第20章 五旬节
§1
第20章 五旬节
§2
Chapter 20 - The Pentecost.
§3
耶稣在启发门徒的悟性，使他们明白那些论到祂自己的预言时，向他们保证天上地下的一切权柄都已经赐给祂了，又吩咐他们去将这福音传给万民。当时门徒指望耶稣在耶路撒冷登上大卫宝座的希望突然又死灰复燃了，便问道：“主啊，祢复兴以色列国，就在这时候吗”（徒1:6）？救主为要使他们的思想对这个题目感到并不确定，便答复他们说：“父凭着自己的权柄所定的时候、日期，不是你们可以知道的”（徒1:7）。 {3SP 263.3}[1]
§4
When Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples to the meaning of the prophecies concerning himself, he assured them that all power was given him in Heaven and on earth, and bade them go preach the gospel to every creature. The disciples, with a sudden revival of their old hope that Jesus would take his place upon the throne of David at Jerusalem, inquired, Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? The Saviour threw an uncertainty over their minds in regard to the subject by replying that it was not for them to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. {3SP 263.3}[1]
§5
门徒这时开始希望圣灵奇妙的沛降，必能影响犹太人接受耶稣。救主不愿多作解释，因为祂知道在圣灵充充足足的沛降时，他们的思想就必得到光照，他们便要充分明了自己当前的工作，并且要在祂所停止工作的地方将它继续做下去。{3SP 264.1}[2]
§6
The disciples began to hope that the wonderful descent of the Holy Ghost would influence the Jewish people to accept Jesus. The Saviour forbore to farther explain, for he knew that when the Holy Spirit should come upon them in full measure their minds would be illuminated and they would fully understand the work before them, and take it up just where he had left it. {3SP 264.1}[2]
§7
门徒在那楼房里聚集，和信主的妇女，以及耶稣的母亲马利亚，并他的兄弟们，同心合意地祈祷。耶稣的这些弟兄们原是不相信的，这时却因看到主的钉十字架、复活、与升天、而致信心完全坚定了。当时聚集的人数约有一百二十。他们在等候圣灵降临的时候，补充了犹大所留下的空缺。两个人被选了出来，按信徒们谨慎的判断，他们是最有资格充任那个位分的。但门徒们既不信任自己进一步决定这个问题的能力，就把这事提交给那能知道众人内心的一位。他们祷告寻求主，以便确定这两个人中谁更适合那个重要的职位，作基督的使徒。上帝的灵拣选了马提亚担任这个职位。{3SP 264.2}[3]
§8
The disciples assembled in the upper chamber, uniting in supplications with the believing women, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. These brethren, who had been unbelieving, were now fully established in their faith by the scenes attending the crucifixion, and by the resurrection and ascension of the Lord. The number assembled was about one hundred and twenty. While they were awaiting the descent of the Holy Ghost, they supplied the office left vacant by Judas. Two men were selected, who, in the careful judgment of the believers, were best qualified for the place. But the disciples, distrusting their ability to decide the question farther, referred it to One that knew all hearts. They sought the Lord in prayer to ascertain which of the two men was more suitable for the important position of trust, as an apostle of Christ. The Spirit of God selected Matthias for the office. {3SP 264.2}[3]
§9
选出来的这两个人都被认为是严格纯正的人，在各方面都配填补那个空缺；但门徒们虽然对这两个人很熟悉，却感到自己的判断并不完全，并将拣选的事单单托付给主，主的惠眼能看透人心的隐密。这件事对我们这个时代有一个教训。许多人貌似很有资格为上帝作工，就被催促加入传道工作，而没有适当考虑他们的情况，结果成了教会的重担而不是挑担子的人。如果今日的教会象使徒们在选人填补空缺时那样慎重而聪明地行事，就会给上帝的圣工省却许多的困难和严重的伤害。圣工常因推举人去做他们无力去做的事而大大受损。{3SP 264.3}[4]
§10
Both men who had been selected were considered to be persons of stern integrity, and in every way worthy of the vacant position; but notwithstanding the disciples were intimately acquainted with them, they felt that their own judgment was imperfect, and trusted the selection only to the Lord, whose eyes could read the hidden secrets of the heart. There is a lesson for our time in this occurrence. Many who are apparently well qualified to labor for God, are urged into the ministry, without a proper consideration of their case, and at length become a grievous burden to the church instead of burden-bearers. If the church of the present time would act as cautiously and wisely as did the apostles in filling the vacancy among them, much perplexity and serious injury might be saved the cause of God. The work has often suffered much by putting persons forward to do that which they were not capable of doing. {3SP 264.3}[4]
§11
门徒们填补了使徒人数的空缺之后，便把时间用来默想和祈祷，常常在圣殿里，为基督作见证并赞美上帝。五旬节是在逾越节七周后庆祝的一个节期。犹太人奉命在这个节期到圣殿献上一切作物初熟的果子，从而承认他们对一切美物的伟大赐予者的依赖，以及他们有义务把上帝所交托他们的交还上帝，奉献礼物和捐款维持祂的圣工。在上帝所指定的这个日子，主恩慈地把祂的灵沛降在这一小群信徒身上，他们乃是基督教会初熟的果子。{3SP 265.1}[5]
§12
After filling the vacancy in the apostolic number, the disciples gave their time to meditation and prayer, being often in the temple, testifying of Christ, and praising God. The Pentecost was a feast celebrated seven weeks after the passover. Upon these occasions the Jews were required to repair to the temple and to present the first-fruits of all the harvest, thus acknowledging their dependence on the great Giver of all good, and their obligation to render back to God, in gifts and offerings to sustain his cause, that which he had intrusted to them. On this day of divine appointment, the Lord graciously poured out his Spirit on the little company of believers, who were the first-fruits of the Christian church. {3SP 265.1}[5]
§13
“五旬节到了，门徒都聚集在一处。忽然从天上有响声，好像一阵大风吹过，充满了他们所坐的屋子。又有舌头如火焰显现出来，分开落在他们各人头上。他们都被圣灵充满，按着圣灵所赐的口才，说起别国的话来”（徒2:1-4）。圣灵以尖头分叉的火舌形状，降在那些聚集的人身上，作为恩赐的标记，使他们能很流利地讲说他们先前所不熟悉的几种不同的语言。火的形状象征着他们将来从事工作的热忱，以及他们的话语所带有的能力。{3SP 265.2}[6]
§14
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The Holy Ghost assuming the form of tongues of fire divided at the tips, and resting upon those assembled, was an emblem of the gift which was bestowed upon them of speaking with fluency several different languages, with which they had formerly been unacquainted. And the appearance of fire signified the fervent zeal with which they would labor, and the power which would attend their words. {3SP 265.2}[6]
§15
基督过去向他们所讲解的经文在此种属天的光照之下，便以清晰有力之真理的鲜明色彩和美丽在他们心中出现了。那过去使他们看不明已废制度之目的的帕子，这时已经揭除，因此基督使命的宗旨和祂国度的性质，便得以充分明了了。{3SP 266.1}[7]
§16
Under this heavenly illumination, the scriptures which Christ had explained to them, stood forth in their minds with the vivid luster and loveliness of clear and powerful truth. The vail which had prevented them from seeing the end of that which was abolished was now removed, and the object of Christs mission and the nature of his kingdom were comprehended with perfect clearness. {3SP 266.1}[7]
§17
犹太人过去曾分散到几乎每一个国家，并讲说各种的方言。他们这时，已经跋涉长途来到耶路撒冷，暂住在那里，留待参赴当时正在进行的宗教节期，并遵守各项礼节。他们在聚集时所讲的是各地流行的方言。这种言语上的杂乱现象，对于上的仆人们将基督的教训传到地极的工作，乃是很大的障碍。上帝这时用神奇的方式，补足使徒们这方面的缺欠，乃是向众人所提出的完美凭据，证实这些基督的见证人所作的见证。圣灵已经为他们成就了一番工作。是他们自己一辈子也无法做到的；他们这时足能将福音的真理传到外邦，正确地讲说他们所为之工作之人的方言。这种神奇的恩赐乃是他们所能向世人提出最有力的凭据，证明他们的使命乃是上天所印证的。{3SP 266.2}[8]
§18
The Jews had been scattered to almost every nation, and spoke various languages. They had come long distances to Jerusalem, and had temporarily taken up their abode there, to remain through the religious festivals then in progress, and to observe their requirements. When assembled, they were of every known tongue. This diversity of languages was a great obstacle to the labors of Gods servants in publishing the doctrine of Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. That God should supply the deficiency of the apostles in a miraculous manner was to the people the most perfect confirmation of the testimony of these witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit had done for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime; they could now spread the truth of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the language of those for whom they were laboring. This miraculous gift was the highest evidence they could present to the world that their commission bore the signet of Heaven. {3SP 266.2}[8]
§19
“那时，有虔诚的犹太人，从天下各国来，住在耶路撒冷。这声音一响，众人都来聚集，各要听见门徒用众人的乡谈说话，就甚纳闷。都惊讶希奇说：看哪，这说话的不都是加利利人吗？我们各人，怎么听见他们说我们生来所用的乡谈呢？我们帕提亚人、玛代人、以拦人，和住在美索不达米亚、犹太、加帕多家、本都、亚西亚、弗吕家、旁非利亚、埃及的人，并靠近古利奈的吕彼亚一带地方的人，从罗马来的客旅中，或是犹太人，或是进犹太教的人，革哩底和阿拉伯人，都听见他们用我们的乡谈，讲说上帝的大作为。众人就都惊讶猜疑，彼此说：这是什么意思呢？还有人讥诮说：他们无非是新酒灌满了”（徒2:5-13）。{3SP 267.1}[9]
§20
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed, and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saving one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. {3SP 267.1}[9]
§21
祭司和官长们对这传遍耶路撒冷和附近地带的奇妙表现非常恼怒，但他们却不敢表示他们的仇恨，惟恐引起百姓的公愤。他们已经把那位“夫子”治死了，但这时却有祂的仆人们原是没有学识的加利利人在讲说预言如何奇妙地实现，并用当时流行的各种语言传讲耶稣的教训。他们有力地讲论救主的奇妙作为，并向听众解说上帝儿子本着牺牲和怜悯精神所施行的救赎计划。他们的话使成千的听众觉悟悔改了。祭司们过去所灌输的遗传和迷信，这时已从他们的心中一扫而空，他们便接受了上帝圣言中纯正的教训。T{3SP 267.2}[10]
§22
The priests and rulers were greatly enraged at this wonderful manifestation, which was reported throughout all Jerusalem and the vicinity; but they dared not give way to their malice, for fear of exposing themselves to the hatred of the people. They had put the Master to death, but here were his servants, unlearned men of Galilee, tracing out the wonderful fulfillment of prophecy, and teaching the doctrine of Jesus in all the languages then spoken. They spoke with power of the wonderful works of the Saviour, and unfolded to their hearers the plan of salvation in the mercy and sacrifice of the Son of God. Their words convicted and converted thousands who listened. The traditions and superstitions inculcated by the priests were swept away from their minds, and they accepted the pure teachings of the Word of God. {3SP 267.2}[10]
§23
祭司和官长们决意根据自然的现象来解释门徒所有神奇的能力，声称他们是灌满了当时为节期所预备的新酒。一些极其愚昧无知的人信以为真。但稍具见识的人都知道这是虚假的；况且那些说不同语言的人，证明门徒们所讲的方言是准确的。彼得反驳了祭司们污蔑的话，对聚集的众人说：{3SP 268.1}[11]
§24
The priests and rulers, determined to account for the miraculous power of the disciples in some natural way, declared that they were simply drunken from partaking largely of the new wine prepared for the feast. Some of the most ignorant seized this suggestion as the truth; but the more intelligent knew that it was false; and those speaking the different languages testified to the accuracy with which they were used by the disciples. And Peter, in answer to the vile accusation of the priests, addressed the assembly in these words:-- {3SP 268.1}[11]
§25
“犹太人和一切住在耶路撒冷的人哪！这件事你们当知道，也当侧耳听我的话。你们想这些人是醉了，其实不是醉了，因为时候刚到巳初。这正是先知约珥所说的：上帝说，在末后的日子，我要将我的灵浇灌凡有血气的，你们的儿女要说预言，你们的少年人要见异象，老年人要作异梦”（徒2:14-17）。{3SP 268.2}[12]
§26
Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. {3SP 268.2}[12]
§27
彼得的话产生的很明显的效果；许多曾嘲笑耶稣宗教的人如今确信它是真理了。以为一百多人在那日不合宜的时间而且正当严肃的宗教节期喝醉了，无疑是不合理的。这个奇妙的表现是在按照惯例饮酒进餐之前发生的。彼得向他们说明这次表现正是直接应验先知约珥的预言；当年他曾预言说，将来必有这种能力降在上帝所拣选的人身上，要准备他们从事一番特殊的工作。{3SP 268.3}[13]
§28
The effect of Peters words was very marked; and many who had ridiculed the religion of Jesus were now convinced of its truth. It was certainly unreasonable to suppose that more than one hundred persons should become intoxicated at that unseasonable hour of the day, and on the occasion of a solemn religious festival. This wonderful demonstration was before the customary meal at which wine was taken. Peter showed them that this manifestation was the direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, wherein he foretold that such power would come upon men of God to fit them for a special work. {3SP 268.3}[13]
§29
彼得追溯基督的世系，一直推到大卫尊贵的家系。他没有引用耶稣的教训来证实他真实的立场，因为他知道众人的成见很深，这种方法不会有多少作用。但却向他们提出犹太人所认为是全民族尊敬的先祖大卫。彼得说：{3SP 269.1}[14]
§30
Peter traced back the lineage of Christ in a direct line to the honorable house of David. He did not use any of the teachings of Jesus to prove his true position, because he knew their prejudices were so great that it would be of no effect. But he referred them to David, whom the Jews regarded as a venerable patriarch of their nation. Said Peter:-- {3SP 269.1}[14]
§31
“大卫指着祂说：我看见主常在我眼前，祂在我右边，叫我不至于摇动；所以我心里欢喜，我的灵快乐；并且我的肉身要安居在指望中；因祢必不将我的灵魂撇在阴间，也不叫祢的圣者见朽坏。祢已将生命的道路指示我，必叫我因见祢的面得着满足的快乐。弟兄们！先祖大卫的事，我可以明明的对你们说：他死了，也葬埋了，并且他的坟墓直到今日还在我们这里。大卫既是先知，又晓得上帝曾向他起誓，要从他的后裔中立一位坐在他的宝座上，就预先看明这事，讲论基督复活说：祂的灵魂不撇在阴间；祂的肉身也不见朽坏。这耶稣，上帝已经叫祂复活了，我们都为这事作见证。祂既被上帝的右手高举，又从父受了所应许的圣灵，就把你们所看见所听见的，浇灌下来。大卫并没有升到天上，但自己说：主对我主说：祢坐在我的右边，等我使祢仇敌作祢的脚凳。故此，以色列全家当确实的知道，你们钉在十字架上的这位耶稣，上帝已经立祂为主，为基督了”（徒2:25-36）。{3SP 269.2}[15]
§32
For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face; for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope; because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he, seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, who ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. {3SP 269.2}[15]
§33
彼得在此说明大卫这话不可能是指着他自己讲的，却是明明指着耶稣基督。大卫象其他人一样死了；他的坟墓、连同葬在其中的遗骸，一直被人极其小心地保存到当时。大卫身为以色列的王，又作先知，曾受上帝特别的器重。他在预言的异象中见到基督将来的生活和工作。他看到祂的被弃绝，祂的受审，被钉，埋葬，复活，与升天。{3SP 270.1}[16]
§34
Peter here shows that David could not have spoken in reference to himself, but definitely of Jesus Christ. David died a natural death like other men; his sepulcher, with the honored dust it contained, had been preserved with great care until that time. David, as king of Israel, and also as a prophet, had been specially honored by God. In prophetic vision he was shown the future life and ministry of Christ. He saw his rejection, his trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension. {3SP 270.1}[16]
§35
大卫作见证说基督的灵魂必不至被撇在阴间（即坟墓），祂的身体也不见朽坏。彼得说明这段预言应验在拿撒勒的耶稣身上。上帝在祂身体未见朽坏之前，实际上已经使祂从坟墓中活过来。祂现在已是在诸天的天上被高举的一位了。{3SP 270.2}[17]
§36
David testified that the soul of Christ was not to be left in hell (the grave), nor was his flesh to see corruption. Peter shows the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus of Nazareth. God had actually raised him up from the tomb before his body saw corruption. He was now the exalted One in the Heaven of heavens. {3SP 270.2}[17]
§37
五旬节惊人的表现只能这样说明：基督向门徒所应许的圣灵从天父那里降临以这种方式应验了。“祂……就把你们所看见所听见的，浇灌下来。”彼得使他们确信，大卫的预言不可能指他自己，因为他并没有升到天上，他正在自己的坟墓里安息呢。假如大卫的灵魂已经去了天上，彼得就不能这么肯定地向弟兄们断言了。他证明死了的人在坟墓里睡着，直到复活的时候。{3SP 270.3}[18]
§38
The surprising demonstrations on the occasion of the Feast of Pentecost could only be accounted for in this way: The promise which Christ had given the disciples of the descent of the Holy Ghost from the Father was in this manner fulfilled. He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear. Peter assures them that Davids prophecy could not refer to himself, for he had not ascended into the heavens; he was resting in his sepulcher. If the soul of David had gone to Heaven, Peter could not have been so positive in his assurances to his brethren. He testified to the sleep of the dead in their graves till the resurrection. {3SP 270.3}[18]
§39
在彼得提到的大卫的话中“主对我主说：祢坐在我的右边，等我使祢仇敌作祢的脚凳，”天父被称为主，祂对也是主并且与天父同等的基督说：“祢坐在我的右边。”“故此，”彼得说，“以色列全家当确实的知道，你们钉在十字架上的这位耶稣，上帝已经立祂为主，为基督了。”{3SP 271.1}[19]
§40
In the words of David referred to by Peter-- The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool, the Father is called Lord, who said unto Christ, who is also Lord, and equal with the Father, Sit thou on my right hand. Therefore, said Peter, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. {3SP 271.1}[19]
§41
大卫按弥赛亚的神性称祂为主，尽管按着肉身祂是大卫的嫡系子孙。大卫凭着预言的先见，看到基督进入天上，在上帝右边就位。犹太人在五旬节所目睹的表现乃是耶稣能力的显示，这耶稣就是被祭司和官长所藐视所弃绝并钉死的那一位。按照祂的应许，祂已从天上差圣灵给跟从祂的人，作为一个记号，表明祂作为祭司和君王，已经领受了天上地上一切的权柄，乃是统管祂子民的受膏者。{3SP 271.2}[20]
§42
David called the Messiah, in his divine character, Lord, although, after the flesh, he was the son of David by direct descent. David, by prophetic foresight, saw Christ enter into the heavens, and take his position at the right hand of God. The demonstration witnessed by the Jews at the Pentecost was an exhibition of the power of that very Jesus whom the priests and rulers had contemptuously rejected and crucified. According to his promise he had sent the Holy Spirit from Heaven to his followers, as a token that he had, as priest and king, received all authority in Heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over his people. {3SP 271.2}[20]
§43
大多数的人在此以前，都讥笑将耶稣这样谦逊质朴的人说成是上帝儿子的想法，但在那个值得纪念的场合中，他们却完全感悟到这是真实的，并承认祂为他们的救主了。当天竟有三千人加入教会。使徒凭圣灵的能力讲话；所以没有人能反驳他们的话，因为这些话还以大能的奇事为佐证，是他们借上帝圣灵的沛降而施行的。连门徒自己也因这次施恩的结果，和那在短期间所收获丰富的灵命庄稼而惊奇。众人都惊异不置。那些不肯放弃自己的偏见与固执的人，也不禁有所畏惧，以致不敢借言语或暴行阻止这大能的工作，因此他们反对的行动也暂时止息了。{3SP 271.3}[21]
§44
On that memorable occasion, large numbers who had heretofore ridiculed the idea of so unpretending a person as Jesus being the Son of God, became thoroughly convinced of the truth, and acknowledged him as their Saviour. Three thousand souls were added to the church. The apostles spoke by the power of the Holy Ghost; and their words could not be controverted, for they were confirmed by mighty miracles, wrought by them through the outpouring of the Spirit of God. The disciples were themselves astonished at the results of this visitation, and the quick and abundant harvest of souls. All the people were filled with amazement. Those who did not yield their prejudice and bigotry were so overawed that they dared not by voice or violence attempt to stay the mighty work, and, for the time being, their opposition ceased. {3SP 271.3}[21]
§45
这段有关基督教会成立的见证赐予我们，不仅作为圣史的一段重大的事项，而也作为一个教训。凡信奉基督圣名的人，都应当儆醒，等候，同心合意地祈祷。一切的歧见争论都应化除，大家都合而为一、彼此相爱、互相团结。这样，我们的祈祷才能以坚强热诚的信心，一起升到天父面前。这样，我们才能本着忍耐和希望等候上帝应许的实现。{3SP 272.1}[22]
§46
This testimony in regard to the establishment of the Christian church is given us, not only as an important portion of sacred history, but also as a lesson. All who profess the name of Christ should be waiting, watching, and praying with one heart. All differences should be put away, and unity and tender love one for another pervade the whole. Then our prayers may go up together to our Heavenly Father with strong, earnest faith. Then we may wait with patience and hope the fulfillment of the promise. {3SP 272.1}[22]
§47
答复可能以出乎意料的迅速及难以抑制的能力来到，或者也可能要耽延许多时日，使我们的信心经受考验。然而上帝总知道用什么方式，并在什么时候允准我们的祈祷。我们这一方面的工作，乃是要使自己与神圣的通路保持联络。上帝必要为祂那一方面的工作负责。因为那应许我们的是信实的。我们最重要的事就是：大家要同心合意，除去一切的嫉妒仇恨，虚心祈祷儆醒等候。我们的代表和元首耶稣，已经准备妥当，要照祂在五旬节为那些儆醒祈祷的门徒所行的为我们而行。{3SP 272.2}[23]
§48
The answer may come with sudden velocity and overpowering might; or it may be delayed for days and weeks, and our faith receive a trial. But God knows how and when to answer our prayer. It is our part of the work to put ourselves in connection with the divine channel. God is responsible for his part of the work. He is faithful who hath promised. The great and important matter with us is to be of one heart and mind, putting aside all envy and malice, and, as humble supplicants, to watch and wait. Jesus, our Representative and Head, is ready to do for us what he did for the praying, watching ones on the day of Pentecost. {3SP 272.2}[23]
§49
基督乐于赐给今日跟从祂的人勇气和恩典，象祂乐于赐给早期教会的门徒一样。谁也不应贸然引起与黑暗的权势作战的机会。何时上帝吩咐他们参加战斗时，必是时候满足了；那时祂才会赐给软弱而犹豫的人胆量和口才，超过他们所求所想的。{3SP 273.1}[24]
§50
Jesus is as willing to impart courage and grace to his followers today as he was to the disciples of the early church. None should rashly invite an opportunity to battle with the principalities and powers of darkness. When God bids them engage in the conflict it will be time enough; he will then give the weak and hesitating boldness and utterance beyond their hope or expectation. {3SP 273.1}[24]
§51
人们曾对基督表示的轻蔑和仇恨如今也可能表现在反对那些祂显然拣选为祂同工的人。那些起意反对真理要道的人使上帝仆人们工作艰难。但上帝会使他们的忿怒成为对祂的赞美。他们既激起人心研究真理，就实现了上帝的目的。上帝或许容让恶人暂时遂行他们的恶意反对祂，然而在祂看为适于荣耀祂并有益于祂子民的时候，祂就会抑制讥诮藐视的人，暴露他们冒昧自大的行径，使祂的真理得胜。{3SP 273.2}[25]
§52
The same scorn and hatred that was manifested against Christ may be seen now to exist against those whom he has evidently chosen to be his co-workers. Those whose spirits rise up against the doctrines of truth make hard work for the servants of Christ. But God will make their wrath to praise him; they accomplish his purpose by stirring up minds to investigate the truth. God may allow men to follow their own wicked inclinations for a time, in opposing him; but when he sees it is for his glory, and the good of his people, he will arrest the scorners, expose their presumptive course, and give triumph to his truth. {3SP 273.2}[25]
§53
单凭使徒所提出的论据，纵然是清楚确实，仍不足以消除犹太人那曾经抗拒过许多明证的偏见。但圣灵却以上帝的大能使这些论据深深打动他们的内心。这些话正象全能者的利箭，使他们觉悟到自己拒绝并钉死荣耀之主的大罪。“众人听见这话，觉得扎心，就对彼得和其余的使徒说：弟兄们，我们当怎样行？彼得说：你们各人要悔改，奉耶稣基督的名受洗，叫你们的罪得赦，就必领受所赐的圣灵”（徒2:37,38）。{3SP 273.3}[26]
§54
The arguments of the apostles alone, although clear and convincing, would not have removed the prejudice of the Jews which had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Ghost sent those arguments home with divine power to their hearts. They were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting them of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. {3SP 273.3}[26]
§55
基督的门徒和使徒深感自己的无能，并用谦卑和祈祷将他们的软弱与祂的力量、他们的无知与祂的智慧、他们的不配与祂的义、他们的贫穷与祂无穷尽的财富结合起来。他们既这样得到了加强和装备，就毫不犹豫地侍奉他们的主。{3SP 274.1}[27]
§56
The disciples and apostles of Christ had a deep sense of their own inefficiency, and with humiliation and prayer they joined their weakness to his strength, their ignorance to his wisdom, their unworthiness to his righteousness, their poverty to his inexhaustible wealth. Thus strengthened and equipped they hesitated not in the service of their Master. {3SP 274.1}[27]
§57
彼得向那般已受感悟的群众力陈，要他们相信自己过去之所以拒绝基督，乃因曾受祭司和官长们的迷惑；所以如果他们这时还仰赖他们的指教，并指望那些领袖先承认基督，然后自己才敢承认，那么他们就永远不会接受基督了。那些有权力的人虽然自称圣洁，却是野心勃勃，热中于追求财利和属世的荣誉的。他们决不愿来亲就基督领受真光。耶稣已经预言到那班人因自己的顽强不信而将要遭受的可怕报应；因为他们虽然得到最有力的凭据证明耶稣为上帝的儿子，他们还是不信。{3SP 274.2}[28]
§58
Peter urged home upon the convicted people the fact that they had rejected Christ because they had been deceived by the priests and rulers; and if they continued to look to them for counsel, and waited for those leaders to acknowledge Christ before they dared to do so, they would never accept him. Those powerful men, although they made a profession of sanctity, were ambitious, and zealous for riches and earthly glory. They would never come to Christ to receive light. Jesus had foretold a terrible retribution to come upon that people for their obstinate unbelief, notwithstanding the most powerful evidences given them that Jesus was the Son of God. {3SP 274.2}[28]
§59
“于是领受他话的人就受了洗。那一天，门徒约添了三千人，都恒心遵守使徒的教训，彼此交接，擘饼，祈祷。众人都惧怕；使徒又行了许多奇事神迹”（徒2:41-43）。{3SP 274.3}[29]
§60
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. {3SP 274.3}[29]
§61
从这个时候起，门徒不论讲说本国土语或外国方言，他们的言语和口音总是纯正，简明，而准确的。这些从来没有在先知学校中学习过的小民，竟能宣讲十分高尚纯正的真理，甚至使听见的人不胜惊异。他们虽然不能亲身走到地极去；但当时有人从世界各地前来参赴节期，因此他们所领受的真理也被带到各人的家乡去，并在他们的同胞中间传开，引领多人归向基督。{3SP 275.1}[30]
§62
From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate in word and accent, whether they spoke their native tongue or a foreign language. These humble men, who had never learned in the school of the prophets, presented truths so elevated and pure as to astonish those who heard them. They could not go personally to the uttermost parts of the earth; but there were men at the feast from every quarter of the world, and the truths received by them were carried to their various homes, and published among their people, winning souls to Christ. {3SP 275.1}[30]