第27章 保罗和巴拿巴的按立
§1
第27章 保罗和巴拿巴的按立
§2
Chapter 27 - Ordination of Paul and Barnabas.
§3
司提反殉道以后，耶路撒冷教会遭到严厉的迫害。那些离开耶路撒冷的使徒和门徒在周围的城市中传扬基督，但只是以说希伯来语和希腊语的犹太人为工作的对象。“主与他们同在，信而归主的人就很多”（徒11:21）。耶路撒冷的信徒听到了这个好消息非常高兴，就差遣巴拿巴到叙利亚的中心都市安提阿去帮助那里的教会。“这巴拿巴原是个好人，被圣灵充满，大有信心”（徒11:24）。他的工作取得了很大的成功。随着工作的继续发展，巴拿巴感到需要有人协助，就去找保罗。这两个门徒在那城里一同工作达一年之久，教训众人，使基督教会人数增加。{3SP 345.2}[1]
§4
The apostles and disciples who left Jerusalem during the fierce persecution that raged there after the martyrdom of Stephen, preached Christ in the cities round about, confining their labors to the Hebrew and Greek Jews. And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. When the believers in Jerusalem heard the good tidings they rejoiced; and Barnabas, a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, was sent to Antioch, the metropolis of Syria, to help the church there. He labored there with great success. As the work increased, he solicited and obtained the help of Paul; and the two disciples labored together in that city for a year, teaching the people, and adding to the numbers of the church of Christ. {3SP 345.2}[1]
§5
安提阿人烟稠密，住着许多犹太人和外邦人。它也是游乐的胜地，因该地气候温和，环境幽雅，又是经济文化和艺术的中心。城里所经营范围广大的商业，使来自各国的人都聚集在这里。所以安提阿也成了一个奢侈和罪恶的城市。上帝的刑罚最终要因城内居民的罪恶而临到她。 {3SP 346.1}[2]
§6
Antioch had both a large Jewish and Gentile population; it was a great resort for lovers of ease and pleasure, because of the healthfulness of its situation, its beautiful scenery, and the wealth, culture, and refinement that centered there. Its extensive commerce made it a place of great importance, where people of all nationalities were found. It was therefore a city of luxury and vice. The retribution of God finally came upon Antioch, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. {3SP 346.1}[2]
§7
信徒被称为“基督徒”就是在安提阿开始的。他们得到这个称呼，乃是因为基督是他们传道、教训和谈话的中心。他们不住地讲说基督在地上服务时，就是祂的门徒有祂亲自同在时所发生的许多事。他们诲人不倦地讲说主的教训，和祂医病、赶鬼、使死人复活的神迹。他们以发颤的口唇和满眶的热泪讲说主在客西马尼园的挣扎，祂的被卖、受审和被钉。他们形容祂如何在仇敌的侮辱和酷刑之下温良而谦卑地忍耐一切，并凭上帝的怜悯为迫害祂的人祈祷。祂的复活升天，以及祂在天上为堕落的人类作中保等真理都是他们所喜爱讲说的题目。无怪异教人士要称他们为“基督徒”，因为他们一直传讲基督并奉祂的名祈祷上帝。{3SP 346.2}[3]
§8
It was here that the disciples were first called Christians. This name was given them because Christ was the main theme of their preaching, teaching, and conversation. They were continually recounting the incidents of his life, during the time in which his disciples were blessed with his personal company. They dwelt untiringly upon his teachings, his miracles of healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead to life. With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of his agony in the garden, his betrayal, trial, and execution, the forbearance and humility with which he endured the contumely and torture imposed upon him by his enemies, and the Godlike pity with which he prayed for those who persecuted him. His resurrection and ascension, and his work in Heaven as a Mediator for fallen man, were joyful topics with them. The heathen might well call them Christians, since they preached of Christ, and addressed their prayers to God through him. {3SP 346.2}[3]
§9
保罗在人烟稠密的安提阿找到了良好的工作园地。他的大学问，智慧和热忱在那文化中心的居民和旅客身上发挥了强大的感化力。 {3SP 346.3}[4]
§10
Paul found, in the populous city of Antioch, an excellent field of labor, where his great learning, wisdom, and zeal, combined, wielded a powerful influence over the inhabitants and frequenters of that city of culture. {3SP 346.3}[4]
§11
其他使徒则以耶路撒冷为工作的中心。每逢大节期，各方各地的犹太人都到圣殿朝拜上帝。使徒们明知有生命的危险，仍大胆传扬基督。许多人悔改相信了。这些人回到各国各地以后，就把真理的种子撒向各国和社会的各个阶层。{3SP 347.1}[5]
§12
Meanwhile the work of the apostles was centered at Jerusalem, where Jews of all tongues and countries came to worship at the temple during the stated festivals. At such times the apostles preached Christ with unflinching courage, though they knew that in so doing their lives were in constant jeopardy. Many converts to the faith were made, and these, scattering to their homes in different parts of the country, dispersed the seeds of truth throughout all nations, and among all classes of society. {3SP 347.1}[5]
§13
彼得、雅各和约翰确信上帝委派他们在本国的同胞中间传讲基督。但保罗在圣殿里祷告时接受了上帝给他的使命，非常清楚地看到了他广阔的传道园地。为了预备他担任这广泛而重大的工作，上帝曾使保罗与祂密切联络，让他瞥见天国的荣美，惊喜不已。{3SP 347.2}[6]
§14
Peter, James, and John felt confident that God had appointed them to preach Christ among their own countrymen at home. But Paul had received his commission from God, while praying in the temple, and his broad missionary field had been presented before him with remarkable distinctness. To prepare him for his extensive and important work, God had brought him into close connection with himself, and had opened before his enraptured vision a glimpse of the beauty and glory of Heaven. {3SP 347.2}[6]
§15
上帝与安提阿教会中几位敬虔的先知和教师交通。“他们事奉主，禁食的时候，圣灵说，要为我分派巴拿巴和扫罗，去作我召他们所作的工”（徒13:2）。于是教会藉着禁食祷告和按手礼将这两个使徒以最严肃的方式奉献给上帝，派他们前往外邦的工作园地。{3SP 347.3}[7]
§16
God communicated with the devout prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. These apostles were therefore dedicated to God in a most solemn manner by fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands; and they were sent forth to their field of labor among the Gentiles. {3SP 347.3}[7]
§17
保罗和巴拿巴早已作为基督的执事从事圣工。上帝曾丰富地赐福于他们的工作。但到此为止，他们都还没有藉祷告和按手礼正式被立为福音的执事。如今，教会授权给他们，不但去传讲真理，而也要施行洗礼并组织教会。基督的教会这时正步入一个重要的纪元。虽然犹太人和外邦人之间隔断的墙已因基督的死而拆毁，使外邦人可以享受福音的全部特权，但事实上那蒙在脸上的“帕子”还没有从许多信主的犹太人眼睛上揭开，所以他们还不能清楚地看出上帝的儿子所废掉之事物的宗旨。这时，在外邦人中的圣工将要大力推展，其结果将使教会因多人悔改归主而大大加强。{3SP 347.4}[8]
§18
Both Paul and Barnabas had been laboring as ministers of Christ, and God had abundantly blessed their efforts; but neither of them had previously been formally ordained to the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. They were now authorized by the church, not only to teach the truth, but to baptize, and to organize churches, being invested with full ecclesiastical authority. This was an important era for the church. Though the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile had been broken down by the death of Christ, letting the Gentiles into the full privileges of the gospel, yet the vail had not yet been torn away from the eyes of many of the believing Jews, and they could not clearly discern to the end of that which was abolished by the Son of God. The work was now to be prosecuted with vigor among the Gentiles, and was to result in strengthening the church by a great ingathering of souls. {3SP 347.4}[8]
§19
受指派从事这项特殊工作的使徒将要受人猜疑、歧视和嫉妒。他们背离犹太人盲目排外的精神和他们的教义观点，自然会被人斥为异端。而他们作为福音使者的权柄也要受到许多热心信主的犹太人质问。上帝预先看到祂的仆人所必须应付的这些困难，所以祂按照祂智慧的安排，藉着有组织的教会，授予他们明确的权柄，使他们的工作可以不受任何人的质问。{3SP 348.1}[9]
§20
The apostles, in this, their special work, were to be exposed to suspicion, prejudice, and jealousy. As a natural consequence of their departure from the exclusiveness of the Jews, their doctrine and views would be subject to the charge of heresy; and their credentials as ministers of the gospel would be questioned by many zealous, believing Jews. God foresaw all these difficulties which his servants would undergo, and, in his wise providence, caused them to be invested with unquestionable authority from the established church of God, that their work should be above challenge. {3SP 348.1}[9]
§21
耶路撒冷和安提阿的弟兄们充分明白了这个神圣任职的特殊意义，以及主托付这两位使徒向外邦人传福音的特殊工作。他们的就职乃是公开宣布了他们的神圣使命，就是做蒙圣灵所特派担任特别工作的使者。保罗在《罗马书》中把这一次的神圣按立看作是他一生中重要新纪元的开始。他称自己为“耶稣基督的仆人保罗，奉召为使徒，特派传上帝的福音”（罗1:1）。{3SP 348.2}[10]
§22
The brethren in Jerusalem and in Antioch were made thoroughly acquainted with all the particulars of this divine appointment, and the specific work of teaching the Gentiles, which the Lord had given to these apostles. Their ordination was an open recognition of their divine mission, as messengers specially chosen by the Holy Ghost for a special work. Paul witnesses, in his Epistle to the Romans, that he considered this sacred appointment as a new and important epoch in his life; he names himself, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. {3SP 348.2}[10]
§23
后来这按手的礼节竟被人大大滥用了。他们过分地重视这一个形式，以为凡受按手礼的人可以立刻得着一种能力，当时就有资格从事任何传福音的工作。我们在这两个使徒的历史中，只看到一个简单的记录，说明他们受了按手礼，以及这礼对于他们将来工作的关系。保罗和巴拿巴早已蒙上帝亲自委任，所以按手礼并未加给他们什么新的恩赐或实际的资格。这不过是教会在上帝所行的事上所加盖的印鉴，藉以承认他们被委派的职分。{3SP 349.1}[11]
§24
The ordination by the laying on of hands, was, at a later date, greatly abused; unwarrantable importance was attached to the act, as though a power came at once upon those who received such ordination, which immediately qualified them for any and all ministerial work, as though virtue lay in the act of laying on of hands. We have, in the history of these two apostles, only a simple record of the laying on of hands, and its bearing upon their work. Both Paul and Barnabas had already received their commission from God himself; and the ceremony of the laying on of hands added no new grace or virtual qualification. It was merely setting the seal of the church upon the work of God--an acknowledged form of designation to an appointed office. {3SP 349.1}[11]
§25
在犹太人看来，这是一个饶有意义的仪式。每当一个犹太人的父亲为儿女祝福时，他总要恭敬地将双手按在他们的头上。每当一个牺牲要被献为祭时，一个负有祭司职权的人必须按手在祭牲的头上。所以当安提阿教会的福音工作者按手在保罗和巴拿巴头上时，他们就此求上帝赐福给祂所拣选的使徒，赐福给他们在上帝拣选他们去做的特定工作上所表现的忠诚。{3SP 349.2}[12]
§26
This form was a significant one to the Jews. When a Jewish father blessed his children, he laid his hands reverently upon their heads. When an animal was devoted to sacrifice, the hand of the one invested with priestly authority was laid upon the head of the victim. Therefore, when the ministers of Antioch laid their hands upon the apostles, they, by that action, asked God to bestow his blessing upon them, in their devotion to the specific work which God had chosen them to do. {3SP 349.2}[12]
§27
使徒们带着马可开始外出布道。他们来到西流基，从那里坐船到塞浦路斯；在撒拉米，他们在犹太人的各会堂里传道。他们“经过全岛，直到帕弗，在那里遇见一个有法术、假充先知的犹太人，名叫巴耶稣。这人常和方伯士求保罗同在。士求保罗是个通达人，他请了巴拿巴和扫罗来，要听上帝的道。只是那行法术的以吕马(这名翻出来就是行法术的意思)敌挡使徒，要叫方伯不信真道”（徒13:6-8）。{3SP 349.3}[13]
§28
The apostles started out upon their mission, taking with them Mark. They went into Seleucia, and from thence sailed to Cyprus. At Salamis they preached in the synagogues of the Jews. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus; which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. {3SP 349.3}[13]
§29
方伯是一个有声望有影响的人。行法术的以吕马在撒但的控制下，设法用谎言和各种骗术使方伯反对使徒，破坏他们对他的影响。正如法老宫廷的术士敌挡摩西和亚伦一样，以吕马也敌挡使徒。当方伯派人请使徒来要聆听真理时，撒但藉着他的仆人，设法干扰上帝旨意的实现，阻碍这个有影响的人接受基督的信仰。这个撒但的代理人大大妨碍了使徒的工作。堕落的仇敌就是这样以特殊的方式阻碍有影响的人接受上帝的真理。因为这些人可能对真理的事业做出很大的贡献。{3SP 350.1}[14]
§30
The deputy being a man of repute and influence, the sorcerer Elymas, who was under the control of Satan, sought by false reports, and various specious deceptions, to turn him against the apostles and destroy their influence over him. As the magicians in Pharaohs court withstood Moses and Aaron, so did this sorcerer withstand the apostles. When the deputy sent for the apostles, that he might be instructed in the truth, Satan was on hand with his servant, seeking to thwart the purpose of God, and prevent this influential man from embracing the faith of Christ. This agent of Satan greatly hindered the work of the apostles. Thus does the fallen foe ever work in a special manner to prevent persons of influence, who could be of great service to the cause, from embracing the truth of God. {3SP 350.1}[14]
§31
于是保罗靠着圣灵的能力，斥责这个邪恶的骗子。他“定睛看他，说：‘你这充满各样诡诈奸恶，魔鬼的儿子，众善的仇敌，你混乱主的正道还不止住吗？现在主的手加在你身上；你要瞎眼，暂且不见日光。’他的眼睛立刻昏蒙黑暗，四下里求人拉着手领他。方伯看见所作的事，很希奇主的道，就信了”（徒13:9-12）。{3SP 350.2}[15]
§32
But Paul, in the Spirit and power of the Holy Ghost, rebuked the wicked deceiver. He set his eyes upon him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. {3SP 350.2}[15]
§33
这个行法术的人曾经闭眼不看真理的凭据和福音的光，于是上帝凭自己的义怒，使他的肉眼昏蒙，见不到日光。他的瞎眼不是永久性，而是暂时性的，使他得到警告，以便悔改寻求他所那么严重得罪之上帝的饶赦。他落到这种狼狈的状况之下。尽管他曾自夸有能力，他那反对基督道理的奸猾手段却毫无作用。他既因失明而四围摸索，这就向众人显明使徒所行的神迹，就是以吕马所诬蔑为骗人之戏法的奇事，乃是出于上帝的能力。方伯信服了使徒所教导的真理，接受了基督的福音。 {3SP 351.1}[16]
§34
The sorcerer had closed his eyes to the evidences of truth, and the light of the gospel, therefore the Lord, in his righteous anger, caused his natural eyes to be closed, shutting out from him the light of day. This blindness was not permanent, but only for a season, to warn him to repent, and to seek pardon of God whom he had so offended. The confusion into which this man was brought, with all his boasted power, made all his subtle arts against the doctrine of Christ of none effect. The fact of his being obliged to grope about in blindness, proved to all beholders that the miracles which the apostles had performed, and which Elymas had denounced as being produced by sleight of hand, were in truth wrought by the power of God. The deputy was convinced of the truth of the doctrine taught by the apostles, and embraced the gospel of Christ. {3SP 351.1}[16]
§35
以吕马不是一个受过高深教育的人，可是他特别善于做撒但的工作。宣讲上帝真理的人常要应付那以各种方式出现的狡敌。撒但有时候利用有学问的人，但他更是常用一些无知的人，因为他已训练他们作为骗人和造孽的有效工具。所以基督使者的本分乃是存着敬畏上帝的心并依靠祂的能力忠守岗位。这样，他就能使撒但的全军仓皇溃退，并能奉主的名获得胜利。{3SP 351.2}[17]
§36
Elymas was not a man of education, yet he was peculiarly fitted to do the work of Satan. Those who preach the truth of God will be obliged to meet the wily foe in many different shapes. Sometimes it is in the person of learned, and often in the person of ignorant, men, whom Satan has educated to be his successful instruments in deceiving souls, and in working iniquity. It is the duty of the minister of Christ to stand faithfully at his post, in the fear of God, and in the power of his strength. Thus he may put to confusion the hosts of Satan, and triumph in the name of the Lord. {3SP 351.2}[17]
§37
保罗和他的同伴继续他们的行程，来到旁非利亚的别加。他们的行程是辛苦劳累的；他们曾遭遇种种困难和穷乏，并为各方面的危险所包围，这使马可害怕了。他素来娇生惯养，不能吃苦。当他预感到更大的艰难时，就畏缩退避，意志消沉，不肯再向前进。在这最需要的时候，他回耶路撒冷享受家里的安宁和舒适去了。{3SP 352.1}[18]
§38
Paul and his company now continued their journey, going into Perga, in Pamphylia. Their way was toilsome, they encountered hardships and privations, and were beset by dangers on every side, which intimidated Mark, who was unused to hardships. As still greater difficulties were apprehended, he became disheartened, and refused to go farther, just at the time when his services were most needed. He accordingly returned to Jerusalem, and to the peace and comfort of his home. {3SP 352.1}[18]
§39
马可并没有背叛基督教的信仰，他只是像许多青年传道人那样，在艰苦面前畏缩不前，喜欢家中的舒适和安全，不喜欢传道园地里的旅程、劳碌和危险。他这样半途而废，使保罗在很长的一段时间里对他的看法很不好，甚至非常严厉。他不信任马可有坚强的性格和对于圣工的献身。马可的母亲是一个悔改信奉基督教的人，她的家乃是众门徒经常聚集之处。他们到这里总可以得到欢迎和休息的机会，摆脱到处攻击他们工作的剧烈迫害。{3SP 352.2}[19]
§40
Mark did not apostatize from the faith of Christianity; but, like many young ministers, he shrank from hardships, and preferred the comfort and safety of home to the travels, labors, and dangers of the missionary field. This desertion caused Paul to judge him unfavorably and severely for a long time. He distrusted his steadiness of character, and his devotion to the cause of Christ. The mother of Mark was a convert to the Christian religion; and her home was an asylum for the disciples. There they were always sure of a welcome, and a season of rest, in which they could rally from the effect of the fierce persecutions that everywhere assailed them in their labors. {3SP 352.2}[19]
§41
有一次，当使徒们到马可母亲家中访问的时候，马可向保罗和巴拿巴请求，在他们布道的行程中陪伴他们。他曾看见伴随着使徒工作的奇妙能力，自己心中也体验过上帝的恩典；他也曾见过他母亲的信心经过考验而毫不动摇；他见过使徒们所行的神迹，证明上帝盖印于他们的工作；他自己也曾传过基督教的信仰，渴望更完全地献身于圣工。他在陪伴使徒的过程中，曾因他们工作的成功而欢欣，但在贫困，迫害和危险面前，他灰心害怕了。在使徒最需要他帮助的时候，他却去寻求家庭的安舒。{3SP 352.3}[20]
§42
It was during one of these visits of the apostles to his mothers that Mark proposed to Paul and Barnabas that he should accompany them on their missionary tour. He had witnessed the wonderful power attending their ministry; he had felt the favor of God in his own heart; he had seen the faith of his mother tested and tried without wavering; he had witnessed the miracles performed by the apostles, and which set the seal of God upon their work; he had himself preached the Christian faith, and had longed to enter more fully into the work, and entirely devote himself to it. He had, as the companion of the apostles, rejoiced in the success of their mission; but fear and discouragement overwhelmed him in the face of privation, persecution, and danger; and he sought the attractions of home at a time when his services were most needful to the apostles. {3SP 352.3}[20]
§43
在以后一段时期，保罗和巴拿巴为了马可产生激烈的争论。马可仍想献身于福音工作。保罗在那时却一点也不能原谅马可的软弱，就是他曾离开他们，离开他们所从事的圣工，去享受家中的安逸。他说，这样没有耐力的人不配从事传福音的工作，因为这项工作需要忍耐、克己、勇敢、信心，在必要时还要甘愿牺牲性命。{3SP 353.1}[21]
§44
At a future period there was a sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas concerning Mark, who was still anxious to devote himself to the work of the ministry. Paul could not, at that time, excuse in any degree the weakness of Mark in deserting them and the work upon which they had entered, for the ease and quiet of home; and he urged that one with so little stamina was unfit for the gospel ministry, which required patience, self-denial, bravery, and faith, with a willingness to sacrifice even life if need be. {3SP 353.1}[21]
§45
而巴拿巴则因他外甥缺少经验而予以原谅，他深觉马可不应见弃，因为他看出，马可还有资格作为基督园地有用的工人。保罗和巴拿巴在这事上的争论导致了他们的分手。巴拿巴坚持自己的信念，带马可去一起工作。{3SP 353.2}[22]
§46
Barnabas, on the other hand, was inclined to excuse Mark, who was his nephew, because of his inexperience. He felt anxious that he should not abandon the ministry, for he saw in him qualifications for a useful laborer in the field of Christ. This contention caused Paul and Barnabas to separate, the latter following out his convictions, and taking Mark with him in his work. {3SP 353.2}[22]
§47
于是马可陪同巴拿巴前往塞浦路斯。并协助他在那里工作。保罗后来又与马可言归于好，并接受他为同工。他也向歌罗西人介绍马可是“为上帝的国”与他一同作工的，也是叫他“心里得安慰的”(西4:11)。他在自己去世之前不久，还提到马可为“在传道的事上”于他“有益处”的(提后4:11)。{3SP 353.3}[23]
§48
Mark, therefore, accompanied Barnabas to Cyprus, and assisted him there. Paul was afterward reconciled to Mark, and received him as a fellow-laborer. He also recommended him to the Colossians as one who was a fellow-worker unto the kingdom of God, and a personal comfort to him, Paul. Again, not long prior to his death, he spoke of him as profitable to him in the ministry. {3SP 353.3}[23]
§49
马可离开后，保罗和巴拿巴来到彼西底的安提阿，在安息日进了犹太人的会堂坐下。“读完了律法和先知的书，管会堂的叫人过去，对他们说：‘两位兄台，若有什么劝勉众人的话，请说。’”使徒既这样被请讲道，“保罗就站起来，举手说：‘以色列人和一切敬畏上帝的人，请听’”（徒13:16）。接着他述说了一段历史，就是上帝拯救以色列人脱离埃及的奴役以来所对待他们的方法，并提到上帝如何应许在大卫的子孙中赐他们一位救主。他就是这样宣讲耶稣为世人的救主，为预言所指明的弥赛亚。{3SP 354.1}[24]
§50
Paul and Barnabas next visited Antioch in Pisidia, and on the Sabbath went into the synagogue, and sat down; and after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Being thus invited to speak, Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. He then proceeded to give a history of the manner in which the Lord had dealt with the Jews from the time of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and how a Saviour had been promised of the seed of David. He then preached Jesus as the Saviour of men, the Messiah of prophecy. {3SP 354.1}[24]
§51
他讲完以后，犹太人离开了会堂，外邦人还留下来，恳请保罗在下个安息日再来对他们讲同样的道理。使徒在彼西底的安提阿，引起了犹太人和外邦人的极大的兴趣。他们鼓励悔改信主的信徒坚持他们的信仰，继续在上帝的恩典之中。众人对听使徒之话的兴趣是如此之大，到了下个安息日，全城的人几乎都来了。正如基督的日子一样，犹太祭司和官长们看见这么多人聚集来听新的道理，就满心猜疑嫉妒，硬驳保罗所说的话，进行毁谤。当他们看见在集会中有那么多外邦人和犹太人在一起时，他们原有的固执和偏见又被挑起来了。他们不能容忍外邦人享受与他们平等的宗教特权，却固执地认为上帝的福气是单单赐给他们的。这就是基督好几次斥责过的犹太人的大罪。{3SP 354.2}[25]
§52
When he had finished, and the Jews had left the synagogue, the Gentiles still lingered, and entreated that the same words might be spoken unto them the next Sabbath day. The apostles created a great interest in the place, among both Jews and Gentiles. They encouraged the believers and converts to stand fast in their faith, and to continue in the grace of God. The interest to hear the words of the apostles was so great that the whole city came together on the next Sabbath day. But now, as in the days of Christ, when the Jewish priests and rulers saw the multitudes that had assembled to hear the new doctrine, they were moved by envy and jealousy, and contradicted the words of the apostles with blasphemy. Their old bigotry and prejudice were also aroused, when they perceived great numbers of Gentiles mingling with the Jews in the congregation. They could not endure that the Gentiles should enjoy religious privileges on an equality with themselves, but clung tenaciously to the idea that the blessing of God was reserved exclusively for them. This had ever been the great sin of the Jews, which Christ, on several occasions, had rebuked. {3SP 354.2}[25]
§53
他们在一个安息日，怀着浓烈的兴趣听保罗和巴拿巴的讲道，传耶稣为所应许的弥赛亚。到了下一个安息日，由于许多外邦人也来听道，犹太人就愤怒若狂，他们心中曲解使徒所说的话，不愿意接受他们所提出的证据。当他们听到使徒们说弥赛亚要成为以色列民的荣耀和外邦人的光时，他们气得丧失了理智，用最恶毒的话辱骂使徒。{3SP 355.1}[26]
§54
They listened, on one Sabbath day, with intense interest to the teachings of Paul and Barnabas, who preached Jesus as the promised Messiah; and upon the next Sabbath day, because of the multitude of Gentiles who assembled also to hear them, they were excited to a frenzy of indignation, the words of the apostles were distorted in their minds, and they were unfitted to weigh the evidence presented by them. When they learned that the Messiah preached by the apostles was to be a light to the Gentiles, as well as the glory of his people Israel, they were beside themselves with rage, and used the most insulting language to the apostles. {3SP 355.1}[26]
§55
外邦人却非常快乐。因为基督承认他们为上帝的儿女，他们就以感恩的心情聆听所传的道。使徒们现在清楚地看明自己的责任，以及上帝要他们做的工作。他们就毫不犹豫地转向外邦人，把犹太人遗留在顽固、盲目和硬心之中。保罗悔改时的境况，他在耶路撒冷圣殿中所见的异象，他被上帝所委派向外邦人传福音，以及他在外邦人中工作所取得的成功，使他有了充分的思想准备，做出这样的决定。{3SP 355.2}[27]
§56
The Gentiles, on the other hand, rejoiced exceedingly that Christ recognized them as the children of God, and with grateful hearts they listened to the word preached. The apostles now clearly discerned their duty, and the work which God would have them do. They turned without hesitation to the Gentiles, preaching Christ to them, and leaving the Jews to their bigotry, blindness of mind, and hardness of heart. The mind of Paul had been well prepared to make this decision, by the circumstances attending his conversion, his vision in the temple at Jerusalem, his appointment by God to preach to the Gentiles, and the success which had already crowned his efforts among them. {3SP 355.2}[27]
§57
当保罗和巴拿巴转离嘲笑他们的犹太人时，他们放胆对犹太人说:“上帝的道先讲给你们原是应当的；只因你们弃绝这道，断定自己不配得永生，我们就转向外邦人去。因为主曾这样吩咐我们说:‘我已立你作外邦人的光，叫你施行救恩，直到地极’”（徒13:46,47）。{3SP 356.1}[28]
§58
When Paul and Barnabas turned from the Jews who derided them, they addressed them boldly, saying, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. {3SP 356.1}[28]
§59
先知的笔，早已描写外邦人归入教会的事，只是当时不为人们所清楚领会罢了。何西阿曾说:“然而，以色列的人数必如海沙，不可量、不可数。从前在什么地方对他们说：‘你们不是我的子民’，将来在那里必对他们说：‘你们是永生上帝的儿子’”（何1:10）。又说:“我必将他种在这地。素不蒙怜悯的，我必怜悯；本非我民的，我必对他说：‘你是我的民。’他必说：‘你是我的上帝’”（何2:23）。{3SP 356.2}[29]
§60
This gathering in of the Gentiles to the church of God had been traced by the pen of inspiration, but had been but faintly understood. Hosea had said, Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. And again, I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God. {3SP 356.2}[29]
§61
基督在世的时候就曾设法消除犹太人盲目排外的看法。罗马百夫长和叙利亚非尼基族妇人的信主，就是祂直接对自称为以色列民以外的人作工的例子。时候已到，要积极在外邦人中继续开展工作，一个一个地区的人欣然接受福音，为这么一个合理信仰的亮光而荣耀上帝。犹太人的不信和恶意无法扭转上帝的旨意；因为新的以色列正在被嫁接到原有的橄榄树上。会堂的门户虽然向使徒关闭了，但私人的家宅却敞开供他们用，外邦人的公共建筑也成了传讲上帝圣言的地方。{3SP 356.3}[30]
§62
During the life of Christ on earth he had sought to lead the Jews out of their exclusiveness. The conversion of the centurion, and that of the Syrophenician woman, were instances of his direct work outside of the acknowledged people of Israel. The time had now come for active and continued work among the Gentiles, of whom whole communities received the gospel gladly, and glorified God for the light of an intelligent faith. The unbelief and malice of the Jews did not turn aside the purpose of God; for a new Israel was being grafted into the old olive-tree. The synagogues were closed against the apostles; but private houses were thrown open for their use, and public buildings of the Gentiles were also used in which to preach the Word of God. {3SP 356.3}[30]
§63
但是犹太人不满足于把使徒关闭在他们的会堂之外，还想把他们从这个地区赶出去。为此他们挑唆对当地政府很有影响的虔诚尊贵的妇女和城内有名望的人。他们靠着狡猾的手段和虚假的报告取得了成功。这些有名望的人向当局讲了使徒的坏话，他们就被赶出了这个地区。{3SP 357.1}[31]
§64
The Jews, however, were not satisfied with closing their synagogues against the apostles, but desired to banish them from that region. To effect this purpose they sought to prejudice certain devout and honorable women, who had great influence with the government, and also men of influence. This they accomplished by subtle arts, and false reports. These persons of good repute complained to the authorities against the apostles, and they were accordingly expelled from those coasts. {3SP 357.1}[31]
§65
这时，使徒们遵循了主的指示:“凡不接待你们，不听你们话的人，你们离开那家，或是那城的时候，就把脚上的尘土跺下去。我实在告诉你们，当审判的日子，所多玛和蛾摩拉所受的，比那城还容易受呢”(太10:14,15)。使徒们并没有因这种驱逐而灰心丧气；他们记得他们夫子的话:“人若因我辱骂你们，逼迫你们，捏造各样坏话毁谤你们，你们就有福了。应当欢喜快乐；因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的；在你们以前的先知，人也是这样逼迫他们”(太5:11-12)。 {3SP 357.2}[32]
§66
On this occasion the apostles followed the instruction of Christ: Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily, I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment than for that city. The apostles were not discouraged by this expulsion; they remembered the words of their Master: Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. {3SP 357.2}[32]