第23章 在亚基帕的面前
§1
第23章 在亚基帕的面前
§2
Chapter 23—Address Before Agrippa
§3
保罗既要上告于凯撒，非斯都只得把他送往罗马。但他必须等一些时候才能找到合适的船只，并且还有其他的囚犯要与保罗一同解往罗马，而处理他们的案件也耽延了一个时期。这就给保罗一次机会，使他可以向凯撒利亚城犹太人和外邦人中的尊贵人，和拥有犹太王称号的最后一个希律说明他信仰的缘由。{LP 252.3}[1]
§4
As Paul had appealed to Caesar, it was the duty of Festus to see that he was sent to Rome. Some time passed, however, before a suitable ship could be provided, and as other prisoners were to be sent with Paul, the consideration of their cases also occasioned some delay. This delay gave Paul an opportunity to present the reasons of his faith before the principal men of Caesarea, both Jews and Gentiles, and also before the last of the Herods who bore the title of Jewish kings.?{LP 252.3}[1]
§5
“过了些日子，亚基帕王和百尼基氏，来到凯撒利亚，问非斯都安”（徒25：23）。在访问期间，非斯都知道亚基帕熟悉犹太人的法律和风俗，就把保罗的案件告诉他，说保罗是腓力斯留在监里的囚犯。非斯都所讲的案情引起了亚基帕的兴趣，他表示要亲自见保罗听他讲话，于是安排次日召集一次聚会。保罗这一次不是在新的法庭上为自己的辩护，而只是为了满足听众的好奇心，供巡抚的贵宾一时的消遣，而应邀的来宾代表着凯撒利亚的富豪和贵族，出席聚会的有军队的高级官员，城里的主要公民。非斯都为尊敬他的宾客起见，设法使这一次的场面极其显赫炫耀。{LP 253.1}[2]
§6
“After certain days King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea, to salute Festus.” Knowing that Agrippa was well versed in the laws and customs of the Jews, Festus during this visit called his attention to the case of Paul, as a prisoner left in bonds by Felix. Agrippa’s interest was aroused by the account which Festus gave of the case, and he expressed a desire to see and hear Paul for himself. Accordingly the next day was fixed upon as the time for such an interview. Paul was not now to defend himself before a new tribunal, but merely to gratify the curiosity of a private audience; to furnish an hour’s entertainment for the procurator’s distinguished guests, and for an invited company representing the wealth and nobility of Caesarea. The chief officers of the army were to be present, and also the leading citizens of the town, and Festus determined to make it an occasion of the most imposing display, in honor of his visitors.?{LP 253.1}[2]
§7
亚基帕和百尼基在一大队身穿富丽的东方服装的侍从护送下，神气活现，威风凛凛地走向会场。目空一切的亚基帕王和他美貌绝伦的妹妹穿过聚集的人群到巡抚的旁边。一声令下，带着锁链的保罗被传进会场。他因疾病，长期的囚禁和不住的忧虑而身体微曲，面色苍白。{LP 253.2}[3]
§8
In all the pomp and splendor of royalty, Agrippa and Bernice went to the audience-room, attended by a train of followers in the costly apparel of Eastern display. Proudly the haughty ruler with his beautiful sister swept through the assembly, and seated himself by the procurator’s side. At his command, Paul, still manacled as a prisoner, was led in, and the king gazed with cold curiosity upon him, now bowed and pale from?sickness, long imprisonment, and continual anxiety.?{LP 253.2}[3]
§9
这是何等的一种对照啊！亚基帕和百尼基缺少上帝所看重的品质。他们是违犯上帝律法的，心地和生活都腐化了。他们的行为是上帝和天使所憎恶的。可是他们具有一定的权势和地位，因此世人都恭维他们。而这个用铁链锁在卫兵手上的年迈囚犯在外表上没有什么足以使人尊敬之处，可是这个显然没有朋友，财富或地位的人，却有人所看不见的保护，有天使在他旁边伺候。这些发光的天使只要有一位闪出他的荣耀，则地上君王的威风就会扫地，君王和朝臣必要被击倒在地，如同罗马守兵在基督的坟前一样。这一个为信仰上帝的儿子而被囚的人却是全天庭所关怀的。蒙爱的约翰说：“世人所以不认识我们，是因未曾认识祂”（约壹3：1）。世人不认识基督，也不认识那些表现基督的人。他们乃是上帝的儿女，是皇家的孩子，然而他们王子的身份并不为世人所辨识。世人也许对他们抱有好奇心，却不理解和欣赏他们。世人对他们既不感兴趣也不羡慕。{LP 254.1}[4]
§10
What a contrast was there presented! Agrippa and Bernice were destitute of the traits of character which God esteems. They were transgressors of his law, corrupt in heart and in life. God and angels abhorred their course of sin. But because they possessed, in a limited degree, power and position, they were the favorites of the world. That aged prisoner, standing chained to his soldier guard, presented nothing imposing or attractive in his dress or appearance, that the world should pay him homage. Yet this man, apparently without friends or wealth or position, had an escort that worldlings could not see. Angels of Heaven were his attendants. Had the glory of one of those shining messengers flashed forth, the pomp and pride of royalty would have paled before it; king and courtiers would have been stricken to the earth, as were the Roman guards at the sepulcher of Christ. All Heaven was interested in this one man, now held a prisoner for his faith in the Son of God. Says the beloved John: “The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” The world knows not Christ, neither will it know those who exemplify Christ. They are sons of God, children of the royal family; yet their princely claims are not perceived by the world. They may excite their curiosity, but they are not appreciated or understood. They are to them uninteresting and unenvied.?{LP 254.1}[4]
§11
非斯都亲自向聚集的人介绍保罗说：“亚基帕王和在这里的诸位啊，你们看这人，就是一切犹太人，在耶路撒冷和这里曾向我恳求、呼叫说：‘不可容他再活着！’但我查明他没有犯什么该死的罪，并且他自己上告于皇帝，所以我定意把他解去。论到这人，我没有确实的事可以奏明主上。因此，我带他到你们面前，也特意带他到你亚基帕王面前，为要在查明之后有所陈奏。据我看来，解送囚犯，不指明他的罪案是不合理的”（徒25：24-27）。{LP 254.2}[5]
§12
Festus himself presented Paul to the assembly, in these words: “King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem and also here,?crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O King Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.”?{LP 254.2}[5]
§13
于是亚基帕王准保罗自由申辩。保罗并没有因当时辉煌的炫耀或听众的尊高地位而仓皇失措，因为他知道属世的财富和地位是多么没有价值。巡抚和他宾客所穿富丽的衣服，兵士的刀剑，千夫长的甲胄不能丝毫挫折他的勇气或使他失去自制之力。他伸出戴着锁链的右手说：“亚基帕王啊，犹太人所告我的一切事，今日得以在你面前分诉，实为万幸。更可幸的，是你熟悉犹太人的规矩和他们的辩论，所以求你耐心听我”（徒26：2）。{LP 255.1}[6]
§14
King Agrippa now gave Paul liberty to speak for himself. The apostle knew of how little worth are the outward circumstances of worldly wealth and position, and he was not disconcerted by the brilliant display or the high rank of that titled audience. The imposing dress of the procurator and his guests, the swords of the soldiers, and the gleaming armor of their commanders, could not for a moment daunt his courage or disturb his self-control. Stretching forth his manacled right hand, he said: “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews. Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews; wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.”?{LP 255.1}[6]
§15
听到这些话，亚基帕有没有回想起自己家庭的历史，以及他们如何枉费心机地反对保罗所传的基督呢?他有没有想起他的曾祖父希律一世，以及他如何残杀伯利恒无辜的婴孩？他有没有想起他的祖父的哥哥，残杀施洗翰的凶手希律安提帕?他有没有想起他的父亲亚基帕一世和使徒雅各的殉道？他们有没有从他们先王们所遭受的迅速灾祸中，看出因他们得罪上帝的仆人而惹上帝不悦的凭据?今天的显赫炫耀有没有使他想起他的父亲，一个比他更有权势的君王，也是在这个城里，穿着金光闪闪的衣袍，被群众欢呼为天神呢?他有没有忘记，当尊崇的欢呼还没有消失，迅速而可怕的报应就临到那个虚华国王身上?在亚基帕的思想中，确实闪现过这些回忆。但眼前显赫的景象引起了他的虚荣心。骄傲自负消除了一切高尚的念头。{LP 255.2}[7]
§16
Did the mind of Agrippa at these words revert to the past history of his family, and their fruitless efforts against Him whom Paul was preaching? Did he think of his great-grandfather Herod, and the massacre of the innocent children of Bethlehem? of his great-uncle Antipas, and the murder of John the Baptist? of his?own father, Agrippa I., and the martyrdom of the apostle James? Did he see in the disasters which speedily befell these kings an evidence of the displeasure of God in consequence of their crimes against his servants? Did the pomp and display of that day remind Agrippa of the time when his own father, a monarch more powerful than he, stood in that same city, attired in glittering robes, while the people shouted that he was a god? Had he forgotten how, even before the admiring shouts had died away, vengeance, swift and terrible, had befallen the vainglorious king? Something of all this flitted across Agrippa’s memory; but his vanity was flattered by the brilliant scene before him, and pride and self-importance banished all nobler thoughts.?{LP 255.2}[7]
§17
保罗又一次述说了自己从一个严紧偏执顽固不信的法利赛人，到悔改相信拿撒勒人耶稣为世界救赎主的经过。他形容天上来的异象起初怎样使他充满不可言喻的恐惧，后来又成为他最大安慰的根源——这异象乃是上帝荣耀的启示，在异象中坐在宝座上的就是他所藐视所仇恨的主，而这位主的门徒，他当时正想要杀害呢！但从那以后，保罗已经成了一个新人，成了耶稣的一个忠实热心的信徒。他之所以成为这样的人，乃是出于那改变人心的恩典。后来他按照上帝的旨意蒙召担任使徒。{LP 256.1}[8]
§18
Paul again related the familiar story of his conversion from the stubborn unbelief of a rigid and bigoted Pharisee to faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the world’s Redeemer. He described the heavenly vision that filled him with unspeakable terror, though afterward it proved to be a source of the greatest consolation,—a revelation of divine glory, in the midst of which sat enthroned Him whom he had despised and hated, whose followers he was even then seeking to destroy. Transforming mercy had made Paul a new man from that hour, a sincere penitent and a fervent believer in Jesus. It was then that he was called to be an apostle of Christ, “by the will of God.”?{LP 256.1}[8]
§19
基督在世的时候，保罗没有见过祂。他确实曾听说过祂和祂的作为，可是他不相信所应许的弥赛亚，宇宙的创造主，一切福惠的赐给者竟然会作为一个人出现在世界上。他原来指望祂穿上王袍，威风凛凛，由天军宣布为犹太人的王。但他发现自己过去没有正确地理解圣经；基督确已按照预言降世为一个卑微的人，温柔谦卑地传讲生命之道。祂来唤醒人心灵中最高尚的情感，满足它的愿望，给人生的工作和战斗带来无限的报赏。{LP 256.2}[9]
§20
Paul had never seen Christ while he dwelt upon the earth. He had indeed heard of him and his works, but he could not believe that the promised Messiah, the Creator of all worlds, the Giver of all blessings, would appear upon earth?as a mere man. He had looked for him to come in robes of majesty, attended with royal pomp, and proclaimed by the angelic host as king of the Jews. But he found that he had not read the Scriptures aright; Christ came as prophecy foretold, a humble man, preaching the word of life in meekness and humility. He came to awaken the noblest impulses of the soul, to satisfy its longings, and to crown the work and warfare of life with infinite reward.?{LP 256.2}[9]
§21
保罗过去曾盼望弥赛亚来拯救犹大国摆脱外国君主的捆绑，却是枉然；然而，他却在基督身上找到了一位救主救人脱离罪的捆绑。他在认识基督以前，人生好像是一场盲目而无目的的竞争，一场无法胜任的战斗，欲望永远也得不到满足。现在他的愿望满足了，恐惧消失了，重担放下了，他已经发现摩西和众先知所讲的即拿撒勒人耶稣，人类的救主。{LP 257.1}[10]
§22
Paul had vainly looked for a Messiah to deliver the nation from the bondage of foreign kings, but he had found in Christ a Saviour from the bondage of sin. Life had been to him a blind and baffling conflict, an unequal battle, a fever of unsatisfied desires, until he had seen Christ. Then his longings were satisfied, his fears banished, his burdens lightened. He had found Him of whom Moses and the prophets had written,—Jesus of Nazareth, the Saviour of the world.?{LP 257.1}[10]
§23
他问：基督必须从死里复活，为什么看作不可信呢?他自己曾一度看这事为不可信；但他后来既在那正午的异象中亲自看见听见，他又怎能不信呢?他可以为死人复活的事作见证；因为他曾亲眼看到被钉而复活的基督，就是那行在耶路撒冷街上，死在髑髅地，打破死亡的捆绑，从橄榄山升到天国的主。他曾像矶法，雅各，约翰和其他门徒一样，亲自见过祂，并与祂谈过话。那天上来的声音既然差他去开犹太人和外邦人的眼睛，使他们能够出黑暗入光明，从撒但的权下归向上帝，以致罪得赦免，与成圣的人一同继承产业，他又怎么能违背呢?所以他曾在大马士革，耶路撒冷，犹太全地和外邦传扬应当悔改归向上帝，信靠基督，行事与悔改的心相称。{LP 257.2}[11]
§24
Why, he asked, should it appear incredible that Christ should rise from the dead? It had once been so to himself; but how could he disbelieve what he had himself seen and heard in that noonday vision? He could bear witness to the resurrection of the dead; for he had looked upon the crucified and risen Christ,—the same who walked the streets of Jerusalem, who died on Calvary, who broke the bands of death, and ascended to Heaven from Olivet. He had seen him and had talked with him as verily as had Cephas, James, John, or any other of the disciples. And how could he be disobedient when the Voice from Heaven sent him forth to open the eyes of Jews and Gentiles, that they might turn from darkness to light, and from the power?of Satan unto God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified? In Damascus, in Jerusalem, and throughout all Judea, and to the Gentiles, he had preached repentance toward God, faith in Christ, and a life consistent therewith.?{LP 257.2}[11]
§25
仅仅因为这个原因，犹太人在圣殿里捉住他，想要杀他，可是主救他脱离这一次以及每一次危险。他为拿撒勒人耶稣所作的见证并不是亵渎，异端，也不是背道，而是与摩西和众先知的教训完全一致的真理。{LP 258.1}[12]
§26
This, and this only, was what led the Jews to seize him in the temple, and seek to put him to death; but the Lord had delivered him from this and every other danger. The testimony which he bore concerning Jesus of Nazareth was no blasphemy, no heresy, no apostasy, but a truth in perfect harmony with all the teachings of Moses and the prophets.?{LP 258.1}[12]
§27
保罗以严肃、诚恳和充满热情的态度讲述他最喜欢的题目，这种态度是他传道工作的有力武器。他全神贯注地讲论，忘记了前面的君王、巡抚、千夫长，忘记了他们的财富、身份和地位。他在为自己人生的目的作见证。他所讲的是他最熟悉的内容，有着很强的说服力。没有一个听他讲话的人能怀疑他的诚意。但正当他的口才达到最高潮时，他的话被打断了。保罗所讲的事实对于非斯都和差不多所有在场的人来说是新鲜的。全体聚集的人都凝神倾听他所讲奇妙的经历，异象，启示和古代的先知，讲到一位犹大的先知怎样遭到拒绝，被钉十字架，又怎样从死里复活升到天上，只有祂才能赦免罪过，照亮犹太人和外邦人的黑暗。保罗所讲的最后一点，非斯都觉得大不可思议了。他突然激动地喊叫：“保罗，你癫狂了吧！你的学问太大，反叫你癫狂了”（徒26：24）。{LP 258.2}[13]
§28
The apostle was dwelling upon his favorite theme, in that solemn, earnest, impassioned manner which had been so powerful an agent in his mission. In the all-absorbing interest of his subject, he lost sight of kings and governors and chief captains, of wealth, rank, and titles. He was bearing the testimony which was the object of his life, and he could speak with the assurance of long familiarity and the fire of intense conviction. None who heard him could doubt his sincerity. But in the full tide of his eloquence he was suddenly stopped short. The facts related were new to Festus, as to nearly all present. The whole audience had listened spell-bound to Paul’s account of wonderful experiences and visions, of revelations and ancient prophecies, and of a Jewish prophet who had been rejected and crucified, yet who had risen from the dead and ascended to Heaven; and who only could forgive sins and lighten the darkness of Jews and Gentiles. The last remark was too much for Festus to credit.?He suddenly cried out in an excited manner: “Paul, thou art beside thyself! much learning doth make thee mad.”?{LP 258.2}[13]
§29
保罗镇定而有礼貌地回答说：“非斯都大人，我不是癫狂，我说的乃是真实明白话。王也晓得这些事，所以我向王放胆真言，我深信这些事没有一件向王隐藏的，因为都不是在背地里作的。”于是保罗转向亚基帕王直接对他说：“亚基帕王阿，你信先知么?我知道你是信的”（徒26：25-27）。{LP 259.1}[14]
§30
The apostle replied calmly and courteously: “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.” Then, turning to Agrippa, he addressed him directly: “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.”?{LP 259.1}[14]
§31
这位犹大国王曾受过律法和先知的教训，曾从可靠的证人那里了解到保罗所说的事实。所以保罗所提出来的论据，对非斯都来说是又新鲜又陌生，但对亚基帕来说却是又清楚又有说服力的。他不能不受那囚衣和监禁所扑灭不了的火一般的热情所感染。他一时把周围的景象和自己高贵的地位都忘记了。他所感到的只是所听见的真理，所看到的只是那站在他面前作为上帝使者的卑微的囚犯。他心不由自主地回答说：“你这样劝我，几乎叫我作基督徒了”（徒26：28）。{LP 259.2}[15]
§32
The Jewish king had been instructed in the law and the prophets, and he had learned from credible witnesses some of the facts of which Paul had spoken. Hence, the arguments which were so new and strange to Festus, were clear and convincing to Agrippa. And he could but be affected by that burning zeal which neither stripes nor imprisonment could quench. For a time he forgot the dignity of his position, lost sight of his surroundings, and, conscious only of the truths which he had heard, seeing only the humble prisoner standing as God’s ambassador, he answered involuntarily, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”?{LP 259.2}[15]
§33
使徒严肃诚恳地回答说：“无论是少劝，是多劝，我向上帝所求的，不但你一个人，就是今天一切听我的，都要像我一样。”他又举起那带着锁链的双手，加上一句说：“只是不要像我有这些锁链”（徒26：28，29）。所有听众都深信保罗不是一个普通的囚犯。他过去说什么，现在还是说什么；过去提出什么论据，现在还是这样做；他心中充满了鼓舞人心的崇高信心，有基督丰富的恩典，对上帝对人存无亏的良心；他希望这些高贵的人能同样怀有支持着他的盼望和信心；他没有一丝报复的念头，却祈愿他们能免去他所受的斗争，悲伤和痛苦；这样的人决不可能是一个骗子。{LP 259.3}[16]
§34
With solemn earnestness, the apostle made answer: “I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am,” adding, as he raised his fettered hands, “except these bonds.” All who heard him were convinced that Paul was no common prisoner. One who could speak as he had spoken, and present the arguments that he had presented, who was so filled with the?exaltation of an inspiring faith, so enriched by the grace of Christ, so calm in the consciousness of peace with God and man; one who could wish that all those princely and distinguished people might have the same hope and confidence and faith that sustained him, but who, without the least desire for revenge, could pray that they might be spared the conflicts, sorrows, and afflictions which he had experienced,—such a man could not be an impostor.?{LP 259.3}[16]
§35
按理，非斯都，亚基帕和百尼基都应当带上那捆绑保罗的锁链。他们都犯过严重的罪。那一天，这些犯罪的人都已听到那藉着基督的名所提供给他的救恩。其中至少有一个人几乎被劝接受所提供的恩典和赦免。可是几乎听劝，就意味着拒绝上帝所表示的怜爱，虽然认识到正确的道路，却又不肯接受被钉之救主的十字架。{LP 260.1}[17]
§36
Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice were the criminals who should in justice have worn the fetters placed upon the apostle. All were guilty of grievous crimes. These offenders had that day heard the offer of salvation through the name of Christ. One, at least, had been almost persuaded to accept of grace and pardon. But to be almost persuaded, means to put aside the proffered mercy, to be convinced of the right way, but to refuse to accept the cross of a crucified Redeemer.?{LP 260.1}[17]
§37
亚基帕王的好奇心既得到了满足，就从位上起来，表示这一次会谈就此结束。聚集的人散开后，彼此随便谈论保罗的事；他们都认为，保罗虽然可能是一个狂热份子，但无论从哪一方面来看，都不能被认为是犯法的罪人；他并没有犯过什么该死该杀的罪。{LP 260.2}[18]
§38
King Agrippa’s curiosity was satisfied, and rising from his seat, he signified that the interview was at an end. As the assembly dispersed, the case of Paul was freely discussed, and all agreed that, while he might be an enthusiast or a fanatic, he could not in any sense be regarded as a legal criminal; he had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.?{LP 260.2}[18]
§39
亚基帕虽然是一个犹太人，他却没有法利赛人那种顽固的热心和盲目的偏见。他不希望看到用暴力来压制思想的自由。他说：“这人若没有上告给凯撒，就可以释放了”（徒27：32）。但这案件既已呈到最高一级的法庭，这时已经不是非斯都或亚基帕的权力所能及了。然而这一次集会的结果，在两年以后救了这位对圣工如此重要之人的命。非斯都站在罗马司法的立场，认为自己对保罗案件的判断与以保卫圣殿自居的犹太人看法相左，就给皇帝写了一封信，说明对保罗的指控没有一样是合法的。尼禄虽然残忍而不讲道德，也不敢判处一个吕西亚，腓力斯，非斯都都宣称无辜，连犹太公会也定不了罪的人死刑。{LP 260.3}[19]
§40
Though Agrippa was a Jew, he did not share the bigoted zeal and blind prejudice of the Pharisees. He had no desire to see freedom of thought suppressed by violence. “This man,” he said, “might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” But now that the case had been referred to that higher?tribunal, it was beyond the jurisdiction of Festus or Agrippa. Yet, two years afterward, the result of that day’s proceedings saved the life so precious to the cause of God. Festus, finding that his own judgment of the case, on grounds of Roman justice, was sustained from a Jewish stand-point by the protector of the temple, sent a letter to the emperor, stating that no legal charge could be found against the prisoner. And Nero, cruel and unscrupulous as he was, dared not put to death a man whom Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa pronounced guiltless, and whom even the Sanhedrim could not condemn.?{LP 260.3}[19]