第39章 彼得的传道工作
§1
第39章 彼得的传道工作
§2
Chap. 39 - The Ministry of Peter
§3
（本章根据徒9:32-11:18）
§4
彼得在传道行程中，访问了吕大的信徒。他在这里医好了一位卧病八年的瘫子以尼雅。彼得对他说：“以尼雅，耶稣基督医好你了，起来!收拾你的褥子。”“他就立刻起来了。凡住在吕大和沙仑的人都看见了他，就归服主”（徒9:34,35）。{SR 281.1}[1]
§5
PETER, in pursuance of his work, visited the saints at Lydda. There he healed Aeneas, who had been confined to his bed for eight years with the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. {SR 281.1}[1]
§6
在靠近吕大的约帕，有一位译名为多加的大比大死了。她是耶稣基督的一个宝贵门徒，而且她的一生都以仁爱慈善济助贫穷与伤心的人，并为真理的圣工大发热心。她的死乃是一个大损失；那地幼小的教会实在少不了她那高尚的努力。当众信徒听到彼得在吕大医病的奇事时，他们就热望他能到约帕去。他们差人去请他前往。{SR 281.2}[2]
§7
Joppa was near Lydda, and at that time Tabitha--called Dorcas by interpretation--lay there dead. She had been a worthy disciple of Jesus Christ, and her life had been characterized by deeds of charity and kindness to the poor and sorrowful, and by zeal in the cause of truth. Her death was a great loss; the infant church could not well spare her noble efforts. When the believers heard of the marvelous cures which Peter had performed in Lydda, they greatly desired him to come to Joppa. Messengers were sent to him to solicit his presence there. {SR 281.2}[2]
§8
“彼得就起身和他们同去，到了，便有人领他上楼。众寡妇都站在彼得旁边哭，拿多加与他们同在时，所作的里衣外衣给他看。”彼得请那些在房内哀哭的朋友们出去，随后他跪下热切地求上帝使多加那没有脉息的身体恢复生命与健康。“彼得转身对着死人说：大比大，起来，她就睁开眼睛，见了彼得，便坐起来。彼得伸手扶她起来，叫众圣徒和寡妇进去，把多加活活的交给他们”（徒9:39-41）。这一件使死人复活的伟大神迹，结果在约帕使许多人悔改相信了耶稣。{SR 281.3}[3]
§9
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. Peter had the weeping and wailing friends sent from the room. He then knelt down and prayed fervently to God to restore life and health tothe pulseless body of Dorcas; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. This great work of raising the dead to life was the means of converting many in Joppa to the faith of Jesus. {SR 281.3}[3]
§10
【百夫长】
§11
“在凯撒利亚有一个人，名叫哥尼流，是意大利营的百夫长。他是个虔诚人，他和全家都敬畏上帝，多多周济百姓，常常祷告上帝”（徒10:1,2）。哥尼流虽然是罗马人，他却已经认识真神上帝并已放弃拜偶像的事。他顺从上帝的旨意，并且诚心敬拜祂。他没有同犹太人联合，却熟悉并且遵守道德的律法。他没有受过割礼，也没有参加献祭的礼节，故此他被犹太人看为不洁净。但他常慷慨捐助犹太人的事业，而且他慈善的作为远近皆闻。他公义的生活使他在犹太和外邦人中都有了好的名声。{SR 282.1}[4]
§12
【The Centurion】
§13
There was a certain man of Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Though Cornelius was a Roman, he had become acquainted with the true God and had renounced idolatry. He was obedient to the will of God and worshiped Him with a true heart. He had not connected himself with the Jews, but was acquainted with, and obedient to, the moral law. He had not been circumcised, nor did he take part in the sacrificial offerings; he was therefore accounted by the Jews as unclean. He, however, sustained the Jewish cause by liberal donations, and was known far and near for his deeds of charity and benevolence. His righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles. {SR 282.1}[4]
§14
哥尼流对基督还没有明白的信仰，但他相信圣经的预言，并且仰望弥赛亚降临，由于他对上帝所表现的敬爱和顺从，他得以亲近上帝，并且已准备好在救主向他显现的时候得以接受祂。人之所以被定罪，乃是因为他们拒绝上帝所赐的亮光。那百夫长是贵族出身，并且担任重要和崇高的职位；但这些情况并没有影响到他那高贵的品质，真实的良善与伟大使他成为一个品德高尚的人。他的影响对于他所接触的一切人都是有益的。{SR 282.2}[5]
§15
Cornelius had not an understanding faith in Christ, although he believed the prophecies and was looking for Messiah to come. Through his love and obedience to God, he was brought nigh unto Him, and was prepared to receive the Saviour when He should be revealed to him. Condemnation comes by rejecting the light given. The centurion was a man of noble family and held a position of high trust and honor; but these circumstances had not tended to subvert the nobleattributes of his character. True goodness and greatness united to make him a man of moral worth. His influence was beneficial to all with whom he was brought in contact. {SR 282.2}[5]
§16
哥尼流相信那创造天地的独一真神。他敬畏祂，承认祂的权威，并且在他生活一切的事上寻求祂的指导。他在家庭生活和职务的责任上都忠心尽到本分，并已在家中设立了家庭礼拜。他不敢在没有得到上帝的帮助之前冒然实行自己的计划或负起他重要的责任，故此他时常祷告，恳切祈求帮助。他一切的作为以信心为特征，上帝也因他行动的纯正和他慷慨的作风而看重他，并借真道和圣灵与他亲近。{SR 283.1}[6]
§17
He believed in the one God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He revered Him, acknowledged His authority, and sought counsel of Him in all the business of his life. He was faithful in his home duties as well as in his official responsibilities, and had erected the altar of God in his family. He dared not venture to carry out his plans, and bear the burden of his weighty responsibilities, without the help of God; therefore he prayed much and earnestly for that help. Faith marked all his works, and God regarded him for the purity of his actions, and his liberalities, and came near to him in word and Spirit. {SR 283.1}[6]
§18
【天使访问哥尼流】
§19
在哥尼流祷告的时候，上帝差遣一位天使到他那里去，称呼他的名字对他讲话。百夫长为之惊惧，但也知道那天使是上帝差来教导他的，便说：“主啊，什么事呢？天使说：你的祷告和你的周济，达到上帝面前已蒙记念了。现在你当打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来，他住在海边一个硝皮匠西门的家里，房子在海边上”（徒10:4-6）。{SR 283.2}[7]
§20
【The Angel Visits Cornelius】
§21
While Cornelius was praying, God sent a celestial messenger to him, who addressed him by name. The centurion was afraid, yet knew that the angel was sent of God to instruct him, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. {SR 283.2}[7]
§22
这件事上帝又显明祂如何尊重福音的执事，和祂有组织的教会。那要将十字架的故事讲给哥尼流听的，不是祂的天使，而是一个象哥尼流一样有血肉之躯的软弱及遭受试探的人。人要教导哥尼流关于那钉十字架，复活与升天的救主。那个天使奉差遣特特要帮助哥尼流同上帝的仆人发生关系，那仆人将要教训他和他全家如何得救。{SR 283.3}[8]
§23
Here again God showed His regard for the gospel ministry, and for His organized church. His angel was not the one to tell the story of the cross to Cornelius. A man, subject as himself to human frailties and temptations, was to instruct him concerning the crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. The heavenly messenger was sent for the express purpose of putting Cornelius in connection with the minister of God, who would teach him how he and his house could be saved. {SR 283.3}[8]
§24
哥尼流欣然遵照这信息的吩咐。他立即派人去照天使的指示寻访彼得。天使指示的内容如此明白，甚至提到彼得当时所寄居人家的人名，这足以证明上天对于各阶层中之人的历史和事情十分熟悉。上帝注意到卑微的劳动者每日的工作，正如同注意到宝座上的君王一样。人们在暗中所犯贪财、残酷，隐秘及自私的罪，象他们的慈善、爱心、慷慨和仁厚的行为一样为上帝所知道。没有一件事是瞒得过上帝的。{SR 284.1}[9]
§25
Cornelius was gladly obedient to the message, and sent messengers at once to seek out Peter, according to the directions of the angel. The explicitness of these directions, in which was even named the occupation of the man with whom Peter was then making his home, evidences that Heaven is well acquainted with the history and business of men in every grade of life. God is cognizant of the daily employment of the humble laborer, as well as of that of the king upon his throne. And the avarice, cruelty, secret crimes, and selfishness of men are known to him, as well as their good deeds, charity, liberality, and kindness. Nothing is hidden from God. {SR 284.1}[9]
§26
【彼得的异象】
§27
那天使去和哥尼流谈话之后，便立即到彼得那里去，他正因旅行而疲倦饥饿，在房顶上祷告。正在他祷告的时候。上帝使他看到一个异象。他“看见天开了，有一物降下好像一块大布，系着四角，缒在地上。里面有地上各样四足的走兽，和昆虫，并天上的飞鸟。{SR 284.2}[10]
§28
【Peters Vision】
§29
Immediately after this interview with Cornelius the angel went to Peter, who, very weary and hungry from journeying, was praying on the housetop. While praying he was shown a vision, and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. {SR 284.2}[10]
§30
“又有声音向他说：彼得，起来，宰了吃。彼得却说：主啊，这是不可的，凡俗物，和不洁净的物，我从来没有吃过。第二次有声音向他说，上帝所洁净的，你不可当作俗物。这样一连三次，那物随即收回天上去了”（徒10:11-16）。{SR 284.3}[11]
§31
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received again into heaven. {SR 284.3}[11]
§32
在这件事上我们可以看到上帝启动万事，使祂的旨意行在地上如同行在天上的方法。这时彼得还没有向外邦人传讲福音。过去固然有许多外邦人专心听过他所教导的真理，但基督的死所已经拆毁的“中间隔断的墙”（弗2:14）还存在于使徒们的思想之中，把外邦人排斥于福音的特权之外。讲希腊语的犹太人已经有使徒们为他们作工，而且他们中间有许多人因而接受了耶稣的信仰，但哥尼流的悔改将要作为外邦人中头一个重要的例子。{SR 284.4}[12]
§33
Here we may perceive the workings of Gods plan to set the machinery in motion, whereby His will may be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Peter had not yet preached the gospel to the Gentiles. Many of them had been interested listeners to the truths which he taught; but the middle wall of partition, which the death of Christ had broken down, still existed in the minds of the apostles, and excluded the Gentiles from the privileges of the gospel. The Greek Jews had received the labors of the apostles, and many of them had responded to those efforts by embracing the faith of Jesus; but the conversion of Cornelius was to be the first one of importance among the Gentiles. {SR 284.4}[12]
§34
上帝利用那从天上缒下来的大布和其中的内容，破除彼得对于外邦人的成见；要他明白异邦各国都要因基督而在犹太人的福分和特权上有分，与他们同受其惠。有人强调说，这个异象的意思乃是说上帝已经撤消祂禁止人食用祂先前所声明为不洁净之动物的命令，故此猪肉是可以作食物的了。这是很狭窄而完全错误的说法，并且是与圣经对于这异象的记载和事情后来的发展相冲突的。{SR 285.1}[13]
§35
By the vision of the sheet and its contents, let down from heaven, Peter was to be divested of his settled prejudices against the Gentiles; to understand that, through Christ, heathen nations were made partakers of the blessings and privileges of the Jews, and were to be thus benefited equally with them. Some have urged that this vision was to signify that God had removed His prohibition from the use of the flesh of animals which he had formerly pronounced unclean; and that therefore swines flesh was fit for food. This is a very narrow and altogether erroneous interpretation, and is plainly contradicted in the Scriptural account of the vision and its consequences. {SR 285.1}[13]
§36
彼得所看见那在大布里的许多动物，以及他奉命宰了吃，又得保证说，上帝所洁净的他不可称为不洁净的异象，不过是个比喻，向他说明外邦人的真地位；并说明由于基督的死，他们都和上帝的选民以色列同作后嗣了。这异象带给彼得责备与教训。过去他工作的对象，全限于犹太人；而且他一直看外邦人为不洁净的族类，所以把他们列在上帝应许的范围之外。这时上帝引导他的思想，使他明了上帝计划的范围是普世性的。{SR 285.2}[14]
§37
The vision of all manner of live beasts, which the sheet contained, and of which Peter was commanded to kill and eat, being assured that what God had cleansed should not be called common or unclean by him, was simply an illustration presenting to his mind the true position of the Gentiles; that by the death of Christ they were made fellow heirs with the Israel of God. It conveyed to Peter both reproof and instruction. His labors had heretofore been confined entirely to the Jews; and he had looked upon the Gentiles as an unclean race, and excluded from the promises of God. His mind was now being led to comprehend the world-wide extent of the plan of God. {SR 285.2}[14]
§38
正当他思量这异象时，异象的意义就向他解释了。“彼得心里正在猜疑之际，不知所见的异象是什么意思，哥尼流所差来的人，已经访问到西门的家，站在门外喊着问，有称呼彼得的西门住在这里没有。彼得还思想那异象的时候，圣灵向他说：有三个人来找你。起来，下去，和他们同往，不要疑惑，因为是我差他们来的”（徒10:17-20）。{SR 286.1}[15]
§39
Even while he pondered over the vision, it was explained to him. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simons house, and stood before the gate, and called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise, therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. {SR 286.1}[15]
§40
这道命令使彼得受到很大的考验；但他不敢照自己的感觉行事，便从他的房间下去接见哥尼流所派来的差役。他们将他们特殊的任务告诉使徒，他便据他方才从上帝领受的指示，立即答应第二天就和他们同去。他当夜很殷勤地招待了他们，到了早晨，就同他们出发到凯撒利亚去，同时随行的有六位弟兄，作为他在探访外邦人时一切言行的证人，因为他知道他一定要因如此直接违犯犹太信仰和教训的行为作交代的。{SR 286.2}[16]
§41
It was a trying command to Peter; but he dared not act according to his own feelings, and therefore went down from his chamber and received the messengers sent to him from Cornelius. They communicated their singular errand to the apostle, and, according to the direction he had just received from God, he at once agreed to accompany them on the morrow. He courteously entertained them that night, and in the morning set out with them for Caesarea, accompanied by six of his brethren, who were to be witnesses of all he should say or do while visiting the Gentiles; for he knew that he should be called to account for so direct an opposition to the Jewish faith and teachings. {SR 286.2}[16]
§42
行程几乎用了两天的光阴。哥尼流得到光荣的机会，可以开门欢迎一位福音的执事。照上帝所告诉他的，这位执事将要教训他和他全家关于得救的道理。当那些差役出去找彼得的时候，那百夫长便尽量招聚他所找到的亲戚，让他们可以象他一样在真道上受教。在彼得来到之后，已经有一大群人聚集在那里，殷切地等待听他讲道。{SR 286.3}[17]
§43
It was nearly two days before the journey was ended and Cornelius had the glad privilege of opening his doors to a gospel minister, who, according to the assurance of God, should teach him and his house how they might be saved. While the messengers were on their errand, the centurion had gathered together as many of his relatives as were accessible, that they, as well as he, might be instructed in the truth. When Peter arrived, a large company were gathered, eagerly waiting to listen to his words. {SR 286.3}[17]
§44
【访问哥尼流】
§45
当彼得走进这个外邦人的家时，哥尼流没有把他当作普通宾客接待，却把他看为上天所尊荣，上帝所差派的。根据东方的风俗，人常在君王或显贵的人面前鞠躬，小孩子也常在负有重托的父母面前鞠躬，但哥尼流对那受上帝委派的使徒感到非常的崇敬，便俯伏在他脚前拜他。{SR 287.1}[18]
§46
【The Visit to Cornelius】
§47
As Peter entered the house of the Gentile, Cornelius did not salute him as an ordinary visitor, but as one honored of Heaven, and sent to him by God. It is an Eastern custom to bow before a prince or other high dignitary, and for children to bow before their parents who are honored with positions of trust. But Cornelius, overwhelmed with reverence for the apostle who had been delegated by God, fell at his feet and worshiped him. {SR 287.1}[18]
§48
彼得因百夫长的这种行动而惊吓畏缩，把他扶起来说：“你起来，我也是人”（徒10:26）。于是他和哥尼流就亲热地谈话，为要消除他的敬畏和对他十分尊崇的感觉。{SR 287.2}[19]
§49
Peter shrank with horror from this act of the centurion, and lifted him to his feet, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. He then commenced to converse with him familiarly, in order to remove the sense of awe and extreme reverence with which the centurion regarded him. {SR 287.2}[19]
§50
如果彼得真赋有罗马天主教会所加在他身上的权威和地位的话，他就会鼓励，而不会阻止哥尼流的崇拜了。自命为彼得的继承者的教皇，要君王和皇帝都在他们脚前下拜，而彼得本人却说他不过是一个可能犯错而且时常犯错的人。{SR 287.3}[20]
§51
Had Peter been invested with the authority and position accorded to him by the Roman Catholic Church, he would have encouraged, rather than have checked, the veneration of Cornelius. The so-called successors of Peter require kings and emperors to bow at their feet, but Peter himself claimed to be only an erring and fallible man. {SR 287.3}[20]
§52
彼得向哥尼流和那些聚集在他家里的人提起犹太人的风俗，说明他们和外邦人社交上的来往是不合法的，而且会使他们沾染仪文上的污秽。这虽然不是上帝律法所禁止的，但人的遗传已经使之成为约束人的习俗，彼得说：“你们知道犹太人和别国的人亲近来往本是不合例的，但上帝已经指示我，无论什么人都不可看作俗而不洁净。所以我被请的时候，就不推辞而来，现在请问：你们叫我来有什么意思呢”（徒10:28,29）？{SR 287.4}[21]
§53
Peter spoke with Cornelius and those assembled in his house, concerning the custom of the Jews; that it was considered unlawful for them to mingle socially with Gentiles, and involved ceremonial defilement. It was not prohibited by the law of God, but the tradition of men had made it a binding custom. Said he, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me. {SR 287.4}[21]
§54
于是哥尼流向他述说他的经验，以及那在异象中向他显现的天使对他所说的话。最后他说，“所以我立时打发人去请你，你来了真好。现今我们都在上帝面前，要听主所吩咐你的一切话。彼得就开口说：我真看出上帝是不偏待人；原来各国中，那敬畏主、行义的人，都为主所悦纳”（徒10:33-35）。上帝虽然曾恩待犹太人过于一切其他国家的人，但如果他们拒绝亮光而不实践他们所信奉的宗教，在上帝眼中他们并不比其他国家的人强，在外邦人中凡象哥尼流一样敬畏上帝行公义并实践自己所领受一切亮光的人，都是上帝所仁慈关注的，祂也悦纳他们真诚的服务。{SR 288.1}[22]
§55
Cornelius thereupon related his experience, and the words of the angel that had appeared to him in vision. In conclusion he said, Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. Although God had favored the Jews above all other nations, yet if they rejected light and did not live up to their profession, they were no more exalted in His esteem than other nations. Those among the Gentiles who, like Cornelius, feared God, and worked righteousness, living up to what light they had, were kindly regarded by God, and their sincere service was accepted. {SR 288.1}[22]
§56
然而哥尼流的信心和义行因缺少认识基督的知识，就不是完全的，故此上帝将那光与知识赐给他，让他进一步发展他公义的品格。可惜有许多人拒绝上帝所赐的亮光并且引用彼得对哥尼流和他的亲友所讲的话作为借口：“各国中，敬畏主、行义的人都为主所悦纳。”他们说，人不拘相信什么，都没有关系，只要他们的行为好就够了。说这话的人错了；信心必须与行为联合，他们必须照上帝所赐给他们的亮光进步。上帝何时使他们同那些领受了以圣经为根据的新真理的仆人相接触，他们就应当欣然领受。真理是进步的，真理也是向上的。还有一等人则主张单靠自己的信心得救，他们乃是倚靠沙做的绳索，因为信心唯有借行为才可得坚固而成为完全。{SR 288.2}[23]
§57
But the faith and righteousness of Cornelius could not be perfect without a knowledge of Christ; therefore God sent that light and knowledge to him for the further development of his righteous character. Many refuse to receive the light which the providence of God sends them, and, as an excuse for so doing, quote the words of Peter to Cornelius and his friends: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. They maintain that it is of no consequence what men believe, so long as their works are good. Such ones are wrong; faith must unite with their works. They should advance with the light that is given them. If God brings them in connection with His servants who have received new truth, substantiated by the Word of God, they should accept it with joy. Truth is onward. Truth is upward. On the other hand, those who claim that their faith alone will save them are trusting to a rope of sand, for faith is strengthened and made perfect by works only. {SR 288.2}[23]
§58
【外邦人领受圣灵】
§59
彼得向那一群注意倾听的人传讲耶稣；详述祂的生活，工作，所行的神迹，被出卖，钉十字架，复活及升天，以及祂在天上作为人类的代表与中保，为罪人代求的工作。在彼得讲话的时候，他的内心因他向众人传授的上帝真理的圣灵而火热。他的听众则因他们所听到的教训而感动，因为他们的心灵已经准备好要领受真理。使徒的话忽然被打断了，圣灵沛然下降，象在五旬节一样。“那些奉割礼和彼得同来的信徒，见圣灵的恩赐也浇在外邦人身上，就很希奇。因听见他们说方言，称赞上帝为大。于是彼得说，这些人既受了圣灵，与我们一样，谁能禁止用水给他们施洗呢？就吩咐奉耶稣的名给他们施洗。他们又请彼得住了几天”（徒10:45-48）。{SR 289.1}[24]
§60
【The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit】
§61
Peter preached Jesus to that company of attentive hearers; His life, ministry, miracles, betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and His work in heaven, as mans Representative and Advocate, to plead in the sinners behalf. As the apostle spoke, his heart glowed with the Spirit of Gods truth which he was presenting to the people. His hearers were charmed by the doctrine they heard, for their hearts had been prepared to receive the truth. The apostle was interrupted by the descent of the Holy Ghost, as was manifested on the day of Pentecost. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. {SR 289.1}[24]
§62
圣灵降在外邦人身上并不能代替水的洗礼。归向基督的步骤始终是一贯的，就是信心、悔改和洗礼。如此，基督的真教会乃是借一主，一信，一洗而结合的，各人不同的性格都被那使人成圣的恩典所改变，并且众人的生活都受相同的特殊原则所管理。彼得接受了这些信主的外邦人的恳请，同他们住了一个时期，向那一带的外邦人传讲耶稣。{SR 289.2}[25]
§63
The descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Gentiles was not an equivalent for baptism. The requisite steps in conversion, in all cases, are faith, repentance, and baptism. Thus the true Christian church are united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Diverse temperaments are modified by sanctifying grace, and the same distinguishing principles regulate the lives of all. Peter yielded to the entreaties of the believing Gentiles, and remained with them for a time, preaching Jesus to all the Gentiles thereabout. {SR 289.2}[25]
§64
当犹太地的弟兄们听说彼得向外邦人传道了，又在外邦人家中和他们聚集，并且同桌吃饭时，他们就甚为惊异，并因他这种奇特的行动不谅解他，他们认为这是僭越的行为，并怕他若这样作，就必破坏自己所讲的教训。所以及至他们遇到彼得时，就严严地责难他说：“你进入未受割礼之人的家，和他们一同吃饭了”（徒11:3）。{SR 290.1}[26]
§65
When the brethren in Judea heard that Peter had preached to the Gentiles, and had met with them and eaten with them in their houses, they were surprised and offended by such strange movements on his part. They feared that such a course, which looked presumptuous to them, would tend to contradict his own teachings. As soon as Peter visited them, they met him with severe censure, saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. {SR 290.1}[26]
§66
【教会的眼界放宽了】
§67
于是彼得坦率地将全部事实经过向他们说明。他叙述了他见异象的经验，并申辩说，这个异象劝导他不可再保持受割礼与未受割礼之间的仪文上的区别，也不可看外邦人为不洁净的，因为上帝是不偏待人的。他告诉他们上帝如何吩咐他到外邦人那里去，以及差役的到来，他到凯撒利亚去的旅程，和他与哥尼流及那在他家中的一群人聚会的经过。彼得虽然奉上帝的命令到外邦人家里去，但他还带了当时在场的六位门徒，作为他在外邦人中说话行事的见证，他在这方面向弟兄们表现了他的审慎。他也叙述了他和哥尼流谈话的内容，以及哥尼流如何讲说他所见的异象，并蒙指示派人去约帕请彼得来向他讲道，使他和他全家可以得救。{SR 290.2}[27]
§68
【The Vision of the Church Enlarged】
§69
Then Peter candidly laid the whole matter before them. He related his experience in regard to the vision, and pleaded that it admonished him no longer to keep up the ceremonial distinction of circumcision and uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gentiles as unclean, for God was not a respecter of persons. He informed them of the command of God to go to the Gentiles, the coming of the messengers, his journey to Caesarea, and the meeting with Cornelius and the company collected at his house. His caution was made manifest to his brethren from the fact that, although commanded by God to go to the Gentiles house, he had taken with him six of the disciples then present, as witnesses of all he should say or do while there. He recounted the substance of his interview with Cornelius, in which the latter had told him of his vision, wherein he had been directed to send messengers to Joppa to bring Peter to him, who would tell him words whereby he, and all his house, might be saved. {SR 290.2}[27]
§70
彼得叙述自己第一次与外邦人聚会的经历说：“我一开讲，圣灵便降在他们身上，正象当初降在我们身上一样。我就想起主的话说：约翰是用水施洗，但你们要受圣灵的洗。上帝既然给他们恩赐，象在我们信主耶稣基督的时候，给了我们一样；我是谁，能拦阻上帝呢”（徒11:15-17）？{SR 290.3}[28]
§71
He recounted the events of this first meeting with the Gentiles, saying, And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I could withstand God? {SR 290.3}[28]
§72
门徒们听了这话，就无言可答。他们确信，彼得所行的事，是直接完成上帝的计划，并确信他们旧有的偏见和排外精神应当被基督的福音完全消灭。“众人听见这话，就不言语了，只归荣耀与上帝，说：这样看来，上帝也赐恩给外邦人，叫他们悔改得生命了”（徒11:18）。
§73
The disciples, upon hearing this account, were silenced, and convinced that Peters course was in direct fulfillment of the plan of God, and that their old prejudices and exclusiveness were to be utterly destroyed by the gospel of Christ. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. {SR 291.1}[29]