第24章 海上遇险
§1
第24章 海上遇险
§2
Chapter 24—The Voyage and Shipwreck
§3
“非斯都既然定规了，叫我们坐船到意大利去，便将保罗和别的囚犯交给御营里的百夫长，名叫犹流。有一只亚大米田的船，要沿着亚细亚一带地方的海边走，我们就上了那船开行；有马其顿的帖撒罗迦人亚里达古和我们同去”（徒27：1，2）。{LP 261.1}[1]
§4
“And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.”?{LP 261.1}[1]
§5
亚大米田位于亚细亚省西岸；他们乘船到那里只完成了行程的一部分。但在船经过的大港口，他们可能会找到一只开往罗马的船。{LP 261.2}[2]
§6
Adramyttium was situated upon the west coast of the province of Asia; therefore the travelers could perform but a part of their journey in a ship bound for that city. But in some of the larger ports at which the vessel touched, they would be likely to find a ship in which they could embark for Rome.?{LP 261.2}[2]
§7
在一世纪，海上的旅行比现在要危险得多。造船和航海技术也没有现在那么先进。航海的人靠太阳和星辰的位置来断定方向，所以一旦看不到太阳或星辰，尤其是有暴风雨时他们就不敢开行。{LP 261.3}[3]
§8
In the first century of the Christian era, traveling by sea as well as by land was attended with far greater difficulty than at the present?time. The arts of ship-building and navigation were not then matured as now. Mariners directed their course by the sun and stars; and when these did not appear, and there were indications of storm, they were fearful of trusting their vessels to the open sea.?{LP 261.3}[3]
§9
使徒的船离开凯撒利亚的时候，一年中安全航海的时期已经快要结束。每耽搁一天都会增加一分航海的危险。对于普通旅客尚且是困难和危险的旅程，对作为囚犯的使徒就有双重的考验。罗马士兵要以自己的性命为囚犯的安全担保，所以按习惯就把囚犯的右手腕用锁链链在士兵的左手腕上。士兵是轮流换班的。这样做不仅使保罗没有行动自由，而且要与最不相投，最令人厌恶的人昼夜紧连在一起。这些士兵不但没有教养，而且因受周围邪恶环境所影响，变得十分野蛮堕落。不过这种习惯在船上没有在岸上执行得那么严格。有一件事大大减轻保罗的苦楚。他蒙准带着路加和亚里达古与他同行。后来，在他给歌罗西教会的书信中，他提到亚里达古是“与我一同坐监的”；其实亚里达古之所以与保罗一同坐监，乃是出于自愿，为的是要在保罗的患难中伺候他。{LP 262.1}[4]
§10
The season of safe navigation was already far advanced, before the apostle’s ship left Caesarea, and the time was fast approaching when travel by sea would be closed for the year. Every day’s delay increased the peril of the voyage. But the journey which would be difficult and dangerous to the ordinary traveler, would be doubly trying to the apostle as a prisoner. Roman soldiers were held responsible with their own lives for the security of their prisoners, and this had led to the custom of chaining prisoners by the right wrist to the left wrist of soldiers, who relieved each other in turn. Thus not only could the apostle have no movement free, but he was placed in close and constant connection with men of the most uncongenial and absolutely repulsive character; men who were not only uneducated and unrefined, but who, from the demoralizing influence of their surroundings, had become brutal and degraded. This custom, however, was less rigidly observed on shipboard than when prisoners were ashore. One circumstance greatly lightened the hardships of his lot. He was permitted to enjoy the companionship of his brethren, Luke and Aristarchus. In his letter to the Colossians, he speaks of the latter as his “fellow-prisoner.” But it was as an act of choice, because of his affection for Paul, that Aristarchus shared his bondage, and ministered to him in his afflictions.?{LP 262.1}[4]
§11
旅程顺利开始。次日他们在西顿的港口停泊。百夫长犹流曾听保罗在亚基帕面前讲话，对他留下良好印象，所以就“宽待保罗”，既听说那里有基督徒，就“准他往朋友那里去，受他们的照应” （徒27：3）。身体衰弱，在长途旅程中很少有舒适的保罗对于这种宽待深为感激。他在西顿的短暂停留，好像是他荒凉郁闷的道路中的一片绿洲，在海浪颠簸，令人焦虑的几周航海中给他带来安慰和鼓励。{LP 263.1}[5]
§12
The voyage began prosperously, and the day after they started, they cast anchor in the harbor of Sidon. Here Julius, the centurion who had listened to the apostle’s address before Agrippa, and had thus been favorably disposed toward him, “courteously entreated Paul,” and being informed that there were Christians in the place, he “gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.” The favor was highly appreciated by the apostle, who was in feeble health, and but scantily provided with comforts for the long journey. His brief stay in Sidon was like an oasis in his barren and dreary path, and proved a comfort and encouragement to him during the anxious, storm-tossed weeks upon the sea.?{LP 263.1}[5]
§13
他们离开西顿以后，就遇到逆风，船不能直行，前进很慢。百夫长在吕家省的每拉找到亚力山大城的大船，准备往意大利去，于是他将囚犯都转到这只船上。但风速依然不顺，故航速仍很慢。路加写道:“一连多日，船行得慢，仅仅来到革尼土的对面。因为被风拦阻，就贴着克里特背风岸，从撒摩尼对面行过。我们沿岸行走，仅仅来到一个地方，名叫佳澳”（徒27：7，8）。{LP 263.2}[6]
§14
Upon leaving Sidon, the ship encountered contrary winds; and being driven from a direct course, its progress was very slow. At Myra, in the province of Lycia, the centurion found a large Alexandrian ship, bound for the coast of Italy, and to this he immediately transferred his prisoners. But the winds were still contrary, and the ship’s progress slow and difficult. Says Luke, “When we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; and, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called the Fair Havens.”?{LP 263.2}[6]
§15
他们被迫在佳澳停留一个时期，等待顺利的风向。在这段时间，犹太人的航海期结束了，外邦人则认为可以继续开航一些日子，不过要到达目的地是不可能的了。这时他们必须决定的唯一问题是留在佳澳呢，还是设法赶到一个更好的港口过冬? {LP 263.3}[7]
§16
At Fair Havens they were compelled to remain for some time, waiting for favoring winds. During this time the Jewish season of navigation ended. Gentiles considered it safe to travel until a later date; but there was no hope of completing the voyage. The only question now to be decided was, whether to stay where they were?or attempt to reach a more favorable place to spend the winter.?{LP 263.3}[7]
§17
大家热烈讨论了这个问题，最后百夫长征求保罗的意见，因保罗这时已经为水手和兵士所尊重。保罗毫不犹豫地劝他们留在佳澳。他说:“众位，我看这次行船，不但货物和船要受伤损，大遭破坏，连我们的性命也难保”（徒27：10）。但掌船的船主以及多数的船客和水手不愿接受这个劝告。他们说佳澳港不能充分躲避冬天的风，附近的城镇又小，在几个月的停留期间，难以容纳这三百来个水手和船客。而离这里仅三十四海里的非尼基港倒是一个很好的避风港，从其他各方面看，在那里过冬要理想得多。{LP 264.1}[8]
§18
The matter was earnestly discussed, and was finally referred by the centurion to Paul, who had won the respect of both sailors and soldiers. The apostle unhesitatingly advised that they remain where they were. Said he, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.” But the owner of the ship, who was on board, and the majority of passengers and crew, were unwilling to accept this counsel. They urged that the harbor of Fair Havens was but imperfectly protected from the wintry winds, and that the neighboring town, being so small, would afford little occupation for three hundred sailors and passengers during a stay of several months. Port Phenice, but thirty-four miles distant, had a well-sheltered harbor, and was in all other respects a far more desirable place in which to winter.?{LP 264.1}[8]
§19
百夫长决定依从多数人的意见。“这时微微起了南风”，他们便从佳澳出发，一心指望他们很快就可到达他们所想去的港口。所有的人都很高兴没有听保罗的劝告，但他们的希望注定很快就要破灭的。船开不了多远，突然狂风大作，猛扑过来。在这个地方，狂风常常随南风而来。从狂风吹来的第一刻起，船就处在无可奈何的状况中。风来得突然，水手根本没有准备的时间，只得任船随风刮去。{LP 264.2}[9]
§20
The centurion decided to follow the judgment of the majority. Accordingly, “when the south wind blew softly,” they set sail from Fair Havens, with the flattering prospect that a few hours would bring them to the desired harbor. All were now rejoicing that they had not followed the advice of Paul: but their hopes were destined to be speedily disappointed. They had not proceeded far, when a tempestuous wind, such as in that latitude often succeeds the blowing of the south wind, burst upon them with merciless fury. From the first moment that the wind struck the vessel, its condition was hopeless. So sudden was the blow, that the sailors had not a moment in which to prepare, and they could only leave the ship to the mercy of the tempest.?{LP 264.2}[9]
§21
过一会儿，他们靠近了一个名叫高大的小岛。这岛一时为他们略微挡住了大风，他们就准备应付面临的危险。万一大船破坏，他们唯一的保障就是一只小的救生船。这船本来是拖在大船后面的，所以随时有撞毁的危险。他们第一件事就是把小船拉到大船上来。这可不是一件容易的事，水手们费尽力气才把小船拉上来。他们采取一切措施加固大船，然后只能听凭风浪冲击了。没有什么地方可让他们躲风，甚至那小岛所给他们的一点保护也未能延续很久。这一天开始的时候是吹着微风，令人充满希望，可竟会是这样灾难性的结果。{LP 265.1}[10]
§22
After a time they neared the small island of Clauda, and while under its shelter they did all in their power to make ready for the worst. The boat would be their only means of escape, in case the ship should founder; but while in tow it was every moment likely to be dashed to pieces. The first work was to hoist it on board the ship. This was no easy task; for it was with the utmost difficulty that the seamen could perform the simplest duty. All possible precaution was taken to render the ship firm and secure, and then there was nothing left to do but to drift at the mercy of wind and wave. There was no place into which they could run for shelter, the wind was driving them, and even the poor protection afforded by the little island would not avail them long. Such was the disastrous ending of the day which had begun with soft breezes and high hopes.?{LP 265.1}[10]
§23
暴风发作了一夜，船漏水了。到了第二天，船上所有的人，包括士兵，水手，旅客和囚犯一齐动手把能不用的东西全丢到海里。夜晚又来临了，风还没有稍止。这一只被风吹逼的船撞来撞去，桅帆已经折断，篷帆也己破烂。船身在狂风巨浪的猛击之下，咯吱作响，摇摆震撼，似乎随时有全部瓦解的可能。漏水现象越为严重了，于是船客和水手不住努力排水。凡在船上的人都没有一刻的休息。路加写道:“到第三天，他们又亲手把船上的器具抛弃了。太阳和星辰多日不显露，又有狂风大浪催逼，我们得救的指望就都绝了”（徒27：19，20）。这三百个人心情阴郁，在不见太阳和星辰的天气之下无可奈何，茫然地飘荡了十四天之久。他们没有炊具，无法生火，用品被冲走了，大部分东西被水浸湿变坏了。事实上在船与风暴搏斗的时候，他们所想到的只是海浪和死亡，根本没有心思吃东西。{LP 265.2}[11]
§24
All night the tempest raged, and the ship leaked. The next day, all on board—soldiers, sailors, passengers, and prisoners—united in throwing overboard everything that could be spared. Night came again, but the wind did not abate. The storm-beaten ship, with its shattered mast and rent sails, was tossed hither and thither by the fury of the gale. Every moment it seemed that the groaning timbers must give way as the vessel reeled and quivered under the tempest’s shock. The leak rapidly increased, and passengers and crew worked constantly at the pumps. There was not a moment’s rest for one on board. “The third day,” says Luke, “we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship; and when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope?that we should be saved was then taken away.” A gloomy apathy settled upon those three hundred souls, as for fourteen days they drifted, helpless and hopeless, under a sunless and starless heaven. They had no means of cooking; no fire could be lighted, the utensils had been washed overboard, and most of the provisions were water-soaked and spoiled. In fact while their good ship was wrestling with the tempest, and the waves talked with death, no one desired food.?{LP 265.2}[11]
§25
面临险恶的环境，保罗仍然保持镇定和勇气。虽然他自己身体受着比他们更大的痛苦，但总在最黯淡的时辰讲出有希望的话，并在每一个危机之中随时伸手帮助。在这试炼的时刻，保罗凭着信心握住无穷的力量，他的心恒切依赖上帝。在四周阴沉黑暗之际，他的勇气和高尚的品格放射出最耀眼的光芒。周围的人都在等待大难临头，这个属于上帝的人凭着无亏的良心，为这些人发出最恳切的祈祷。{LP 266.1}[12]
§26
In the midst of that terrible scene, the apostle retained his calmness and courage. Notwithstanding he was physically the greatest sufferer of them all, he had words of hope for the darkest hour, a helping hand in every emergency. In this time of trial, he grasped by faith the arm of infinite power, his heart was stayed upon God, and amid the surrounding gloom his courage and nobility of soul shone forth with the brightest luster. While all around were looking only for swift destruction, this man of God, in the serenity of a blameless conscience, was pouring forth his earnest supplications in their behalf.?{LP 266.1}[12]
§27
保罗并不为自己担心，他知道汹涌的海浪不会吞没他。上帝一定会保守他，使他可以在罗马为真理作见证。可是他的心怜惜周围这些可怜的人。他们虽然犯罪堕落，正在为死亡做准备，保罗却恳求上帝保全他们的性命。上帝指示他，他的祈祷已蒙应允，于是他趁狂风暂息，他的声音能被听到之际，站在甲板上说：{LP 266.2}[13]
§28
Paul had no fears for himself; he felt assured that he would not be swallowed up by the hungry waters. God would preserve his life, that he might witness for the truth at Rome. But his human heart yearned with pity for the poor souls around him. Sinful and degraded as they were, they were unprepared to die, and he earnestly pleaded with God to spare their lives. It was revealed to him that his prayer was granted. When there was a lull in the tempest, so that his voice could be heard, he stood forth on the deck and said:—?{LP 266.2}[13]
§29
“众位，你们本该听我的话，不离开克里特，免得遭这样的伤损破坏。现在我还劝你们放心，你们的性命一个也不失丧，唯独失丧这船。因我所属、所事奉的上帝，祂的使者昨夜站在我旁边，说：‘保罗，不要害怕，你必定站在凯撒面前；并且与你同船的人，上帝都赐给你了。’所以众位可以放心，我信上帝祂怎样对我说，事情也要怎样成就。只是我们必要撞在一个岛上”（徒27：21-26）。{LP 266.3}[14]
§30
“Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and?not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar; and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”?{LP 266.3}[14]
§31
众人听了这话，就有了希望。船客和水手都振起精神，竭尽所能救自己的性命。他们必须尽到自己的一切努力来避免最大的不幸，因为天助自助者。{LP 267.1}[15]
§32
At these words hope revived. Passengers and crew roused from their apathy, and put forth all possible exertion to save their lives. There was much yet to be done. Every effort within their power must be put forth to avert destruction; for God helps those only who help themselves.?{LP 267.1}[15]
§33
他们在黑暗的浪涛上东摇西荡。第十四天夜间，水手们从暴风中听到海浪撞到礁石上的声音，就报告说靠近陆地了。他们“就探深浅，有探得十二丈；稍往前行，又探深浅，探得有九丈”（徒27：28）。他们现在面临新的危险，就是船有可能撞在露岸边的礁石上。他们所能做的，就是抛下四个锚，那一夜剩下的几个小时里，他们等待着，知道任何时候都有可能是结局。水越漏越多，虽然已抛了锚，船仍随时有沉下的危险。{LP 267.2}[16]
§34
It was the fourteenth night that they had been tossed up and down on the black, heaving billows, when, amid the sound of the storm, the sailors distinguished the roar of breakers, and reported that they were near some land. They “sounded, and found it twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.” They were now threatened by a new danger, of having their ship driven upon some rock-bound coast. They immediately cast out four anchors, which was the only thing that could be done. All through the remaining hours of that night they waited, knowing that any moment might be their last. The leak was constantly increasing, and the ship might sink at any time, even if the anchors held.?{LP 267.2}[16]
§35
灰蒙蒙的光终于透过暴风雨照在他们憔悴苍白的脸上。他们可以在风雨中看出海岸的轮廓，但认不出是什么地方。自私的水手想抛弃船和乘客，乘那只他们费尽了力拉上的小船逃命。他们假装要做一些加固船只的事，解开小船，放到海里。如果他们上了小船，他们将会被岩石撞碎，而大船上的人也将因无法操纵那要沉的船而丧生。{LP 267.3}[17]
§36
At last through rain and tempest the gray light fell upon their haggard and ghastly faces.?The outlines of the stormy coast could be dimly seen, but not a single familiar landmark was visible. The selfish heathen sailors determined to abandon the ship and crew, and save themselves in the boat which they had with so much difficulty hoisted on board. Pretending that they could do something more to secure the safety of the ship, they unloosed the boat, and began to lower it into the sea. Had they succeeded, they would have been dashed in pieces upon the rocks, while all on board would have perished from their inability to handle the sinking vessel.?{LP 267.3}[17]
§37
这时保罗看出他们卑鄙的企图，就采取防止危险的措施。他以惯常的勇气和果断对百夫长和士兵说:“这些人若不等在船上，你们必不能得救。”保罗自己的信心并没有功摇，他没有怀疑上帝不会保守他，可是，对乘员安全的应许是以他们能否履行自己的职责为条件的。兵丁听了保罗的话，就马上砍断小船的绳子，由它漂去。{LP 268.1}[18]
§38
At this moment, Paul perceived the base design, and averted the danger. With his usual prompt energy and courage he said to the centurion and soldiers, “Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” The apostle’s faith in God did not waver; he had no doubt concerning his own preservation, but the promise of safety to the crew had been conditional upon their performance of duty. The soldiers, on hearing Paul’s words, immediately cut off the ropes of the boat, letting her fall off into the sea.?{LP 268.1}[18]
§39
最危急的时刻还在前头，船上所有人的技术，勇气和冷静都要经受考验。保罗便再向各人说勉励的话，并劝众人，连船客和水手，都应该吃东西，说:“你们悬望忍饿不吃什么，已经十四天了。所以我劝你们吃饭，这是关于你们救命的事；因为你们各人连一根头发也不至于损坏” （徒27：33，34）。{LP 268.2}[19]
§40
The most critical hour was still before them, when the skill, courage, and presence of mind of all on board would be tested. Again the apostle spoke words of encouragement, and entreated all, both sailors and passengers, to take some food, saying, “This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore, I pray you to take some meat; for this is for your health; for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.”?{LP 268.2}[19]
§41
保罗自己作了榜样。“保罗说了这话，就拿着饼，在众人面前祝谢了上帝，擘开吃。于是他们都放下心，也就吃了”（徒27：35，36）。那早已绝望的二百七十五个疲乏而灰心的人，和保罗一同吃了十四天以来的第一顿饭。他们吃完后，知道货物己没救了，就把船上的麦子抛在海里，为要叫船轻一点。{LP 268.3}[20]
§42
Paul himself set the example. “When he had?thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.” That worn, drenched, discouraged throng of two hundred and seventy-six souls, who but for Paul would have become despairing and desperate, now took fresh courage, and joined with the apostle in their first meal for fourteen days. After this, knowing that it would be impossible to save their cargo, they righted up the ship by throwing overboard the wheat with which she was laden.?{LP 268.3}[20]
§43
这时天已经亮了，但他们还看不见什么记号，足以断定自己究竟在什么地方。但“见一个海湾，有岸可登，就商议能把船拢进去不能。于是砍断缆索，弃锚在海里；同时也松开舵绳，拉起头蓬，顺着风向岸行去，但遇着两水夹流的地方，就把船搁了浅；船头胶住不动，船尾被浪的猛力冲坏” （徒27：39-41）。{LP 269.1}[21]
§44
Daylight had now fully come, but they could see no landmarks by which to determine their whereabouts. However, “they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmovable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.”?{LP 269.1}[21]
§45
保罗和其他囚犯这时险些要遭遇比船更可怕的厄运。士兵们看出在这危险的时候，他们不可能再看管囚犯。各人只能顾到自己。如果哪一个囚犯不见了，那些负责看管他们的就必须以自己的性命抵罪。因此士兵们要把囚犯全都处死。罗马的法律准许这种残酷的措施，而且若不是水手和士兵们都认为他们得蒙保守全亏了保罗，这计划一定会立即执行。百夫长犹流知道船上众人之所以幸存，乃是因保罗的缘故；杀害他乃是最卑鄙的忘恩负义，同时他也深信有上帝与保罗同在，所以不敢加害于他。于是他下令不杀囚犯，并吩咐一切会游泳的，跳下水去先上岸，其余的人可以抓住木板，或船上的零碎东西让海浪推往岸边。{LP 269.2}[22]
§46
Paul and the other prisoners were now threatened by a fate more terrible than shipwreck. The soldiers saw that in this crisis it would be impossible for them to keep charge of their prisoners. Every man would have all that he could do to save himself. Yet if any of the prisoners were missing, the lives of those who had them in charge would be forfeited. Hence the soldiers desired to put all the prisoners to death. The Roman law sanctioned this cruel policy, and the?proposal would have been executed at once, but for him to whom soldiers and prisoners alike owed their preservation. Julius the centurion knew that Paul had been instrumental in saving the lives of all on board, and he felt that it would be the basest ingratitude to allow him to be put to death; and more, he felt convinced that the Lord was with Paul, and he feared to do him harm. He therefore gave orders to spare the lives of the prisoners, and directed that all who could swim should cast themselves into the sea and get to land. The rest seized hold of planks and other fragments of the wreck, and were carried landward by the waves.?{LP 269.2}[22]
§47
及至上岸点名，没有缺少一个人。差不多三百个人，包括水手、士兵、船客和囚犯，在那十一月暴风雨的早晨，站在马耳他岛上。有些人与保罗及其弟兄们一起，感谢上帝保护了他们的性命，使他们经过这么大的危险安全到岸。{LP 270.1}[23]
§48
When the roll was called, not one was missing. Nearly three hundred souls, sailors, soldiers, passengers, and prisoners, stood that stormy November morning upon the shore of the island of Melita. And there were some that joined with Paul and his brethren in giving thanks to God who had preserved their lives, and brought them safe to land through the perils of the great deep.?{LP 270.1}[23]
§49
这些遇上海难的人受到马耳他岛上土人的款待。因为当时下着大雨，大家湿透冷得发抖。岛民就用木柴点火，让大家烤火取暖。保罗也和大家一起积极寻找燃料。他正把一捆柴放在火上，有一条毒蛇，因为热了就醒来从柴捆中窜了出来，咬住他的手。旁边的人大为惊慌，既见保罗带着锁链，就知道他是一个囚犯，便互相议论说:“这人必是个凶手，虽然从海里救上来，天理还是不容他活着”（徒28：4）。但保罗把那毒蛇放在火里，并没有受伤。众人既知那是一条毒蛇，就等着见保罗随时仆倒在地上，经受仆倒的痛苦。但没有什么不幸的后果产生，他们就转念像路司得人一样，说他是神。这件事使保罗对岛上的居民产生很大影响。保罗忠心地设法利用这种影响力引导他们接受福音的真理。{LP 270.2}[24]
§50
The shipwrecked crew were kindly received by the barbarous people of Melita. A rain having come on, the whole company were drenched and shivering, and the islanders kindled an immense fire of brushwood, and welcomed them all to its grateful warmth. Paul was among the most active in collecting fuel. As he was placing a bundle of sticks upon the fire, a viper that had been suddenly revived from its torpor by the heat, darted from the fagots and fastened upon his hand. The bystanders were horror-struck, and seeing by his chain that Paul was a prisoner, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath?escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.” But Paul shook off the creature into the fire, and suffered no harm. Knowing its venomous nature, they watched him closely for some time, expecting every moment to see him fall down, writhing in terrible agony. But as no unpleasant results followed, they changed their minds, and, like the people of Lystra, said that he was a god. By this circumstance Paul gained a strong influence over the islanders, and he sought faithfully to employ it in leading them to accept the truths of the gospel.?{LP 270.2}[24]
§51
船上的人在马耳他停留了三个月，在此期同保罗和他的同工利用机会宣传福音。上帝藉着他们行了许多奇事。为了保罗的缘故，岛上的土人款待了全体蒙难的人；他们的一切需要都得到充分的供应，而且在他们离开时岛上的人给了他们丰富的物资，足供他们航程的需用，他们逗留马耳他的大概经过由路加叙述如下：{LP 271.1}[25]
§52
For three months the ship’s company remained at Melita. During this time Paul and his fellow-laborers improved every opportunity to preach the gospel. The Lord wrought through them in a remarkable manner, and for Paul’s sake the entire company were treated with great kindness; all their wants were supplied, and upon leaving they were liberally provided with everything needful for their voyage. The chief incidents of their stay are thus briefly related by Luke:—?{LP 271.1}[25]
§53
“离那地方不远，有田产是岛长部百流的。他接纳我们，尽情款待三日。当时，部百流的父亲患热病和痢疾躺着。保罗进去为他祷告，按手在他身上，治好了他。从此，岛上其余的病人也来，得了医治。他们又多方地尊敬我们；到了开船的时候，也把我们所需用的送到船上（徒28：7-10）。{LP 271.2}[26]
§54
“In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed; who also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.”?{LP 271.2}[26]