第34章 保罗在以弗所
§1
第34章 保罗在以弗所
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Chapter 34. - Paul at Ephesus.
§3
以弗所是亚细亚省的首府 [在新约圣经中，亚细亚一词不是指亚洲，而是指罗马的一个行省，包括小亚细亚的西部，其首府是以弗所。] 和小亚细亚的一个商业中心。港口船舶云集，街上挤满了从各国来的人。这里像哥林多一样，是布道工作的良好园地。{3SP 415.2}[1]
§4
The city of Ephesus was the capital of the province of Asia, [AS USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, THE WORD ASIA DOES NOT APPLY TO THE CONTINENT OF ASIA, BUT TO A ROMAN PROVINCE WHICH EMBRACED THE WESTERN PART OF ASIA MINOR, AND OF WHICH EPHESUS WAS THE CAPITAL.] and the great commercial center of Asia Minor. Its harbor was crowded with shipping from all parts of the known world, and its streets thronged with the people of every country. It therefore presented, like Corinth, a favorable missionary field. {3SP 415.2}[1]
§5
这时，犹太人广泛分布在一切已开化的区域。他们都在仰望弥赛亚速速来临。当施洗约翰传道的时候，许多到耶路撒冷过节的人曾到约旦河边去听他讲道。他们在那里也曾听到约翰宣布耶稣为上帝所应许的那一位，而且他们也曾把这信息带到世界各地。如此，上帝早就为使徒的工作预备了道路。{3SP 416.1}[2]
§6
The Jews, now widely dispersed in all civilized lands, were generally expecting the speedy advent of the Messiah. In their visits to Jerusalem at the annual feasts, many had gone out to the banks of the Jordan to listen to the preaching of John the Baptist. From him they had heard the proclamation of Christ as the Promised One, and on their return home they had carried the tidings to all parts of the world. Thus had Providence prepared the way for the apostles labors. {3SP 416.1}[2]
§7
保罗到了以弗所，就遇见十二个弟兄。他们像亚波罗一样，都是施洗约翰的门徒，也像他一样对于基督的使命稍有一点认识。他们虽然没有亚波罗那样的才能，但他们却有他一样的热诚和信心，并设法将自己所已经领受的知识传给别人。{3SP 416.2}[3]
§8
On his arrival at Ephesus, Paul found twelve brethren, who, like Apollos, had been disciples of John the Baptist, and like him had gained an imperfect knowledge of the life and mission of Christ. They had not the ability of Apollos, but with the same sincerity and faith they were seeking to spread the light which they had received. {3SP 416.2}[3]
§9
这些弟兄还不知道圣灵的使命，就是耶稣应许赐给相信祂的人，作为教会生命和力量的圣灵。当保罗问他们“受了圣灵没有”的时候，他们回答说:“没有，也未曾听见有圣灵赐下来。”保罗又问:“这样，你们受的是什么洗呢？”他们说:“是约翰的洗”（徒19:2,3）。于是使徒向他们阐明那作为基督徒希望之基础的伟大真理。{3SP 416.3}[4]
§10
These disciples were ignorant of the mission of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus promised to his believing people, to be the life and power of the church. When asked by Paul if they had received the Holy Ghost, they answered, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Paul inquired. Unto what then were ye baptized? and they said, Unto Johns baptism. The apostle then proceeded to set before them the great truths which are the foundation of the Christians hope. {3SP 416.3}[4]
§11
他把基督在地上的生活和所受残酷耻辱的死刑告诉他们。又告诉他们生命之君如何打破坟墓的壁垒，得胜死亡而复活了。他重述救主交给门徒的使命:“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了。所以，你们要去使万民作我的门徒，奉父、子、圣灵的名给他们施洗”（太28:18,19）。他又告诉他们，基督曾应许差保惠师来，藉着保惠师的能力必有神迹与奇事随着，他描述这个应许如何在五旬节的日子已经光荣地实现了。{3SP 416.4}[5]
§12
He told them of the life of Christ on earth, and of his cruel and shameful death. He told them how the Lord of life had broken the barriers of the tomb, and risen triumphant over death. He repeated the Saviours commission to his disciples: All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He told them also of Christs promise to send the Comforter, through whose power mighty signs and wonders would be wrought, and described the glorious fulfillment of that promise on the day of Pentecost. {3SP 416.4}[5]
§13
弟兄们以深切的兴趣和感恩的喜乐倾听保罗的话。他们因着信把握了基督赎罪牺牲的奇妙真理，并接受祂为他们的救赎主。于是他们奉耶稣的名受了洗；当保罗按手在他们头上时，他们也受了圣灵的洗，藉此他们就能说别国的方言，又说预言。这样，他们就有资格在以弗所和附近一带作布道工作，并从这个中心出去到小亚细亚宣传基督的福音。{3SP 417.1}[6]
§14
With deep interest, and grateful wondering joy, the disciples listened to the words of Paul. By faith they grasped the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and acknowledged him as their Redeemer. They were then baptized in the name of Jesus; and as Paul laid his hands upon them, they received also the baptism of the Holy Spirit, by which they were enabled to speak the languages of other nations and to prophesy. Thus these men were qualified to act as missionaries in the important field of Ephesus and its vicinity, and also from this center to spread the gospel of Christ in Asia Minor. {3SP 417.1}[6]
§15
这些弟兄之所以能得到这种宝贵的经验，是因为他们存有谦卑受教的精神。他们的榜样给各世代的基督徒一个很有价值的教训。有许多人在属灵的生活上只有很少进步，因为他们太自满了，不肯向人领教。他们对于上帝的圣言，只有一点肤浅的知识，就自以为够了。他们不愿意改进自己的信仰或行为，因此不作什么努力去追求更大的亮光。{3SP 417.2}[7]
§16
It was by cherishing a humble and teachable spirit that these brethren gained their precious experience. Their example presents a lesson of great value to Christians of every age. There are many who make but little progress in the divine life, because they are too self-sufficient to occupy the position of learners. They are content to remain in ignorance of Gods word; they do not wish to change their faith or their practice, and hence make no effort to obtain greater light. {3SP 417.2}[7]
§17
只要跟从基督的人热切地寻求上帝的智慧，他们就必蒙引领找到真理的肥田，这些真理还是他们现在所完全不知道的。凡像摩西那样完全献身给上帝的人必要像那位以色列伟大领袖那样被上帝的圣手所领导。他或许是一个卑微而显然没有天才的人，但如果他以一颗爱主和信赖的心顺服上帝旨意的每一项指示，他的才能就必洁净、高尚并坚强起来，而他的能力也必增加。当他珍视上帝智慧的教训时，就必有神圣的使命交托与他；他就能使自己的生活荣耀上帝，造福世人。“你的言语一解开，就发出亮光，使愚人通达”(诗119:130)。{3SP 417.3}[8]
§18
If the followers of Christ were but earnest seekers after divine wisdom, they would be led into rich fields of truth, as yet wholly unknown to them. Whoever will give himself to God as fully as did Moses, will be guided by the divine hand as verily as was the great leader of Israel. He may be lowly and apparently ungifted; yet if with a loving, trusting heart he obeys every intimation of Gods will, his powers will be purified, ennobled, energized; his capabilities increased. As he treasures the lessons of divine wisdom, a sacred commission is intrusted to him; he is enabled to make his life an honor to God and a blessing to the world. The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. {3SP 417.3}[8]
§19
单有一点宗教真理的知识还是不够的。今日也有许多人像这些以弗所人一样，不知道圣灵在人心的运行；但是在上帝的话中所教导的真理没有比这更为清楚了。众先知和使徒都曾详细论述这个题目。基督曾亲自叫我们注意植物的生长，来说明圣灵维持属灵生活的力量。{3SP 418.1}[9]
§20
A mere intellectual knowledge of religious truth is not enough. There are today many as ignorant as those men of Ephesus of the Holy Spirits work upon the heart. Yet no truth is more clearly taught in the word of God. Prophets and apostles have dwelt upon this theme. Christ himself calls our attention to the growth of the vegetable world to illustrate the agency of his Spirit in sustaining religious life. {3SP 418.1}[9]
§21
葡萄树的液汁怎样从树根上升，传到枝梢，维持树的生长并使之开花结果；照样，圣灵赐生命的能力发源于基督，分赐给每一个门徒，充满他们的心灵，更新他们的动机和情感，甚至是最秘密的念头，并结出圣洁行为的宝贵果子来。他们的生活要证明他们与活的真葡萄树之间的联络。{3SP 418.2}[10]
§22
The juices of the vine, ascending from the root, are diffused to the branches sustaining growth, and producing blossoms and fruit. So the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, proceeding from Christ, and imparted to every disciple, pervades the soul, renews the motives and affections, and even the most secret thoughts, and brings forth the precious fruit of holy deeds. The life attests the union with the true and living Vine. {3SP 418.2}[10]
§23
这种属灵生活的创始者是人眼所看不见的，而且赐人这种生命和维护这种生命的一定方法，也不是人类的哲学所能解释的。这是敬虔的奥秘。但圣灵的运行总是与上帝的话相符的。自然界怎样，灵界也怎样。肉体的生命时时刻刻蒙上帝能力的保守，但不是由于直接的神迹，而是藉着充分运用我们所能得到的福惠来维持的。照样，属灵的生命也是藉着上帝所已经供给我们的方法来维持的。如果他要“长大成人，满有基督长成的身量”（弗4:13），就必须吃生命的粮，喝救恩的水。他必须警醒，祈祷，作工，并在万事上注意上帝在圣经中的教训。{3SP 418.3}[11]
§24
The Author of this spiritual life is unseen, and the precise method by which it is imparted and sustained is beyond the power of human philosophy to explain. It is the mystery of godliness. Yet the operations of the Spirit are always in harmony with the written word. As in the natural, so in the spiritual world. Human life is preserved, moment by moment, by divine power; yet it is not sustained by a direct miracle, but through the use of blessings placed within our reach. So the life of the Christian is sustained by the use of those means which Providence has supplied. He must eat of the bread of life, and drink of the waters of salvation. He must watch, he must pray, he must work, in all things giving heed to the instructions of the word of God, if he would grow up to the full measure of the stature of a man in Christ Jesus. {3SP 418.3}[11]
§25
这些犹太信徒的经验还能给我们一个教训。当他们领受约翰的洗礼时，他们仍固守一些严重的错误。但是他们后来欣然接受了基督为他们的救赎主，并且他们的责任也随着这进一步的认识而有所改变。当他们领受了更纯正的信仰时，他们的生活和品格也就有了相应的改变。他们既领受了更为纯净的信心，他们的生活和品格就有了相应的改变。为表明这种改变并为承认他们在基督里的信仰起见，他们就奉耶稣的名重新受洗。{3SP 419.1}[12]
§26
There is still another lesson for us in the experience of those Jewish converts. When they received baptism at the hand of John, they were holding serious errors. But with clearer light they gladly accepted Christ as their Redeemer; and with this advance step came a change in their obligations. As they received a purer faith, there was a corresponding change in their life and character. In token of this change, and as an acknowledgment of their faith in Christ, they were rebaptized, in the name of Jesus. {3SP 419.1}[12]
§27
许多真心跟从基督的人也有类似的经验。人若更清楚地明白上帝的旨意，就会与祂建立起新的关系。许多新的责任显示出来了。许多以前似乎没有罪，甚至是值得称道的事，现在显得有罪了。使徒保罗说他虽然过去自以为是顺从上帝的律法的，但是当圣灵把诫命启示在他的良心时，“罪又活了，我就死了”（罗7:9）。他看出自己是一个罪人，他的良心证实他违背了律法。{3SP 419.2}[13]
§28
Many a sincere follower of Christ has had a similar experience. A clearer understanding of Gods will, places man in a new relation to him. New duties are revealed. Much which before appeared innocent, or even praiseworthy, is now seen to be sinful. The apostle Paul states that though he had, as he supposed, rendered obedience to the law of God, yet when the commandment was urged upon his conscience by the Holy Spirit, sin revived, and I died. He saw himself a sinner, and conscience concurred with the sentence of the law. {3SP 419.2}[13]
§29
现在有许多人是不愿意违犯上帝律法的任何一条规定的。当他的心灵得蒙启迪，第四条诫命的要求显示在他的良心时，他就认识到自己在上帝眼中是一个罪人。“违背律法的就是罪”（约壹3:4）。“犯了一条就是犯了众条”（雅2:10）。{3SP 420.1}[14]
§30
There are many at the present day who have unwittingly violated one of the precepts of Gods law. When the understanding is enlightened, and the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon the conscience, they see themselves sinners in the sight of God. Sin is the transgression of the law, and he that shall offend in one point is guilty of all. {3SP 420.1}[14]
§31
凡诚心寻求真理的人决不会以无知作为违背律法的借口。他可以得到亮光。上帝的圣言是清楚的，基督已嘱咐他寻求圣经。他尊重上帝的律法为圣洁、公义、良善的，他悔改自己的过犯。他凭着信心提出基督赎罪的宝血，握住赦罪的应许。他不满足于以前所受的洗。他看出自己是一个罪人，干犯了上帝的律法。他重新经历了向罪死，希望通过洗礼再次与基督一同埋葬，使他能起来过新的生活。这个做法是与保罗给犹太信徒施洗的榜样一致的。圣灵把这件事记在圣经里作为教会的指导性教训。{3SP 420.2}[15]
§32
The honest seeker after truth will not plead ignorance of the law as an excuse for transgression. Light was within his reach. Gods word is plain, and Christ has bidden him search the Scriptures. He reveres Gods law as holy, just, and good, and he repents of his transgression. By faith he pleads the atoning blood of Christ, and grasps the promise of pardon. His former baptism does not satisfy him now. He has seen himself a sinner, condemned by the law of God. He has experienced anew a death to sin, and he desires again to be buried with Christ by baptism, that he may rise to walk in newness of life. Such a course is in harmony with the example of Paul in baptizing the Jewish converts. That incident was recorded by the Holy Spirit as an instructive lesson for the church. {3SP 420.2}[15]
§33
保罗照他素常的规矩在以弗所先到犹太人的会堂里讲道。他继续在那里工作一连三个月，“辩论上帝国的事，劝化众人”（徒19:8）。他起先受到欢迎，但不久像其他地区一样，他遭遇到残酷的反对。当他们坚决拒绝福音时，使徒就不再在会堂里讲道了。{3SP 420.3}[16]
§34
As was his custom, Paul had begun his work at Ephesus by teaching in the synagogue of the Jews. He continued to labor there for three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. He at first met with a favorable reception; but as in other fields of labor, he was soon violently opposed by the unbelieving Jews. As they persisted in their rejection of the gospel, the apostle ceased preaching in the synagogue. {3SP 420.3}[16]
§35
上帝的灵已经在保罗为他同胞的工作上与他同工，并藉着他作工。凡诚心愿意明白真理的人，已有充足的凭据赐给他们，感服他们。但许多人宁愿被偏见和不信所控制，不肯信服最确凿的凭据。保罗唯恐门徒继续与那些反对真理的人为伍，以致他们的信心受到影响，他就把门徒组织另外一个团体，自己则继续在某一个有名的教师推喇奴的学房里公开传道。{3SP 421.1}[17]
§36
The Spirit of God had wrought with and through Paul in his labors for his countrymen. Sufficient evidence had been presented to convince all who honestly desired to know the truth. But many permitted themselves to be controlled by prejudice and unbelief, and refused to yield to the most conclusive evidence. Fearing that the faith of the believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated the disciples as a distinct body, and himself continued his public instructions in the school of one Tyrannus, a teacher of some note. {3SP 421.1}[17]
§37
保罗看出在他面前敞开“宽大又有功效的门”，虽然“反对的人也多”（林前16:9）。以弗所不但是亚细亚省一座最壮丽的城市，也是一座最腐败的城邑。她稠密的人口都沉溺于迷信和声色的享乐之中。在偶像庙宇的荫蔽之下隐藏着各样的罪犯，滋长着最卑劣的邪恶。{3SP 421.2}[18]
§38
Paul saw that a great door and effectual was open before him, though there were many adversaries. Ephesus was not only the most magnificent, but the most corrupt, of the cities of Asia. Superstition and sensual pleasure held sway over her teeming population. Under the shadow of her idol temples, criminals of every grade found shelter, and the most degrading vices flourished. {3SP 421.2}[18]
§39
以弗所以敬拜亚底米（狄安娜）女神和行邪术著称。这里有亚底米的大庙，被古人视为世界的奇观之一。这个神庙壮丽宏伟，不但是该城，而也是全国的骄傲。君主们的捐赠增添了它的财富。以弗所人竞相增进它的光彩，使它成了庞大的西亚财富的宝库。{3SP 421.3}[19]
§40
The city was famed for the worship of the goddess Diana and the practice of magic. Here was the great temple of Diana, which was regarded by the ancients as one of the wonders of the world. Its vast extent and surpassing magnificence made it the pride, not only of the city, but of the nation. Kings and princes had enriched it by their donations. The Ephesians vied with one another in adding to its splendor, and it was made the treasure-house for a large share of the wealth of Western Asia. {3SP 421.3}[19]
§41
这座宏伟的大庙里放着一个粗劣的偶像，据说是从天上掉下来的。像上刻有符咒之类的文字，人们相信这些文字具有大能力。念这些咒语，据说就会发生奇迹。写下这些咒语，据说就能保佑其主人免遭盗窃、疾病，甚至死亡。以弗所人曾著作许多书籍来解释这些文字的意义和这些符咒的用途。{3SP 421.4}[20]
§42
The idol enshrined in this sumptuous edifice was a rude, uncouth image, declared by tradition to have fallen from the sky. Upon it were inscribed mystic characters and symbols, which were believed to possess great power. When pronounced, they were said to accomplish wonders. When written, they were treasured as a potent charm to guard their possessor from robbers, from disease, and even from death. Numerous and costly books were written by the Ephesians to explain the meaning and use of these symbols. {3SP 421.4}[20]
§43
当保罗与拜偶像的以弗所人直接接触的时候，有上帝的能力显著地随着他的工作。使徒并非总是能随意行奇事的。在推进祂圣工或荣耀祂圣名有需要的时候，上帝就赐给祂仆人这种特殊的能力。像摩西和亚伦在法老的宫廷里一样，使徒现在也必须维护真理来对付术士们虚假的奇迹，所以他所行的神迹与他以前所行的有着不同的性质。那位凭着信心的抚摸寻求医治的妇人怎样从基督衣服的繸子里获得了医治之能，这一次，衣服也成了所有相信之人治病的工具。“病就退了，恶鬼也出去了”（徒19:13）。然而这些神迹并不鼓励人盲目的迷信。当耶稣感觉到那位受苦之妇人的触摸时，祂说:“有能力从我身上出去”（路8:46）。同样，圣经宣称主藉著保罗的手施行神迹，是使主耶稣的名，而不是保罗的名得到尊崇。{3SP 422.1}[21]
§44
As Paul was brought in direct contact with the idolatrous inhabitants of Ephesus, the power of God was strikingly displayed through him. The apostles were not always able to work miracles at will. The Lord granted his servants this special power as the progress of his cause or the honor of his name required. Like Moses and Aaron at the court of Pharaoh, the apostle had now to maintain the truth against the lying wonders of the magicians; hence the miracles he wrought were of a different character from those which he had heretofore performed. As the hem of Christs garment had communicated healing power to her who sought relief by the touch of faith, so on this occasion, garments were made the means of cure to all that believed; diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of them. Yet these miracles gave no encouragement to blind superstition. When Jesus felt the touch of the suffering woman, he exclaimed, Virtue is gone out of me. So the scripture declares that the Lord wrought miracles by the hand of Paul, and that the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, and not the name of Paul. {3SP 422.1}[21]
§45
伴随着使徒工作的超自然能力的显示，是要给那些相信巫术，以自己能与看不见的灵交往而自豪的人留下深刻的印象。保罗所行的奇迹比以弗所人过去见过的远为有效，而且其性质也不是行幻术之人的技巧或行法术之人的魔术所能模仿的。这样，上帝在敬拜偶像的人面前高举了祂的仆人，远远超过最受宠最有能力的术士。{3SP 422.2}[22]
§46
The manifestations of supernatural power which accompanied the apostles work, were calculated to make a deep impression upon a people given to sorcery, and priding themselves upon their intercourse with invisible beings. The miracles of Paul were far more potent than had ever before been witnessed in Ephesus, and were of such a character that they could not be imitated by the skill of the juggler or the enchantments of the sorcerer. Thus the Lord exalted his servant, even in the estimation of the idolaters themselves, immeasurably above the most favored and powerful of the magicians. {3SP 422.2}[22]
§47
但那管辖一切恶灵的主，就是赐给祂仆人权柄制服邪灵的上帝，将要使那些轻视并亵渎主圣名的人受到更大的羞辱和失败。摩西的律法曾禁止行邪术的事，犯者处以死刑。但背道的犹太人却时时在暗地里行邪术。在保罗访问以弗所的日子，以弗所城内有几个犹太术士，看见保罗所行的神迹，就声称自己也有同样的能力。他们相信耶稣的名字具有符咒的作用，就决定用保罗所用的办法赶鬼。{3SP 423.1}[23]
§48
But He to whom all the spirits of evil were subject, and who had given his servants authority over them, was about to bring still greater shame and defeat upon those who despised and profaned his holy name. Sorcery had been prohibited in the Mosaic law, on pain of death, yet from time to time it had been secretly practiced by apostate Jews. At the time of Pauls visit to Ephesus, there were in the city certain Jewish exorcists, who, seeing the wonders wrought by him, claimed to possess equal power. Believing that the name of Jesus acted as a charm, they determined to cast out evil spirits by the same means which the apostle had employed. {3SP 423.1}[23]
§49
犹太祭司士基瓦的七个儿子想要尝试这事。他们找到一个被鬼魔附着的人，对他说:“我奉保罗所传的耶稣，敕令你们出来！”但恶鬼嘲弄地回答说:“耶稣我认识，保罗我也知道，你们却是谁呢”（徒19:13-15）？恶鬼所附的人就跳在他们身上，用疯狂的暴力殴打他们，叫他们赤着身子受了伤，从那房子里逃出去了。{3SP 423.2}[24]
§50
An attempt was made by seven brothers, the sons of one Sceva, a Jewish priest. Finding a man possessed with a demon, they addressed him, We adjure thee by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth. But the evil spirit answered with scorn, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? and the one possessed sprang on them with frantic violence, and beat and bruised them, so that they fled out of the house, naked and wounded. {3SP 423.2}[24]
§51
那些妄用耶稣圣名之人狼狈的状况很快在以弗所的犹太人和外邦人中传开了。基督名字的神圣性质有了明证。人人都看出，凡不相信救主神圣使命的人，如果妄用这名，就必招致危险。许多人心里恐惧，大家都把福音工作看作威严可敬的了。{3SP 423.3}[25]
§52
The discomfiture and humiliation of those who had profaned the name of Jesus, soon became known throughout Ephesus, by Jews and Gentiles. Unmistakable proof had been given of the sacredness of that name, and the peril which they incurred who should invoke it while they had no faith in Christs divine mission. Terror seized the minds of many, and the work of the gospel was regarded by all with awe and reverence. {3SP 423.3}[25]
§53
这时，那些从前隐瞒的事实都赤露敞开了。信徒当中有一些人在接受基督教之后还没有完全放弃他们的异教迷信。他们多少还在继续行邪术。如今他们因近来所发生的事感悟到自己的错谬，就来到保罗这里彻底坦白，公开承认自己的秘术是欺骗性和邪恶的。许多术士发誓放弃行邪术的行为，接受基督为他们的救主。他们把那些写着神秘的“以弗所文字”和法术奥秘的贵重书籍堆积起来在众人面前烧掉。烧掉以后，他们计算书价，共合五万块银子，约等于一万美元。{3SP 424.1}[26]
§54
Facts which had previously been concealed were now brought to light. In accepting Christianity, some of the brethren had not fully renounced their heathen superstitions. The practice of magic was still to some extent continued among them. Convinced of their error by the events which had recently occurred, they came and made a full confession to Paul, and publicly acknowledged their secret arts to be deceptive and Satanic. Many sorcerers also abjured the practice of magic, and received Christ as their Saviour. They brought together the costly books containing the mysterious Ephesian letters, and the secrets of their art, and burned them in the presence of all the people. When the books had been consumed, they proceeded to reckon up the value of the sacrifice. It was estimated at fifty thousand pieces of silver, equal to about ten thousand dollars. {3SP 424.1}[26]
§55
这些事件所产生的广泛影响甚至超过了保罗当时所料到的。基督能力的这种显示为基督教在这个迷信的堡垒中赢得了一次伟大的胜利。消息从以弗所传到远近各处，基督的圣工就得了强大的推动力。在使徒保罗跑尽了他当跑的路很久之后，这些事仍然生动地留在人们的记忆之中，并因此引领多人悔改相信福音。{3SP 424.2}[27]
§56
The influence of these events was more widespread than even Paul then realized. The manifestation of the power of Christ was a grand victory for Christianity in the very stronghold of superstition. From Ephesus the news was widely circulated, and a strong impetus was given to the cause of Christ. These scenes in the ministry of Paul lived in the memory of men, and were the means of converting many to the gospel, long after the apostle himself had finished his course. {3SP 424.2}[27]
§57
以弗所悔改信主的人焚烧他们邪术的书籍，表明他们憎恶过去所喜欢的事物。他们过去之所以得罪上帝并危害他们自己的心灵，乃是因为他们施行邪术的事；所以他们对邪术显出那么大的愤恨。这也是显明他们真正悔改的凭据。{3SP 425.1}[28]
§58
When the Ephesian converts burned their books on magic, they showed that the things in which they had once most delighted were now the most abhorred. It was by and through magic that they had especially offended God and imperiled their souls, and it was against magic that they showed such indignation. Here was given the best evidence of true conversion. {3SP 425.1}[28]
§59
那些有关占卜的著作包含与邪灵交通的规则和方式。这都是敬拜撒但的条例——有关如何求得他的帮助和获得他的指示的一些方法。信徒如果保留这些书籍，无异自招试探；如果卖给别人，则必使别人受其引诱。他们已经放弃黑暗的国度，所以为要败坏撒但的权势起见，他们不惜任何牺牲。真理就是这样战胜了人的偏见、爱好和贪爱金钱的心。{3SP 425.2}[29]
§60
Those treatises on divination contained rules and forms of communication with evil spirits. They were the regulations of the worship of Satan,--directions for soliciting his help and obtaining information from him. By retaining these books, the disciples would have exposed themselves to temptation; by selling them they would have placed temptation in the way of others. They had renounced the kingdom of darkness, and they did not hesitate at any sacrifice to destroy its power. Thus the truth triumphed over mens prejudices, their favorite pursuits, and their love of money. {3SP 425.2}[29]
§61
有人盲目轻信地以为异教的迷信在现代文明的影响之下已经绝迹了。但是上帝的话和一些严酷的事实都说明在这个基督化的时代和基督教的国家里仍有行邪术的事，正如古时一样。古时的邪术实际上就是今日之所谓招魂术。撒但装成死去的亲友迷惑千万人的心。圣经明说:“死了的人，毫无所知”(传9:5)。他们的思想、他们的爱、他们的恨，早就消灭了。死人决不能与活人交通。然而这个过去曾装成蛇欺骗夏娃的撒但，本着他一贯的狡计用这种办法控制了人心。{3SP 425.3}[30]
§62
It is fondly supposed that heathen superstitions have disappeared before the civilization of the nineteenth century. But the word of God and the stern testimony of facts declare that sorcery is practiced in this Christian age and Christian nation as verily as by the old-time magicians. The ancient system of magic is, in reality, the same as that which is now known as modern Spiritualism. Satan is finding access to thousands of minds by presenting himself under the guise of departed friends. The Scriptures of truth declare that the dead know not anything. Their thoughts, their love, their hatred, have perished. The dead do not hold communion with the living. But true to his early cunning, when in the form of a serpent he deceived the mother of our race, Satan employs this device to gain control of the minds of men. {3SP 425.3}[30]
§63
异教的术士和今日的灵媒、占卦、看相、算命的人是一样的。古时在隐多珥和以弗所讲话的神秘声音，今日仍在用虚谎的话误导世人。异教崇拜的秘密仪式被秘密团体和降神会，当代术士的隐语和奇迹所代替。成千上万不肯接受圣经和圣灵亮光的人都热心接受他们的表演。当他们以蔑视的口气讲到古代的术士时，那个大骗子却因他们屈从于他另一种形式的狡计而得意洋洋。{3SP 426.1}[31]
§64
The heathen oracles have their counterpart in the spiritualistic mediums, the clairvoyants, and fortune-tellers of today. The mystic voices that spoke at Endor and Ephesus, are still by their lying words misleading the children of men. The mysteries of heathen worship are replaced by the secret associations and seances, the obscurities and wonders, of the sorcerers of our time. Their disclosures are eagerly received by thousands who refuse to accept light from Gods word or from his Spirit. While they speak with scorn of the magicians of old, the great deceiver laughs in triumph as they yield to his arts in a different form. {3SP 426.1}[31]
§65
撒但的代理人自称能治病。他们声称运用磁力、电力或所谓的“同情疗法”。其实他们所自夸的磁力直接出于撒但的邪术。他就是用这种方法迷惑了人的身体和心灵。{3SP 426.2}[32]
§66
His agents still claim to cure disease. They profess to employ electricity, magnetism, or the so-called sympathetic remedies; but in truth the magnetic power of which they boast is directly attributable to the sorcery of Satan. By this means he casts his spell over the bodies and souls of men. {3SP 426.2}[32]
§67
现在有些患病或死了亲友的人或好奇的人和正在与邪灵交通。凡胆敢这样行的人都是自陷险境。圣经的真理说明上帝如何看待他们。古时有一个王派人去求问异教的术士，上帝向他做出了宣判:“你们去问以革伦神巴力西卜，岂因以色列中没有上帝吗？所以耶和华如此说，你必不下你所上的床，必定要死”(王下1:3,4)。{3SP 426.3}[33]
§68
The sick, the bereaved, the curious, are communicating with evil spirits. All who venture here are on dangerous ground. The word of truth declares how God regards them. In ancient times he pronounced judgments upon one who sent for counsel to a heathen oracle: Is it not because there is not a God in Israel that thou sendest to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. {3SP 426.3}[33]
§69
看得见和看不见的世界是紧密相联系的。如果那遮蔽我们眼目的帷幔能以揭开，我们就可以看见恶使者用各样的诡计施行欺骗和毁灭。无论何处若发出使人忘记上帝的影响，那里就有撒但发挥他蛊惑的力量。凡胆敢踏入放荡不信的场所，通过个人接触或新闻媒介设法与纵欲派，怀疑派，亵渎上帝者交往的人，实际上正在玩弄邪术。他们的心灵会不知不觉地被迷惑，污秽。今日上帝的子民必须留意使徒对以弗所教会的劝告:“那愚昧无益的事，不要与人同行，倒要责备行这事的人”(弗5:11)。{3SP 427.1}[34]
§70
The visible and the invisible world are in close contact. Could the veil be lifted, we would see evil angels employing all their arts to deceive and destroy. Wherever an influence is exerted to cause men to forget God, there Satan is exercising his bewitching power. All who venture into scenes of dissipation or irreligious pleasure, or seek the society of the sensualist, the skeptic, or the blasphemer, by personal intercourse or through the medium of the press, are tampering with sorcery. Ere they are aware, the mind is bewildered and the soul polluted. The apostles admonition to the Ephesian church should be heeded by the people of God today: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. {3SP 427.1}[34]