in the gospel. Having gained this point, they induced them to return to the observance of the ceremonial law as essential to salvation. Faith in Christ, and obedience to the law of ten commandments, were regarded as of minor importance. Division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia.?{LP 188.2}[9]
§21
保罗看到侵入信徒的种种邪恶很快就要毁灭这些教会，不禁心如刀割，深为不安。他立时给加拉太信徒写信，揭露他们所接受的假道，并非常严厉地责备那些偏离信仰的人。{LP 188.3}[10]
§22
Paul’s soul was stirred as he saw the evils?that threatened speedily to destroy these churches. He immediately wrote to the Galatians, exposing their false theories, and with great severity rebuking those who had departed from the faith.?{LP 188.3}[10]
§23
在信的开头，他声明自己使徒的资格“不是由于人，也不是藉着人，乃是藉着耶稣基督，与叫祂从死里复活的父上帝”（加1：1）。他的任命不是从人，而是从天上最高的权威领受的。保罗向教会问候以后，就一针见血地说；“我希奇你们这么快离开那藉着基督之恩召你们的，去从别的福音，那并不是福音” （加1：6，7）。加拉太信徒所领受的道理，无论从什么意义上说，都不能算为福音；这是出于人的教训，与基督所教导的道理完全相抵触的。{LP 189.1}[11]
§24
In the introduction to his epistle, he asserted his own position as an apostle, “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” He had been commissioned by the highest authority, not of earth, but in Heaven. After giving his salutation to the church, he pointedly addresses them: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another.” The doctrines which the Galatians had received, could not in any sense be called the gospel; they were the teachings of men, and were directly opposed to the doctrines taught by Christ.?{LP 189.1}[11]
§25
使徒继续说：“有些人搅扰你们，要把基督的福音更改了。但无论是我们，是天上来的使者，若传福音给你们，与我们所传给你们的不同，他就应当被咒诅”（加1：8）。{LP 189.2}[12]
§26
The apostle continues: “But there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”?{LP 189.2}[12]
§27
保罗对于加拉太信徒所用的方法和他对于哥林多教会所用的是何等不同啊！他曾小心翼翼、温柔和蔼地责备哥林多教会，但对于加拉太教会则作无情的申斥。哥林多信徒曾被试探所胜。那里有一些假师傅用巧妙的诡辩为谬道装上真理的面具，使信徒思想混乱，因而受了迷惑。若要教训他们分辨真伪，就不得不审慎从事，忍耐应付。如果保罗表现粗鲁苛刻的态度，或过于急躁的精神，这就要在他所要帮助的人身上破坏自己的影响力。{LP 189.3}[13]
§28
How different from his manner of writing to the Corinthian church is the course which he pursues toward the Galatians! In dealing with the former, he manifests great caution and tenderness, while he reproves the latter with abrupt severity. The Corinthians had been overcome by temptation, and deceived by the ingenious sophistry of teachers who presented errors under the guise of truth. They had become confused and bewildered. To teach them to distinguish the false from the true, required great caution and patience in their instructor. Harshness or?injudicious haste would have destroyed his influence over those whom he sought to benefit.?{LP 189.3}[13]
§29
但在加拉太的各教会中，公开赤露的谬道已经在代替福音的信仰。那里的信徒简直已经否定了那作为信仰真基础的基督，而代之以犹太教的陈旧礼节。保罗看出，如果要抢救加拉太的信徒脱离那威胁着他们的危险，他就必须采取最果断的措施，并发出最严厉的警告，才能使他们认识到自己的真实状况。{LP 190.1}[14]
§30
In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the faith of the gospel. Christ, the true foundation, was virtually renounced for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if these churches were saved from the dangerous influences which threatened them, the most decisive measures must be taken, the sharpest warnings given, to bring them to a sense of their true condition.?{LP 190.1}[14]
§31
我们若想在各种不同的情况下聪明地应付各种不同心理，就需要上帝圣灵所圣化所光照的智慧和见解。每一个基督的传道人所应当学习的一个重要教训乃是根据他们所要帮助的对象对症下药。温柔和忍耐，果断和坚毅，都是不可缺少的；但必须酌情运用。上帝的仆人唯有和主保持密切的联系，才能审慎地应付教会里所产生的试炼和困难。{LP 190.2}[15]
§32
To deal wisely with different classes of minds, under varied circumstances and conditions, is a work requiring wisdom and judgment, enlightened and sanctified by the Spirit of God. The minister of Christ should learn the importance of adapting his labors to the condition of those whom he seeks to benefit. Tenderness, patience, decision, and firmness are alike needful; but they are to be exercised with proper discrimination. It is only by maintaining a close connection with God that his servants can hope to meet judiciously the trials and difficulties that still arise in the churches.?{LP 190.2}[15]
§33
保罗曾向加拉太人传授基督纯正的福音。他的教训向来与圣经相符，并有圣灵为他的工作作证。因此他警告弟兄们不可听从任何与他所教导的真理相抵触的谬道。{LP 190.3}[16]
§34
Paul had presented to the Galatians the gospel of Christ in its purity. His teachings were in harmony with the Scriptures; and the Holy Spirit had witnessed to his labors. Hence he warned his brethren to listen to nothing that should contradict the truth which they had been taught.?{LP 190.3}[16]
§35
保罗谈到了加拉太人原来已了解他自己的经历。他提醒他们他精通犹太人的学问，曾为他们的宗教发热心。在他年轻的时候，他甚至是犹太教一名能干和热心的捍卫者。但当基督向他显示以后，他马上放弃了所有可望得的荣誉和利益，献身传扬十字架的道理，没有以世俗为动机。他接着告诉他们，他悔改以后没有机会从人那里得到指教。他们传的道理是耶稣基督向他启示的。在大马士革见异象之后，保罗退到阿拉伯与上帝交通。三年以后他才上耶路撒冷。在那里只逗留了十三天，就出发向外邦人传福音了。他宣称“那时，犹太信基督的各教会都没有见过我的面。不过听说那从前逼迫我们的，现在传扬他原先所残害的真道，他们就为我的缘故，归荣耀给上帝” （加1：22-24）。{LP 190.4}[17]
§36
The apostle reverts to his own experience, of which the Galatians have been previously informed. He reminds them of his proficiency in the learning of the Jews, and his zeal for their religion. Even in early manhood he had achieved?distinction as an able and zealous defender of the Jewish faith. But when Christ was revealed to him, he at once renounced all his prospective honors and advantages, and devoted his life to the preaching of the cross. He appeals to his brethren to decide whether in all this he could have been actuated by any worldly or selfish motive. He then shows them that after his conversion he had no opportunity to receive instruction from man. The doctrines which he preached had been revealed to him by the Lord Jesus Christ. After the vision at Damascus, Paul retired into Arabia, for communion with God. It was not until three years had elapsed that he went up to Jerusalem; and he then made a stay of but fifteen days, thence going out to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He declares that he was “unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me.”?{LP 190.4}[17]
§37
使徒在这样回顾自己历史的时候，设法向大家说明，他之所以能看明并掌握旧约圣经所记载的，基督在地上的生活所体现的伟大真理，乃是由于上帝大能的特别显示。他这次以如此严肃而确切的语气警告并劝诫加拉太的信徒，也是由于他从上帝所领受的知识。他传福音不是犹疑不定的，而是出于稳固信心和绝对知识的把握。在书信中清楚地说明受教于人和直接受教于基督的区别。{LP 191.1}[18]
§38
In thus reviewing his history, the apostle seeks to make apparent to all that by special manifestation of divine power he had been led to perceive and to grasp the great truths of the gospel, as presented in the Old Testament scriptures and embodied in the life of Christ on earth. It was the knowledge received from God himself which led Paul to warn and admonish the Galatians in that solemn and positive manner. He did not present the gospel in hesitancy and doubt, but with the assurance of settled conviction and absolute knowledge. In his epistle he clearly marks the contrast between being taught by man and receiving instruction direct from Christ.?{LP 191.1}[18]
§39
保罗恳劝加拉太的信徒，他们唯一安全的途径，就是离开那些把他们引到错路上的假师傅，而转回到他们从真理和智慧的源泉所领受的信仰。那些假师傅是一些心地不洁，生活腐化的伪善者。他们的宗教无非是一套形式，他们妄想靠这些形式来得上帝的眷爱。他们根本不羡慕那告诉人说“人若不重生，就不能见上帝的国”的道理。他们认为这种宗教需要太大的牺牲，因此坚持自己的谬道，自欺欺人。{LP 192.1}[19]
§40
The apostle urged upon the Galatians, as their only safe course, to leave the false guides by whom they had been misled, and to return to the faith which they had received from the Source of truth and wisdom. Those false teachers were hypocritical, unregenerate men; unholy in heart, and corrupt in life. Their religion consisted in a round of ceremonies, by the performance of which they expected to receive the favor of God. They had no relish for a doctrine which taught, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Such a religion required too great a sacrifice. Hence they clung to their errors, deceiving themselves, and deceiving others.?{LP 192.1}[19]
§41
今日一般没有经过重生的人对于这种以宗教仪式代替圣洁的内心和生活的道理还是很欢迎的，正如使徒的时代一样。因此，今天仍有许多假教师，人们喜欢听他们欺人之谈。撒但深思熟虑地设法使人转离得救的唯一途径，即信靠基督，并顺从上帝的律法。这个大仇敌在每一个时代随机应变地根据人们的偏见和嗜好来试探他们。在使徒时代，他使犹太人注重仪文律法并拒绝基督；在现时代他叫许多自命为基督徒的人一面伪装尊重基督，一面则藐视道德律法，并教训人说，人人可以随便干犯律法而不受刑罚。上帝的每一个忠心仆人都有责任坚决而果断地抵挡这些歪曲信仰的人，并用真理的道揭穿他们的错谬。{LP 192.2}[20]
§42
To substitute the external forms of religion for holiness of heart and life, is still as pleasing to the unrenewed nature as in the days of the apostles. For this reason, false teachers abound, and the people listen eagerly to their delusive doctrines. It is Satan’s studied effort to divert the minds of men from the one way of salvation,—faith in Christ, and obedience to the law of God. In every age the arch-enemy adapts his temptations to the prejudices or inclinations of the people. In apostolic times he led the Jews to exalt the ceremonial law, and reject Christ; at the present day he induces many professed Christians, under the pretense of honoring Christ, to cast contempt upon the moral law, and teach that its precepts may be transgressed with impunity. It is the duty of every faithful servant of God, to firmly and decidedly withstand these perverters of the faith, and to fearlessly expose their errors by the word of truth.?{LP 192.2}[20]
§43
保罗继续维护自己作为基督使徒的身份，说这不是出于人的意思，而是出于上帝的能力。他描述自己曾到耶路撒冷去解决了加拉太各教会中现在正在争论的问题，就是外邦人是不是要受割礼和遵守仪文律法。这是他唯一的一次把其他使徒的见解置于他自己的见解之上。他先进行私下的拜访，把整个问题摆在主要的使徒彼得，雅各和约翰面前。凭着他卓有远见的智慧，他断定如果先说服这些人采取正确的立场，问题就容易解决了。如果他先把问题向会议提了，就可能引起意见的分歧。因为他没有叫外邦人受割礼而引起的强烈偏见会使许多人采取反对他的立场。这次访问就达不到目的，他的工作就会受到阻碍。可是在这方面没有受别人偏见影响的三位主要的使徒，既已争取到正确的立场来，他们向会议提出了这个问题，就使大会一致决定解除外邦人遵守仪文律法的义务。{LP 192.3}[21]
§44
Paul continues to vindicate his position as the?apostle of Christ, not by the will of men, but by the power of God. He describes the visit which he made to Jerusalem to secure a settlement of the very questions which are now agitating the churches of Galatia, as to whether the Gentiles should submit to circumcision and keep the ceremonial law. This was the only instance in which he had deferred to the judgment of the other apostles as superior to his own. He had first sought a private interview, in which he set the matter in all its bearings before the leading apostles, Peter, James, and John. With far-seeing wisdom, he concluded that if these men could be led to take a right position, everything would be gained. Had he first presented the question before the whole council, there would have been a division of sentiment. The strong prejudice already excited because he had not enforced circumcision on the Gentiles, would have led many to take a stand against him. Thus the object of his visit would have been defeated, and his usefulness greatly hindered. But the three leading apostles, against whom no such prejudice existed, having themselves been won to the true position, brought the matter before the council, and won from all a concurrence in the decision to leave the Gentiles free from the obligations of the ceremonial law.?{LP 192.3}[21]
§45
保罗进一步驳斥敌人的指控。他说他使徒的身份是耶路撒冷的会议所确认的，他在外邦工作时也曾完全遵循耶路撒冷会议所作的决定。那些想要破坏他影响的人声称自己承认彼得，雅各和约翰为教会的柱石。他们不断地吹捧这些使徒，竭力证明他们的地位和权威比保罗高。但保罗说，他的敌人假装尊敬这些使徒并不能证明他们的行为是正确的。保罗虽然尊重他们是基督的忠心的执事，但他们并从未试图教导他或委派他传福音的工作。他们坚信上帝已经选召保罗传真理给外邦人，正如祂任命彼得专门向犹太人作工一样。所以他们在会议上承认保罗的神圣使命，接纳他为与他们地位相等的同工。{LP 193.1}[22]
§46
Paul further disproved the accusations of his enemies, by showing that his position as an apostle of Christ had been acknowledged by the council at Jerusalem, and that in his labors among the Gentiles he had complied with the decisions of that council. Those who were seeking to destroy his influence, professed to acknowledge Peter, James, and John as pillars of the church.?They were constantly extolling these apostles, and endeavoring to prove them superior to Paul in position and authority. But Paul showed that his enemies could not justify their course by a pretended regard for these apostles. While he honored them as faithful ministers of Christ, he showed that they had not attempted to instruct him, neither had they commissioned him to preach the gospel. They were convinced that God had called him to present the truth to the Gentiles, as he had designated Peter to go especially to the Jews. Hence they acknowledged before the council Paul’s divine commission, and received him as a fellow-laborer of equal position with themselves.?{LP 193.1}[22]
§47
保罗之所以这样向那些否定他使徒身份的人证明自己“一点不在那些最大的使徒之下”，不是为要高举自己，而是为要彰显上帝的恩典。那些想要蔑视他的使命和工作的人乃是与基督抗争。因为基督的恩典和能力是藉着保罗彰显出来的。由于敌人，甚至是他弟兄的反对，保罗不得不坚决维护自己的地位和权柄。{LP 194.1}[23]
§48
It was not to exalt self, but to magnify the grace of God, that Paul thus presented to those who were denying his apostleship, proof that he was “not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” Those who sought to belittle his calling and his work were fighting against Christ, whose grace and power were manifested through Paul. Hence the apostle felt that he was forced, by the opposition of his enemies, and even by the course of his brethren, to take a decided stand to maintain his position and authority.?{LP 194.1}[23]