第32章 保罗与彼得殉道
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第32章 保罗与彼得殉道
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Chapter 32—Martyrdom of Paul and Peter
§3
保罗和彼得这两位使徒多年以来在工作上关山远隔。保罗的工作是向外邦人传扬福音，而彼得则主要为犹太人作工。但是由于上帝的引导，他们要在欧西世界的中心都市为基督作见证，在那里流出鲜血作为后代许多圣徒与殉道者广大“庄稼”的“种子”。 {LP 328.1}[1]
§4
The apostles Paul and Peter were for many years widely separated in their labors, it being the work of Paul to carry the gospel to the Gentiles, while Peter labored especially for the Jews. But in the providence of God, both were to bear witness for Christ in the world’s metropolis, and upon its soil both were to shed their blood as the seed of a vast harvest of saints and martyrs.?{LP 328.1}[1]
§5
约在保罗第二次被捕的同时，彼得也被逮捕监禁起来了。彼得的热心和他成功揭露行邪术西门的骗术，挫败其阴谋，曾引起了当局特别的反感。西门跟踪他来到罗马，反对和阻碍福音的工作。尼禄是信奉邪术的，他庇护了西门，非常恼恨彼得，就下令逮捕他。{LP 328.2}[2]
§6
About the time of Paul’s second arrest, Peter also was apprehended and thrust into prison. He had made himself especially obnoxious to the authorities by his zeal and success in exposing the deceptions and defeating the plots of Simon Magus the sorcerer, who had followed him to Rome to oppose and hinder the work of the gospel. Nero was a believer in magic, and had patronized Simon. He was therefore greatly incensed against the apostle, and was thus prompted to order his arrest.?{LP 328.2}[2]
§7
皇帝对保罗的仇恨加深了，因在他第一次被囚期间有皇帝家里的人以及其他知名人士悔改接受了基督教。所以他第二次囚禁保罗，要比第一次严厉得多，不许保罗有传福音的机会。他决心只要找到一个似乎可信的借口，就把保罗处死。保罗在最后一次受审的时候，皇帝深受他的言语所感动，以致迟迟不予判决，既不开释，又不判罪。但这只不过是缓刑而已。不久之后，尼禄宣判保罗死刑，以致他必须为道殉身。只因他是一个罗马公民，按律不得施以酷刑，所以判处斩首。{LP 328.3}[3]
§8
The emperor’s malice against Paul was heightened by the fact that members of the imperial household, and also other persons of distinction, had been converted to Christianity during his first imprisonment. For this reason he made?the second imprisonment much more severe than the first, granting him little opportunity to preach the gospel; and he determined to cut short his life as soon as a plausible pretext could be found for so doing. Nero’s mind was so impressed with the force of the apostle’s words at his last trial that he deferred the decision of the case, neither acquitting nor condemning him. But the sentence was only deferred. It was not long before the decision was pronounced which consigned Paul to a martyr’s grave. Being a Roman citizen, he could not be subjected to torture, and was therefore sentenced to be beheaded.?{LP 328.3}[3]
§9
彼得是罗马人所视为“外籍”的犹太人，故被判鞭打，并被钉十字架。彼得一想到这种可怕的死，就回忆起自己在耶稣受审时所犯否认基督的大罪。他现在要像夫子一样钉死，这实在是太光荣了。彼得固然已经悔改，并蒙基督给予他喂养群羊的崇高使命，表明主已经原谅了他，但他总不能原谅自己。就是当前可怕的境遇所使他想起的惨痛死刑，也不足以减轻他为罪忧伤悔恨的苦楚，他向执死刑的人提出最后的要求，让他倒钉十字架。他们批准了他的这个要求。这个伟大的使徒就这样牺牲了。{LP 329.1}[4]
§10
Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the apostle remembered his great sin in denying Jesus in the hour of trial, and his only thought was, that he was unworthy of so great an honor as to die in the same manner as did his Master. Peter had sincerely repented of that sin, and had been forgiven by Christ, as is shown by the high commission given him to feed the sheep and lambs of the flock. But he could never forgive himself. Not even the thought of the agonies of the last terrible scene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance. As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. The request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.?{LP 329.1}[4]
§11
保罗被秘密地解往刑场，当局只准少数人同去，因为迫害他的人慑于他广泛的影响，唯恐有人看见他从容就义而皈依基督教。可是连那些押解他的无情兵士，听到他的言语，看到他临死时所表显愉快甚至喜乐的神情也感到不胜惊异。对于一些看见他殉道的人，他那饶恕杀害他之人的精神和始终依靠基督而毫不动摇的信心就成了“活的香气”叫他们活。当时接受保罗所宣讲之救主的还不止一人，而且不久之后，他们也无畏地用鲜血印证了自己所信的道。{LP 329.2}[5]
§12
Paul was led in a private manner to the place of execution. His persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity, even by the scenes of his death. Hence few spectators were?allowed to be present. But the hardened soldiers appointed to attend him, listened to his words, and with amazement saw him cheerful and even joyous in prospect of such a death. His spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers, and his unwavering confidence in Christ to the very last, proved a savor of life unto life to some who witnessed his martyrdom. More than one erelong accepted the Saviour whom Paul preached, and fearlessly sealed their faith with their blood.?{LP 329.2}[5]
§13
保罗的一生直到最后一刻还在见证他在《哥林多后书》中所讲的道乃是真理：“那吩咐光从黑暗里照出来的上帝，已经照在我们心里，叫我们得知上帝荣耀的光显在耶稣基督的面上。我们有这宝贝放在瓦器里，要显明这莫大的能力是出于上帝，不是出于我们。我们四面受敌，却不被困住；心里作难，却不至失望；遭逼迫，却不被丢弃；打倒了，却不至死亡。身上常带着耶稣的死，使耶稣的生也显明在我们身上”（林后4:6-10）。他所以能经得起这些事，并不是在于自己，乃是由于圣灵充满他的心，与他同在，使他所有的心意都顺服基督的旨意。他自己的生活为他所传扬的真理作见证，这就使他所传的道和所做的事具有感服人心的能力。先知说：“坚心依赖你的，你必保守他十分平安，因为他依靠你”（赛26:3）。保罗脸上所表显的天赐平安吸引了许多人信从福音。{LP 330.1}[6]
§14
The life of Paul, to its very latest hour, testified to the truth of his words in the second Epistle to the Corinthians: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” His sufficiency was not in himself, but in the presence and agency of the divine Spirit that filled his soul, and brought every thought into subjection to the will of Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to both his preaching and his deportment. Says the prophet, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” It was this Heaven-born peace, expressed upon the countenance, that won many a soul to the gospel.?{LP 330.1}[6]
§15
这时，保罗仰望着那伟大的将来，没有一点犹疑，也没有一点畏惧，只有喜乐的盼望和热切的期待。当他站在殉道的地点时，他没有看刽子手的刀，也没有看那即将吸收他鲜血的地，他却抬头从夏天蔚蓝的天空看到永生上帝的宝座。他心里所说的话是：主啊，你是我的安慰和引导，我什么时候能够拥抱你，什么时候能够毫无隔膜地亲眼见到你？{LP 330.2}[7]
§16
The apostle was looking into the great beyond,?not with uncertainty or in dread, but with joyful hope and longing expectation. As he stood at the place of martyrdom, he saw not the gleaming sword of the executioner, or the green earth so soon to receive his blood; he looked up through the calm blue heaven of that summer’s day to the throne of the Eternal. His language was, O Lord, thou art my comfort and my portion. When shall I embrace thee? when shall I behold thee for myself, without a dimming vail between??{LP 330.2}[7]
§17
保罗身上常带着上天的气氛。凡与他接近的人都感受到他那与基督联合，与天使交往的影响。圣洁的生活自然而然，不知不觉地发出影响，乃是为基督教所能作最有力的见证。辩论纵然极其有理，甚至叫人无言可答，却只能惹起人的反对，而一个敬虔的榜样却有一种不能抵抗的力量。{LP 331.1}[8]
§18
Paul carried with him through his life on earth the very atmosphere of Heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his connection with Christ and companionship with angels. Here lies the power of the truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power which it is impossible wholly to resist.?{LP 331.1}[8]
§19
保罗对于那些仍要留在世上，应付偏见仇恨和迫害的人所有的关怀，使他忘了自己将要遭受的痛苦。他再三述说上帝对于为义受逼迫之人所发的宝贵应许，设法坚固并鼓励那几个陪他到刑场的基督徒。他断言，上帝所说一切有关他受苦而忠心之儿女的话，没有一句会落空的。他们要兴起发光，因为耶和华的光将照到他们身上。当主的荣耀显现的时候，他们将穿上华美的衣袍。他们或许因百般的试探而暂时心情沉重，他们或许没有属世的安慰。但他们应当振作起来，说，我知道我所信的是谁，也深信他能保全我所交付他的，直到那日。{LP 331.2}[9]
§20
While the apostle lost sight of his own near sufferings, he felt a deep solicitude for the disciples whom he was about to leave to cope with prejudice, hatred, and persecution. He endeavored to strengthen and encourage the few Christians who accompanied him to the place of execution, by repeating the exceeding precious promises given for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. He assures them that nothing shall fail of all that the Lord hath spoken concerning his tried and faithful ones. They shall arise and shine; for the light of the Lord shall arise upon them. They shall put on their beautiful garments when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. For a little season they may be in?heaviness through manifold temptations, they may be destitute of earthly comfort; but they must encourage their hearts by saying, I know in whom I have believed. He is able to keep that which I have committed to his trust. His rebuke will come to an end, and the glad morning of peace and perfect day will come.?{LP 331.2}[9]
§21
保罗对他的弟兄们说，那些显现给信从耶稣之人的美好的大事，我们的祖先并没有等到。他们想要看见我们所看见的，听到我们所听到的，却是不能。因着基督的福音，有更大的亮光照在我们身上。古圣先贤们在不多的事上忠心，就得到上帝的悦纳和尊荣，唯有那些同样忠诚于更大委托的人，才能与古圣先贤们一同被列为有用的仆人，得享荣耀、尊贵和永生。{LP 332.1}[10]
§22
Paul declared to his brethren, It did not appear to our fathers what great and good things should be given to those who believe in Jesus. They desired to see the things which we see, and to hear the things which we hear, but they died without the sight or the knowledge. The greater light which we have received is shed upon us by the gospel of Christ. Holy men of old were acknowledged and honored of God because they were faithful over a few things; and it is only those that improve with the same fidelity their greater trust, who will with them be counted profitable servants, and be crowned with glory, honor, and immortality.?{LP 332.1}[10]
§23
那时，这个信心的英雄看到雅各在异象中所见的那代表基督的梯子。这个梯子顶天立地，有上帝的使者在上面上去下来。基督已经把地和天，把有限的人和无限的上帝连接起来了。他听见众天使在称颂基督荣耀的圣名。他回想到诸先祖和先知如何依靠他所赖以得到支持和安慰的主，就是此刻他即将为之殉身的主，他的信心就愈加坚强了。历代以来，这些古圣先贤为真理做出了见证。那些与他同作使徒的人，曾传扬基督的福音，去应付宗教的偏见和异教的迷信。他们不以性命为念，也不看为宝贵，只知在不信宗教的黑暗迷惑中高举十字架的火炬——这时，他听见这些人见证耶稣为上帝的儿子，为世界的救主。从拷问台和火刑柱上，从牢狱，山洞和地穴中，有殉道者胜利的喊声传到他耳中。这时，他听见那些忠贞之人的见证。他们遭受穷困，苦难和折磨，本是世上不配有的人。他们以越来越坚强的信念宣布：“我知道我所信的是谁。”当他们为真理献身时，他们为信仰作了无畏，严肃的见证，向世界声明，他们所信靠的主是能“拯救到底”的。{LP 332.2}[11]
§24
This man of faith beholds the ladder presented in Jacob’s vision,—the ladder which rested upon the earth and reached to the highest heavens, and upon which angels of God were ascending and descending. He knows that this ladder represents Christ, who has connected earth with Heaven, and finite man with the infinite God. He hears angels and archangels magnifying that glorious name. His faith is strengthened as he calls to mind that patriarchs and prophets relied upon the same Saviour who is his support and consolation, and for whom he is giving his life. Those holy men who from century to century sent down their testimony for the truth, and the apostles, who to preach the gospel of Christ went out to?meet religious bigotry and heathen superstition, who counted not their lives dear unto themselves if they might bear aloft the light of the cross amid the dark mazes of infidelity,—all these he hears witnessing to Jesus as the Son of the Most High, the Saviour of the world. The martyr’s shout of triumph, the fearless testimony for the faith, falls upon his ear from the rack, the stake, the dungeon, from the dens and caves of the earth, from steadfast souls who are destitute, afflicted, tormented, yet of whom the world is not worthy. With a continually strengthening assurance they declare, “I know whom I have believed.” And as they yield up their lives as witnesses for the faith, they bear a solemn, condemning testimony to the world, declaring that He in whom they trusted has proved himself able to save to the uttermost.?{LP 332.2}[11]
§25
我们救恩的“元帅”已经预备祂的仆人参赴最后的斗争。保罗既被基督的牺牲所救赎，从基督的宝血得洁净，披上基督的公义，他就有确实的把握，知道自己的生命在救赎主眼中看为宝贵。他的生命与基督一同藏在上帝里面。他深信那已经胜过死亡的主必能保守那交付祂的。他紧紧握住救主的应许：“在末日我要叫他复活”（约6:40）。他的思想和希望都集中在主的复临上。当刽子手手起刀落，死亡的阴影笼罩在这殉道者身上时，他最后的思想一跃而到复活的早晨，去迎见那赐生命的主，主必要欢迎他进入蒙福之人的喜乐。{LP 333.1}[12]
§26
The Captain of our salvation has prepared his servant for the last great conflict. Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ, washed from sin in his blood, and clothed in his righteousness, Paul has the witness in himself that his soul is precious in the sight of his Redeemer. His life is hid with Christ in God, and he is persuaded that He who has conquered death is able to keep that which is committed to his trust. His mind grasps the Saviour’s promise, “I will raise him up at the last day.” His thoughts and hopes are centered in the second advent of his Lord. And as the sword of the executioner descends, and the shadows of death gather about the martyr’s soul, his latest thought springs forward, as will his earliest thought in the great awakening, to meet the Lifegiver who shall welcome him to the joy of the blest.?{LP 333.1}[12]
§27
自从年迈的保罗为上帝的道和耶稣基督的见证流出鲜血以来，几乎两千年过去了。没有人为后来的世代据实记录这一个圣人最后的一段生活史。幸有圣经为我们保存他临死的见证。他的言语像嘹亮的号筒流传万世；他的勇气激励了千万为基督作见证的人；他那胜利喜乐的回声鼓舞了千万被忧伤所压倒的人，说：“我现在被浇奠，我离世的时候到了。那美好的仗我已经打过了，当跑的路我已经跑尽了，所信的道我已经守住了。从此以后，有公义的冠冕为我存留，就是按着公义审判的主到了那日要赐给我的；不但赐给我，也赐给凡爱慕祂显现的人”（提后4:6-8）。{LP 334.1}[13]
§28
Well-nigh a score of centuries have passed since Paul the aged poured out his blood as a witness for the word of God and for the testimony of Christ. No faithful hand recorded for the generations to come, the last scenes in the life of this holy man; but inspiration has preserved for us his dying testimony. Like a trumpet peal has his voice rung out through all the ages, nerving with his own courage thousands of witnesses for Christ, and wakening in thousands of sorrow-stricken hearts the echo of his own triumphant joy: “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”?{LP 334.1}[13]