第25章 到达罗马
§1
第25章 到达罗马
§2
Chapter 25—Arrival at Rome
§3
到了可以开航的时候，百夫长和他的囚犯再次起身。当时有一只亚力山大的船，要往西开往罗马。这船“以宙斯双子为记”，是在马耳他过冬的。这一班旅客就上了这一只船。这一次的航程虽因逆风耽误了几天，但终于安全地完成了。船就停泊在意大利海岸上一个美丽的海港部丢利。{LP 272.1}[1]
§4
With the opening of navigation, the centurion and his prisoners again set out on their journey. An Alexandrian ship, the?Castor and Pollux, had wintered at Melita, on her way to Rome, and in this the travelers embarked. Though somewhat delayed by contrary winds, the voyage was safely accomplished, and the ship cast anchor in the beautiful harbor of Puteoli, on the coast of Italy.?{LP 272.1}[1]
§5
有几个基督徒住在这里。他们恳请保罗与他们同住七天。百夫长欣然给他这个特权。自从意大利的基督徒接到保罗达罗马人的书信以来，他们一直热切地盼望他来访问他们。他们没有料到他会作一个囚犯来到他们中间。但他的受苦只有使他们更加爱他。部丢利离罗马城只有一百四十哩路；而且这个海口和首都之间经常有交通来往，所以罗马城的基督徒得到消息，知道保罗将要来到，其中有一些人就动身去迎接他。{LP 272.2}[2]
§6
There were a few Christians in this place, who entreated the apostle to remain with them seven days, and the privilege was kindly granted by the centurion. Since receiving Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, the Christians of Italy had eagerly looked forward to a visit from the apostle. They had little expected to see him in chains as a prisoner, but his sufferings only endeared him to them the more. The distance from Puteoli to Rome being but a hundred and forty miles, and the seaport being in constant communication with the metropolis, the Roman Christians were informed of Paul’s approach, and some of them started to meet and welcome him.?{LP 272.2}[2]
§7
百夫长和他的囚犯在登岸后的第八天启程往罗马去，犹流乐意尽他的权限所及给保罗各种便利；只是不能改变他囚犯的身份，也不能解除他那锁在卫兵手上的锁链。保罗以沉重的心情走向他所长久希望访问的世界京城。这时的景况与他所预期的是多么不同啊！他将怎样在被锁和受辱的情形之下传播福音呢?他想要在罗马引领多人归向真理的希望似乎要落空了。{LP 272.3}[3]
§8
On the eighth day after landing, the centurion and his prisoners set out for Rome. Julius willingly granted the apostle every favor which it was in his power to bestow; but he could not change his condition as a prisoner, or release him from the chain that bound him to his soldier guard. It was with a heavy heart that Paul went forward to his long-expected visit to the world’s metropolis. How different the?circumstances from what he had anticipated! How was he, fettered and stigmatized as a criminal, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many souls to the truth at Rome, seemed destined to be disappointed.?{LP 272.3}[3]
§9
这一批行人到了离罗马四十哩的亚比乌市。当他穿过那拥挤在大道上的群众时，这个白发的老人带着锁链同着一班相貌凶恶的囚犯常受众人嘲笑的蔑视和粗暴的讥刺。他所遇见的人中，没有一个向他投来同情怜惜的目光。他温顺地戴着锁链，默默地慢步前行。{LP 273.1}[4]
§10
The travelers reach Appii Forum, forty miles from Rome. As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great thoroughfare, the gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hardened-looking criminals, receives many a glance of scorn, and is made the subject of many a rude, mocking jest. Not one of all he meets bestows upon him a look of pity or sympathy. He meekly wears his chain, and silently, slowly pursues his way.?{LP 273.1}[4]
§11
忽然之间，众人听到一声欢呼，只见一个人从经过的群众中跳出来，眼中流着喜乐的热泪，抱着这个囚犯的颈项，如同一个儿子欢迎他久别的父亲一样。当更多人的眼睛因爱心的期望而敏锐起来时，这种景象就接二连三地重演了。他们认出这个带着锁链的囚犯就是那在哥林多，腓立比，以弗所向他们讲说永生之道的一位。{LP 273.2}[5]
§12
Suddenly a cry of joy is heard, and a man springs out from the passing throng and falls upon the prisoner’s neck, embracing him with tears and rejoicing, as a son would welcome a long-absent father. Again and again is the scene repeated. With eyes made keen by loving expectation, many discern in the chained captive the one who spoke to them the words of life at Corinth, at Philippi, or at Ephesus.?{LP 273.2}[5]
§13
当这些恳挚的门徒热烈地拥集于他们在福音里的父亲身旁时，全体行人都停住了。罗马士兵不耐久待，但他们却无意阻挠这样快乐的会见；因为他们也已学会尊重他们的这一位囚犯。众门徒看到保罗那疲劳痛苦的脸上反射着基督的形象。他们向保罗保证，他们没有忘记他，也没有片时不爱他；他们感激他的恩情，因为那鼓舞着他们的生活并使他们在上帝面前有平安的喜乐和希望，都是由他传给他们的，在挚爱的热情中，只要他们能有特权，他们巴不得将他背在肩头一路走到城里去。{LP 273.3}[6]
§14
The whole company is brought to a stand-still, as warm-hearted disciples eagerly flock around their father in the gospel. The soldiers are impatient of delay, yet they have not the heart to interrupt this happy meeting; for they too have learned to respect and esteem their prisoner. In that worn, pain-stricken face, the disciples see the image of Christ reflected. They assure Paul that they have not forgotten him or ceased to love him; that they are indebted to him for the joyful hope which animates their lives, and gives them peace toward God. In the ardor of their?love they would bear him upon their shoulders the whole way to the city, could they but have the privilege.?{LP 273.3}[6]
§15
路加说，当保罗看见他的弟兄时，“就感谢上帝，放心壮胆”（徒28：15）。这句话的意义少有人能领会。保罗在这些不以他的捆锁为耻，并同情他，为他哭泣的信徒之中高声赞美上帝。那笼罩在他身上的愁云完全消散了。他觉得自己的劳苦没有落空。他过去的基督徒生活乃是一连串的试炼，痛苦和失望，但这时他觉得自己已经得到丰富的报赏。他很高兴自己曾有机会传扬基督，把永生和平安的光带给许多处在浓密黑暗之中，在世上没有指望没有上帝的人。于是他以稳健的步伐和喜乐盼望的心情继续他的行程。他不埋怨过去，也不害怕将来。他明知有捆锁和苦难等待着他；但他也知道自己已经拯救多人脱离更可怕的捆绑，他就因自己为基督的缘故所受的苦而欢喜快乐。{LP 274.1}[7]
§16
Few realize the significance of those words of Luke, that when Paul saw his brethren, “he thanked God, and took courage.” The apostle praised God aloud in the midst of that weeping, sympathizing throng, who were not ashamed of his bonds. The cloud of sadness that had rested upon his spirit had been swept away. He felt that his labors had not been in vain. Although his Christian life had been a succession of trials, sufferings, and disappointments, he felt in that hour abundantly repaid. He rejoiced that he had been permitted to preach Christ, to bring the light of eternal life and peace to so many souls who had been in the grossest darkness, without hope, and without God in the world. His step is firm, his heart joyful in hope. He will not complain of the past, or fear for the future. He knows that bonds and afflictions await him; but he knows too that it has been his life-work to deliver souls from a bondage infinitely more terrible, and he rejoices in his sufferings for Christ’s sake.?{LP 274.1}[7]
§17
到了罗马，百夫长犹流的任务完成了。他把众囚犯交给御营的统领。他为保罗所作的报告以及犹太巡抚非斯都所写的文书，使统领对保罗颇有好感，所以保罗非但没有被关在监里，反而蒙准住在他自己所租的房子里。虽然他经常必须和一个卫兵锁在一起，但他却有自由接待他的朋友，并为推进基督的圣工而努力。{LP 274.2}[8]
§18
At Rome the charge of the centurion Julius ended. Here he delivered up his prisoners to the captain of the emperor’s guard. The good account which he gave of Paul, however, together with the letter of Festus, the procurator of Judea, caused the apostle to be favorably regarded by the chief captain, and instead of being thrown into prison, he was permitted to live in his own hired house. The trial of having constantly to be chained to a soldier was continued; but he was at liberty to receive his friends, and to labor for the advancement of the cause of Christ.?{LP 274.2}[8]
§19
早几年从罗马被驱逐的犹太人已经蒙准回来，所以这时罗马城已有许多犹太人。保罗决意在他的仇敌还没有机会进行离间之前，先将自己和自己的工作向这些人说明。所以他在到达罗马三天之后，就召集他们的主要人物来，以简单直接的方式说明自己为什么作为一个囚犯来到罗马。{LP 275.1}[9]
§20
The Jews who had been banished from Rome some years previous, had been tacitly permitted to return, so that large numbers were now to be found there. To these, first of all, Paul determined to present the facts concerning himself and his work, before his enemies should have opportunity to embitter them against him. Three days after his arrival at Rome, therefore, he called together their leading men, and in a simple, direct manner stated the reasons why he had come to Rome as a prisoner.?{LP 275.1}[9]
§21
他说:“弟兄们，我虽没有作什么事干犯本国的百姓和我们祖宗的规条，却被捆锁，从耶路撒冷解在罗马人的手里。他们审问了我，就愿意释放我，因为在我身上并没有该死的罪。无奈犹太人不服，我不得已，只好上告于凯撒，并非有什么事要控告我本国的百姓。因此，我请你们来见面说话。我原为以色列人所指望的，被这链子锁着”（徒28：17-20）。{LP 275.2}[10]
§22
“Men and brethren,” he said, “though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you and to speak with you; because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”?{LP 275.2}[10]
§23
保罗没有详细讲论自己在犹太人手中所受的侮辱，也没有提到他们屡次要刺杀他的阴谋。他的言语审慎仁爱，他并没有设法要得到人的尊敬或同情，而是要维护真理福音的荣誉。{LP 275.3}[11]
§24
He said nothing of the abuse which he had suffered at the hands of the Jews, or of their repeated plots to assassinate him. His words were marked with caution and kindness. He was not seeking to win personal attention or sympathy, but to defend the truth and to maintain the honor of the gospel.?{LP 275.3}[11]
§25
他的听众回答说，他们没有收到什么公函或私人的信件控告他，也没有犹太人来到罗马说他有什么不好之处。他们表示极愿亲自听他说明信仰基督的缘由。他们说:“因为这教门，我们晓得是到处被毁谤的”（徒28：22）。这种宗教正在取代他们祖宗的宗教，引起争端和异议，所以他们认为对人是有危害的。{LP 275.4}[12]
§26
In reply, his hearers stated that they had received no charges against him by letters public or private, and that none of the Jews who had come to Rome had accused him of any crime. They also expressed a strong desire to hear for themselves the reasons of his faith in Christ.“For as concerning this sect,” they said, “we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” It was supplanting the religion of their fathers, and causing disputations and dissensions which they considered injurious to the people.?{LP 275.4}[12]
§27
他们自己既然有这愿望，保罗就请他们约定日子，使他可以把福音的真理告诉他们。到了约定的日子，有许多人聚集，“保罗从早到晚，对他们讲论这事，证明上帝的道，引摩西的律法和先知的书，以耶稣的事劝勉他们” （徒28：23）。他述说了自己的经验，并以简明，真诚而有力的话从旧约圣经中提出论据来。他的话至少在某一些人心中留下了永不磨灭的印象。他讲论自己所知道的，见证自己所看见的，所有真心追求真理的人都感服了。{LP 276.1}[13]
§28
Since they themselves desired it, Paul bade them set a day when he could present to them the truths of the gospel. At the time appointed, many came together, “to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.” He related his own experience, and presented arguments from the Old-Testament scriptures with simplicity, sincerity, and power. Upon some minds, at least, his words made an impression which would never be effaced. All who were honestly seeking for truth were convinced, as Paul spoke of what he knew, and testified of what he had seen.?{LP 276.1}[13]
§29
保罗说明宗教并不在于礼节和仪式，信条和理论。如果是的话，那么属肉体的人就能考查而明白，像他们明白属世的事物一样。保罗教训他们，宗教乃是一种实际救人的力量，一种完全从上帝而来的原则，一种由上帝的大能而使个人重生的经验。{LP 276.2}[14]
§30
He showed that religion does not consist in rites and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God’s renewing power upon the soul.?{LP 276.2}[14]
§31
他说明，摩西曾如何遥指基督为以色列人应当听从的“先知”；众先知曾如何见证他为上帝救治罪恶的良方，作为无辜的救主来背负世人罪孽。保罗并没有在他们遵守仪式和礼节的事上找他们的错。但他说明，当他们非常严谨地保持仪文的礼节时，他们却拒绝了那作为一切制度之实体的主。{LP 276.3}[15]
§32
He showed how Moses had pointed Israel forward to Christ as that Prophet whom they were to hear; how all the prophets had testified of him as God’s great remedy for sin, the guiltless One who was to bear the sins of the guilty. He did not find fault with their observance of forms and ceremonies, but showed that while they maintained the ritual service with great exactness, they were rejecting Him who was the antitype of all that system.?{LP 276.3}[15]
§33
保罗声称自己在尚未悔改之前是凭着外貌来认识基督的，并不是出于个人的经验，而是与众人一样，凭着一种关于基督的性质和工作的概念。他曾因拿撒勒人耶稣与这些概念不符而拒绝祂。但自从他悔改以后，他对于基督和祂使命的见解同犹太人对于那久已应许要来之弥赛亚的概念比则远为属灵，远为高超。他强调，他并不是凭着外貌把基督介绍给他们。在基督受屈辱的时候，希律曾见过祂，亚那曾见过祂，彼拉多，祭司和官长们都曾见过祂，罗马的士兵也见过祂。但他们并没有用信心的眼睛看祂；他们没有认明祂是那得了荣耀的救赎主。凭信心了解基督，并对祂生出一种属灵的认识，比主在地上时亲眼看见祂更为可贵。保罗这时所享受与基督的交通比人间的友谊更为密切，更为持久。{LP 277.1}[16]
§34
He declared that in his unconverted state he had known Christ after the flesh, not by personal acquaintance, but by the conceptions which he, in common with others, cherished concerning his character and work. He had rejected Jesus of Nazareth as an impostor because he did not fulfill these expectations. But since Paul’s conversion, his views of Christ and his mission were far more spiritual and exalted than the Jewish conception of the long-promised Messiah. He asserted that he did not present to them Christ after the flesh. Herod had seen Christ in the days of his humanity; Annas had seen him; Pilate and the chief priests and rulers had seen him; the Roman soldiers had seen him. But these had not seen him with an eye of faith, and discerned him spiritually as the glorified Redeemer. To apprehend Christ by faith, to have a spiritual knowledge of him, was more to be desired than a personal acquaintance with him as he appeared on earth. The communion with Christ which Paul now enjoyed, was more intimate and more enduring than a mere earthly and human companionship.?{LP 277.1}[16]
§35
保罗的一些听众热切地接受了真理，但其他人却顽梗地不肯相信。向他们提出圣经见证的，是一位在学问上与他们相等，在智力上超过他们，并且蒙圣灵特别光照的人。他们虽然不能反驳他的论据，但还是不肯接受他所得出的结论。拉比们自己用在基督身上的预言令这些反对的犹太人深感气恼，因为使徒说明这些预言的应验要求他们接受基督。祂谦谦和和地进入耶路撒冷，祂被自己的百姓所拒绝，被犹大出卖，出卖祂的区区银钱，祂作为罪魁被处死，祂在垂死痛苦之际递给祂麻醉性的苦汁，为祂的衣服抽签，祂在第三天复活战胜死亡和坟墓，祂最后升到上帝的右边——这一切都直接应验了预言的话。但他所提出的话越是确凿，犹太人的反对就越坚决。他们在狂怒之下又老调重弹，说拿撒勒人耶稣是骗子。{LP 277.2}[17]
§36
Some of Paul’s hearers eagerly received the truth, but others stubbornly refused to be convinced. The testimony of the Scriptures was presented before them by one who was their equal in learning and their superior in mental power, and who had the special illumination of the Holy Spirit. They could not refute his arguments, but refused to accept his conclusions. The prophecies which the rabbis themselves applied to Christ were a great annoyance to these opposing Jews; for the apostle showed that the fulfillment of these very prophecies required them to accept of Christ. His humble entry into?Jerusalem, his rejection by his own people, the treachery of Judas, the paltry sum paid for his betrayal, his death as a malefactor, even the bitter, stupefying draughts offered him in his dying agony, the lots cast upon his garments, his victory over death and the grave by the resurrection on the third day, his final exaltation on the right hand of God,—all these were in direct fulfillment of the words of the prophets. But the more conclusive the arguments presented, the more determined were the Jews in their opposition. Frenzied with malice, they reiterated their assertions that Jesus of Nazareth was a deceiver.?{LP 277.2}[17]
§37
再争是没有用处的，保罗就用一段话结束了他的讲论。他引用了基督曾引用过的以赛亚的话:“圣灵藉先知以赛亚向你们祖宗所说的话是不错的。他说：‘你去告诉这百姓说，你们听是要听见，却不明白；看是要看见，却不晓得；因为这百姓油蒙了心，耳朵发沉，眼睛闭着；恐怕眼睛看见，耳朵听见，心里明白，回转过来，我就医治他们’”(徒28:25-27)。{LP 278.1}[18]
§38
Further argument was useless. Paul closed with a solemn address, in which he applied to them the words of Isaiah, before quoted by Christ himself: “Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, saying, Go unto this people and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive; for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”?{LP 278.1}[18]
§39
保罗的话没有白说。一些人完全接受耶稣为世界的救赎主。他们不管以前弟兄们的反对而成了真理热忱的宣传者。{LP 278.2}[19]
§40
Paul’s words had not been in vain. Some fully accepted Jesus as the world’s Redeemer, and, despite the opposition of their former brethren, became earnest advocates of the truth.?{LP 278.2}[19]
§41
生活在末世的上帝子民应当从保罗的经历中获得教训。我们不要因为不爱真理的人拒绝相信最明显的证据而灰心。我们也不要自我安慰，以为当代有名无实，贪爱世界的教会会比过去时代的人更加乐意接受圣经的教训。保罗最凶恶的敌人是在那些自称最虔诚的犹太人中。基督对这等人说:“你们不明白圣经，也不晓得上帝的大能。”今天真理最竭力的反对者乃是在那些自称捍卫真理的人中间。{LP 278.3}[20]
§42
The people of God living near the close of time should learn a lesson from this experience of Paul’s. We should not be disheartened because those who have no love for truth refuse to be convinced by the clearest evidence. We need not flatter ourselves that the formal and world-loving churches of this age are more ready to?receive the teachings of God’s word than were those of ages past. Paul’s worst enemies were among the Jews, who made the highest claims to godliness. It was to this class that Christ said, “Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God.” The most bitter opposers of truth today are found among those who profess to be its defenders.?{LP 278.3}[20]
§43
上帝已让祂的子民作祂律法的保管人，他们务要冒着传道人和有学问，有地位，有权威之人的反对高举被人践踏之律法的要求。遵守律法的证据是推翻不了的，然而它的敌人总是带着同样的论据一再前来与它斗争，每次被驳倒了，又卷土重来。{LP 279.1}[21]
§44
God has made his people the depositaries of his law. They must uphold the claims of that down-trodden law against the opposition of ministers of the gospel, against men of learning, position, and authority. The evidence of its binding claims cannot be overthrown; yet its enemies will come again and again to the battle, urging the same arguments, every time refuted, and as often renewed.?{LP 279.1}[21]
§45
保罗是受圣灵引导和指教的；然而，当那些不受圣灵指教的人看见保罗宣传他们所不赞成的真理时，他们就充满嫉妒和恶意。他们决心不让保罗走在他们面前。如果他们像高尚的庇哩亚人那样，抱着谦虚受教的精神查考圣经，他们就能明白保罗所传的真理，可惜他们研究圣经的目的只是为了找出一些东西维护自己，驳倒保罗。{LP 279.2}[22]
§46
Paul was led and taught by the Holy Spirit; but, notwithstanding this, those who were not thus taught were filled with jealousy and malice when they saw him advocating truths which they had not sanctioned. They were determined that he should move no faster than they. Had they, like the noble Bereans, searched the Scriptures with a humble, teachable spirit, they would have learned the truth as Paul preached it; but they studied only to find something to sustain themselves and condemn him.?{LP 279.2}[22]
§47
真理总是包含着十字架。不相信真理的人会反对和嘲笑相信的人。传扬真理会掀起反对的风暴，这不能作为反对真理的理由。众先知和使徒为了凭良心顺服上帝曾甘冒生命的危险。我们的救主曾宣称:“凡立志在基督耶稣里敬虔度日的，也都要受逼迫”(提后3:12)。这就是基督徒的遗产。{LP 279.3}[23]
§48
The truth always involves a cross. Those who will not believe, oppose and deride those who do believe. The fact that its presentation creates a storm of opposition, is no evidence against the truth. The prophets and apostles imperiled their lives because they would conscientiously obey God. And our Saviour declares that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” This is the Christian’s legacy.?{LP 279.3}[23]