第26章 彼得蒙救
§1
第26章 彼得蒙救
§2
Chapter 26. - Deliverance of Peter.
§3
希律在名义上是改信犹太教的，并且表面上非常热心履行犹太律法的种种礼仪。犹太的政权操在他手中，而他则臣服于罗马皇帝克劳狄。希律也是加利利分封的王。他渴望博得犹太人的欢心，希望如此能维持自己的地位和尊荣，于是他依从犹太人的愿望，下手逼迫基督的教会，破坏信徒的房屋和财产，并把教会中的领导人下在监里。他抓住雅各，把他囚在牢狱里，并派一个刽子手用刀把他杀死，正如头一个希律斩了先知约翰的头一样。他见犹太人很喜悦这些事，就变得更大胆了，于是又把彼得监禁起来。希律这些残虐之事进行的时候，乃是在逾越佳节。
§4
Herod was professedly a proselyte to the Jewish faith, and apparently very zealous in perpetuating the ceremonies of the law. The government of Judea was in his hands, subject to Claudius, the Roman emperor; he also held the position of tetrarch of Galilee. Herod was anxious to obtain the favor of the Jews, hoping thus to make secure his offices and honors. He therefore proceeded to carry out the desires of the Jews in persecuting the church of Christ. He began his work by spoiling the houses and goods of the believers; he then began to imprison the leading ones. He seized upon James and cast him into prison, and there sent an executioner to kill him with a sword, as another Herod had caused the prophet John to be beheaded. He then became bolder, seeing that the Jews were well pleased with his acts, and imprisoned Peter. These cruelties were performed during the sacred occasion of the passover. {3SP 334.1}[1]
§5
雅各是特别蒙恩的三个信徒之一，曾与基督有最密切的关系。基督去世之后，雅各、约翰和彼得乃是祂的主要证人。他们见过救主变像，瞻仰过祂的荣耀。他们曾在客西马尼园救主最痛苦的那个夜晚与祂同在。雅各和约翰是西庇太的儿子，耶稣曾问过他们：“我所喝的杯，你们能喝吗？我所受的洗，你们能受吗”（可10:38）？当雅各被粗暴地投进监牢，并且被随便地执行死刑时，他才空前充分地明白了他的主那时所说的话。
§6
James was one of the three favored disciples who had been brought into the closest relationship with Christ. James, John, and Peter were his chief witnesses after his death. They saw the transfiguration of the Saviour, and beheld him glorified. They were in the garden with him during the night of his agony. James and John were the sons of Zebedee, the ones whom Jesus had asked, Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? When James was rudely thrust into prison, and unceremoniously summoned to execution, he understood more fully than ever before, the words of his Lord upon that occasion. {3SP 334.2}[2]
§7
雅各的死曾使信徒大为忧伤，惊愕不已。现在彼得又被监禁，全教会就开始禁食祷告了。正当犹太人纪念他们从埃及得蒙拯救，并假装非常热心遵行上帝的律法时，他们同时却在逼迫并杀害基督的门徒，如此违犯了那律法的每一条原则。他们在这些大型宗教集会上彼此怂恿，敌对基督徒，直到对他们同仇敌忾。{3SP 335.1}[3]
§8
There was great grief and consternation at the death of James. When Peter was also imprisoned, the entire church engaged in fasting and prayer. While the Jews were celebrating the memorial of their deliverance from Egypt, and pretending great zeal for the law, they were at the same time persecuting and murdering the believers in Christ, thus transgressing every principle of that law. At these great religious gatherings they stirred one another up against the Christians, till they were united in a bitter hatred of them. {3SP 335.1}[3]
§9
希律杀害雅各，犹太人拍手称赞，但还有一些人怪他为什么用这种秘密的方式处死雅各；他们认为公开执行死刑必能更彻底的恫吓信徒和那些同情他们的人。因此希律拘留彼得，意欲拿他的死来示众，以满足犹太人的心愿，但又有人向王建议，认为如果当着那时聚集在耶路撒冷过节的众人面前执行这老练的使徒死刑，是不妥当的。他们害怕他可敬的外表可能激起民众的同情与尊敬。他们也害怕，惟恐彼得再发表他那常引起众人研究耶稣基督生平和品德的有力演讲，这些演讲是他们用尽手段也无法反驳的。如果这样的话，犹太人恐怕群众会要求王释放彼得。{3SP 335.2}[4]
§10
The people applauded the act of Herod in causing the death of James, though some of them complained of the private manner in which it was accomplished, maintaining that a public execution would have had the effect to more thoroughly intimidate all believers and sympathizers. Herod therefore held Peter in custody for the purpose of gratifying the Jews by the public spectacle of his death. But it was suggested to the ruler that it would not be safe to bring the veteran apostle out for execution before all the people who were assembled in Jerusalem for the passover. It was feared that his venerable appearance might excite their pity and respect; they also dreaded lest he should make one of those powerful appeals which had frequently roused the people to investigate the life and character of Jesus Christ, and which they, with all their artifice, were totally unable to controvert. In such a case, the Jews apprehended that his release would be demanded at the hands of the king. {3SP 335.2}[4]
§11
彼得热情地为自己辩护，维护基督的圣工，已使犹太人失去了许多弟兄，他们很怕他有机会当着来耶路撒冷敬拜的各国各民的面扬声讲道。所以他们就安排十六个兵丁昼夜轮流看守使徒。然而人举起弱小的手臂抵挡主是徒然的。祂即将出力阻止犹太人流祂所宝贵之人的血。神能若不介入，犹太人必有胆量这么做。{3SP 336.1}[5]
§12
Peters ardent zeal in vindicating himself, and in advocating the cause of Christ, had lost to the Jews many of their brethren, and they stood in great dread of his having an opportunity to lift up his voice in the presence of all the nations and people that had come to the city to worship. Therefore the apostle was placed under charge of sixteen soldiers, who alternated in guarding him day and night. But it was in vain that the puny arm of man was lifted against the Lord. He, by the putting forth of his might, was about to stay the precious blood which the Jews would have been emboldened to shed, had not divine power interposed. {3SP 336.1}[5]
§13
彼得死刑的执行既因种种原因被延缓到逾越节之后，基督的教会就有机会进行深刻的反省和恳切的祷告。他们大声哀哭，流泪恳求，并且禁食。他们不住地为彼得祈求；因为他们觉得这时圣工实在少不了他的贡献。他们认明当前的局势如果不蒙上帝的特别帮助，基督的教会就要被消灭了。{3SP 336.2}[6]
§14
While the execution of Peter was being delayed, upon various pretexts, until after the passover, the church of Christ had time for deep searching of heart, and earnest prayer. Strong petitions, tears, and fasting were mingled together. They prayed without ceasing for Peter; they felt that he could not be spared from the Christian work; and they felt that they had arrived at a point, where, without the special help of God, the church of Christ would become extinct. {3SP 336.2}[6]
§15
在此同时，来自各国的朝拜者都到那专用为敬拜上帝的圣殿去。除了额外的装饰，这殿就外表看来还与上帝的荣光使它得荣耀的时候一样。殿中有黄金和宝石闪烁发光，看上去确是非常壮丽伟大。可是上帝已经不在这可爱的殿宇之中了。{3SP 337.1}[7]
§16
Meanwhile worshipers of every nation sought the temple which had been dedicated to the service of God, and which remained, to all appearance, the same as when the shekinah had glorified it, with the exception of additional embellishment. But God was no longer to be found in that palace of loveliness, glittering with gold and precious stones, and presenting a spectacle of grandeur and beauty to all beholders. {3SP 337.1}[7]
§17
彼得被处死的日期终于确定了，但信徒的祷告仍然上升天庭。当他们将全副精力与热情都用来迫切地祈求上帝的帮助时，上帝的使者正在护卫着那被监禁的使徒呢。人的绝境乃是上帝的机会。彼得被安置在两个兵丁当中，用两条铁链锁住，一边一条锁在兵丁的手腕上。他若一动，他们就必知道。监门都是紧紧地锁着，而且都有卫兵看守。一切靠人力营救或逃脱的可能就此都断绝了。{3SP 337.2}[8]
§18
The day of Peters execution was at last appointed; but still the prayers of the believers ascended to Heaven. And while all their energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals, angels of God were guarding the imprisoned apostle. Mans extremity is Gods opportunity. Peter was placed between two soldiers, and was bound by two chains, each chain being fastened to the wrist of one of his guard. He was therefore unable to move without their knowledge. The prison doors were securely fastened, and a strong guard was placed before them. All chance of rescue or escape, by human means, was thus cut off. {3SP 337.2}[8]
§19
使徒彼得并不因这种形势而胆怯，自从他否认基督之后再度恢复他的忠诚以来，他一直勇敢地不怕危险传扬一位钉十字架、复活和升天的救主，时常表现豪杰般的英勇和胆量。他回想起耶稣对他所说的话：“我实实在在的告诉你，你年少的时候、自己束上带子，随意往来；但年老的时候，你要伸出手来，别人要把你束上，带你到不愿意去的地方”（约21:18）。他相信时候已经来到，他即将为基督的名献上自己的生命。{3SP 337.3}[9]
§20
The apostle was not intimidated by his situation. Since his re-instatement after his denial of Christ, he had unflinchingly braved danger, and manifested a noble courage and boldness in preaching a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. He now called to mind the words of Jesus addressed to him: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. He believed the time had now come when he was to yield up his life for Christs sake. {3SP 337.3}[9]
§21
在执行死刑的前夕，彼得双手挂着锁链，照常睡在两个兵士中间。希律记得从前彼得和约翰因信仰被监禁后越狱的事件，所以这次加倍警戒。为要使驻守的卫兵特别警惕起见，他就要求他们为囚犯负完全责任。如所形容，彼得被锁在一个巨大岩石凿出来的囚室中，监门则上闩落锁。有十六个人奉命驻守这个囚室，定时轮班看守，每一班有四个人。铁闩铁条和罗马的卫兵固然能割断一切人力营救的可能，但这正足以使上帝在拯救彼得出监的事上所获的胜利更为完美。希律正在举手攻击无所不能之主，所以他将要在他这次杀害上帝仆人的尝试上全然失败，满脸蒙羞。 {3SP 338.1}[10]
§22
The night before his appointed execution, Peter, bound with chains, slept between the two soldiers, as usual. Herod, remembering the escape of Peter and John from prison, where they had been confined because of their faith, took double precautions on this occasion. The soldiers on guard, in order to secure their extra vigilance, were made answerable for the safe-keeping of the prisoner. He was bound, as has been described, in a cell of massive rock, the doors of which were bolted and barred. Sixteen men were detailed to guard this cell, relieving each other at regular intervals. Four comprised the watch at one time. But the bolts and bars, and Roman guard, which effectually cut off from the prisoner a possibility of human aid, were only to result in making the triumph of God more complete in Peters deliverance from prison. Herod was lifting his hand against Omnipotence, and he was to be utterly humiliated and defeated in his attempt upon the life of the servant of God. {3SP 338.1}[10]
§23
在彼得被处死刑的前一夜，有一位大能的天使奉命从天上下来营救他。那囚禁上帝圣徒的坚固铁门不借人手就敞开了。至高者的天使进门之后，门就无声无息地自行关闭了。他走进那从整块岩石凿出来的囚室，只见彼得，虽然同两边两个强壮的士兵锁在一起，却正在自知无辜和完全信靠上帝的心境中熟睡。天使周围的荣光将监牢照得通明，但那熟睡的使徒没有惊醒。他的睡眠乃是出于一颗无愧的良心，真能恢复精力，使人清新的熟睡。 {3SP 338.2}[11]
§24
On this last night before the execution, a mighty angel, commissioned from Heaven, descended to rescue him. The strong gates which shut in the saint of God, open without the aid of human hands; the angel of the Most High enters, and they close again noiselessly behind him. He enters the cell, hewn from the solid rock, and there lies Peter, sleeping the blessed, peaceful sleep of innocence and perfect trust in God, while chained to a powerful guard on either side of him. The light which enveloped the angel illuminated the prison, but did not waken the sleeping apostle. His was the sound repose that invigorates and renews, and that comes of a good conscience. {3SP 338.2}[11]
§25
彼得觉得天使用手拍他，并听见他的声音说：“快快起来，”他才醒了过来。他看到他那间从来没有见过阳光的囚室充满了天上的光辉，并有一位大有荣耀的天使站在他面前。他机械式地听从天使的话，起来的时候，他举起手来，发现铁链已经从他手腕上脱落下来。他又听见天使的话说：“束上带子，穿上鞋”（徒12:7,8）。{3SP 339.1}[12]
§26
Peter is not awakened until he feels the stroke of the angels hand, and hears his voice saying, Arise up quickly. He sees his cell, which had never been blessed by a ray of sunshine, illuminated by the light of Heaven, and an angel of great glory standing before him. He mechanically obeys the voice of the angel; and in rising lifts his hands, and finds that the chains have been broken from his wrists. Again the voice of the angel is heard: Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. {3SP 339.1}[12]
§27
彼得又机械式地服从了，并以惊奇的眼光盯住这从天上来的访客，以为自己是在作梦或见异象。当天使又吩咐说：“披上外衣，跟着我来”的时候，那几个武装齐备的兵士如同石雕像一样呆立着，天使便向门走去，后面跟着那平素喜好讲话而这时惊奇得哑口无言的彼得。他们跨过纹丝不动的卫兵，走到那又重又大的锁着的门，那门自动开放，又立时关闭了，而门里门外的卫兵都在他们的岗位上毫无动静。{3SP 339.2}[13]
§28
Again Peter mechanically obeys, keeping his wondering gaze riveted upon his heavenly visitant, and believing himself to be dreaming, or in a vision. The armed soldiers are passive as if chiseled from marble, as the angel again commands, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. Thereupon the heavenly being moves toward the door, and the usually talkative Peter follows, dumb from amazement. They step over the motionless guard, and reach the heavily bolted and barred door, which swings open of its own accord, and closes again immediately; while the guard within and outside the door are motionless at their posts. {3SP 339.2}[13]
§29
到了第二道门，也是里外把守着的，它也象第一道门一样打开，没有枢纽的转动声，也没有铁闩的响声。他们出来之后，那门又无声无响地关了起来。同样，他们经过了第三道门，就到了一条街，谁也没有讲话，也没有听见什么脚步声。天使轻轻地在前领路，有耀目的荣光环绕着他，彼得则惊讶地跟着他的拯救者，仍然以为自己是在梦中。他们这样走过几条街，这时天使的任务既然完成，就忽然不见了。{3SP 339.3}[14]
§30
The second gate, which is also guarded within and without, is reached; it opens as did the first, with no creaking of hinges, or rattling of iron bolts; they pass without, and it closes again as noiselessly. They pass through the third gateway in the same manner, and at last find themselves in the open street. No word is spoken; there is no sound of footstep; the angel glides on before, encircled by a light of dazzling brightness, and Peter follows his deliverer, bewildered, and believing himself to be in a dream. Street after street is threaded thus, and then, the mission of the angel being completed, he suddenly disappears. {3SP 339.3}[14]
§31
上天的荣光消逝了，彼得觉得自己处于深沉的黑暗之中；但当他的眼睛习惯于那黑暗时，黑暗就渐渐稀淡了，于是他发现自己孤独地站在一条寂静的街道上，并有黑夜的凉风吹在他脸上。这时他明白他的遭遇不是梦，也不是异象。他已经自由了，并站在城内他所熟悉的一处地方；他认出这里是他素常往来之处，他曾盼望第二天早晨去到刑场时一定要最后一次经过此地呢！这时他试图回忆过去几分钟的经过。他记起自己曾脱掉外衣和鞋子，锁在两个兵士当中熟睡，如今看看自己却是已束上带，穿戴整齐。{3SP 340.1}[15]
§32
As the heavenly light faded away, Peter felt himself to be in profound darkness; but gradually the darkness seemed to decrease, as he became accustomed to it, and he found himself alone in the silent street, with the cool night air upon his brow. He now realized that it was no dream or vision that had visited him. He was free, in a familiar part of the city; he recognized the place as one which he had often frequented, and had expected to pass for the last time on the morrow, when upon the way to the scene of his prospective death. He tried to recall the events of the last few moments. He remembered falling asleep, bound between the two soldiers, with his sandals and outer garment removed. He examined his person, and found himself fully dressed, and girded. {3SP 340.1}[15]
§33
祂那因带过刑具而肿胀的双腕已不再被拷住。他才认明自己得释放，并不是幻想，而是一件蒙福的事实。明天他原要被带出去处死，但看哪，一位天使已经救他脱离监狱和死亡。“彼得醒悟过来，说：我现在真知道主差遣祂的使者，救我脱离希律的手和犹太百姓一切所盼望的”（徒12:11）。{3SP 340.2}[16]
§34
His wrists, swollen from wearing the cruel irons, were now free from the manacles, and he realized that his freedom was no delusion, but a blessed reality. On the morrow he was to have been led forth to die; but lo, an angel had delivered him from prison and from death. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. {3SP 340.2}[16]
§35
彼得一直走到他的弟兄们聚集祷告的房子，发现他们当时正在为他作恳切的祈祷。“彼得敲外门，有一个使女，名叫罗大，出来探听。听得是彼得的声音，就欢喜的顾不得开门，跑进去告诉众人说，彼得站在门外，他们说：你是疯了。使女极力地说，真是他！他们说：必是他的天使。彼得不住的敲门。他们开了门，看见他，就甚惊奇，彼得摆手，不要他们作声，就告诉他们，主怎样领他出监。又说：你们把这事告诉雅各和众弟兄。于是出去，往别处去了”（徒12:13-17）。{3SP 340.3}[17]
§36
The apostle made his way direct to the house where his brethren were assembled together for prayer; he found them engaged in earnest prayer for him at that moment. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peters voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. {3SP 340.3}[17]
§37
那一群禁食祷告的信徒满心欢喜，赞美上帝，因为祂已经垂听而允准他们的祷告，拯救彼得脱离希律的手。到了早晨，有大群人集合要观看使徒彼得被处死刑。希律派官员用大队武装兵士大张声势地要把彼得提出来，如此乃是要确保囚犯无法逃脱，同时也要恫吓一切同情他的人，并夸耀他自己的威力。{3SP 341.1}[18]
§38
Joy and praise filled the hearts of the fasting, praying believers, that God had heard and answered their prayers, and delivered Peter from the hand of Herod. In the morning the people gathered together to witness the execution of the apostle. Herod sent officers to bring Peter from prison with great display of arms and guard, in order to insure against his escape, to intimidate all sympathizers, and to exhibit his own power. {3SP 341.1}[18]
§39
当看守监门的罗马兵丁发现彼得已经脱逃的时候，他们就大为惊慌。希律曾明白命令，他们的责任重大。若是囚犯逃脱，就必须偿命。因此他们曾特别严加戒备。但天上的上帝已经挫败恶王希律的企图。守兵仍在监牢门旁，铁门铁条仍紧紧地锁好，铁链仍扣在两个兵士的手腕上，可是囚犯已经不见了。{3SP 341.2}[19]
§40
Meanwhile terror and mortification had seized the Roman guard at the prison, when they found that the prisoner was gone. It had been expressly stated to them that their lives would be answerable for the life of their charge, and for that reason they had been specially vigilant. But the God of Heaven had thwarted the purpose of wicked Herod. There was the guard at the door of the prison, the bolts and bars of the door still fast and strong, the guard inside, the chains attached to the wrists of the two soldiers; but the prisoner was gone. {3SP 341.2}[19]
§41
希律听到彼得脱逃的消息，不禁激怒如狂。他责怪守监的卫兵没有忠于职守，就下令把他们拉去杀了，宣称他们犯了在岗睡觉的罪。希律明知拯救彼得的决非人力，但他坚决不承认那挫败他计划的乃是上帝的大能。他不愿因此丢脸，故大胆地公然反抗上帝。
§42
When the report of these things was brought to Herod, he was exasperated, and charged the keepers of the prison with unfaithfulness. They were accordingly put to death for the alleged crime of sleeping at their post. At the same time, Herod knew that no human power had rescued Peter. But he was determined not to acknowledge that a divine power had been at work to thwart his base designs. He would not humiliate himself thus, but set himself boldly in defiance of God. {3SP 342.1}[20]
§43
彼得蒙救出狱之后不久，希律从犹太下到凯撒利亚去，在那里安家。他在那里大设盛筵，为要引起众人的羡慕并博得他们的称赞。他邀请各处爱好宴乐的人来赴席，席间觥筹交错，杯盘狼藉。希律以非常华丽的衣冠出现在众人面前。他穿着金银线织成的外袍，阳光照在其上，光耀夺目，气宇轩昂。他大张威势立在群众之前，鼓其如簧之舌向宾客致辞。 {3SP 342.2}[21]
§44
Herod, not long after Peters deliverance from prison, went down from Judea to Caesarea, and there abode. He there made a grand festival, designed to excite the admiration and applause of the people. Pleasure-lovers from all quarters were assembled together, and there was much feasting and wine-drinking. Herod made a most gorgeous appearance before the people. He was clad in a robe, sparkling with silver and gold, that caught the rays of the sun in its glittering folds, and dazzled the eyes of the beholders. With great pomp and ceremony he stood before the multitude, and addressed them in an eloquent oration. {3SP 342.2}[21]
§45
希律高贵的威仪，和华美的词令，有力地左右了聚集的人。他们的感官已因宴乐纵饮而麻痹，现在他们又因他服装的华丽，态度的高贵，言词的动听，而狂热起来，于是奴颜婢膝地奉承谄媚，宣布他是一位神明，声称没有任何人能表现这么高贵的威仪，能发出这么惊人的言论。他们更进一步声称，他们过去一直尊重他为君王，但此后要敬拜他为神明了。{3SP 342.3}[22]
§46
The majesty of his appearance, and the power of his well-chosen language, swayed the assembly with a mighty influence. Their senses were already perverted by feasting and wine; they were dazzled by his glittering decorations, and charmed by his grand deportment and eloquent words; and, wild with enthusiasm, they showered upon him adulation, and proclaimed him a god, declaring that mortal man could not present such an appearance, or command such startling eloquence of language. They farther declared that they had ever respected him as a ruler, but from henceforth they should worship him as a god. {3SP 342.3}[22]
§47
这些人不肯承认基督，因为祂服装简陋，而且时染征尘，殊不知祂心中却蕴藏着上帝的爱，富有内在的装饰，即温柔谦卑的精神。虽然基督凭着没有人能行的作为在他们面前显出了祂的仁慈和神能，但他们因罪而瞎了的眼睛却不能在祂卑微的外表之下辨识生命和荣耀的主。如今这个傲慢的王虽然身穿金银线织成的华丽衣服，但内心却是腐败而残酷的，他们竟愿把他当作神明来屈身敬拜。他们不想透过他虚妄的外表，看到他品格的堕落和狡诈，和他日常生活的邪恶。{3SP 343.1}[23]
§48
These people had refused to acknowledge Christ, whose coarse and often travel-stained garments were worn over a heart of divine love, rich with that inward adorning, a meek and gentle spirit. Their eyes, blinded by sin, refused to see, beneath that humble exterior, the Lord of life and glory, though his mercy and divine power were revealed before them in works that no man could do. But they were ready to bow down and worship, as a god, the haughty king, whose splendid garments of silver and gold were worn over a corrupt and cruel heart. They did not attempt to penetrate his vain display, and read the depravity and deceit of his character, and the wickedness of his daily life. {3SP 343.1}[23]
§49
希律明知自己不配受众人给他的赞扬和崇拜，可是他却没有责备众人的偶像崇拜，反而以之为自己所应得的。当他听见众人呼喊“这是神的声音，不是人的声音”（徒12:22）时，他便眉飞色舞，洋洋自得。那些如此赞扬一个邪恶罪人的声音，早不几年曾疯狂地呼喊：“除掉耶稣！钉祂十字架！钉祂十字架！”希律很得意地接受了这些谄媚和崇拜的话，并因自夸胜利而心花怒放。但忽然他的表情呈现出迅速而可怕的改变。他一变而面若死灰并因剧痛而歪扭，汗流浃背。他因惨痛和恐怖惊愕了片刻，呆若木鸡，随即转过他那死色苍白的脸向旁边惊骇万状的友人，用尖锐绝望的声音喊着说：“你们所高举为神明的人将要变成死人了！” {3SP 343.2}[24]
§50
Herod knew that he deserved none of this praise and homage; yet he did not rebuke the idolatry of the people, but accepted it as his due. The glow of gratified pride was on his countenance as he heard the shout ascend: It is the voice of a god, and not of man! The same voices which now glorified a vile sinner, had, but a few years before, raised the frenzied cry of, Away with Jesus! Crucify him, crucify him! Herod received this flattery and homage with great pleasure, and his heart bounded with triumph; but suddenly a swift and terrible change came over him. His countenance became pallid as death, and distorted with agony; great drops of sweat started from his pores. He stood a moment as if transfixed with pain and terror, then, turning his blanched and livid face to his horror-stricken friends, he cried in hollow, despairing tones, He whom you have exalted as a god is struck with death! {3SP 343.2}[24]
§51
他在极度难堪的惨痛之中被人抬出他现在心中憎厌的狂欢宴乐和炫耀的罪恶场所。顷刻之前，他还洋洋自得地接受众人的称赞和崇拜；这时，他看出自己的生命完全掌握在一位比他更有能力的主宰手中。他心中悔恨交加，他回忆自己如何发出残酷的命令去杀害无辜的雅各；他记起他如何冷酷无情地逼迫基督的门徒，以及他图谋治死使徒彼得的毒计，结果上帝却救了彼得脱离他的手。他也记得他怎样以苦毒和失望时的忿怒在监卒身上发泄蛮横无礼的报复。他觉得那位拯救使徒脱离死亡的上帝这时正在对付他这个残酷无情的逼迫者。他身体上的病患和心灵上的痛苦得不到一点解救，他也明知是得不到的。“除了我以外，你不可有别的神”那包括这一条诫命的上帝的律法是希律所熟悉的，他也知道自己既接受了众人的敬拜，就已使自己的恶贯满盈，落在上帝的义怒之下了。{3SP 344.1}[25]
§52
He was borne in a state of the most excruciating anguish from the scene of wicked revelry, the mirth, and pomp, and display of which he now loathed in his soul. A moment before, he had been the proud recipient of the praise and worship of that vast throng--now he felt himself in the hands of a Ruler mightier than himself. Remorse seized him; he remembered his cruel command to slay the innocent James; he remembered his relentless persecution of the followers of Christ, and his design to put to death the apostle Peter, whom God had delivered out of his hand; he remembered how, in his mortification and disappointed rage, he had wreaked his unreasoning revenge upon the keepers of the prisoner, and executed them without mercy. He felt that God, who had rescued the apostle from death, was now dealing with him, the relentless persecutor. He found no relief from pain of body or anguish of mind, and he expected none. Herod was acquainted with the law of God, which says, Thou shalt have no other gods before me, and he knew that in accepting the worship of the people he had filled up the measure of his iniquity, and had brought upon him the just wrath of God. {3SP 344.1}[25]
§53
那奉命从天上下来拯救彼得脱离逼迫者权势的天使，就是给希律带来忿怒和刑罚的使者。这位天使曾拍彼得，使他从熟睡中醒过来，但这位天使却用不同的一拍击打这个邪恶的王，使致命的病害临到他身上。上帝使希律的威风扫地，他用金光闪烁的衣袍所装饰起来供群众观赏的身体，被虫子吃了，使它还活着的时候就朽烂发臭。希律在上帝报应的刑罚之下，受着身心双方面极大的痛苦而死。 {3SP 344.2}[26]
§54
The same angel who had left the royal courts of Heaven to rescue Peter from the power of his persecutor, had been the messenger of wrath and judgment to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him from slumber; but it was with a different stroke that he smote the wicked king, bringing mortal disease upon him. God poured contempt upon Herods pride, and his person, which he had exhibited decked in shining apparel before the admiring gaze of the people, was eaten by worms, and putrefied while yet alive. Herod died in great agony of mind and body, under the retributive justice of God. {3SP 344.2}[26]
§55
上帝这一次显示祂的公义，在众人身上发挥了强有力的影响。基督的使徒神奇地蒙救脱离监禁和死亡，而逼迫他的人则被上帝的咒诅击打而死；这个消息已经传到各地，使许多人因而相信基督。{3SP 345.1}[27]
§56
This demonstration of divine judgment had a mighty influence upon the people. While the apostle of Christ had been miraculously delivered from prison and death, his persecutor had been stricken down by the curse of God. The news was borne to all lands, and was the means of bringing many to believe on Christ. {3SP 345.1}[27]