第27章 凯撒家里的人
§1
第27章 凯撒家里的人
§2
Chapter 27—Caesar’s Household
§3
福音工作最大的成功素来是在比较卑微的人中成就的。原来“蒙召的，接着肉体有智慧的不多，有能力的不多，有尊贵的也不多”(林前1:26)。在一个可怜而没有朋友的囚犯保罗，实在不能希望他能得到有财富有地位的罗马公民的注意。他们的全部生活，包括灵智体方面，与保罗是大相径庭的。对于这一等人，社会上的邪恶风俗常以迷人的诱惑使他们甘心作罪恶的俘虏。但是从他们所压迫的辛劳疲惫缺衣乏食的人中，甚至于从那些可怜的奴隶之中，倒有许多人乐于听从保罗的话，并因相信基督而得到希望和平安，使他们在艰苦的命运之下鼓舞起来。{LP 289.1}[1]
§4
The gospel has ever achieved its greatest success among the humbler classes. “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” It could not be expected that Paul, a poor and friendless prisoner, would be able to gain the attention of the wealthy and titled classes of Roman citizens. Their whole life?—physical, mental, and moral—was on a different plane from his. To them vice presented all its glittering allurements, and held them willing captives. But from the toil-worn, want-stricken victims of their oppression, even from the poor slaves, ignorant and degraded as they were, many gladly listened to the words of Paul, and found in the faith of Christ a hope and peace which cheered them under the hardships of their lot.?{LP 289.1}[1]
§5
保罗的工作虽然在卑微低贱的人中间开始，但它的影响却逐渐扩大，一直发展到皇帝的宫廷里。当时罗马城乃是欧西世界的都市。傲慢的凯撒皇帝几乎为地上的每一个国家制定法律。君王和朝臣不是根本不认识拿撒勒人耶稣，就是以仇恨和嘲笑对待他。可是不到两年，福音竟从这个囚犯的陋室一直传到帝国的宫廷里。保罗虽然被捆绑，像作恶的人一样，“然而上帝的道，却不被捆绑”(提后2:9)。{LP 290.1}[2]
§6
Yet while the apostle’s work began with the humble and lowly, its influence extended, until it reached the very palace of the emperor. Rome was at this time the metropolis of the world. The haughty Caesars were giving laws to nearly every nation upon the earth. King and courtier were either wholly ignorant of the humble Nazarene, or they regarded him with hatred and derision. And yet in less than two years the gospel found its way from the prisoner’s lowly home into the imperial halls. Paul is in bonds as an evil-doer; but “the word of God is not bound.”?{LP 290.1}[2]
§7
在那些附笔问候腓立比教会的圣徒中，使徒特别提到“凯撒家里的人”(腓4:22)。世上没有什么地方比罗马宫廷存在着与基督教更为敌对的气氛。尼禄似乎已从心中消灭了最后的一点像上帝的性情，甚至于连人性也没有了。他简直是受了撒但的印记。他的侍从和朝臣的品格大都与他一样——凶恶，堕落，腐化。基督教若要在尼禄的官庭中得一点立足之地，似乎是一件绝对不可能的事。{LP 290.2}[3]
§8
Among the saints who send greetings to the Philippian church, the apostle mentions chiefly them that are of Caesar’s household. Nowhere could there exist an atmosphere more uncongenial to Christianity than in the Roman court under such a monster of wickedness as then stood at its head. Nero seemed to have obliterated from his soul the last trace of the Divine, and even of the human, and to bear only the impress of the Satanic. His attendants and courtiers were in general of the same character as himself, fierce, debased, and corrupt. To all appearance it would be impossible for Christianity to gain a foot-hold in the court and palace of Nero.?{LP 290.2}[3]
§9
然而在这一件事上，像在许多其他的事上一样，证明保罗所说的话确是真理。他说:“我们争战的兵器，……是在上帝面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒”(林后10:4)。甚至在尼禄的家里得了十字架的战利品。尼禄的邪恶侍从所伺候的是比他们更加邪恶的君王，可是他们中竟有人悔改信主，成为上帝的儿女。这些人不是暗地，而是公开作基督徒的。他们不以自己的信仰为耻，他们对于那些在基督徒信仰和经验上时间较长的人，怀有最热烈的感情。他们不怕承认这些人为弟兄，也不以为耻。{LP 290.3}[4]
§10
Yet in this case, as in so many others, was?proved the truth of Paul’s assertion, that the weapons of his warfare were “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” Trophies of the cross were won, even in Nero’s household. From the vile attendants of a viler king were gained converts who became sons of God. These were not Christians secretly, but openly. They were not ashamed of their faith. They felt the warmest affection for those who were older in Christian faith and experience, and they were not afraid or ashamed to acknowledge them as brethren.?{LP 290.3}[4]
§11
基督教凭着什么方法能进入那似乎不可能进入的地方，而得到一个坚固的据点呢?保罗往年曾以得人的能力公开传扬基督的信仰，并且以神迹奇事对于它神圣的性质作了不容误解的见证。他屹然站立在希腊的哲士面前，用他的知识和口才驳倒骄傲的哲学论据。他也以不屈不挠的勇气站在君王和巡抚面前讲论公义，节制和将来的审判，直到这些傲慢的官长恐惧战兢，好像已经看到上帝大日的忿怒一样。{LP 291.1}[5]
§12
And by what means was an entrance achieved and a firm footing gained for Christianity where even its admission seemed impossible? In former years the apostle had publicly proclaimed the faith of Christ with winning power; and by signs and miracles he had given unmistakable evidence of its divine character. With noble firmness he rose up before the sages of Greece, and by his knowledge and eloquence put to silence the arguments of proud philosophy. With undaunted courage he had stood before kings and governors, and reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, until the haughty rulers trembled as though already beholding the terrors of the day of God.?{LP 291.1}[5]
§13
如今保罗再没有这样的机会。他被禁闭在自己的寓所，只能对那些来找他的人宣讲真理。他没有像摩西和亚伦一样受上帝的命令到荒淫的法老面前奉“自有永有”大君的名谴责他暴虐和压迫的行为。然而正当福音的主要代言人在表面上无法公开传道时，福音却得了一次伟大的胜利——从凯撒的家里竟有人加入了教会。{LP 291.2}[6]
§14
But no such opportunities were now granted the apostle, confined as he was to his own dwelling, and able to proclaim the truth only to those who sought him there. He had not, like Moses and Aaron, a divine command to go before the profligate king with the rod of God, and demand his attention, and in the name of the great I AM rebuke his cruelty and oppression. Yet it was at this very time, when its chief advocate was?apparently cut off from public labor, that this great victory was won for the truth, and members were gained to the church from the very household of the king.?{LP 291.2}[6]
§15
保罗在致腓立比人的书信中，把他从尼禄的家里得人归向真理的成绩，归因于他自己的被囚。他唯恐他们认为他的苦难妨碍了福音的进展，所以确切地对他们说，情况正好相反:“弟兄们，我愿意你们知道，我所遭遇的事更是叫福音兴旺，以致我受的捆锁，在御营全军和其余的人中，已经显明是为基督的缘故”(腓1:12,13)。{LP 292.1}[7]
§16
In his Epistle to the Philippians, Paul ascribes to his own imprisonment his success in bringing converts to the faith from Nero’s household. He expresses himself as fearful lest the Philippians have thought that his afflictions have impeded the progress of the gospel. He assures them that the contrary effect has been produced: “I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places.”?{LP 292.1}[7]
§17
尼禄的宫廷之所以注意基督，不是由于保罗的讲道，而是由于他的捆锁。征服统治者的乃是一个囚虏。他这次打破了许多人在罪恶奴役中的枷锁，乃是正当他自己戴着锁链的时候。但结果并不止于此。他说:“并且那在主里的弟兄多半因我受的捆锁，就笃信不疑，越发放胆传上帝的道，无所惧怕”(腓1:14)。{LP 292.2}[8]
§18
It was not by the sermons of Paul, but by his bonds, that the attention of the court had been attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he had conquered rulers. It was with his chain that he had broken from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declares: “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”?{LP 292.2}[8]
§19
保罗在长期受不公道的监禁之中所表现的忍耐和温柔，引起了公众的注意，令许多人不得不相信。保罗之所以这样乐意受苦，他对于自己所宣传的教义一定有着不可动摇的信心。他在受苦和监禁之下所表现愉快的精神与世界上受苦不幸之人的精神迥乎不同，证明他具有比地上一切力量更高的能力。他的勇敢和信心乃是一种经常不断的见证。他的榜样使其他的基督徒获得了更大的能力。他们感到自己应不失时机地勇敢宣传真理，推进保罗所暂时退出的工作。保罗的捆锁就这样发挥了有力的影响，以致正当他的能力和用处似乎割断，显然不能有所贡献时，他却能在那似乎完全与世隔离的地区为基督收集禾捆。{LP 292.3}[9]
§20
The patience and meekness with which he submitted to a long and unjust imprisonment drew the attention of the public, and forced the conviction upon many minds that where there was such a willingness to suffer, there must be an unwavering faith in the doctrines advocated. His cheerfulness under affliction and imprisonment was so unlike the spirit of the unfortunate and afflicted of the world, that they could but see that a power higher than any earthly influence?was ever abiding with him. His courage and faith were a continual sermon. And by his example, other Christians were nerved to greater energy. They felt that they would not be losers in becoming the advocates of truth and pushing forward the work from which Paul was temporarily withdrawn. In these ways were the apostle’s bonds influential, so that when to all appearance he could do the least, when his power and usefulness seemed cut off, then it was that he was gathering sheaves for Christ, in fields from which he seemed wholly excluded.?{LP 292.3}[9]
§21
当上帝的仆人退出工作的岗位，人们再也听不到他鼓励和责备的声音时，我们短小的目光往往会认为他不再能起作用了。但是上帝却并不这样看。我们往往不明白其中奥秘的天意，而上帝的旨意却要藉此成就一番其他方法所不能成就的工作。{LP 293.1}[10]
§22
When a servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, when his voice is no longer heard in encouragement and reproof, we, in our short-sighted judgment, often conclude that his usefulness is at an end. But the Lord does not so regard it. The mysterious providences over which we so often lament, are designed of God to accomplish a work which otherwise might never have been done.?{LP 293.1}[10]
§23
基督徒在被弃和受苦之下所表现忍耐和愉快的精神，甚至以平安和镇定的精神应付死亡，来表示毫不动摇的信心，能够胜过福音仇敌的反对。他所成就的事，可能要比他竭尽全力，为他们的悔改而昼夜操劳的效果更大。{LP 293.2}[11]
§24
The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets death with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish far more toward overcoming the opposition of the enemies of the gospel than he could have effected had he labored with his utmost energy day and night to bring them to repentance.?{LP 293.2}[11]
§25
当基督的仆人积极出发，与流行的罪恶和迷信作斗争时，他们是在做主所交托他们的工作，捍卫福音的事业。当他们因撒但的毒恨而遭受迫害，所进行的工作受到拦阻时，当他们被下在监里，最后被拖到断头台或火刑柱时，就是真理将得到更大胜利的时候。当他们用自己的鲜血印证他们的信仰时，一些原来犹疑不定的人就必信服他们的真诚。从殉道者的尸灰中竟为上帝的真理生长了丰富的庄稼。{LP 293.3}[12]
§26
When the servants of Christ move actively through the land to contend against prevailing errors and superstitions, they are doing the work which the Lord has given them, standing in defense of the gospel. But when through Satan’s malice, they are persecuted, their active labor hindered, and they cast into prison, as was Paul,?and finally dragged to the scaffold or the stake, it is then that truth gains a greater triumph. Those who before doubted, are convinced of their sincerity, as they thus seal their faith with their blood. From the martyr’s ashes springs an abundant harvest for the garner of God.?{LP 293.3}[12]
§27
基督的门徒切莫认为，当他不能再为上帝和他的真理公开而积极作工时，他就不能再有什么贡献，也不能再得什么报赏。一个真正的基督徒决不会被弃而不用的。或健康或患病，或生或死，上帝总是能使用他们的。正是在痛苦，损失，试炼和逼迫的黑暗中，基督徒信仰的光照耀得最亮，而上帝的应许也显得最为宝贵。当坟墓接纳上帝的儿女时，他虽死仍在作见证。他作工的效果随着他。人们想起他劝诫和鼓励的话，想起他曾在一切环境下坚持真理，这时，他的见证比他活着的时候更加有力。{LP 294.1}[13]
§28
Let no one feel that because he is no longer able to labor openly and actively for God and his truth, he has no service to render, no reward to secure. A true Christian is never laid aside. God will use him effectually in health and in sickness, in life and in death. It is in the darkness of affliction, bereavement, trial, and persecution, that the light of Christian faith shines brightest, and the Lord’s promises are found most precious. And when the grave receives the child of God, he being dead yet speaketh. His works do follow him. The memory of his words of admonition and encouragement, of his steadfast adherence to the truth under all circumstances, speaks more powerfully than even his living example.?{LP 294.1}[13]
§29
忍耐和勇敢同样是可以得到胜利的。在试炼下的温柔和在工作上的勇气一样能得人归向基督。如果基督徒能安心于表面上工作的停止，乐意离开战场休息一下，摆脱工作上的担子，他们就会在耶稣的脚前学到美好的教训，看出他们的主在他们表面上停工的时候，是和在他们积极工作的时候一样有效地使用他们的。{LP 294.2}[14]
§30
Patience as well as courage has its victories. Converts may be made by meekness in trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise. If Christians would be reconciled to the apparent suspension of their usefulness, and would cheerfully rest from the strife, and lay off the burden of labor, they would learn sweet lessons at the feet of Jesus, and would see that their Master is using them as effectively when they seem to be withdrawn from employment, as when in more active labor.?{LP 294.2}[14]
§31
当基督众教会起初听说保罗要去访问罗马时，他们盼望福音在那城市中能有显著的胜利。保罗曾到许多地方传扬真理，在许多大城市中作工。这个信心的勇士岂不能在罗马城甚至在尼禄的官庭里也引多人归向基督吗?但当他们听说保罗作为一个囚犯到罗马去时，他们的希望就断绝了。他们曾满心期望福音在这个中心都市扎下根来，就可以迅速地扩展到各国，成为地上占优势的力量。这时他们的失望是何等惨重啊！人的希望虽然断绝，但上帝的旨意却必成全。保罗虽然不能像他所希望的那样工作，但在那两年的监禁期中，他能这样说:“我受的捆锁在御营全军和其余的人中，已经显明是为基督的缘故。”在那些附笔问候腓立比信徒的人中，他特别提到“凯撒家里的人”(腓1:13；4:22)。{LP 294.3}[15]
§32
When the Christian churches first learned that Paul contemplated a visit to Rome, they looked forward to a signal triumph of the gospel. Paul?had borne the truth to many lands; he had proclaimed it in great cities. Might not this champion of the faith succeed in winning souls to Christ, even in the court of Nero? But their anticipations were crushed by the tidings that Paul had gone to Rome as a prisoner. They had confidently hoped to see the gospel, once established at this great center, extend rapidly to all nations, until it should become a prevailing power in the earth. How great their disappointment! Human calculations had failed, but not the purpose of God. Paul could not labor as he had hoped, yet before the close of that two years’ imprisonment he was able to say, “My bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” and among those who send greetings to the Philippians, he mentions chiefly them that are of Caesar’s household.?{LP 294.3}[15]
§33
保罗和他的同工所有的热忱和忠贞，以及那些悔改相信基督教之人，在那么不利的环境中所表现的信心和顺从，对于一般懒惰和缺少信心的基督徒乃是一种责备。我们决不可以凭着我们人短浅的目光去限制上帝的计划和工作。我们决不要寻找借口不去努力救人归主，即使是在最不利的地区。保罗和他的同仁尽可以辩解，要尼禄的臣仆悔改相信基督必是徒然的，因为他们常受猛烈的试探，并为严重的阻碍所包围，又容易招惹苦毒的反对。即使他们感服真理，他们又怎能顺从呢?但保罗并没有这样设想。他凭着信心把福音传给这些人，在听他的人中居然有人决意顺从，任何代价均在所不惜，无论有多少障碍和危险，他们总是愿意接受真光，并靠上帝的帮助，把他们的光照耀在别人身上。{LP 295.1}[16]
§34
The zeal and fidelity of Paul and his fellow-workers, no less than the faith and obedience of those converts to Christianity, under circumstances so forbidding, should be a rebuke to slothfulness and unbelief in the followers of Christ. Never let us, by our human, short-sighted judgment, limit the plans and work of God. Never let us excuse ourselves from efforts to win souls to Christ, even in the most unpromising fields. The apostle and his subordinate ministers might have argued that the servants of Nero were subjected to the fiercest temptations, surrounded by the most formidable hindrances, exposed to the most bitter opposition, and that under such circumstances it would be in vain to call them to repentance and to faith in Christ. Should they be convinced of the truth, how could they render obedience? But the gospel was presented to?those souls, and there were some among them who decided to obey it at any cost. Notwithstanding the obstacles and dangers, they would walk in the light, trusting in God for opportunity to let their light shine forth to others.?{LP 295.1}[16]
§35
比起那些凯撒的宫廷里放弃异教而接受基督教的人来，有谁处在更为不利于过宗教生活并带来更大的牺牲，危险和剧烈反对的环境呢?没有一个人是处在不能顺从上帝的环境中的。今日的基督徒实在太小信了。他们只是在能够看见有利成果的前景时才肯为基督和祂的事业工作。上帝的恩典将会配合每一个真信徒的努力，这恩典在一切环境之中是够我们用的。基督的灵要在一切忠心顺从的人品格上发挥更新，完善的能力。{LP 296.1}[17]
§36
Who is placed in circumstances more unfavorable to a religious life, or required to make greater sacrifices, to encounter greater dangers, or to bring upon himself fiercer opposition, than would follow the exchange of heathenism for Christianity by those who were in office in the court of Caesar? No man can be so situated that he cannot obey God. There is too little faith with Christians of today. They are willing to work for Christ and his cause only when they themselves can see a prospect of favorable results. Divine grace will aid the efforts of every true believer. That grace is sufficient for us under all circumstances. The Spirit of Christ will exert its renewing, perfecting power upon the character of all who will be obedient and faithful.?{LP 296.1}[17]
§37
上帝是伟大的自有永有者，是生命的泉源，权威和能力的中心。他的儿女不论处在什么环境中，都没有充分的理由不顺从上帝的要求。上帝要我们对照在我们道路上的亮光负责。我们可能被似乎不能胜过的障碍所包围，我们也尽可以拿这些作为自己不顺从耶稣真理的借口。但这样所提出的理由都是不堪一击的。如果是真有理由的话，那就证明我们的天父是不公平的，并证明祂为我们定了一些不能履行的得救条件。{LP 296.2}[18]
§38
God is the great I AM, the source of being, the center of authority and power. Whatever the condition or situation of his creatures, they can have no sufficient excuse for refusing to answer the claims of God. The Lord holds us responsible for the light shining upon our pathway. We may be surrounded by difficulties that appear formidable to us, and because of these we may excuse ourselves for not obeying the truth as it is in Jesus; but there can be no excuse that will bear investigation. Could there be an excuse for disobedience, it would prove our heavenly Father unjust, in that he had given us conditions of salvation with which we could not comply.?{LP 296.2}[18]
§39
那些在不信的家庭当仆人的人，他们所处的环境和凯撒家里的人差不多。这样的人是值得体谅的；因为他们如果要过宗教生活，就必遭受很大的考验。经常在他们面前的，是干犯安息日和疏忽宗教的不良榜样。他们没有什么宗教上的特权。如果他们对宗教表现出兴趣，就可能失去主人的欢心，受到同伴的嘲笑。处在这样环境里的人，若要为基督作见证，争取进入天国，就有特殊的战斗要参加：在他的环境中没有任何东西可以作为他忽视上帝要求的借口。凡决心先求上帝的国和祂的义的人，任何困难也不能阻止他前进。{LP 297.1}[19]
§40
Servants employed in an irreligious family are placed in circumstances somewhat similar to those of the members of Caesar’s household. Such are deserving of sympathy; for if they seek to live a religious life, their situation is often one of great trial. A bad example is constantly before them,—an example of Sabbath-breaking and of neglect of religion. Few religious privileges are granted them; and should they manifest an interest in religion, they might lose the favor of their employer, and bring upon themselves the ridicule of their companions. He who is thus situated has more than a common battle to fight, if he stands forth as a witness for Christ, a candidate for Heaven. But there can be nothing in his surroundings to excuse him for neglecting the claims of God. Whatever the difficulties in his path, they will be powerless to hinder him if he is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.?{LP 297.1}[19]
§41
基督徒不应该只想到世界末日以前可能遭受的一切试炼。他只须着手事奉上帝，每天为荣耀上帝而生活和工作。这样，那些表面上不可克服的障碍就会逐渐消失。如果他真的遇到他所担心的事，基督恩典也必按照他的需要而分给他，有足够的力量赐给他来应付和克服一切困难。{LP 297.2}[20]
§42
The Christian should not array before his imagination all the trials which may occur before the end of the race. He has but to begin to serve God, and each day live and labor for the glory of God that day, and obstacles which appeared insurmountable will gradually grow less and less; or, should he encounter all that he has feared, the grace of Christ will be imparted to him according to his need. Strength increases with the difficulties met and overcome.?{LP 297.2}[20]
§43
古时希伯来的俘虏但以理，后来又当上国家的首相。他要过忠于上帝的生活，所遭遇的困难是很大的。但当他开始工作时，就决心不论发生什么问题，总要以上帝的律法作为行动的准则。平时他每天在朝廷朝见外邦的君王。在这种较轻的试炼中，他能保持自己的坚贞。他的信心，勇气和忠直与日俱增。到了国王发令禁止他祷告上帝时，他能够面对狮子坑而忠于原则和上帝。{LP 297.3}[21]
§44
Daniel, the Hebrew captive, the prime minister of a royal realm, encountered great obstacles to a life of fidelity to God. But at the very beginning of his career, he determined that whatever might oppose, he would make the law of God his rule of action. As he maintained his?steadfastness amid the lesser trials which he daily met in the court of a heathen king, his faith, courage, and firmness grew stronger; and when the royal decree went forth forbidding him to offer supplication to his God, he was able, with the den of lions open before him, to stand true to principle and to God.?{LP 297.3}[21]
§45
凡专心事奉上帝的人必能找到机会为祂服务。他必祷告，读经，追求德行，放弃罪恶。他既“仰望为我们信心创始成终”并“忍受罪人这样顶撞”的耶稣，就必勇敢地对待侮辱和嘲笑。信实的主已经应许赐给他们帮助和恩典。对于一切信靠祂的人，上帝必履行祂的应许。{LP 298.1}[22]
§46
He whose heart is fixed to serve God, will find opportunity to serve him. He will pray, he will read the word of God, he will seek virtue and forsake vice. He can brave contempt and derision while looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself. Help and grace are promised by Him whose words are truth. God will not fail to fulfill his promise to all who trust in him.?{LP 298.1}[22]
§47
有人想拿环境作为借口原谅自己疏忽基督的宗教吗?让他们记住，他们这样的裹足不前，撒但就能制造出一个又一个的困难来拦阻他们前进的道路。让他们考虑一下那些生活在凯撒家里——在皇帝的败坏，朝廷的荒淫之中的门徒的处境吧。在这样的环境下接受基督，无异于赴汤蹈火。这些悔改信主的基督徒在这样艰难和危险之中依然能保持他们的忠贞，我们还有什么理由疏忽本分的要求呢？顺服上帝决不是不可能的。{LP 298.2}[23]
§48
Are any tempted to make their circumstances an excuse for neglecting the religion of Christ? Let them remember that Satan can frame one difficulty after another to bar the way of those who will permit themselves to be thus hindered. Let them consider the situation of the disciples in Caesar’s household, the fierce depravity of the emperor, the profligacy of the court. It was like rushing into the fire to accept of Christ under such circumstances. If those Christian converts could maintain their fidelity amid all the difficulties and dangers of such surroundings, no one can offer a sufficient reason for neglecting the claims of duty. There is no such thing as an impossibility to obey God.?{LP 298.2}[23]
§49
这些门徒还有一点也是值得我们注意的。凯撒家里不但有人悔改相信真理，而且他们在悔改之后依然留在凯撒家中。他们觉得不能随便离开自己岗位。他们在哪里相信真理，就仍旧留在哪里，藉着生活和品格的改变为这新信仰改变人心的能力作见证。这些基督徒直接和保罗来往，亲蒙他的教诲和劝勉。他们的榜样具有重要意义。它说明信徒不应总是希望摆脱困难和考验的环境，到较少有试探和反对的地方去。{LP 298.3}[24]
§50
There is another fact concerning those disciples which is worthy of our attention. Not only were converts won to the truth in Caesar’s household, but they remained in that household after?their conversion. They did not feel at liberty to abandon their post of duty. The truth had found them where they were, and there they would remain, and by their life and character testify of its transforming power. The example of those Christians has great weight, from the fact that they had direct intercourse with Paul, and therefore enjoyed the benefit of his instruction and counsel. It teaches that believers are not always to withdraw from positions of difficulty and trial, and place themselves where there would be less temptation or opposition.?{LP 298.3}[24]
§51
我们应该时刻记住我们的救主曾离开天庭来到被罪恶污染的世界。祂用自己的生活向信徒证明，他们能够在这个世界上而不属世界。祂来到世界并不是要享受其中愚妄的宴乐，被其中的风俗所支配，并随从其中的恶习。祂乃是来寻找拯救失丧的人。基督徒若把这个目标摆在面前，他就在不敬虔的人中间能站立得住，不受沾染。{LP 299.1}[25]
§52
Let us ever bear in mind that our Saviour left the heavenly courts, and came to a world polluted by sin. By his own life he has shown his followers how they can be in the world, and yet not be of the world. He came not to partake of its delusive pleasures, to be swayed by its customs, or to follow its practices, but to seek and to save the lost. With this object, and this only, can the Christian consent to remain in the company of the ungodly.?{LP 299.1}[25]
§53
凡寻求得救的人决不可故意置身于试探的环境之中，或难以过宗教生活的地方。但如果他是在这样的环境中接受真理的，他就当诚恳地求问上帝在这里是否有救灵的工作要他去做。一个基督徒在不信的人中间，在上帝的引导下，可以像一团酵，“放在三斗面里”，发挥作用，直到全团都发起来。始终如一的基督徒生活所起的作用要胜过许多次讲道。不问他地位的高低或环境的好坏，他必能在忠心履行本分的事上显明真宗教的力量。{LP 299.2}[26]
§54
No one who is seeking to save his soul should without good reason place himself in an uncongenial atmosphere, or where he will be surrounded by hindrances to a religious life; but if in such a position he has received the truth, he should diligently inquire if God has not there a work for him to do for the saving of other souls. That one Christian in the midst of unbelievers, may, in the providence of God, be like the piece of leaven “hid in three measures of meal,” that is to do its work until the whole mass is leavened. A consistent Christian life will accomplish more good than could be accomplished by many sermons. Whatever the Christian’s station, be it?exalted or humble, he will manifest the power of true religion by the faithful performance of the duties of that station.?{LP 299.2}[26]
§55
基督徒的品格不是因脱离试炼，而是在试炼之中发展起来的。基督徒如果什么困难都没有遇到，他就处在属灵懒惰的极大危险之中。恩慈的上帝已经应许不会让祂的子民受试探过于他们所能担当的，并要救他们脱离试探。经常遭受挫折和反对会使基督徒更加警醒，更加恳切祈求大能的帮助者。靠着上帝的恩典忍受强烈的试炼会使他得到更深的经验和更大的属灵力量，发展忍耐，警觉和刚毅等美德。{LP 300.1}[27]
§56
It is not the absence of temptation or trial that is most favorable for the development of Christian character. Where there are fewest difficulties to meet, the Christian is in the greatest danger of spiritual slothfulness. The God of all grace has promised that his people shall not be tempted above that which they are able to bear, but that with the temptation he will make a way of escape. Constant exposure to rebuffs and opposition, will lead the Christian to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Extraordinary trials, endured through the grace of God, will give him a deeper experience and greater spiritual strength, as vigilance, patience, and fortitude are called into exercise.?{LP 300.1}[27]
§57
基督的门徒不要指望在世界上会得到比他们的主更好的待遇。但他有上帝作他的朋友和帮助者，就能度过藐视，辱骂和逼迫的寒冬。靠着基督所赐的恩典，他能在最严峻的试炼下坚持信靠上帝。他回想起救主的榜样，知道他若忍受了痛苦和逼迫，就能获得纯洁的品格，谦卑的心和对耶稣恒久的信靠。基督徒信仰的胜利在于其能使信从的人虽然受苦，却能刚强；虽然受屈，却能得胜；虽然天天冒死，却能活着；并因背十宇架而最终获得不朽的荣耀冠冕。{LP 300.2}[28]
§58
The followers of Christ should expect to be regarded by the world with no more favor than was their Master. But he who has God for his friend and helper can afford to spend a long winter of chilling neglect, abuse, and persecution. By the grace which Christ imparts, he can maintain his faith and trust in God under the sorest trials. He recalls the Saviour’s example, and he feels that he can endure affliction and persecution if he may thus gain simplicity of character, lowliness of heart, and an abiding trust in Jesus. The triumph of Christian faith is to suffer, and be strong; to submit, and thus conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus win the crown of immortal glory.?{LP 300.2}[28]