第07章 约翰的品格
§1
第07章 约翰的品格
§2
chap. 07 - The Character of John
§3
使徒约翰与其他使徒有别，他乃是“耶稣所爱的”门徒（约21:20）。他的性格既不胆怯、软弱或动摇，又具有和蔼可亲的脾气和一颗温暖的爱心。他似乎是享受了基督的友谊到了非常的程度。他也多方面得到救主的信任和慈爱。他是蒙准在变像的山上看见基督的荣耀，并在客西马尼园看见祂惨痛的三个门徒之一。当救主在十字架上受苦的最后时辰中，那受托照顾主母亲的，也就是这个约翰。{SL 53.1}[1]
§4
The apostle John was distinguished above his brethren as the disciple whom Jesus loved. While not in the slightest degree cowardly, weak, or vacillating in character, he possessed an amiable disposition and a warm, loving heart. He seems to have enjoyed, in a pre-eminent sense, the friendship of Christ, and he received many tokens of the Saviours confidence and love. He was one of the three permitted to witness Christs glory upon the mount of transfiguration and His agony in Gethsemane; and to the care of John our Lord confided His mother in those last hours of anguish upon the cross. {SL 53.1}[1]
§5
耶稣所爱的门徒约翰以全副的精力和热诚的献身来报答救主对他的爱。约翰依恋于基督，正如葡萄树依附于雄伟的支柱一样。他为夫子的缘故冒险到审判厅去，并留连于十字架下。及至他听见基督已经复活的消息，他就赶紧跑到坟墓去，在热烈的情绪之下竟追过了急性的彼得。{SL 53.2}[2]
§6
The Saviours affection for the beloved disciple was returned with all the strength of ardent devotion. John clung to Christ as the vine clings to the stately pillar. For his Masters sake he braved the dangers of the judgment hall and lingered about the cross; and at the tidings that Christ had risen, he hastened to the sepulcher, in his zeal outstripping even the impetuous Peter. {SL 53.2}[2]
§7
约翰对他夫子的爱不只是人的情谊，而是一位悔改的罪人因感受到蒙基督宝血所救赎而产生的爱。他觉得为主服务效劳和受苦乃是最大的尊荣。他因爱耶稣而爱一切基督所代死的人。他的宗教具有实际的性质。他分析说，爱上帝的心会表现在爱祂的儿女上。他一再说：“亲爱的弟兄啊，上帝既是这样爱我们，我们也当彼此相爱”（约壹4:11）。“我们爱，因为上帝先爱我们。人若说，我爱上帝，却恨他的弟兄，就是说谎话的;不爱他所能看见的弟兄，就不能爱没有看见的上帝”（19，20节）。使徒约翰的生活是与他的教训相符的。那蕴藏在他心中对于基督的爱，使他诚恳而恒切地为同胞，尤其是为基督教会内的弟兄作工。他是一个有能力的传道人，热心而且非常诚恳。他的言辞大有力量，感服人心。{SL 53.3}[3]
§8
Johns love for his Master was not a mere human friendship, but it was the love of a repentant sinner, who felt that he had been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. He esteemed it the highest honor to work and suffer in the service of his Lord. His love for Jesus led him to love all for whom Christ died. His religion was of a practical character. He reasoned that love to God would be manifested in love to His children. He was heard again and again to say, Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another (1 John 4:11). We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (verses 19,20). The apostles life was in harmony with his teachings. The love which glowed in his heart for Christ, led him to put forth the most earnest, untiring labor for his fellow men, especially for his brethren in the Christian church. He was a powerful preacher, fervent, and deeply in earnest, and his words carried with them a weight of conviction. {SL 53.3}[3]
§9
【因恩典而成为新造的人】
§10
约翰在品格和生活上所表现信赖的爱心与无私的献身，对于基督教会有极宝贵的教训。有人认为约翰有这样的爱心，并不靠上帝的恩典。其实他天性上有许多严重的缺点。他不但骄傲自大，野心勃勃，而且一受轻视和伤害就生气。{SL 54.1}[4]
§11
【A New Creature Through Grace】
§12
The confiding love and unselfish devotion manifested in the life and character of John present lessons of untold value to the Christian church. Some may represent him as possessing this love independent of divine grace; but John had, by nature, serious defects of character; he was proud and ambitious, and quick to resent slight and injury. {SL 54.1}[4]
§13
约翰对他夫子感情的深厚和热忱，不是基督爱他的原因，而是基督爱他的结果。约翰希望变成耶稣的样式。在基督之爱改变人心的影响力之下，他变得心里柔和谦卑。自我藏在耶稣里面。他与活葡萄树紧密相连，从而与上帝的性情有份。这是与基督联合的结果，是真正的成圣。{SL 54.2}[5]
§14
The depth and fervor of Johns affection for his Master was not the cause of Christs love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ, he became meek and lowly of heart. Self was hid in Jesus. He was closely united to the Living Vine, and thus became a partaker of the divine nature. Such will ever be the result of communion with Christ. This is true sanctification. {SL 54.2}[5]
§15
人也许在品格上有显著的缺点，但他成为耶稣的真门徒后，上帝恩典的能力就会使他成为新造的人。基督的爱改变了他，使他成圣。但是人若自称为基督徒，而他的宗教并没有使他在生活的各方面成为更好的人－－在性情和品格上作基督的活代表－－他们就与祂毫无关系。{SL 55.1}[6]
§16
There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Jesus, the power of divine grace makes him a new creature. Christs love transforms, sanctifies him. But when persons profess to be Christians, and their religion does not make them better men and better women in all the relations of life--living representatives of Christ in disposition and character--they are none of His. {SL 55.1}[6]
§17
【品格建造的教训】
§18
有一次，约翰与他的几位弟兄争辩他们中间谁应算为最大的。他们无意让所说的话落入夫子的耳中。但耶稣洞悉他们的思想，就利用机会给祂门徒谦卑的教训。这个教训不只是给当时听祂说话的少数人，而要记录下来，造就祂所有的门徒，直到末日。“耶稣坐下，叫十二个门徒来，说，若有人愿意作首先的，他必作众人末后的，作众人的用人”（可9:35）。{SL 55.2}[7]
§19
【Lessons in Character Building】
§20
At one time John engaged in a dispute with several of his brethren as to which of their number should be accounted greatest. They did not intend their words to reach the ear of the Master; but Jesus read their hearts, and embraced the opportunity to give His disciples a lesson of humility. It was not only for the little group who listened to His words, but was to be recorded for the benefit of all His followers to the close of time. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35). {SL 55.2}[7]
§21
凡感染了基督精神的人，不会有野心占据高于他们弟兄的地位。凡在自己眼中看为小的人，必在上帝眼中看为大的。“于是领过一个小孩子来，叫他站在门徒中间，又抱起他来，对他们说，凡为我名接待一个象这小孩子的，就是接待我；凡接待我的，不是接待我，乃是接待那差我来的”（可9:36, 37）。{SL 55.3}[8]
§22
Those who possess the spirit of Christ will have no ambition to occupy a position above their brethren. It is those who are small in their own eyes who will be accounted great in the sight of God. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me (verses 36, 37). {SL 55.3}[8]
§23
这对于所有基督的门徒是何等宝贵的教训啊！那些忽略直接摆在自己道路上的人生职责，甚至对小孩子也忽略怜悯与亲切，礼貌与仁爱的人，乃是在忽略基督。约翰感受到这个教训的重要性，从中受益。{SL 56.1}[9]
§24
What a precious lesson is this for all the followers of Christ! Those who overlook the life duties lying directly in their pathway, who neglect mercy and kindness, courtesy and love, to even a little child, are neglecting Christ. John felt the force of this lesson and profited by it. {SL 56.1}[9]
§25
还有一次，他和他的兄弟雅各看见有一个人奉耶稣的名赶鬼。因他没有立时参加他们的团体，他们便断定那人没有权利行这样的神迹，不许他再这样作。约翰诚心实意地将这些情况告诉他的主。耶稣说：“不要禁止他，因为没有人奉我的名行异能，反倒轻易毁谤我。不敌挡我们的，就是帮助我们的”（39，40节）。{SL 56.2}[10]
§26
On another occasion his brother James and himself had seen a man casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and because he did not immediately connect himself with their company, they decided that he had no right to do this work, and consequently forbade him. In the sincerity of his heart John related the circumstance to his Master. Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part (verses 39, 40). {SL 56.2}[10]
§27
又有一次，雅各和约翰的母亲代他们向耶稣请求准许他们在基督的国里占最高的尊位。救主回答说：“你们不知道所求的是什么”（可10:38）。 我们许多人并不明白自己祷告的真正意义。耶稣知道要购买该种荣耀，必须付出无限的牺牲。祂“因那摆在前面的喜乐，就轻看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦难”（来12:2）。这种喜乐就是看见生灵因祂的屈辱、痛苦和所流的血而得救。{SL 56.3}[11]
§28
Again, James and John presented by their mother a petition requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest positions of honor in Christs kingdom. The Saviour answered, Ye know not what ye ask (Mark 10:38). How little do many of us understand the true import of our prayers! Jesus knew the infinite sacrifice at which that glory must be purchased, when He, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2). That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood. {SL 56.3}[11]
§29
这就是基督所要享受的荣耀，也是这两位门徒要求分享的。耶稣问他们：“我所喝的杯，你们能喝吗？我所受的洗，你们能受吗？他们说，我们能”（可10:38，39）。{SL 57.1}[12]
§30
This was the glory which Christ was to receive, and which these two disciples had requested that they might be permitted to share. Jesus asked them, Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can (Mark 10:38, 39). {SL 57.1}[12]
§31
他们对那种洗的意义了解得多么少啊！耶稣说：“我所喝的杯，你们也要喝；我所受的洗，你们也要受。只是坐在我的左右，不是我可以赐的，乃是为谁预备的，就赐给谁”（可10:39，40）。{SL 57.2}[13]
§32
How little did they comprehend what that baptism signified! Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared (verses 39, 40). {SL 57.2}[13]
§33
【责备骄傲与野心】
§34
耶稣洞悉那引起这个要求的动机，所以责备这两个门徒的骄傲和野心说：“你们知道，外邦人有尊为君王的治理他们，有大臣操权管束他们。只是在你们中间，不是这样。你们中间，谁愿为大，就必作你们的用人，在你们中间，谁愿为首，就必作众人的仆人。因为人子来，并不是要受人的服事，乃是要服事人，并且要舍命，作多人的赎价”（42-45节）。{SL 57.3}[14]
§35
【Pride and Ambition Reproved】
§36
Jesus understood the motives which prompted the request, and thus reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples: Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (verses 42-45). {SL 57.3}[14]
§37
有一次基督差遣使者在祂前面，到撒玛利亚的一个村庄，要村上的人为祂和祂门徒预备饮食。但当救主走近那村庄时，祂好像是要经过这里直往耶路撒冷去。这事引起了撒玛利亚人的敌意，所以他们非但没有差人去请祂住下，而且连接待一个普通行路之人的殷勤也不肯表示。耶稣从来不勉强任何人款留祂。撒玛利亚人倒丧失了祂所赐的福。如果他们能恳请祂作他们的贵客，这个福分就必然是他们的了。{SL 57.4}[15]
§38
Upon one occasion Christ sent messengers before Him unto a village of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments for Himself and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the town, He appeared to be passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused the enmity of the Samaritans, and instead of sending messengers to invite and even urge Him to tarry with them, they withheld the courtesies which they would have given to a common wayfarer. Jesus never urges His presence upon any, and the Samaritans lost the blessing which would have been granted them had they solicited Him to be their guest. {SL 57.4}[15]
§39
我们可能因为人这样慢待天上的至尊而奇怪。但我们自称为基督门徒的人却多么频繁地犯下同样疏忽的罪啊！我们有没有恳求耶稣住在我们的心中或我们家里呢？祂满怀慈爱、恩典与福惠，准备将这些福气赐给我们。但我们往往象撒玛利亚人那样，没有享受这些福惠却仍心满意足。{SL 58.1}[16]
§40
We may wonder at this uncourteous treatment of the Majesty of heaven, but how frequently are we who profess to be the followers of Christ guilty of similar neglect. Do we urge Jesus to take up His abode in our hearts and in our homes? He is full of love, of grace, of blessing, and stands ready to bestow these gifts upon us; but, like the Samaritans, we are often content without them. {SL 58.1}[16]
§41
门徒知道基督的目的原是要藉着祂的光临而使撒玛利亚人得福；但撒玛利亚人对他们的夫子所表显的冷淡、嫉妒和不敬，使他们大为惊奇，满心愤慨。雅各和约翰尤其感到激怒。他们所那么恭敬的主竟受到这样的待遇，这在他们看来，似乎是一项太严重的罪行，不容轻易放过，而应予以迅速的惩罚。他们满腔热情地提到从前撒玛利亚的五十夫长同他的五十人奉王命捉拿以利亚时被烧灭的故事，并对耶稣说：“主啊，祢要我们吩咐火从天上降下来，烧灭他们，象以利亚所做的吗” （路9:54）？{SL 58.2}[17]
§42
The disciples were aware of the purpose of Christ to bless the Samaritans with His presence; and when they saw the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master, they were filled with surprise and indignation. James and John were especially stirred. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus treated, seemed to them a crime too great to be passed over without immediate punishment. In their zeal they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (Luke 9:54), referring to the destruction of the Syrian captains and their companies sent out to take the prophet Elijah. {SL 58.2}[17]
§43
耶稣责备祂的门徒说：“你们的心如何，你们并不知道，人子来不是要灭人的性命，是要救人的性命”（55，56节）。约翰和其他门徒都是在由基督担任教师的学校里学习的。凡希望认识到自己的缺点，渴望改善自己品行的人，都有充足的机会。约翰重视每一项教训，不断地努力使他自己的生活符合那神圣的榜样。基督的教训说明柔和、谦卑和慈爱，对于在恩典中长进和为主工作的资格都是不可缺少的。这教训对于约翰是非常有价值的。这些教训也是赐给我们每一个人，和教会中所有弟兄姐妹的，就象赐给基督早期的门徒那样。{SL 59.1}[18]
§44
Jesus rebuked His disciples, saying, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy mens lives, but to save them (verses 55, 56). John and his fellow disciples were in a school in which Christ was teacher. Those who were ready to see their own defects, and were anxious to improve in character, had ample opportunity. John treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the Divine Pattern. The lessons of Jesus, setting forth meekness, humility, and love as essential to growth in grace, and a fitness for his work, were of the highest value to John. These lessons are addressed to us as individuals and as brethren in the church, as well as to the first disciples of Christ. {SL 59.1}[18]
§45
【约翰和犹大】
§46
约翰与犹大在品格上显著的区别，给了我们深刻的教训。约翰是成圣的活范例。反之，犹大虽有敬虔的外表，品格却更象撒但而不象上帝。他自称是基督的门徒，却在言行上否认基督。{SL 59.2}[19]
§47
【John and Judas】
§48
An instructive lesson may be drawn from the striking contrast between the character of John and that of Judas. John was a living illustration of sanctification. On the other hand, Judas possessed a form of godliness, while his character was more satanic than divine. He professed to be a disciple of Christ, but in words and in works denied Him. {SL 59.2}[19]
§49
犹大拥有与约翰一样宝贵的机会，可以学习并效法那神圣的模范。他听过基督的教训。他的品格可以因上帝的恩典而改变。约翰认真地与自己的缺点作斗争，努力变成基督的样式。犹大却违背自己的良心，屈从试探，养成不诚实的恶习，变成撒但的模样。{SL 59.3}[20]
§50
Judas had the same precious opportunities as had John to study and to imitate the Pattern. He listened to the lessons of Christ, and his character might have been transformed by divine grace. But while John was earnestly warring against his own faults and seeking to assimilate to Christ, Judas was violating his conscience, yielding to temptation, and fastening upon himself habits of dishonesty that would transform him into the image of Satan. {SL 59.3}[20]
§51
这两位门徒代表基督教世界。大家都自称为基督的门徒。可是一等人谦卑温柔地行事为人，向耶稣学习，另一等人则表明自己没有行道，只是听道。一等人因真理而成圣，另一等却不了解上帝恩典改变人心的大能。一等人天天向自己死，战胜罪恶。另一等人则放纵私欲，成为撒但的奴仆。{SL 60.1}[21]
§52
These two disciples represent the Christian world. All profess to be Christs followers; but while one class walk in humility and meekness, learning of Jesus, the other show that they are not doers of the word, but hearers only. One class are sanctified through the truth; the other know nothing of the transforming power of divine grace. The former are daily dying to self, and are overcoming sin. The latter are indulging their own lusts, and becoming the servants of Satan. {SL 60.1}[21]