救赎论 E

第7章 彼得宣教和保罗悔改
§1 第07本：彼得宣教和保罗悔改
§2 7 Red-OR THE MINISTRY OF PETER AND THE CONVERSION OF SAUL
§3 对于所有关心上帝圣工和早期教会发展的人来说，使徒工作的历史构成了特别有吸引力的篇章。常话说，历史会不断重演。所以教会的经历也在不断重演。从使徒的经历中，我们往往读到自己的经历。就已经读过同一作者所写基督生平小册子的人而言，我们无须赘言其淳朴感人的文体，以及粗心的人常常忽略的新颖而出众的思考。我们把这份材料推荐给读者，为他们理解圣经所记这些上帝仆人的生活和经历给我们带来的教训提供有价值的帮助。---出版者{7Red 2.1}[1]
§4 To the Reader
§5 To all who are interested in the service of God, and the progress of the church on earth, the history of the work of the apostles furnishes a chapter of peculiar attractions. History, it is said, repeats itself. So the experience of the church repeats itself; and in the experiences of the apostles we read, in many particulars, our own. To those who have read the series of pamphlets on the life of Christ, by the same author, we need say nothing about the chaste and impressive style in which the matter is presented, nor the new and striking thoughts which by the casual thinker would be unperceived. We commend this to the reader as a valuable help in understanding the lessons the Scriptures would teach us in what they have recorded of the lives and experiences of these servants of God.?---Publishers.{7Red 2.1}[1]
§6 《基督的使徒》 五旬节
§7 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）。{7Red 3.1}[2]
§8 《The Apostles of Christ》
§9 The Pentecost
§10 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.”?{7Red 3.1}[2]
§11 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。{7Red 3.2}[3]
§12 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.?{7Red 3.2}[3]
§13 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。{7Red 3.3}[4]
§14 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.?{7Red 3.3}[4]
§15 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。如果今日的教会像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。{7Red 4.1}[5]
§16 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.{7Red 4.1}[5]
§17 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。{7Red 5.1}[6]
§18 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.?{7Red 5.1}[6]
§19 “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。{7Red 5.2}[7]
§20 “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.?{7Red 5.2}[7]
§21 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。{7Red 6.1}[8]
§22 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 Christ’s mission and the nature of his kingdom were comprehended with perfect clearness.?{7Red 6.1}[8]
§23 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。{7Red 6.2}[9]
§24 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 God’s 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.?{7Red 6.2}[9]
§25 “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？”{7Red 6.3}[10]
§26 “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?”?{7Red 6.3}[10]
§27 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并归主了。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。{7Red 7.1}[11]
§28 The priests and rulers were greatly enraged at this wonderful manifestation, which was reported throughout all Jerusalem and its 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.?{7Red 7.1}[11]
§29 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：{7Red 7.2}[12]
§30 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:—?{7Red 7.2}[12]
§31 “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）。{7Red 7.3}[13]
§32 “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.”?{7Red 7.3}[13]
§33 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。{7Red 8.1}[14]
§34 The effect of Peter’s 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.?{7Red 8.1}[14]
§35 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。{7Red 8.2}[15]
§36 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.?{7Red 8.2}[15]
§37 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。{7Red 8.3}[16]
§38 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 over-awed that they dared not by voice or violence attempt to stay the mighty work, and, for the time being, their opposition ceased.?{7Red 8.3}[16]
§39 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，而且作为一个教训。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。{7Red 9.1}[17]
§40 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.?{7Red 9.1}[17]
§41 答复可能以出乎意料的迅速和无法抵抗的能力来到，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，除去一切的嫉妒怨恨，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。{7Red 9.2}[18]
§42 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.?{7Red 9.2}[18]
§43 耶稣乐于赐给今日跟从祂的人勇气和恩典，像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。{7Red 10.1}[19]
§44 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.?{7Red 10.1}[19]
§45 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。{7Red 10.2}[20]
§46 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.?{7Red 10.2}[20]
§47 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。这些话正像全能者的利箭，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）。{7Red 10.3}[21]
§48 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.”?{7Red 10.3}[21]
§49 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。{7Red 11.1}[22]
§50 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.?{7Red 11.1}[22]
§51 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。{7Red 11.2}[23]
§52 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.?{7Red 11.2}[23]
§53 “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）。{7Red 11.3}[24]
§54 “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.”?{7Red 11.3}[24]
§55 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。{7Red 11.4}[25]
§56 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.?{7Red 11.4}[25]
§57 圣灵下降不久，彼得和约翰经过一番恳切的祷告之后，就上圣殿去敬拜上帝，看到一个可怜而穷困的瘸子，他已经四十岁了，一直过着痛苦多病的生活。这个不幸的人长久希望去就耶稣得蒙医治，但他几乎一筹莫展，当时离那大医师的工作地点很远。最后他那恳切的请求感动了几个慈心的人，将他抬到圣殿门口。可是到了那里，他却发现他所寄以全部希望的那位医治者已经遭人毒手，死于非命了。{7Red 12.1}[26]
§58 The Cripple Healed
§59 A short time after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and immediately after a season of fervent prayer, Peter and John, going up to the temple to worship, saw a distressed and poverty-stricken cripple, forty years of age, who had known no other life than one of pain and infirmity. This unfortunate man had long desired to go to Jesus and be healed; but he was almost helpless, and was removed far from the scene of the great Physician’s labors. Finally his earnest pleadings induced some kind persons to bear him to the gate of the temple. But upon arriving there he discovered that the Healer, upon whom his hopes were centered, had been put to a cruel death.?{7Red 12.1}[26]
§60 他的失望引起了一些人的同情，因为他们知道他久已热切地期望得到耶稣的医治，因此他们仍是天天将他抬到圣殿门口，使过路的人看见他的情况可怜他而予以周济。所以当彼得和约翰经过的时候，他也向他们求帮助。门徒对他动了慈心。彼得约翰定睛看他，彼得说：“你看我们。”“金银我都没有，只把我所有的给你，我奉拿撒勒人耶稣基督的名，叫你起来行走”（徒3:4,6）。{7Red 12.2}[27]
§61 His disappointment excited the pity of those who knew how long he had eagerly hoped and expected to be healed by Jesus, and they daily brought him to the temple, that the passers-by might be moved to give him a trifle to relieve his present wants. As Peter and John passed, he begged charity from them. The disciples regarded him with compassion. “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.” “Silver and gold have I none; but such?as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”?{7Red 12.2}[27]
§62 当彼得一说出自己的穷乏时，瘸子的脸上立刻显出失望；但及至门徒再讲下去，他脸上便焕发出希望和信心来。“于是拉着他的右手，扶他起来，他的脚和踝子骨，立刻健壮了；就跳起来，站着，又行走；同他们进了殿，走着，跳着，赞美上帝。百姓都看见他行走，赞美上帝。认得他是那素常坐在殿的美门口求周济的；就因他所遇着的事，满心希奇惊讶”（徒3:7-10）。{7Red 13.1}[28]
§63 The poor man’s countenance had fallen when Peter declared his own poverty, but grew bright with hope and faith as the disciple continued. “And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.”?{7Red 13.1}[28]
§64 犹太人都希奇，门徒也能行奇事像耶稣所行的一样。他们总以为耶稣已经死了，也希望这一切神奇的事会随着祂而消灭。然而这里却有一个瘸腿已四十年的病人，竟能因行动自如而欢喜，又没有痛苦，并因相信耶稣而快乐。{7Red 13.2}[29]
§65 The Jews were astonished that the disciples could perform miracles similar to those of Jesus. He, they supposed, was dead, and they had expected all such wonderful manifestations to cease with him. Yet here was this man who had been a helpless cripple for forty years, now rejoicing in the full use of his limbs, free from pain, and happy in believing upon Jesus.?{7Red 13.2}[29]
§66 使徒看到众人的惊奇，便问他们为什么因他们所看到的神迹而希奇，并对他们存敬畏的心，以为他们行这事是出于他们自己的能力。彼得告诉他们，这件事是靠拿撒勒人耶稣的功劳而成就的；他们曾经弃绝祂，将祂钉在十字架上，但上帝却已经使祂在第三天从死里复活了。“我们因信祂的名，祂的名便叫你们所看见所认识的这人健壮了；正是祂所赐的信心，叫这人在你们众人面前全然好了。弟兄们，我晓得你们作这事，是出于不知，你们的官长也是如此。但上帝曾借众先知的口，预言基督将要受害，就这样应验了”（徒3:16-18）。{7Red 13.3}[30]
§67 The apostles saw the amazement of the people, and questioned them why they should be astonished at the miracle which they had witnessed, and regard them with awe as though it were through their own power they had done this thing. Peter assured them it was done through the merits of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had rejected and crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead the third day. “And his name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect?soundness in the presence of you all. And now brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.”?{7Red 13.3}[30]
§68 耶稣行神迹的方式与祂的使徒们很不相同。祂说话自己就有权柄。“你洁净了吧。”“住了吧！静了吧！”祂既不犹豫地接受在这些场合献给祂的尊荣，也不设法使人们的心思转离祂自己，好像祂的神迹不是用祂自己的能力、为祂自己的荣耀行的似的。但使徒们行奇事只是奉耶稣的名，不肯将一点尊荣归他们自己。他们自称只是耶稣的工具，这耶稣曾被犹太人钉死在十字架上，但上帝已叫祂复活并高举到祂右边。祂要接受一切的尊荣和赞美。{7Red 14.1}[31]
§69 The manner of Jesus in working his miracles was very different from that of his apostles. His language was that of one who possessed power in himself: “Be thou clean.” “Peace, be still.” Neither did he hesitate to accept the honor offered him on these occasions, nor seek to divert the minds of the people from himself, as though his miracles were not wrought by his own power, for his own glory. But the apostles wrought miracles only in the name of Jesus, and refused to receive the least honor to themselves. They claimed to be only instruments of that Jesus whom the Jews had crucified, but whom God had raised and elevated to his right hand. He was to receive all the honor and praise.?{7Red 14.1}[31]
§70 在施行这次神迹之后，众人都拥到圣殿里去，彼得便在圣殿的一处向他们讲话，约翰则在另一处向他们讲话。使徒虽然直言无隐地指出犹太人拒绝并杀死生命之主的大罪，但他们却小心不将犹太人逼到自暴自弃或绝望之地。彼得宁愿断定他们行这事是出于无知，借此尽量减轻他们罪行的恶劣形势。他向他们宣称，圣灵正在召唤他们悔改己罪而重新归正；因为他们若不依靠那位他们所钉十字架之基督的慈怜，他们就别无指望；他们惟有因信基督，他们的罪才能因祂的宝血而得以涂抹。{7Red 14.2}[32]
§71 After the performance of this miracle, the people flocked together in the temple, and Peter addressed them in one part of the temple, while John spoke to them in another part. The apostles, having spoken plainly of the great crime of the Jews, in rejecting and putting to death the Prince of Life, were careful not to drive them to madness or despair. Peter was willing to lessen the atrocity of their guilt as much as possible, by presuming that they did the deed ignorantly. He declared to them that the Holy Ghost was calling for them to repent of their sins and to be converted; that there was no hope for them except through the mercy of that Christ whom?they had crucified; through faith in him only could their sins be canceled by his blood.?{7Red 14.2}[32]
§72 如此的宣讲基督复活，又说基督将要借着祂的受死与复活而使一切死人最终都从坟墓里活过来，致使撒都该人大为激怒。他们认为他们所最重视的教条已受到威胁，他们的声望也濒于危险了。有些在圣殿负责的官员和守殿官是撒都该人。于是守殿官在几位撒都该人的协助之下，就逮捕这两位使徒，将他们下到监里，因为当天时候已经太晚，不便于进行审问。{7Red 15.1}[33]
§73 This preaching the resurrection of Christ, and that through his death and resurrection he would finally bring up all the dead from their graves, deeply stirred the Sadducees. They felt that their favorite doctrine was in danger, and their reputation at stake. Some of the officials of the temple, and the captain of the temple, were Sadducees. The captain, with the help of a number of Sadducees, arrested the two apostles, and put them in prison, as it was too late for their cases to be examined that night.?{7Red 15.1}[33]
§74 这些反对基督和使徒们所传道理的人虽然不肯承认，但不得不相信耶稣确实已经从死里复活并且留在地上四十天之久；这事的证据对他们来说太有力了，没有怀疑的余地。尽管如此，他们心却没有软化，他们的良心也没有因他们所犯下将祂处死的可怕罪行而重重地击打他们。当圣灵的能力以如此显著的方式从天上降在使徒们身上时，他们虽因惧怕而没有采取暴力行动，但他们的仇恨和恶意并没有改变。已经有五千人公开宣布相信使徒们所教导的新道理，于是法利赛人和撒都该人一致认为，如果让这些新兴的教师一直宣传下去而不加以阻止，那么他们自己在民间的威信要比耶稣在世时受到更大的威胁。使徒的一两次演讲就能产生这么奇妙的效果，若是任其传讲，整个世界不久岂不都会相信基督，而祭司和官长的影响岂不就会消失殆尽吗？{7Red 15.2}[34]
§75 These opponents of Christ and of the doctrines of the apostles, could but believe, although they refused to acknowledge, that Jesus had risen from the dead and remained on the earth for forty days afterward; the evidence was too convincing for them to doubt it. Yet, nevertheless, their hearts did not soften, nor their consciences smite them for the terrible deed they had committed in putting him to death. When the power from Heaven came upon the apostles in so remarkable a manner, fear held them from violence, but their bitterness and malice were unchanged. Five thousand had already embraced the new doctrine taught by the apostles, and both Pharisees and Sadducees decided among themselves that if those teachers were suffered to go unchecked, their own influence would be in greater danger than when Jesus was upon earth. If one or two discourses from the disciples could accomplish such marvelous results, the world would soon believe on Christ if they were left free, and the influence of priests and potentates would be lost.?{7Red 15.2}[34]
§76 次日亚那与该亚法，和圣殿其他显贵们聚集要审问那两个囚犯，便将他们传来。彼得过去在这同一审判厅里，当着这同一班人，曾经可耻地否认过他的主。当这位门徒出来自己受审时，这一切都生动地涌现于他的心头了。这时他有一次好机会，来挽回他以前卑鄙的怯懦行为。{7Red 15.3}[35]
§77 The following day Annas and Caiaphas, with?the other dignitaries of the temple, met together for the trial of the prisoners, who were then brought before them. In that very room, and before those very men, Peter had shamefully denied his Lord. All this came distinctly before the mind of the disciple, as he now appeared for his own trial. He had now an opportunity of redeeming his former wicked cowardice.?{7Red 15.3}[35]
§78 当时出席的一班人，想起彼得在他夫子受审时所充当的角色，便妄想他可能因监禁和死亡的威胁而感到畏怯，殊不知这个在基督最需要安慰之时却否认祂的彼得，当日乃是一个情感冲动、自信心强的门徒，远非如今立在犹太公会前受审的彼得了。他已经归正；他不再仗赖自己，也不再骄傲自夸了。他被圣灵充满，并因圣灵的能力而坚如磐石，在彰显基督的事上敢作敢为，但却谦恭有礼。他现在准备要借尊崇他所一度否认的圣名，洗雪他从前背信的污点。{7Red 16.1}[36]
§79 The company present remembered the part Peter had acted at the trial of his Master, and they flattered themselves that he could be intimidated by the threat of imprisonment and death. But the Peter who denied Christ in the hour of his greatest need, was the impulsive, self-confident disciple, differing widely from the Peter who was before the Sanhedrim for examination that day. He had been converted; he was distrustful of self, and no longer a proud boaster. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and through its power he had become firm as a rock, courageous, yet modest, in magnifying Christ. He was ready to remove the stain of his apostasy by honoring the name he had once disowned.?{7Red 16.1}[36]
§80 祭司们一直到现在都避讳提及耶稣被钉和复活的事；但这时为要达到自己的目的，却不得不问那两个被告，他们究竟是靠什么力量使那残废的人得到奇妙的医治。彼得被圣灵充满，恭敬地对祭司和长老们说：“你们众人和以色列百姓都当知道，站在你们面前的这人得痊愈是因你们所钉十字架、上帝叫祂从死里复活的拿撒勒人耶稣基督的名。祂是你们匠人所弃的石头，已成了房角的头块石头。除祂以外，别无拯救，因为在天下人间，没有赐下别的名，我们可以靠着得救”（徒4:10-12）。{7Red 16.2}[37]
§81 Hitherto the priests had avoided having the crucifixion or resurrection of Jesus mentioned; but now, in fulfillment of their purpose, they were forced to inquire of the accused by what power they had accomplished the remarkable cure of the impotent man. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, addressed the priests and elders respectfully, and declared: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you?builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”?{7Red 16.2}[37]
§82 彼得的话有基督的印证，他的脸上有圣灵的光照。紧贴在他身边站着的，有那曾经神奇地得蒙痊愈的人，作令人信服的见证者。这个人不久之前还是一个软弱无能的瘸子，但这时身体却恢复了健康，对拿撒勒人耶稣也有了认识；他既在场，就给彼得的话作了有力的佐证。祭司、官长、和众人都哑口无言。官长们无力反驳他的话。他们无可奈何地聆听了他们所最不愿意听到的话，那就是耶稣基督复活的事实，以及祂在天上仍有能力借祂在地上的使徒施行神迹。{7Red 17.1}[38]
§83 The seal of Christ was on the words of Peter, and his countenance was illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Close beside him, as a convincing witness, stood the man who had been so miraculously cured. The appearance of this man, who but a few hours before was a helpless cripple, now restored to soundness of body, and being enlightened concerning Jesus of Nazareth, added a weight of testimony to the words of Peter. Priests, rulers, and people were silent. The rulers had no power to refute his statement. They had been obliged to hear that which they most desired not to hear,—the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and his power in Heaven to perform miracles through the medium of his apostles on earth.?{7Red 17.1}[38]
§84 基督最大的神迹——使拉撒路复活——曾使祭司决心要除灭耶稣和祂所行的奇事，因这些奇事很快地消除了他们在民间的影响力。现在他们已经把祂钉死；但这里却出现了确凿的凭据，证明他们未能阻止奉祂的名行神迹或宣讲祂所教导的真理。那瘸子的得蒙医治和使徒的传道，已经轰动了耶路撒冷全城。{7Red 17.2}[39]
§85 The crowning miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead had sealed the determination of the priests to rid the world of Jesus and his wonderful works, which were fast destroying their own influence with the people. But here was a convincing proof that the death of Jesus had not put a stop to the working of miracles in his name, nor to the promulgation of the doctrine he had taught. Already the news of the miracle, and the preaching of the apostles, had filled all Jerusalem with excitement.?{7Red 17.2}[39]
§86 彼得勇敢地声明他力量来源的这番辩护的话，竟使他们都愣住了。他已经提到那被匠人所弃的石头，已成了房角的头块石头；匠人是指那时的犹太教会当局，他们原应看出他们所拒绝之基督的可贵。彼得将这话直接用在基督身上，因为祂就是教会的基石。{7Red 17.3}[40]
§87 The defense of Peter, in which he boldly avowed from whence his strength was obtained, appalled them. He had referred to the stone set at naught by the builders which had become the head of the corner. These builders were the?authorities of the Jewish church, who should have perceived the value of Him whom they rejected. In those words he directly referred to Christ, who was the foundation-stone of the church.?{7Red 17.3}[40]
§88 众人对门徒的勇敢非常惊异。他们原以为他们既是无知的渔夫，一旦站在祭司、文士、和长老面前，就必张皇失措，无法应付。但如今却认明他们是跟过耶稣的。使徒们讲话正像耶稣过去讲话一样，话里带着令人信服的能力，使他们的敌人无言可答。祭司和官长们为掩饰他们的窘态起见，便吩咐兵丁把使徒带出去，以便商量对策。{7Red 18.1}[41]
§89 The people were amazed at the boldness of the disciples. They supposed, because they were ignorant fishermen, they would be overcome with embarrassment when confronted by the priests, scribes, and elders. But they took knowledge that they had been with Jesus. The apostles spoke as he had spoken, with a convincing power that silenced their adversaries. In order to conceal their perplexity, the priests and rulers ordered the apostles to be taken away, that they might counsel among themselves.?{7Red 18.1}[41]
§90 他们都一致认为若想否定这人是靠那位被钉之耶稣的名所赐给使徒的能力而痊愈的，必是徒然。他们乐愿用谎言把这神迹掩盖起来；但这件事乃是在光天化日众目睽睽之下行出来的，而且已为千百民众所知悉。他们觉得工作必须立刻制止，否则耶稣必要得到许多信徒，他们自己必因而受到羞辱，而且那杀害上帝儿子的罪名也必加在他们的头上。{7Red 18.2}[42]
§91 They all agreed that it would be useless to deny that the man had been healed through power given the apostles in the name of the crucified Jesus. They would gladly have covered up the miracle by falsehoods; but the work was done in the full light of day and before a crowd of people, and had already come to the knowledge of thousands. They felt that the work must be immediately stopped, or Jesus would gain many believers, their own disgrace would follow, and they would be held guilty of the murder of the Son of God.?{7Red 18.2}[42]
§92 他们虽然有意要消灭这些门徒，但他们又不敢下手，只得以最严厉的刑罚恫吓他们，不许他们再奉耶稣的名施教或行事。彼得和约翰随即勇敢地声明，他们的工作乃是上帝交付他们的，因此他们不能不传讲他们所看见，所听见的事。祭司们恨不得能因这些高尚的人坚定不移地忠于自己神圣的职守而惩办他们，但他们又惧怕群众，“这是因众人为所行的奇事都归荣耀于上帝”（徒4:21）。于是，经过多次的恫吓和禁斥之后，那两个使徒就被释放了。{7Red 18.3}[43]
§93 But notwithstanding their disposition to destroy the disciples, they dared not do worse than threaten them with the severest punishment if they continued to teach or work in the name of Jesus. Thereupon Peter and John boldly declared that their work had been given them of God, and they could not but speak the things which they had seen and heard. The priests would gladly have punished these noble men for?their unswerving fidelity to their sacred calling, but they feared the people, “for all men glorified God for that which was done.” So, with repeated threats and injunctions, the apostles were set at liberty.?{7Red 18.3}[43]
§94 当彼得和约翰被捕之后，其他的门徒既知道犹太人的险毒，便不住地为他们祷告，惟恐那加在基督身上的暴虐又将重演在他们的弟兄身上。使徒被释放以后，就立刻去找其余的门徒，把受审的结果报告给他们。信徒听了便大大欢喜。于是他们又祈求主赐给他们更大的能力，好使他们在传道的工作上有力量，因为他们看出来，他们必要遇到基督在世时所遭遇的同样坚强的反对。门徒并不想荣耀自己，而是要高举耶稣，藉着祂救人的信息救援生灵。{7Red 19.1}[44]
§95 While Peter and John were prisoners, the other disciples, knowing the malignity of the Jews, had prayed for them unceasingly, fearing that the cruelty exercised upon Christ would be repeated upon their brethren. As soon as the apostles were released they sought their anxious brethren and reported to them the result of the examination. Great was the joy of the believers, and they again betook themselves to prayer, that greater strength might be imparted to them in the work of the ministry, which they saw would meet the same determined opposition which Christ encountered when upon earth. The disciples had no desire to glorify themselves, but sought to exalt Jesus, and to rescue souls through his saving message.?{7Red 19.1}[44]
§96 当他们联合的祈祷藉着信心达到上帝面前时，祂就应允了他们。他们聚会的地方震动了。他们被圣灵充满，出去工作，以感人的能力宣讲上帝的道。每天有许多人加入教会。大批的人聚集在耶路撒冷参加这神圣的宴席。基督钉十字架和复活激动人心的场面已经调动了比平时多得多的人。当使徒们所教导的真理以令人信服的能力突然摆在他们面前时，就有数千人在一日之内悔改归主了。{7Red 19.2}[45]
§97 While their united prayers were ascending in faith to Heaven, the answer came. The place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. They went forth to their work, speaking the Word of God with convincing power, and there were daily large additions to the church. Great numbers had collected at Jerusalem to observe the sacred feast. The exciting scenes of the crucifixion and resurrection had called out a much larger number than usual. When the truth taught by the apostles was brought suddenly and with convincing power before them, thousands were converted in a day.?{7Red 19.2}[45]
§98 这些早期信徒大部分人因为犹太人的狂热固执，被迫立刻离开家人朋友。有许多悔改信主的人因随从自己良心的确信和拥护基督的事业而失去职业，且被家人驱逐，所以必须解决这一大群聚集在耶路撒冷之人饮食和住宿的需要。信徒中有钱财和产业的人欢欢喜喜地献上所有，应付急需。他们把财产放在使徒脚前，照各人所需要的，分给各人。“内中也没有一个缺乏的”（徒4:34）。{7Red 19.3}[46]
§99 These early believers were most of them?immediately cut off from family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews. Many of the converts were thrown out of business, and exiled from their homes because they followed the convictions of their consciences, and espoused the cause of Christ. It was necessary to provide this large number, congregated at Jerusalem, with homes and sustenance. Those having money and possessions cheerfully sacrificed them to the existing emergency. Their means were laid at the feet of the apostles, who made distribution to every man according as he had need; and there were none among them who lacked.?{7Red 19.3}[46]
§100 圣经中特别提到了一个高贵慈善的榜样：“有一个利未人，生在居比路，名叫约瑟，使徒称他为巴拿巴（巴拿巴翻出来就是劝慰子）。他有田地，也卖了，把价银拿来，放在使徒脚前”（徒4:36,37）。这是圣灵沛降在信徒身上的结果，使他们“一心一意”（徒4:32），有一个共同的旨趣，就是完成那交付他们的使命。他们对于弟兄和对于圣工所存的爱心，胜过喜爱钱财产业的心。他们实践自己的信仰。他们的行为证明他们看人的灵魂比属世的财产更为宝贵。{7Red 20.1}[47]
§101 One example of noble benevolence is particularly mentioned in the Scriptures: “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” This was the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit of God upon the believers. It made them of one heart and soul. They had one common interest,—the success of the mission intrusted to them. Their love for their brethren, and the cause which they had espoused, was far greater than their love for money and possessions. They acted out their faith, and by their works testified that they accounted the souls of men of far greater value than any earthly heritage.?{7Red 20.1}[47]
§102 当世界自私的爱进入人心时，灵性就死亡了。治疗爱世界之心的最好方法就是上帝之灵的沛降。当我们心里充满基督之爱的时候，我们就必要努力跟从那为我们成了贫穷、叫我们因祂的贫穷可以成为富足的主所留下的榜样。当真理的圣灵显然削弱了其信徒对世界的情意并使他们自我牺牲且乐善好施以便拯救同胞时，拥护真理的人就会对他们的听众发挥一种强大的感化力。{7Red 20.2}[48]
§103 When selfish love of the world enters the heart, spirituality dies. The very best antidote for love of the world is the outpouring of the Spirit of God. When the love of Christ takes full possession of the heart, we shall strive to follow the example of Him who for our sakes became?poor, that through his poverty we might be made rich. When it becomes apparent that the Spirit of truth weakens the affections of its disciples from the world, and renders them self-sacrificing and benevolent, in order to save their fellow-men, the advocates of the truth will have a powerful influence upon their hearers.?{7Red 20.2}[48]
§104 与上述榜样作为对照，灵感之笔还记录了一件给初期教会留下一个污点的事件：“有一个人，名叫亚拿尼亚，同他的妻子撒非喇卖了田产，把价银私自留下几分，他的妻子也知道，其余的几分拿来放在使徒脚前”（徒5:1,2）。这对夫妻曾注意到那些舍了自己的财产来供应较贫穷弟兄需要的人在信徒中受到高度尊重。所以他们就一起商量，决定卖了自己的财产，然后假装奉献全部价银到公共基金，实际却私自留下一大部分。他们就这样计划一举两得，既从公共基金领取他们高估了许多的生活费，又获得弟兄们的高度尊重。{7Red 21.1}[49]
§105 As a contrast to the example which has been cited, another case has been recorded by the inspired pen which leaves a dark stain upon the first church: “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” This couple had noted the fact that those who had parted with their possessions to supply the wants of their poorer brethren were held in high esteem among the believers. They therefore, upon consulting together, decided to sell their property, and affect to give all the proceeds into the general fund, but really to retain a large share for themselves. They thus designed to receive their living, which they intended to estimate much higher than it really was, from the common stock, and to secure the high esteem of their brethren.?{7Red 21.1}[49]
§106 然而圣洁的上帝是憎恶伪善与虚谎的。使徒们受感意识到这事的真相。当亚拿尼亚来奉献，说这就是自己的财产所卖的全部价银时，彼得对他说：“亚拿尼亚！为什么撒但充满了你的心，叫你欺哄圣灵，把田地的价银私自留下几份呢？田地还没有卖，不是你自己的吗？既卖了，价银不是你作主吗？你怎么心里起这意念呢？你不是欺哄人，是欺哄上帝了。亚拿尼亚听见这话，就仆倒，断了气。听见的人都甚惧怕”（徒5:3-5）。{7Red 21.2}[50]
§107 But a holy God hates hypocrisy and falsehood. The apostles were impressed by a sense of the true state of the case, and when Ananias presented himself with his offering, representing it as the entire proceeds of the sale of his property, Peter said to him, “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power??Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down, and gave up the ghost; and great fear came on all them that heard these things.”?{7Red 21.2}[50]
§108 彼得问道：“不是你自己的吗？”这说明亚拿尼亚和撒非喇并没有受到什么不正当的压力，被迫他们将自己的财产献作公款。他们完全有选择的自由。但为了假装被圣灵感动，欺哄使徒起见，他们竟欺哄了全能的上帝。{7Red 22.1}[51]
§109 Peter asked, “Was it not thine own?” thus showing that no undue influence had been brought to bear upon Ananias and Sapphira to compel them to sacrifice their possessions to the general good. They had acted from choice. But in pretending to be wrought upon by the Holy Ghost, and attempting to deceive the apostles, they had lied to the Almighty.?{7Red 22.1}[51]
§110 “约过了三小时，他的妻子进来，还不知道这事。彼得对她说：你告诉我，你们卖田地的价银就是这些吗？她说：就是这些。彼得说：你们为什么同心试探主的灵呢？埋葬你丈夫之人的脚已到门口，他们也要把你抬出去。妇人立刻仆倒在彼得脚前，断了气。那些少年人进来，见她已经死了，就抬出去，埋在她丈夫旁边。全教会和听见这事的人都甚惧怕”（徒5:7-11）。{7Red 22.2}[52]
§111 “And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost; and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.”?{7Red 22.2}[52]
§112 无穷智慧的上帝看明这一次对伪善者表现显著的忿怒乃是必要的措施。在公开信仰基督的人数迅速增加时，若有人自称要侍奉上帝，实际却是敬拜玛门的，教会就会蒙羞。今日有许多亚拿尼亚和撒非喇，撒但引诱他们装假，因为他们贪爱钱财。他们用各种计划和借口扣留所委托给他们用来推进上帝圣工的钱财，不交到上帝的库里。要是临到亚拿尼亚和撒非喇的惩罚临到这等人，在我们的各教会里就会有许多死尸要埋葬了。{7Red 22.3}[53]
§113 This signal manifestation of the wrath of God upon the dissemblers was a check which Infinite Wisdom knew was needed. The church would have been disgraced; if, in the rapid increase of professed Christians, there were persons professing to serve God, but worshiping mammon. There are many Ananiases and Sapphiras in our day, whom Satan tempts to dissemble, because of their love of money. By various plans and?excuses they withhold from the treasury of God the means intrusted to them for the advancement of the cause of God. Should the punishment of Ananias and Sapphira be visited upon this class, there would be many dead bodies in our churches requiring burial.?{7Red 22.3}[53]
§114 上帝之灵给使徒的证据查明了这两个贪婪伪善之人的罪恶，对他们实施的这种显著的刑罚令全体新信徒肃然起敬。从那时起他们便表现出更大的谨慎，更彻底的自省，查验自己行事的动机。在每一次大的宗教运动中，总有一类人被感情的潮流冲走，但他们不久就显出自私和虚荣。这种人决不能尊荣他们所提倡的圣工。{7Red 23.1}[54]
§115 This marked judgment upon two avaricious hypocrites, whose sin had been detected by the evidence of the Spirit of God to the apostles, excited the reverential awe of all the new converts. From that time there was greater caution manifested by them, and a more thorough self-examination, testing the motives of their actions. In any great religious movement there is always a class who are carried away by the current of feeling, but who soon reveal selfishness and vain-glory. Such persons can never be an honor to the cause they advocate.?{7Red 23.1}[54]
§116 使徒们辨识隐密罪恶的能力使弟兄们更加信任他们和他们所传讲的信息。使徒以大能继续他们慈怜的工作，医治病人并宣扬被钉十字架而又复活的救主。受洗加入教会的人数不断增多，但凡不与信基督的人完全同心合意的，就不敢加入。成群的人蜂拥到耶路撒冷去，将他们的病人和被污鬼附着的人带来。许多病人就被放在街旁，等待彼得约翰经过，以便让使徒的影子可以落在他们身上而得着医治。复活之救主的能力实在已经降在使徒身上了，他们就施行神迹奇事，使信徒的人数天天增加。{7Red 23.2}[55]
§117 The discernment of the apostles in detecting hidden sin added to the confidence of their brethren in them and the message which they preached. The apostles continued their work of mercy, in healing the afflicted and in proclaiming a crucified and risen Saviour, with great power. Numbers were continually added to the church by baptism, but none dared join them who were not united heart and mind with the believers in Christ. Multitudes flocked to Jerusalem, bringing their sick, and those who were vexed by unclean spirits. Many sufferers were laid in the streets as Peter and John passed by, that their shadows might fall upon and heal them. The power of the risen Saviour had indeed fallen upon the apostles, and they worked signs and miracles that daily increased the number of believers.?{7Red 23.2}[55]
§118 这些事使祭司和官长们，特别是撒都该人大大困恼。他们看出，如果任由使徒传讲复活的救主，并奉祂的名施行神迹，他们那主张死人不能复活的道理就要被众人所弃绝，而他们的教派不久也必消灭了。法利赛人则看出使徒传道的趋势适足以破坏犹太教的礼节，而使一切祭礼都归于无效了。他们过去试图镇压这些传道人的努力，全属徒然，但这时他们却决心要平息这种骚动。{7Red 23.3}[56]
§119 These things greatly perplexed the priests and?rulers, especially those among them who were Sadducees. They saw that if the apostles were allowed to preach a resurrected Saviour, and to do miracles in his name, their doctrine that there was no resurrection of the dead would be rejected by all, and their sect would soon become extinct. The Pharisees saw that the tendency of their preaching would be to undermine the Jewish ceremonies, and make the sacrificial offerings of none effect. Their former efforts to suppress these preachers had been in vain; but they now felt determined to put down the excitement.?{7Red 23.3}[56]
§120 于是使徒又被逮捕，下在监里，犹太公会便召集会议来审问他们的案件。除了公会正式议员之外，他们还召集了许多有学识的人，共同商议如何处置这些扰乱治安的人。“但主的使者夜间开了监门，领他们出来，说：你们去站在殿里，把这生命的道，都讲给百姓听。使徒听了这话，天将亮的时候，就进殿去教训人”（徒5:19-21）。{7Red 24.1}[57]
§121 The apostles were accordingly arrested and imprisoned, and the Sanhedrim was called to try their case. A large number of learned men, in addition to the council, were summoned, and they counseled together what should be done with these disturbers of the peace. “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught.”?{7Red 24.1}[57]
§122 当使徒们出现在信众当中，申述天使如何带领他们直接走过守监的士兵队伍，并吩咐他们继续进行那曾受祭司和官长所拦阻的工作时，弟兄们就不胜惊喜。{7Red 24.2}[58]
§123 When the apostles appeared among the believers, and recounted how the angel had led them directly through the band of soldiers guarding the prisons, and bade them resume the work which had been interrupted by the priests and rulers, the brethren were filled with joy and amazement.?{7Red 24.2}[58]
§124 祭司和官长们在会议中，决定要把造反的罪名加在使徒头上，并控告他们谋害了亚拿尼亚和撒非喇（徒5:1-11），还阴谋要篡夺祭司的权柄并且杀害他们。他们深信可以借此煽动群众，使他们对待使徒也像过去对待耶稣一样。祭司们熟知许多没有接受基督道理的人，对于犹太当局专权的统治颇感厌倦，渴望有一番决定性的改革。祭司们惟恐这些人一旦对使徒所相信的感到兴趣而且接受了，承认耶稣为弥赛亚，全体民众的愤恨就必转向他们，以致他们终于要为杀害基督的罪负责。故此他们决定采取强硬的措施来防止这事。他们终于下令将所以为是囚犯的人提到他们面前来。他们大为惊异地听到差役所带回来的报告：监牢的门关得极为妥当，看守的人也仍站在门外，但那两个囚犯却不知到哪里去了。{7Red 24.3}[59]
§125 The priests and rulers in council had decided to fix upon them the charge of insurrection, and accuse them of murdering Ananias and Sapphira, and of conspiring to deprive the priests of their authority and put them to death. They trusted?that the mob would then be excited to take the matter in hand, and to deal by the apostles as they had dealt by Jesus. They were aware that many who did not accept the doctrine of Christ were weary of the arbitrary rule of the Jewish authorities, and were anxious for some decided change. If these persons became interested in and embraced the belief of the apostles, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, they feared the anger of the entire people would be raised against the priests, who would be made to answer for the murder of Christ. They decided to take strong measures to prevent this. They finally sent for the supposed prisoners to be brought before them. Great was their amazement when the report was brought back that the prison doors were found securely bolted, and the guard stationed before them, but that the prisoners were nowhere to be found.?{7Red 24.3}[59]
§126 过不久又有报告说：“你们收在监里的人，现在站在殿里教训百姓”（徒5:25）。使徒们虽然以神奇的方式被拯救出监，但他们并不是没有受到拷问和责打。当基督还与他们同在时，曾说：“你们要谨慎，因为人要把你们交给公会”（可13:9）。上帝既差遣天使搭救他们，就此向他们表达祂的眷顾，并保证祂的同在；他们现在的本分，乃是要为他们所传扬的耶稣受苦。民众已经因所见所闻而大受感动，所以祭司和官长们知道，若想煽动他们去反对使徒乃是不可能的。{7Red 25.1}[60]
§127 Soon the report was brought: “Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.” Although the apostles were miraculously delivered from prison, they were not saved from examination and punishment. Christ has said when he was with them, “Take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to councils.” God had given them a token of his care, and an assurance of his presence, by sending the angel to them; it was now their part to suffer for the sake of that Jesus whom they preached. The people were so wrought upon by what they had seen and heard that the priests and rulers knew it would be impossible to excite them against the apostles.?{7Red 25.1}[60]
§128 “于是守殿官和差役去带使徒来，并没有用强暴；因为怕百姓用石头打他们。带到了，便叫使徒站在公会前，大祭司问他们说：我们不是严严的禁止你们，不可奉这名教训人吗？你们倒把你们的道理充满了耶路撒冷，想要叫这人的血归到我们身上”（徒5:26-28）。他们这时不想同从前同卑贱的暴徒喊叫：“祂的血归到我们和我们的子孙身上”的时候那样，乐意承担杀害耶稣的罪责了。{7Red 25.2}[61]
§129 “Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence; for they feared?the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council; and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” They were not as willing to bear the blame of slaying Jesus as when they swelled the cry with the debased mob: “His blood be on us and on our children!”?{7Red 25.2}[61]
§130 彼得和其他几位使徒提出先前受审时所遵循的同一论据进行辩护：“彼得和众使徒回答说：顺从上帝，不顺从人，是应当的。”那救他们脱离监狱又吩咐他们到殿里去教训人的，乃是上帝所差来的天使。所以他们遵从他的指示时，就是服从上帝的命令，这也是他们不计付出任何代价所必须继续从事的。彼得又说：“你们挂在木头上杀害的耶稣，我们祖宗的上帝已经叫祂复活。上帝且用右手将祂高举，叫祂作君王，作救主，将悔改的心和赦罪的恩，赐给以色列人。我们为这事作见证；上帝赐给顺从之人的圣灵，也为这事作见证”（徒5:29-32）。{7Red 26.1}[62]
§131 Peter, with the other apostles, took up the same line of defense he had followed at his former trial: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” It was the angel sent by God who delivered them from prison, and who commanded them to teach in the temple. In following his directions they were obeying the divine command, which they must continue to do at any cost to themselves. Peter continued: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”?{7Red 26.1}[62]
§132 使徒们受了圣灵的感动，以至被告变成原告；控诉那组成公会的祭司和官长们犯了杀害基督的罪。犹太人因此恼羞成怒，甚至决定不再审问，也不征求罗马当局的同意，而擅自主张用私刑将这些囚犯治死。他们已经犯了杀害基督的罪，现在还极想要双手染上祂使徒的血。然而当时却有一个有学问，有地位的人，他那清醒的头脑已看出这种强暴的措施将要导致可怕的后果。上帝从他们自己的议会中，兴起了一个人来阻止祭司和官长们的狂妄手段。{7Red 26.2}[63]
§133 The spirit of inspiration was upon the apostles, and the accused became the accusers, charging the murder of Christ upon the priests and rulers who composed the council. The Jews were so enraged at this that they decided, without any further trial, and without authority from the Roman officers, to take the law into their own hands, and put the prisoners to death. Already guilty?of the blood of Christ, they were now eager to imbrue their hands in the blood of his apostles. But there was one man of learning and high position whose clear intellect saw that this violent step would lead to terrible consequences. God raised up a man of their own council to stay the violence of the priests and rulers.?{7Red 26.2}[63]
§134 大有声望而学问渊博的教法师和法利赛人迦玛列，原是一个办事极为慎重的人；他在为囚犯说话之前，先要求把他们带出去。于是他极其从容而稳重地说：“以色列人哪，论到这些人，你们应当小心怎样办理。从前丢大起来，自夸为大：附从他的人约有四百；他被杀后，附从他的全都散了，归于无有。此后报名上册的时候，又有加利利的犹大起来，引诱些百姓跟从他，他也灭亡；附从他的人也都四散了。现在我劝你们不要管这些人，任凭他们吧；他们所谋的，所行的，若是出于人，必要败坏；若是出于上帝，你们就不能败坏他们；恐怕你们倒是攻击上帝了”（徒5:35-39）。{7Red 27.1}[64]
§135 Gamaliel, the learned Pharisee and doctor, a man of great reputation, was a person of extreme caution, who, before speaking in behalf of the prisoners, requested them to be removed. He then spoke with great deliberation and calmness: “Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him; he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”?{7Red 27.1}[64]
§136 祭司们不能不看出他的意见是合理的；所以也只得赞同他，而很不情愿地释放了那些囚犯，在释放之前，先用棍打了他们，又一再吩咐他们不可再奉耶稣的名传道，他们若胆敢传讲，就必须付上性命的代价。“他们离开公会，心里欢喜；因被算是配为这名受辱。他们就每日在殿里，在家里，不住的教训人，传耶稣是基督”（徒5:41.42）。{7Red 27.2}[65]
§137 The priests could not but see the reasonableness of his views; they were obliged to agree with him, and very reluctantly released the prisoners, after beating them with rods, and charging them again and again to preach no more in the name of Jesus, or their lives would pay the penalty of their boldness. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that?they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”?{7Red 27.2}[65]
§138 “那时，门徒增多，有说希腊话的犹太人向希伯来人发怨言：因为在天天的供给上忽略了他们的寡妇”（徒6:1）。这些说希腊话的犹太人乃是其他通用希腊话的国家的居民。显然信基督之人中大多数是讲希伯来话的犹太人，但是这些人曾经住在罗马帝国，只讲希腊话；他们中间有人发怨言说，讲希腊话的寡妇没有受到希伯来的穷人所受的慷慨待遇。任何像这一类的偏心都是使上帝忧伤的；故此他们采取了及时的措施，恢复了信徒之间的和平与和谐。{7Red 28.1}[66]
§139 The Seven Deacons
§140 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” These Grecians were residents of other countries, where the Greek language was spoken. By far the larger number of converts were Jews who spoke Hebrew; but these had lived in the Roman Empire, and spoke only Greek. Murmurings began to rise among them that the Grecian widows were not so liberally supplied as the needy among the Hebrews. Any partiality of this kind would have been grievous to God; and prompt measures were taken to restore peace and harmony to the believers.?{7Red 28.1}[66]
§141 圣灵提供了一个方法让使徒们可以摆脱分配供给穷人和类似的工作，以便专心传讲基督。“十二使徒叫众门徒来对他们说，我们撇下上帝的道去管理饭食，原是不合宜的。所以弟兄们，当从你们中间选出七个有好名声，被圣灵充满，智慧充足的人，我们就派他们管理这事，但我们要专心以祈祷传道为事”（徒6:2-4）。{7Red 28.2}[67]
§142 The Holy Spirit suggested a method whereby the apostles might be relieved from the task of apportioning to the poor, and similar burdens, so that they could be left free to preach Christ. “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”?{7Red 28.2}[67]
§143 于是教会就遵照建议选了七个满有信心和圣灵所赐之智慧的人去处理圣工事务方面的问题。司提反是第一个当选的；以他的出生及信仰说，他是犹太人，但他会讲希腊话，并且精通希腊人的风俗习惯。所以他被认为是最适于领导并监管分配款项给寡妇、孤儿和其他应得帮助之穷人的工作。这次的选举符合了众人的愿望，于是先前所发生的不满和怨言就平息了。{7Red 28.3}[68]
§144 The church accordingly selected seven men full?of faith and the wisdom of the Spirit of God, to attend to the business pertaining to the cause. Stephen was chosen first; he was a Jew by birth and religion, but spoke the Greek language, and was conversant with the customs and manners of the Greeks. He was therefore considered the most proper person to stand at the head, and have supervision of the disbursement of the funds appropriated to the widows, orphans, and the worthy poor. This selection met the minds of all, and the dissatisfaction and murmuring were quieted.?{7Red 28.3}[68]
§145 这七个当选人是借祈祷和按手礼严肃地分别出来担负他们的职分的。那些如此被按立的人并没有因此丧失传道的资格，圣经反而记载说：“司提反满得恩惠能力，在民间行了大奇事和神迹”（徒6:8）。他们满有将真理教导人的资格，他们也是具有稳健的判断力和智慧的人，足以应付会内的争讼、埋怨或嫉妒。{7Red 29.1}[69]
§146 The seven chosen men were solemnly set apart for their duties by prayer and the laying on of hands. Those who were thus ordained, were not thereby excluded from teaching the faith. On the contrary, it is recorded that “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” They were fully qualified to instruct in the truth. They were also men of calm judgment and discretion, well calculated to deal with difficult cases of trial, of murmuring or jealousy.?{7Red 29.1}[69]
§147 这种拣选人负责办理教会的事务，让使徒可以自由从事他们教导真理的特别工作的办法，蒙上帝大大赐福，教会在人数和力量方面继续进步。“上帝的道兴旺起来；在耶路撒冷门徒数目加增的甚多，也有许多祭司信从了这道”（徒6:7）。{7Red 29.2}[70]
§148 This choosing of men to transact the business of the church, so that the apostles could be left free for their special work of teaching the truth, was greatly blessed of God. The church advanced in numbers and strength. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”?{7Red 29.2}[70]
§149 今日的教会像在使徒时代一样，需要维持秩序与规律。圣工的兴旺大有赖于它的各个部门由能干的、资格充足的人负责。那些蒙上帝拣选领导真理圣工，并关心谋求教会属灵益处的人，应当尽可能摆脱属世方面的愁虑和烦恼。上帝所呼召在真道与教训方面服务的人应该有默想、祈祷和研读圣经的时间。他们如果埋头在事务方面琐碎的细节及应付教会中各种不同性格的人，他们清晰的属灵的辨识力势必变得模糊。按理一切属世的问题应该交给负责处理这些问题的人去解决。但如果这些问题格外复杂，他们的智慧无法应付，就应与那些监管整个教会的人共同商议。{7Red 29.3}[71]
§150 It is necessary that the same order and system should be maintained in the church now as in the days of the apostles. The prosperity of the cause depends very largely upon its various?departments being conducted by men of ability, who are qualified for their positions. Those who are chosen of God to be leaders in the cause of truth, having the general oversight of the spiritual interest of the church, should be relieved, as far as possible, from cares and perplexities of a temporal nature. Those whom God has called to minister in word and doctrine should have time for meditation, prayer, and study of the Scriptures. Their clear spiritual discernment is dimmed by entering into the lesser details of business, and dealing with the various temperaments of those who meet together in church capacity. It is proper for all matters of a temporal nature to come before the proper officers, and be by them adjusted. But if they are of so difficult a character as to baffle their wisdom, they should be carried into the council of those who have the oversight of the entire church.?{7Red 29.3}[71]
§151 司提反在圣工上非常活跃，并且勇敢地表白他的信仰。“当时有称利百地拿会堂的几个人，并有古利奈、亚历山大、基利家、亚西亚、各处会堂的几个人，都起来和司提反辩论，司提反是以智慧和圣灵说话，众人敌挡不住”（徒6:9,10）。这些伟大拉比们的学生，确信自己在与司提反公开的辩论中可以获得全胜，因为他们想他是无知的。但是他不仅以圣灵的能力说话，广大的会众清楚地看出，他熟悉预言，精通律法，有力地为他所拥护的真理申辩，彻底击败了他的众对手。{7Red 30.1}[72]
§152 Stephen was very active in the cause of God, and declared his faith boldly. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” These students of the great Rabbis had felt confident that in a public discussion they could obtain a complete victory over Stephen, because of his supposed ignorance. But he not only spoke with the power of the Holy Ghost, but it was plain to all the vast assembly that he was also a student of the prophecies, and learned in all matters of the law. He ably defended the truths he advocated, and utterly defeated his opponents.?{7Red 30.1}[72]
§153 当祭司和官长们看出伴随着司提反工作的奇妙能力时，他们就满心忌恨。他们非但不信服他所提出的凭据，反而决意要治死他，止息他的声音。过去他们曾在好几次案件上贿买罗马当局，让犹太人自由支配法律，而按照犹太国的习惯审问，判决并执行囚犯的死刑。司提反的仇敌深信能再一次地如法炮制，而不致危及自己。他们决定冒险，便下手捉拿司提反，把他带到公会前受审。{7Red 31.1}[73]
§154 The priests and rulers who witnessed the wonderful manifestation of the power that attended the ministration of Stephen, were filled with bitter hatred. Instead of yielding to the weight of evidence he presented, they determined to silence his voice by putting him to death. They had on several occasions bribed the Roman authorities to pass over without comment instances where the Jews had taken the law into their own hands, and tried, condemned, and executed prisoners according to their national custom. The enemies of Stephen did not doubt that they could pursue such a course without danger to themselves. They determined to risk the consequences at all events, and therefore seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrim council for trial.?{7Red 31.1}[73]
§155 他们从周围各地召集有学问的犹太人来，为要驳倒这个被告的论据。那曾因热心反对基督的教训并逼迫一切相信祂的人而出名的扫罗当时也在场。这个学识渊博的人，在反对司提反的事上起领导作用。他想用雄辩的口才和拉比的学说使听众相信司提反所宣传的是迷惑人的旁门左道。{7Red 31.2}[74]
§156 Learned Jews from the surrounding countries were summoned for the purpose of refuting the arguments of the accused. Saul, who had distinguished himself as a zealous opponent of the doctrine of Christ, and a persecutor of all who believed on him, was also present. This learned man took a leading part against Stephen. He brought the weight of eloquence and the logic of the Rabbis to bear upon the case, to convince the people that Stephen was preaching delusive and dangerous doctrines.?{7Red 31.2}[74]
§157 但扫罗却在司提反身上看到一个像他一样受过很高的教育、充分明白上帝传福音给各国旨意的人。司提反笃信亚伯拉罕、以撒和雅各的上帝，并且对于犹太人的特权有清楚的认识，但他的信仰是开明的，因为他知道时候已经到了，真信徒不但要在人手所造的圣殿中敬拜上帝，而且世界各地的众人都可以用心灵和诚实拜祂。那蒙在司提反眼睛上的帕子已经揭掉了，所以他能一直看到那为基督的死所废除的制度的结束。{7Red 31.3}[75]
§158 But Saul met in Stephen one as highly educated as himself, and one who had a full understanding of the purpose of God in the spreading of the gospel to other nations. He believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and was fully established in regard to the privileges of the Jews; but his faith was broad, and he knew the time had come when the true believers should?worship not alone in temples made with hands; but, throughout the world, they might worship God in Spirit and in truth. The vail had dropped from the eyes of Stephen, and he discerned to the end of that which was abolished by the death of Christ.?{7Red 31.3}[75]
§159 祭司和官长们竭尽全力，也无法胜过司提反那明晰而稳健的智慧，他们就决定拿他来杀一儆百。他们这样做既能遂了复仇的心愿，又能使别人有所惧怕而不敢接受他的信仰。于是他们用最显眼的方式向他提出公诉，贿买人作假见证，诬控他说话亵渎圣殿和律法。这些假证人说：“我们曾听见他说，这拿撒勒人耶稣，要毁坏此地，也要改变摩西所交给我们的规条”（徒6:14）。{7Red 32.1}[76]
§160 The priests and rulers prevailed nothing against his clear, calm wisdom, though they were vehement in their opposition. They determined to make an example of Stephen, and, while they thus satisfied their revengeful hatred, prevent others, through fear, from adopting his belief. Charges were preferred against him in a most imposing manner. False witnesses were hired to testify that they had heard him speak blasphemous words against the temple and the law. Said they, “For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.”?{7Red 32.1}[76]
§161 当司提反面对着那些审判他的人，要为亵慢的罪名作答时，他脸上焕发着圣洁的荣光。“在公会里坐着的人都定睛看他，见他的面貌好像天使的面貌”（徒6:15）。那些高举摩西的人也许在这个被囚者脸上看到了那位古代先知脸上所反映出的同样的圣洁光辉。他们在圣殿里再也看不到上帝的荣光了，因为祂的荣耀已经永远离开。许多看到司提反面貌的人竟发颤而蒙上了脸，但顽强的不信和偏见却依然如故。{7Red 32.2}[77]
§162 As Stephen stood face to face with his judges, to answer to the crime of blasphemy, a holy radiance shone upon his countenance. “And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Those who exalted Moses might have seen in the face of the prisoner the same holy light which radiated the face of that ancient prophet. The shekinah was a spectacle which they would never again witness in the temple whose glory had departed forever. Many who beheld the lighted countenance of Stephen trembled and veiled their faces; but stubborn unbelief and prejudice never faltered.?{7Red 32.2}[77]
§163 大祭司问司提反那些告他的事是否真实，他便用清朗、动人，并且响彻会所的声音开始申辩。他用一种使全场凝神倾听的言辞开始叙述上帝选民的历史。他表现自己很熟悉犹太人的制度及其因基督而显明的属灵意义。他从亚伯拉罕开始，一代一代地讲说他们的历史，述说以色列历代的史略，直到所罗门的时候，并提出最动人之点为他的工作申辩。{7Red 32.3}[78]
§164 Stephen was questioned as to the truth of the charges against him, and took up his defense in a?clear, thrilling voice that rang through the council hall. He proceeded to rehearse the history of the chosen people of God, in words that held the assembly spell-bound. He showed a thorough knowledge of the Jewish economy, and the spiritual interpretation of it now made manifest through Christ. He began with Abraham, and traced down through history from generation to generation, going through all the national records of Israel to Solomon, and taking up the most impressive points to vindicate his cause.?{7Red 32.3}[78]
§165 他说明上帝赞赏亚伯拉罕的信心。这信心使亚伯拉罕虽然没有得到立足之地，却获得了承受应许之地的权利。他特别详细地讲论那领受了天使所传的律法的摩西。他重述摩西预言基督的话说：“耶和华你的上帝要从你们弟兄中间，给你兴起一位先知像我；你们要听从祂。”他向他们说明以色列人的罪乃是不听从那使者的声音，那位使者原是基督自己。他说：“这人曾在旷野会中和西奈山上，与那对他说话的天使同在，又与我们的祖宗同在，并且领受活泼的圣言传给我们”（徒7:37,38）。{7Red 33.1}[79]
§166 He showed that God commended the faith of Abraham, which claimed the land of promise, though he owned no foot of land. He dwelt especially upon Moses, who received the law by the dispensation of angels. He repeated the words of Moses which foretold of Christ: “A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.” He presented distinctly before them that the sin of Israel was in not heeding the voice of the angel, who was Christ himself. Said he, “This is He that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles to give unto us.”?{7Red 33.1}[79]
§167 司提反清楚地显明自己是忠于上帝和犹太人之信仰的，同时也指明犹太人所赖以得救的律法未能拯救以色列脱离拜偶像的罪。他将耶稣基督结合到犹太人的全部历史中。他又提到所罗门所建造的圣殿，并引用所罗门和以赛亚的话说：“其实至高者并不住人手所造的”（徒7:48）。“主说：天是我的座位，地是我的脚凳，你们要为我造何等的殿宇，哪里是我安息的地方呢？这一切不都是我手所造的吗”（徒7:49,50）？敬拜上帝的最高地方乃是在天上。{7Red 33.2}[80]
§168 He made plain his own loyalty to God and to the Jewish faith, while he showed that the law in which they trusted for salvation had not been able to preserve Israel from idolatry. He connected Jesus Christ with all the Jewish history. He referred to the building of the temple by Solomon, and to the words of both Solomon and Isaiah: “Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool. What house?will ye build me? saith the Lord; or what is the place of my rest. Hath not my hand made all these things?” The place of God’s highest worship was in Heaven.?{7Red 33.2}[80]
§169 司提反论到这一点时，听众中间起了骚动。这个囚犯在他前面许多人的脸上看明了自己的结局。他看到众人对他的话所表示的顽抗，因为他的话是在圣灵的感召下讲出来的。他知道这是他最后一次的见证。阅读司提反这篇讲章的人，很少能充分赏识它的价值。人必须想到当时的际遇时间和场合，才能从他的话中看出其全部意义。{7Red 34.1}[81]
§170 When Stephen had reached this point there was a tumult among the people. The prisoner read his fate in the countenances before him. He perceived the resistance that met his words, which were spoken at the dictation of the Holy Ghost. He knew that he was giving his last testimony. Few who read this address of Stephen properly appreciate it. The occasion, the time and place should be borne in mind to make his words convey their full significance.?{7Red 34.1}[81]
§171 当司提反将耶稣基督结合到这些预言上，并说了那一句有关圣殿的话时，大祭司假装惊吓万状，撕裂自己的衣服。从此司提反看出他的声音很快就要永远止息了。这时他虽然只讲了一半，却忽然中断了他所讲的有系统的历史，并结束了他的讲论，随即转向愤怒的审判官说：“你们这硬着颈项，心与耳未受割礼的人，时常抗拒圣灵。你们的祖宗怎样，你们也怎样，哪一个先知不是你们祖宗逼迫呢？他们也把预先传说那义者要来的人杀了，如今你们又把那义者卖了，杀了。你们受了天使所传的律法，竟不遵守”（徒7:51-53）。{7Red 34.2}[82]
§172 When he connected Jesus Christ with the prophecies, and spoke of the temple as he did, the priest, affecting to be horror-stricken, rent his robe. This act was to Stephen a signal that his voice would soon be silenced forever. Although he was just in the midst of his sermon, he abruptly concluded it by suddenly breaking away from the chain of history, and, turning upon his infuriated judges, said, “Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers; who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”?{7Red 34.2}[82]
§173 祭司和官长们因此大怒如狂，他们不像有理性的人，却像猛兽一般。他们咬牙切齿，冲向司提反去。他却一点不害怕；原来这都在他预料之中。他的容貌泰然自若，焕发着天使般的光芒，在他，那些狂怒的祭司和激昂的暴徒没有一点可怕的地方。“但司提反被圣灵充满，定晴望天，看见上帝的荣耀，又看见耶稣站在上帝的右边，就说：我看见天开了，人子站在上帝的右边”（徒7:55,56）。{7Red 34.3}[83]
§174 At this the priests and rulers were beside themselves with anger. They were more like wild beasts of prey than like human beings. They rushed upon Stephen, gnashing their teeth. But he was not intimidated; he had expected this.?His face was calm, and shone with an angelic light. The infuriated priests and the excited mob had no terrors for him. “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”?{7Red 34.3}[83]
§175 司提反面前的景象一时从他眼中消失了，天门向他敞开，他看见上帝天庭的荣耀，又看见基督，好像刚从宝座上站了起来，准备支持这将要为祂的名殉身的仆人。当司提反形容那向他展示的光荣景象时，那逼迫他的群众再也忍不住了。他们捂着耳朵，不要听他的话，并大声喊叫，一起拥上前向他猛然扑过去。“他们正用石头打的时候，司提反呼吁主说，求主耶稣接收我的灵魂，又跪下大声喊着说，主啊，不要将这罪归于他们，说了这话，就睡了”（徒7:59,60）。{7Red 35.1}[84]
§176 The scene about him faded from his vision; the gates of Heaven were ajar, and Stephen, looking in, saw the glory of the courts of God, and Christ, as if just risen from his throne, standing ready to sustain his servant, who was about to suffer martyrdom for his name. When Stephen proclaimed the glorious scene opened before him, it was more than his persecutors could endure. They stopped their ears, that they might not hear his words, and uttering loud cries ran furiously upon him with one accord. “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this he fell asleep.”?{7Red 35.1}[84]
§177 这个忠心的殉道者，在这最残酷的死刑之下，竟像他神圣的夫子一样，为杀害他的人代祷。那些控告司提反的见证人必须最先下手用石头打他。这些人把他们的外衣放在扫罗脚前。扫罗曾积极参加反驳司提反的辩论会，而且也赞成把他治死。{7Red 35.2}[85]
§178 Amid the agonies of this most cruel death, the faithful martyr, like his divine Master, prayed for his murderers. The witnesses who had accused Stephen were required to cast the first stones. These persons laid down their clothes at the feet of Saul, who had taken an active part in the disputation, and had consented to the prisoner’s death.?{7Red 35.2}[85]
§179 司提反的殉道使看见的人留下了深刻的印象，这事对教会乃是痛苦的试炼，但其结果却使扫罗归主了。扫罗对于这一位殉道者的信心与节操，以及他所得到的荣耀，已经深刻脑海，无法磨灭。他脸上所有上帝的印记，以及他所讲的话，常留在一切看见之人的记忆中，并证明他所传的是真理，除了那些因抗拒真光而心地刚硬的人以外，他所讲的话深入了每一个听众的心灵之中。{7Red 35.3}[86]
§180 The martyrdom of Stephen made a deep impression upon all who witnessed it. It was a sore trial to the church, but resulted in the conversion of Saul. The faith, constancy, and glorification of the martyr could not be effaced from?his memory. The signet of God upon his face, his words, that reached to the very soul of all who heard them, except those who were hardened by resisting the light, remained in the memory of the beholders, and testified to the truth of that which he had proclaimed.?{7Red 35.3}[86]
§181 司提反被处死，并没有经过合法的判决。罗马当局既受了大笔金钱的贿赂，也就没有追究。在司提反受审和受死的过程中，扫罗似乎充满了一种疯狂的热心。后来他又深深自恨，因为他自己私下感悟到：司提反被人侮辱的时候，倒正为上帝所尊荣。扫罗继续逼迫上帝的教会，追捕信徒，进他们的家，拉着他们交给祭司和官长们监禁或治死。他逼迫的热情使耶路撒冷的教会大起恐慌。罗马当局没有采取什么特别的行动来阻止这种残酷的工作，反而暗地支持犹太人，为要讨好他们，博得他们的欢心。{7Red 36.1}[87]
§182 There had been no legal sentence passed upon Stephen; but the Roman authorities were bribed by large sums of money to make no investigation of the case. Saul seemed to be imbued with a frenzied zeal at the scene of Stephen’s trial and death. He seemed to be angered at his own secret convictions that Stephen was honored of God, at the very period when he was dishonored of men. He continued to persecute the church of God, hunting them down, seizing them in their houses, and delivering them up to the priests and rulers for imprisonment and death. His zeal in carrying forward the persecution was a terror to the Christians in Jerusalem. The Roman authorities made no special effort to stay the cruel work, and secretly aided the Jews, in order to conciliate them, and to secure their favor.?{7Red 36.1}[87]
§183 司提反死后，门徒积极的传道工作受到了限制，许多暂住在耶路撒冷的信徒便因遭到猛烈的逼迫而回到他们远方的家乡。但使徒们却不敢离开耶路撒冷，直到上帝的灵指出他们有责任这么做；因为基督已吩咐他们先要在那个园地开展工作。祭司和官长们虽然苦苦迫害新悔改归主的人，却暂时不敢逮捕使徒们，因为他们不但为司提反之死的见证所威慑，而且认识到他们对他采取的方针已经在民间伤害了他们自己的事业。{7Red 36.2}[88]
§184 After the death of Stephen the disciples were restrained in their active ministry, and many of the believers who had temporarily resided in Jerusalem now retired to their distant homes because of the violent persecution against them. But the apostles dared not leave Jerusalem till the Spirit of God indicated it to be their duty to do so; for Christ had bidden them to first work in that field. Although the priests and rulers bitterly persecuted the new converts, they did not venture for a time to arrest the apostles, being overawed by the dying testimony of Stephen, and realizing that their course with him had injured?their own cause in the minds of the people.?{7Red 36.2}[88]
§185 基督曾命令祂的门徒往普天下去传福音，可是他们以前所受犹太人的教育使他们难以充分理解主的话，所以迟迟没有执行。他们称自己是亚伯拉罕的子孙，视自己为上帝应许的继承人。直到主升天几年以后，他们才充分明白基督的话，是要他们既为犹太人作工也为外邦人作工。{7Red 37.1}[89]
§186 Christ had commanded his disciples to go and teach all nations; but the previous teachings which they had received from the Jews made it difficult for them to fully comprehend the words of their Master, and therefore they were slow to act upon them. They called themselves the children of Abraham, and regarded themselves as the heirs of divine promise. It was not until several years after the Lord’s ascension that their minds were sufficiently expanded to clearly understand the intent of Christ’s words, that they were to labor for the conversion of the Gentiles as well as that of the Jews.?{7Red 37.1}[89]
§187 司提反英勇殉身曾使扫罗心中深为不安。他的偏见受到了动摇。但祭司和官长们的意见终于使他相信司提反是一个亵渎上帝的人，他所宣讲的耶稣基督是一个骗子，而那些担任圣职的人总是不会错的。扫罗是思想果断，意志坚强的人，所以他一旦完全认定祭司和文士的看法观点是正确的，就竭力反对基督教。他的热心驱使他自愿从事迫害信徒的工作。他使许多圣徒被拉到审判厅，有一些被判处监禁，甚至被定死罪，而他们唯一的罪名就是他们相信耶稣。出于同样性质但目的不同的热心，雅各和约翰曾希望有火从天上降下烧灭那些藐视侮辱他们夫子的人。{7Red 37.2}[90]
§188 Conversion of Saul
§189 The mind of Saul was greatly stirred by the triumphant death of Stephen. He was shaken in his prejudice; but the opinions and arguments of the priests and rulers finally convinced him that Stephen was a blasphemer; that Jesus Christ whom he preached was an impostor, and that those ministering in holy offices must be right. Being a man of decided mind, and strong purpose, he became very bitter in his opposition to Christianity, after having once entirely settled in his mind that the views of the priests and scribes were right. His zeal led him to voluntarily engage in persecuting the believers. He caused holy men to be dragged before the councils, and to be imprisoned or condemned to death without evidence of any offense, save their faith in Jesus. Of a similar character, though in a different direction, was the zeal of James and John, when they would have called?down fire from heaven to consume those who slighted and scorned their Master.?{7Red 37.2}[90]
§190 扫罗有事要到大马士革去，但他此去决心达成另一个目的，就是搜捕基督的信徒，为此，他从大祭司那里领了几封公函，准备在各个会堂宣读。这些公函授权他逮捕一切被怀疑是耶稣信徒的人，由专人押往耶路撒冷受审判罪。他被一种错误的热心所鼓舞，以大丈夫的气概和活力出发了。{7Red 38.1}[91]
§191 Saul was about to journey to Damascus upon his own business; but he was determined to accomplish a double purpose, by searching out, as he went, all the believers in Christ. For this purpose he obtained letters from the high priest to read in the synagogues, which authorized him to seize all those who were suspected of being believers in Jesus, and to send them by messengers to Jerusalem, there to be tried and punished. He set out upon his way, full of the strength and vigor of manhood, and the fire of a mistaken zeal.?{7Red 38.1}[91]
§192 当这一队旅途劳顿的人将到大马士革的时候，扫罗以欢乐的心情望着肥沃的田地，美丽的园囿，丰饶的果园，以及在绿色灌木中间涌流的潺潺清泉。在他们长途跋涉于荒野之后，当前的景象确是令人心旷神怡。当扫罗和他的同伴正在欣赏景色时，忽然“从天发光，比日头还亮，四面照着”扫罗，“他就仆倒在地，听见有声音对他说，扫罗，扫罗，你为什么逼迫我？他说，主啊，你是谁？主说，我就是你所逼迫的耶稣；你用脚踢刺是难的”（徒9:3-5；26:14）。{7Red 38.2}[92]
§193 As the weary travelers neared Damascus, the eyes of Saul rested with pleasure upon the fertile land, the beautiful gardens, the fruitful orchards, and the cool streams that ran murmuring amid the fresh green shrubbery. It was very refreshing to look upon such a scene after a long, wearisome journey over a desolate waste. While Saul, with his companions, was gazing and admiring, suddenly a light above the brightness of the sun shone round about him, “and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”?{7Red 38.2}[92]
§194 当时的情形非常混乱。扫罗的同伴惊恐万状，几乎因那强烈的光而失明。他们只听见一个声音，却看不见人。对于他们来说，一切都是不可思议的。扫罗仆倒在地上，却明白那向他所说的话，并清楚地看出在他前面的就是上帝的儿子。一睹救主的荣颜，祂的形像便永远印刻在这个被击打的犹太人心中。救主的话具有惊人的力量，深深地打动了他的心。在他黑暗的心窍中倾降了耀眼的光明，显出他过去生活的无知和错谬。他看出自己迫害基督的门徒，自以为是热心事奉上帝，实际上是作了撒但的工作。{7Red 38.3}[93]
§195 The scene was one of the greatest confusion. The companions of Saul were stricken with terror, and almost blinded by the intensity of the light. They heard the voice, but saw no one, and to them all was unintelligible and mysterious. But Saul, lying prostrate upon the ground, understood the words that were spoken, and saw?clearly before him the Son of God. One look upon that glorious Being, imprinted his image forever upon the soul of the stricken Jew. The words struck home to his heart with appalling force. A flood of light poured in upon the darkened chambers of his mind, revealing his ignorance and error. He saw that, while imagining himself to be zealously serving God in persecuting the followers of Christ, he had in reality been doing the work of Satan.?{7Red 38.3}[93]
§196 他看出自己愚蠢地把信仰建立在祭司和官长的见解上。他们所担任的圣职在他心中发挥很大的影响力，使他相信复活的故事乃是耶稣门徒狡猾的虚构。如今基督亲自向他显现，司提反的讲道就深深打动了他的心。祭司们所宣称为亵渎的话，现在都显为真实可信的了。在这奇妙启示的时刻，他心中不禁百感交集。他追溯预言的历史，认明耶稣之被犹太人拒绝，被钉，复活和升天，都已由众先知预言过了，足以证明这是所应许的弥赛亚。他想起了司提反所说的话：“我看见天开了，人子站在上帝的右边。”他知道这位垂死的圣徒真的看见了荣耀的国。{7Red 39.1}[94]
§197 He saw his folly in resting his faith upon the assurances of the priests and rulers, whose sacred office had given them great influence over his mind, and caused him to believe that the story of the resurrection was an artful fabrication of the disciples of Jesus. Now that Christ was revealed to Saul, the sermon of Stephen was brought forcibly to his mind. Those words which the priests had pronounced blasphemy, now appeared to him as truth and verity. In that time of wonderful illumination, his mind acted with remarkable rapidity. He traced down through prophetic history, and saw that the rejection of Jesus by the Jews, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension had been foretold by the prophets, and proved him to be the promised Messiah. He remembered the words of Stephen: “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God;” and he knew that the dying saint had looked upon the kingdom of glory.?{7Red 39.1}[94]
§198 对于这个迫害信徒的人，这一种是何等的启示啊！清晰而令人畏惧的光照在他的心间。他确知基督曾到地上履行祂的使命，并被祂所要拯救的人拒绝，辱骂，定罪，钉死了。他也知道救主已从死里复活，并已升到天上。在这可怕的时刻，他不禁想起自己曾同意打死司提反，后来又有许多忠实的门徒也是因他的协助而受残酷的逼迫以至于死。{7Red 39.2}[95]
§199 What a revelation was all this to the persecutor of the believers. Clear, but terrible light had broken in upon his soul. Christ was revealed to him as having come to earth in fulfillment of his mission, having been rejected,?condemned, and crucified by those whom he came to save, and as having risen from the dead, and ascended into the heavens. In that terrible moment he remembered that the holy Stephen had been sacrificed by his consent; and that through his instrumentality many worthy saints had met their death by cruel persecution.?{7Red 39.2}[95]
§200 他惊奇战栗地问道：“主啊，祢要我作什么？”主说：“起来，进城去，你所当做的事，必有人告诉你”（徒9:6）。保罗心中一点也没有怀疑这对他说话的一位，就是拿撒勒人耶稣，就是以色列人长久仰望的弥赛亚、安慰者和救赎主。这位在世上曾用比喻教训听众的耶稣，现在也用人所熟悉的事物来说明祂的意思。祂把扫罗迫害基督门徒的工作比作“踢刺”。这是一句有力的话，说明任何人都不可能阻止基督真理的传播。真理将胜利前进，任何人反对祂，都将是搬起石头砸自己的脚。迫害者到头来会遭受比被迫害者大千倍的损失。他的心迟早会定他的罪，他会发现他实际上是在用脚踢刺。{7Red 40.1}[96]
§201 “And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” No doubt entered the mind of Saul that this was the veritable Jesus of Nazareth who spoke to him, and that he was indeed the long-looked-for Messiah, the Consolation and Redeemer of Israel. And now this Jesus, who had, while teaching upon earth, spoken in parables to his hearers, using familiar objects to illustrate his meaning, likened the work of Saul, in persecuting the followers of Christ, to kicking against the pricks. Those forcible words illustrated the fact that it would be impossible for any man to stay the onward progress of the truth of Christ. It would march on to triumph and victory, while every effort to stay it would result in injury to the opposer. The persecutor, in the end, would suffer a thousand-fold more than those whom he had persecuted. Sooner or later his own mind and heart would condemn him; he would find that he had indeed been kicking against the pricks.?{7Red 40.1}[96]
§202 救主曾藉着司提反以圣经中无可辩驳的论据向扫罗说话。这个饱学的犹太人曾看见那殉道者脸上反射着基督荣耀的光辉，好像天使的面貌。他曾看到司提反对于他仇敌的容忍和饶恕。他也曾看到耶稣其他的信徒在忍受逼迫残害时所表现的那种刚毅不屈、乐天知命的精神。他们中一些人欣然为信仰的缘故牺牲了自己的生命。{7Red 40.2}[97]
§203 The Saviour had spoken to Saul through Stephen, whose clear reasoning from the Scriptures could not be controverted. The learned Jew had seen the face of the martyr reflecting the light of Christ’s glory, and looking like the face of an angel. He had witnessed his forbearance?toward his enemies, and his forgiveness of them. He had further witnessed the fortitude and cheerful resignation of other believers in Jesus while tormented and afflicted, some of whom had yielded up their lives with rejoicing for their faith’s sake.?{7Red 40.2}[97]
§204 这一切的见证都曾高声向扫罗发出呼请，使他信服。但是他所受的教育和偏见，他对于祭司和长官的尊重，和他的虚荣心，使他违背自己的良心而拒绝上帝的恩典。他曾几次整夜挣扎，为要排除这种感悟，结果他总是再下决心不信耶稣是弥赛亚，而是一个骗子，并视祂的门徒为一班受骗的狂热之徒。{7Red 41.1}[98]
§205 All this testimony had appealed loudly to Saul, and thrust conviction upon his mind; but his education and prejudices, his respect for priests and rulers, and his pride of popularity, braced him to rebel against the voice of conscience, and the grace of God. He had struggled entire nights against conviction, and had always ended the matter by avowing his belief that Jesus was not the Messiah, that he was an impostor, and his followers were deluded fanatics.?{7Red 41.1}[98]
§206 如今，基督已亲口向扫罗讲话说：“扫罗，扫罗，你为什么逼迫我？”这同一个声音又回答他“主啊，你是谁？”的问题说：“我就是你所逼迫的耶稣。”这一句话表明基督与祂的子民是连为一体的。扫罗迫害耶稣的门徒就是直接打击了天上的主。耶稣宣布，扫罗苦害祂在地上的弟兄，就是攻击他们在天上的元首和代表。他诬告妄证他们，就是诬告妄证世界的救主。从这里可以清楚地看出，基督是与祂的圣徒同受苦难的。{7Red 41.2}[99]
§207 Now Christ had spoken to Saul with his own voice: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” And the question, “Who art thou, Lord?” was answered by the same voice, “I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest.” Here Christ identifies himself with his suffering people. Saul, in persecuting the followers of Jesus, had struck directly against the Lord of Heaven. Jesus declares that in afflicting his brethren upon earth, Saul had struck against their Head and Representative in Heaven. In falsely accusing and testifying against them, he had falsely accused and testified against the Saviour of the world. Here it is plainly seen that Christ suffers in the person of his saints.?{7Red 41.2}[99]
§208 荣光消逝之后，扫罗从地上起来，却发现自己完全失明了。基督荣耀的光辉过于强烈，不是他的肉眼所能当的。及至荣光退去之后，便有深夜的黑暗遮掩他的视觉。他相信这次失明乃是上帝因他迫害耶稣的门徒而给他的刑罚。他在非常黑暗的状况中四围摸索，他的同伴惊奇害怕地拉着他的手，领他进了大马士革。{7Red 41.3}[100]
§209 When the effulgent glory was withdrawn, and Saul arose from the earth, he found himself totally deprived of sight. The brightness of Christ’s glory had been too intense for his mortal?sight, and when it was removed the blackness of night settled upon his vision. He believed that this blindness was the punishment of God for his cruel persecution of the followers of Jesus. He groped about in terrible darkness, and his companions, in fear and amazement, led him by the hand into Damascus.?{7Red 41.3}[100]
§210 扫罗进大马士革城的时候，情形与他所预期的是何等不同啊！一路上他曾踌躇满志走近大马士革，希望会因大祭司对他的信任，以及在搜捕信徒，把他们押往耶路撒冷判罪和无情处罚的事上所表现出来的热心和精明，而在到达时受到热烈的欢迎。他曾下决心使自己的大马士革之行大获成功。他的勇气和坚持不懈的精神使他在追求自己的目标时，不怕任何困难和危险。他曾决心不让任何基督徒躲开他的防范。他要审讯男女老幼有关他们的信仰，并要他们供出有关人员；他要闯入人家里，强行抓走里面的人押往耶路撒冷。{7Red 42.1}[101]
§211 How different from what he had anticipated was his entrance into that city! In proud satisfaction he had neared Damascus, expecting on his arrival to be greeted with ostentation and applause because of the honor conferred upon him by the high priest, and the great zeal and penetration he had manifested in searching out the believers, to carry them as captives to Jerusalem, there to be condemned, and punished without mercy. He had determined that his journey should be crowned with success; and his courageous and persevering spirit quailed at no difficulties nor dangers in the pursuance of his object. He had determined that no Christian should escape his vigilance; he would inquire of men, women, and children concerning their faith, and that of those with whom they were connected; he would enter houses, with power to seize their inmates, and to send them as prisoners to Jerusalem.?{7Red 42.1}[101]
§212 但现在的情形与他所期望的真有天壤之别。他非但不能行使权力，享受尊荣，实际上反而像一个囚犯一样，双目失明，靠同伴牵路。他一筹莫展，心中悔恨，觉得自己如同判了死刑的人，不知道上帝还有什么刑罚要临到他。{7Red 42.2}[102]
§213 But how changed was the scene from that which he had anticipated! Instead of wielding power, and receiving honor, he was himself virtually a prisoner, being deprived of sight, and dependent upon the guidance of his companions. Helpless, and tortured by remorse, he felt himself to be under sentence of death, and knew not what farther disposition the Lord would make of him.?{7Red 42.2}[102]
§214 他被带到门徒犹大的家里，在那里，他孤独寂寞，思考着那打破他所有的计划，改变了他整个人生方向的奇异启示。在完全的失明中他度过了三天光阴。在这段可怕的时期中，他反省，悔恨，诚恳地祈祷，不吃也不喝。他痛心疾首地回想起司提反，以及司提反所显出的证据，那证据表明支撑他殉道的能力高过属世的能力。他惊恐地想起自己的罪，就是自己为祭司和官长们的恶毒和偏见所支配，闭眼不看，掩耳不听那些最显著的凭据，并怎样作了急先锋，残酷无情地迫害基督的信徒。{7Red 43.1}[103]
§215 He was taken to the house of the disciple Judas, and there he remained, solitary and alone, studying upon the strange revelation that had broken up all his plans, and changed the entire current of his life. He passed three days in perfect blindness, occupying that terrible time with reflection, repentance, and earnest prayer, neither eating nor drinking during the entire period. With bitterness he remembered Stephen, and the evidence he had given of being sustained in his martyrdom, by a power higher than that of earth. He thought with horror of his own guilt in being carried away by the malice and prejudice of the priests and rulers, closing his eyes and ears against the most striking evidence, and relentlessly leading the van in the persecution of the believers in Christ.?{7Red 43.1}[103]
§216 他在孤独隐僻之处，没有与教会交通，因为耶路撒冷的信徒已经把扫罗此次大马士革之行的目的警告他们。他们认为保罗是在装腔作势，以便更好地执行迫害他们的计划。扫罗又无意去求助于那些尚未归主的犹太人，因为他知道他们是根本不肯听他所讲之话的。这样，他在人际方面似乎断绝了一切同情，他反省着，以忧伤痛悔的心祈祷。{7Red 43.2}[104]
§217 He was in lonely seclusion; he had no communication with the church, for they had been warned of the purpose of his journey to Damascus by the believers in Jerusalem; and they believed that he was acting a part, the better to carry out his design of persecuting them. He had no desire to appeal to the unconverted Jews; for he knew they would not listen to or heed his statements. He seemed to be utterly shut out from human sympathy; and he reflected, and prayed with a thoroughly broken and repentant spirit.?{7Red 43.2}[104]
§218 对于这个双目失明，悔恨交加的犹太人来说，三天时间就像三年一样。他对圣经并不陌生，在黑暗和孤独之中，他回忆起有关弥赛亚的经文。他仔细追溯预言，他的记忆力，因心中的感悟而灵敏起来。他很惊奇自己的悟性以前为什么那样迟钝，一般犹太人为什么那样盲目，竟拒绝耶稣为上帝所应许的弥赛亚。如今一切都豁然开朗了。他知道自己从前的偏见和不信曾经蒙蔽自己属灵的见解，并使自己不能辨识拿撒勒的耶稣为预言所提示的弥赛亚。{7Red 43.3}[105]
§219 Those three days were like three years to the blind and conscience-smitten Jew. He was no novice in the Scriptures, and in his darkness and solitude he recalled the passages which referred to the Messiah, and traced down the prophecies, with a memory sharpened by the conviction?that had taken possession of his mind. He became astonished at his former blindness of understanding, and at the blindness of the Jews in general, in rejecting Jesus as the promised Messiah. All now seemed plain to him, and he knew that it was prejudice and unbelief which had clouded his perceptions, and prevented him from discerning in Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah of prophecy.?{7Red 43.3}[105]
§220 扫罗的神奇回转乃是一个明显的凭据，证明基督使人知罪的奇妙能力。扫罗以前真的认为，相信耶稣，实质上就是否认上帝的律法和献祭的制度。他认为耶稣抹煞了上帝的律法，并教训祂的门徒说，“律法已经失效了”。他觉得自己有责任要竭尽全力消灭这种以耶稣为生命之君的可怕道理，并怀着由衷的热情顽固地迫害基督的教会。{7Red 44.1}[106]
§221 This wonderful conversion of Saul demonstrates in a startling manner the miraculous power of Christ in convicting the mind and heart of man. Saul had verily believed that to have faith in Jesus was virtually to repudiate the law of God, and the service of sacrificial offerings. He had believed that Jesus had himself disregarded the law, and had taught his disciples that it was now of no effect. He believed it to be his duty to strive with his utmost power to exterminate the alarming doctrine that Jesus was the Prince of life; and with conscientious zeal he had become a persevering persecutor of the church of Christ.?{7Red 44.1}[106]
§222 但是扫罗所最仇恨最藐视的耶稣竟向他显示了自己，以便制止他疯狂的工作，使这个最没有希望的人，成为传福音给外邦人的器皿。扫罗深深感服主的显示，认识到自己反对拿撒勒人耶稣，就是反对世界的救赎主。他无限悔恨自己的罪，就问“主啊，祢要我作什么”？耶稣没有立时将所派给他的工作告诉他，而叫他到他所苦苦迫害的门徒那里接受指示。{7Red 44.2}[107]
§223 But Jesus, whose name of all others he most hated and despised, had revealed himself to Saul, for the purpose of arresting him in his mad career, and of making, from this most unpromising subject, an instrument by which to bear the gospel to the Gentiles. Saul was overwhelmed by this revelation, and perceived that in opposing Jesus of Nazareth, he had arrayed himself against the Redeemer of the world. Overcome by a sense of his guilt he cried out, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Jesus did not then and there inform him of the work he had assigned him,?but sent him for instruction to the very disciples whom he had so bitterly persecuted.?{7Red 44.2}[107]
§224 照亮扫罗黑暗的奇妙光明乃是主的工作，但也有一番工作是基督的门徒所要为他作的。主回答扫罗说：“起来，进城去，你所当作的事必有人告诉你。”耶稣叫这个求问的犹太人与祂的教会联络，使他可以知道上帝对于他的旨意。基督已经成就了向他启示和使他觉悟的工作，如今这个悔罪的人可以从上帝所委派的人那里学习真理。这样，耶稣尊重了自己所组织之教会的权威，使扫罗与祂所指定地上的代理人接触。天上的荣光夺走了扫罗的视力，但大医师耶稣并不马上使他重见光明。一切福惠都是从基督那里流出来的，但祂有一个教会在地上作祂的代表。教会的工作乃是将生命之道指引悔改的罪人。扫罗过去所定意要消灭的人，将要指导他认识他所藐视所迫害的宗教。{7Red 45.1}[108]
§225 The marvelous light that illuminated the darkness of Saul was the work of the Lord; but there was also a work that was to be done for him by the disciples of Christ. The answer to Saul’s question is, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Jesus sends the inquiring Jew to his church, to obtain from them the knowledge of his duty. Christ performed the work of revelation and conviction; and now the penitent was in a condition to learn of those whom God had ordained to teach his truth. Thus Jesus gave sanction to the authority of his organized church, and placed Saul in connection with his representatives on earth. The light of heavenly illumination deprived Saul of sight; but Jesus, the great Healer, did not at once restore it. All blessings flow from Christ, but he had now established a church as his representative on earth, and to it belonged the work of directing the repentant sinner in the way of life. The very men whom Saul had purposed to destroy were to be his instructors in the religion which he had despised and persecuted.?{7Red 45.1}[108]
§226 扫罗的信心在大马士革犹大家禁食祷告的三天时间里受到了严峻的考验。他双目失明，茫然不知所措。他奉命到大马士革去，那里会有人告诉他该怎么办。他在不安和痛苦之中恳求上帝。“当下，在大马士革有一个门徒，名叫亚拿尼亚，主在异象中对他说：‘亚拿尼亚，’他说：‘主，我在这里，’主对他说：‘起来！往直街去，在犹大的家里，访向一个大数人，名叫扫罗。他在祷告，又看见一个人，名叫亚拿尼亚，进来按手在他身上，叫他能看见’”（徒9:10-12）。{7Red 46.2}[109]
§227 The faith of Saul was severely tested during his three days of fasting and prayer at the house of Judas, in Damascus. He was totally blind, and in utter darkness of mind as to what was required of him. He had been directed to go to Damascus, where it would be told him what he was to do. In his uncertainty and distress he cried earnestly to God. “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus; for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”?{7Red 45.2}[109]
§228 亚拿尼亚对于天使的话难以置信，因为扫罗苦害耶路撒冷圣徒的消息已经传到远近各处。所以他擅自提出劝诫说：“主啊，我听见许多人说，这人怎样在耶路撒冷多多苦害祢的圣徒，并且他在这里有从祭司长得来的权柄捆绑一切求告祢名的人”（徒9:13,14）。但给亚拿尼亚的命令是带着权威的，“你只管去。他是我所拣选的器皿，要在外邦人和君王并以色列人面前宣扬我的名”（徒9:15）。{7Red 46.1}[110]
§229 Ananias could hardly credit the words of the angel messenger, for Saul’s bitter persecution of the saints at Jerusalem had spread far and near. He presumed to expostulate, and said, “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.” But the command to Ananias was imperative: “Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”?{7Red 46.1}[110]
§230 亚拿尼亚服从天使的指示，去寻找那最近还向一切信奉耶稣圣名的人口吐威吓的人，并说：“兄弟扫罗，在你来的路上向你显现的主，就是耶稣，打发我来，叫你能看见，又被圣灵充满。扫罗的眼睛上，好像有鳞立刻掉下来，他就能看见，于是起来受了洗（徒9:17,18）。{7Red 46.2}[111]
§231 The disciple, obedient to the direction of the angel, sought out the man who had but recently breathed out threatenings against all who believed on the name of Jesus. He addressed him: “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost; and immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight forthwith, and arose and was baptized.”?{7Red 46.2}[111]
§232 基督在这里为我们树立了有关祂救灵工作方法的一个范例。祂本来可以直接为扫罗成就这一切的事，但这不符合祂的计划。祂的福惠是通过祂所要派的代理人流出来的。扫罗有话要对那些他曾特意要消灭的人承认。上帝也有一番工作要祂所授权作祂代表的人去做。{7Red 46.3}[112]
§233 Christ here gives an example of his manner of working for the salvation of men. He might have done all this work directly for Saul; but this was not in accordance with his plan. His?blessings were to come through the agencies which he had ordained. Saul had something to do in the line of confession to those whose destruction he had meditated; and God had a responsible work for the men to do whom he had authorized to act in his stead.?{7Red 46.3}[112]
§234 扫罗向门徒虚心学习。在律法的光中，他看出自己是个罪人。他看出，那位他在无知中曾视为骗子的耶稣，乃是亚当的日子以来，上帝子民信仰的创始者和基础，是他如今蒙启迪已清楚认识之真道的成全者，是真理的维护者和预言的应验者。他过去以为耶稣废除了上帝的律法，但当上帝的手揭开他属灵的眼光时，他就明白了基督是整个犹太献祭制度的创始者，祂到世界上来的明显目的乃是维护祂父的律法。他看出耶稣在被钉死的时候，预表已经遇到了真体。在他自以为一直热心遵守的道德律法的光中，扫罗认识到自己是罪人中的罪魁。他悔改了，即，向罪死了，而变得顺从上帝的律法，相信耶稣基督为他个人的救主，受了洗，并且热忱地传扬他过去所指责的耶稣。7Red 47.1}[113]
§235 Saul becomes a learner of the disciples. In the light of the law he sees himself a sinner. He sees that Jesus, whom in his ignorance he had considered an impostor, is the author and foundation of the religion of God’s people from the days of Adam, and the finisher of the faith now so clear to his enlightened vision, the vindicator of the truth, and the fulfiller of the prophecies. He had regarded Jesus as making of none effect the law of God; but when his spiritual vision was touched by the finger of God, he learned that Christ was the originator of the entire Jewish system of sacrifices; that he came into the world for the express purpose of vindicating his Father’s law; and that in his death the typical law had met its antitype. By the light of the moral law, which he had believed himself to be zealously keeping, Saul saw himself a sinner of sinners. He repented, that is died to sin, became obedient to the law of God, had faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour, was baptized, and preached Jesus as earnestly and zealously as he had once denounced him.?{7Red 47.1}[113]
§236 世界的救赎主并不认可在宗教事务上不顾祂所组织所承认之教会的那些经验和行为。许多人认为他们只需为自己所看到的亮光和经验直接向基督负责，而不必顾及祂在地上所承认的信徒。但在扫罗悔改的记载中，上帝赐给我们许多重要的原则，是我们所应当永远牢记的。扫罗曾被直接带到基督面前。他是基督“所拣选的器皿”，要他担任一番最重要的工作，但主并没有亲自赐给他真理的教训，只是阻止了他的行程，使他觉悟自己的罪；但当扫罗问“祢要我做什么”的时候，救主叫他与祂的教会联系，让他们告诉他当做的事。{7Red 47.2}[114]
§237 The Redeemer of the world does not sanction experience and exercise in religious matters independent of his organized and acknowledged church. Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independent of his recognized followers?on earth. But in the history of the conversion of Saul, important principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind. Saul was brought directly into the presence of Christ. He was one whom Christ intended for a most important work, one who was to be “a chosen vessel” unto him; yet he does not personally impart to him the lessons of truth. He arrests his course and convicts him; but when asked by him, “What wilt thou have me to do?” the Saviour places him in connection with his church, and lets them direct him what to do.?{7Red 47.2}[114]
§238 耶稣是罪人的良友，祂体恤他们所受的灾祸，祂拥有天上地下所有的权柄，但祂也尊重祂所命定为人类得光照和蒙拯救的方法。祂指引罪人到祂教会中，这教会就是祂所设立作为传达真光给世人的一个渠道。{7Red 48.1}[115]
§239 Jesus is the Friend of sinners; his heart is touched by their woe; he has all power, both in Heaven and upon earth; but he respects the means which he has ordained for the enlightenment and salvation of men; he directs sinners to the church, which he has made a channel of light to the world.?{7Red 48.1}[115]
§240 扫罗是以色列中一个有学问的教师，但当扫罗在盲目的错误和偏见之中见到他所逼迫之基督的显现时，主使他与世上的光——教会交通。在这件事上，亚拿尼亚代表基督，也代表基督在地上的使者，这些使者原是祂所指定作祂代表的。亚拿尼亚代表基督摸扫罗的眼睛，叫他能看见。他又代表基督按手在扫罗身上。当他奉基督的名祷告时，扫罗就领受了圣灵。一切都是奉基督的圣名并靠基督的权威而作的。但教会乃是交通的渠道。{7Red 48.2}[116]
§241 Saul was a learned teacher in Israel; but, while in the midst of his blind error and prejudice, Christ reveals himself to him, and then places him in communication with his church, which is the light of the world. In this case Ananias represents Christ, and also represents Christ’s ministers upon earth, who are appointed to act in his stead. In Christ’s stead, Ananias touches the eyes of Saul that they may receive sight. In Christ’s stead, he places his hands upon him, and, praying in Christ’s name, Saul receives the Holy Ghost. All is done in the name and by the authority of Christ; but the church is the channel of communication.?{7Red 48.2}[116]
§242 保罗开始传道
§243 保罗在大马士革的河里受了亚拿尼亚的洗，吃过饭，身体健壮起来，就马上向城里的信徒传讲耶稣。信徒原是他从耶路撒冷出来时所要消灭的人。他还在各会堂里宣扬被钉死的耶稣确实是上帝的儿子。他从预言中找出来的论据是那么确凿，他的工作又是那么显然赋有上帝的能力，以致反对的犹太人惊惶失措，无法应付。保罗所受拉比和法利赛式的教育，现在反被利用来传扬福音，维护他曾千方百计想要摧毁的事业。{7Red 49.1}[117]
§244 Paul Commences His Ministry
§245 Paul was baptized by Ananias in the river of Damascus. He was then strengthened by food, and immediately began to preach Jesus to the believers in the city, the very ones whom he had set out from Jerusalem with the purpose of destroying. He also taught in the synagogues that Jesus who had been put to death was indeed the Son of God. His arguments from prophecy were so conclusive, and his efforts were so attended by the power of God, that the opposing Jews were confounded and unable to answer him. Paul’s Rabbinical and Pharisaic education was now to be used to good account in preaching the gospel, and in sustaining the cause he had once used every effort to destroy.?{7Red 49.1}[117]
§246 保罗归主的消息使犹太人大为惊异狼狈。他们原知道他在耶路撒冷的地位，也知道他到大马士革来的主要目的，是领了大祭司的权柄和命令，要捉拿信耶稣的人，并把他们作为囚犯解到耶路撒冷去。可是现在他们竟听到他宣传耶稣的福音，鼓励那些已经作门徒之人的勇气，并在不断引领人悔改相信他一度所竭力反对的真道。保罗向一切听他讲道的人宣称自己信仰的改变，并不是由于冲动或狂热，乃是由于压倒一切的证据。{7Red 49.2}[118]
§247 The Jews were thoroughly surprised and confounded by the conversion of Paul. They were aware of his position at Jerusalem, and knew what was his principal errand to Damascus, and that he was armed with a commission from the high priest that authorized him to take the believers in Jesus, and to send them as prisoners to Jerusalem; yet now they beheld him preaching the gospel of Jesus, strengthening those who were already its disciples, and continually making new converts to the faith he had once so zealously opposed. Paul demonstrated to all who heard him that his change of faith was not from impulse nor fanaticism, but was brought about by overwhelming evidence.?{7Red 49.2}[118]
§248 当保罗在各会堂里工作的时候，他的信心越发坚强。面对犹太人的剧烈反对，他越发热心地宣扬耶稣是上帝的儿子。但他无法久留在大马士革，因为犹太人对他的神奇转变和随后的工作所感到的惊讶消退以后，他们坚决不顾那有利于基督道理的压倒一切的证据。他们对于保罗归主的惊奇竟变为强烈的仇恨，像他们过去对待耶稣一样。{7Red 49.3}[119]
§249 As he labored in the synagogues his faith grew stronger; his zeal in maintaining that Jesus was?the Son of God increased in the face of the fierce opposition of the Jews. He could not remain long in Damascus, for after the Jews had recovered from their surprise at his wonderful conversion, and subsequent labors, they turned resolutely from the overwhelming evidence thus brought to bear in favor of the doctrine of Christ. Their astonishment at the conversion of Paul was changed into an intense hatred of him like unto that which they had manifested against Jesus.?{7Red 49.3}[119]
§250 保罗的生命处在危险之中。他奉上帝的指示暂时离开大马士革，往阿拉伯去。在这比较幽僻的地方，他有充分的机会与上帝交通，进行默想。他希望单独与上帝交往，省察自己的心，更深一步的悔改，藉着祈祷和研究准备自己从事在他看来太伟大、太重要，他承担不起的工作。他担任使徒，不是由人所拣选，而是上帝所拣选。上帝清楚地指出他的工作范围是在外邦人中间。{7Red 50.1}[120]
§251 Paul’s life was in peril, and he received a commission from God to leave Damascus for a time. He went into Arabia, and there, in comparative solitude, he had ample opportunity for communion with God, and for contemplation. He wished to be alone with God, to search his own heart, to deepen his repentance, and to prepare himself by prayer and study to engage in a work which appeared to him too great and too important for him to undertake. He was an apostle, not chosen of men, but chosen of God, and his work was plainly stated to be among the Gentiles.?{7Red 50.1}[120]
§252 保罗在阿拉伯期间没有与使徒们交往。他全心寻求上帝，非到确知自己的悔改蒙悦纳，自己的罪恶蒙赦免，决不罢休。他渴望能确知耶稣要在他未来的工作上与他同在。他希望在身体中，就是在他那曾因天上的光而失明的眼睛中常带着基督荣耀的标志，并得到基督不断施恩支持的保证。保罗与上天密切接触，耶稣与他交通，坚定了他的信心，并赐给他智慧和恩典。{7Red 50.2}[121]
§253 While in Arabia he did not communicate with the apostles; he sought God earnestly with all his heart, determining not to rest till he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted, and his great sin pardoned. He would not give up the conflict until he had the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. He was ever to carry about with him in the body the marks of Christ’s glory, in his eyes, which had been blinded by the heavenly light, and he desired also to bear with him constantly?the assurance of Christ’s sustaining grace. Paul came in close connection with Heaven, and Jesus communed with him, and established him in his faith, bestowing upon him his wisdom and grace.?{7Red 50.2}[121]
§254 保罗回到大马士革，奉耶稣的名放胆传道。犹太人无法抵挡他论据中的智慧，就商议要用武力来止息他的声音，作为挽救他们行将失败之事业的仅存的手段。他们决定杀害保罗。使徒知道他们的目的。他们昼夜把守城门，断绝他的逃脱之路。门徒们焦急地求告上帝，通夜不眠，想方设法帮助上帝所拣选的使徒逃脱。最后他们想出了一个办法，在夜间，用筐子通过窗户把他从城墙上缒下去。保罗以这种屈辱的方式逃出了大马士革。{7Red 51.1}[122]
§255 Paul now returned to Damascus, and preached boldly in the name of Jesus. The Jews could not withstand the wisdom of his arguments, and they therefore counseled together to silence his voice by force—the only argument left to a sinking cause. They decided to assassinate him. The apostle was made acquainted with their purpose. The gates of the city were vigilantly guarded, day and night, to cut off his escape. The anxiety of the disciples drew them to God in prayer; there was little sleeping among them, as they were busy in devising ways and means for the escape of the chosen apostle. Finally they conceived a plan by which he was let down from a window, and lowered over the wall in a basket at night. In this humiliating manner Paul made his escape from Damascus.?{7Red 51.1}[122]
§256 他前往耶路撒冷，希望与众使徒，特别是彼得结交。他急于会见那些加利利的渔夫，因为基督在世时他们曾与主一起生活、祷告和交谈过。他切望会见这位使徒之首。当保罗走过耶路撒冷时，他以新的眼光看待这座城和圣殿。他现在确知上帝的报应即将临到。{7Red 51.2}[123]
§257 He now proceeded to Jerusalem, wishing to become acquainted with the apostles there, and especially with Peter. He was very anxious to meet the Galilean fishermen who had lived, and prayed, and conversed with Christ upon earth. It was with a yearning heart that he desired to meet the chief of apostles. As Paul entered Jerusalem, he regarded with changed views the city and the temple. He now knew that the retributive judgment of God was hanging over them.?{7Red 51.2}[123]
§258 犹太人因保罗的归主而极为难过愤怒。但保罗坚如磐石，自以为在向朋友们叙说自己的奇妙经历后，他们也会像他一样改变信仰，相信耶稣。他曾真心实意地反对基督和祂的门徒，当他受到主的阻止并认识到自己的罪以后，他马上放弃了自己的罪恶行径，而承认相信耶稣。他完全相信，当他的朋友和以前的同事听到他神奇的归主经过，看见他不再是一个傲慢的法利赛人，逼迫和杀害那些信耶稣为上帝儿子的人，他们一定会认识到自己的错误，而加入信徒的行列。{7Red 51.3}[124]
§259 The grief and anger of the Jews because of the conversion of Paul knew no bounds. But he was?firm as a rock, and flattered himself that when he related his wonderful experience to his friends, they would change their faith as he had done, and believe on Jesus. He had been strictly conscientious in his opposition to Christ and his followers, therefore when arrested and convicted of his sin, he immediately forsook his evil ways, and professed the faith of Jesus. He now fully believed that when his friends and former associates heard the circumstances of his marvelous conversion, and saw how changed he was from the proud Pharisee who persecuted and delivered unto death those who believed in Jesus as the Son of God, they would also become convicted of their error, and join the ranks of the believers.?{7Red 51.3}[124]
§260 他希望与他的弟兄们——就是门徒们相会。当他发现他们不愿意接受他为他们的一分子时，他深感悲伤和失望。他们想起他以前迫害信徒的事，怀疑他是在玩弄手段以便欺骗和消灭他们。他们的确听说过保罗神奇归主的事，但他后来退隐到阿拉伯，杳无音讯了，所以他们还不能深信有关他大改变的传说。{7Red 52.1}[125]
§261 He attempted to join himself to his brethren, the disciples; but great was his grief and disappointment when he found that they would not receive him as one of their number. They remembered his former persecutions, and suspected him of acting a part to deceive and destroy them. True, they had heard of his wonderful conversion, but as he had immediately retired into Arabia, and they had heard nothing definite of him farther, they had not credited the rumor of his great change.?{7Red 52.1}[125]
§262 巴拿巴曾慷慨地用自己的财产支持基督的事业，补助穷人的需要。过去保罗反对信徒时他就曾认识保罗。现在他出来重新结识保罗，听他见证自己的神奇回转，以及以后的经历。巴拿巴完全相信并接受了保罗，他握住保罗的手带他去见使徒。他叙说自己刚刚听到的事——耶稣怎样在大马士革的路上亲自向保罗显现，与他说话，并听了亚拿尼亚的祷告，使保罗重见光明，以及保罗后来在大马士革的会堂里见证耶稣是上帝的儿子。{7Red 52.2}[126]
§263 Barnabas, who had liberally contributed his money to sustain the cause of Christ, and to relieve the necessities of the poor, had been acquainted with Paul when he opposed the believers. He now came forward and renewed that acquaintance, heard the testimony of Paul in regard to his miraculous conversion, and his experience from that time. He fully believed and?received Paul, took him by the hand and led him into the presence of the apostles. He related his experience which he had just heard—that Jesus had personally appeared to Paul while on his way to Damascus; that he had talked with him; that Paul had recovered his sight in answer to the prayers of Ananias, and had afterward maintained that Jesus was the Son of God in the synagogues of the city.?{7Red 52.2}[126]
§264 使徒们不再犹疑了，他们不能阻挡上帝。当时在耶路撒冷的使徒，只有彼得和雅各，他们就伸出右手与这位过去残酷迫害他们信仰的人行相交之礼。过去人们怕他，躲他，现在却爱他敬他了。新信仰的两位重要人物在这里相会了。彼得是基督在世时蒙拣选伴随基督的，法利赛人扫罗则是基督升天以后与祂面对面讲话，并曾在异象中看见祂和祂在天上工作的性质。{7Red 53.1}[127]
§265 The apostles no longer hesitated; they could not withstand God. Peter and James, who at that time were the only apostles in Jerusalem, gave the right hand of fellowship to the once fierce persecutor of their faith; and he was now as much beloved and respected as he had formerly been feared and avoided. Here the two grand characters of the new faith met—Peter, one of the chosen companions of Christ while he was upon earth, and Paul, a Pharisee, who, since the ascension of Jesus, had met him face to face, and had talked with him, and had also seen him in vision, and the nature of his work in Heaven.?{7Red 53.1}[127]
§266 这第一次的会面对两位使徒双方都有很大的作用。可惜见面的时间不长，因为保罗急欲为主作工。过不久，那曾经热心驳斥司提反的声音却在同一个会堂里无畏地宣布耶稣为上帝的儿子——在那里倡导司提反用自己的性命所维护的同一事业。他述说了他那奇妙的经历，并以关怀他同胞和以前同事的满腔热忱，从预言中提出凭据，证明钉十字架的基督就是上帝的儿子，正像司提反过去所做的一样。{7Red 53.2}[128]
§267 This first interview was of great consequence to both these apostles, but it was of short duration, for Paul was eager to get about his Master’s business. Soon the voice which had so earnestly disputed with Stephen was heard in the same synagogue fearlessly proclaiming that Jesus was the Son of God—advocating the same cause that Stephen had died to vindicate. He related his own wonderful experience, and with a heart filled with yearning for his brethren and former associates, presented the evidences from prophecy, as Stephen had done, that Jesus, who had been crucified, was the Son of God.?{7Red 53.2}[128]
§268 可是保罗对于这些犹太弟兄的精神估计错了。从前发泄在司提反身上的愤怒这时落到了保罗身上。他看到自己必须与弟兄们分离，就满心忧伤。他情愿舍弃自己的性命，只要能藉此引一些人认识真理。犹太人下手布置阴谋要杀害他。门徒们催他离开耶路撒冷，但是他留恋不舍，很想再为他的犹太同胞工作一段时期。他曾积极参与杀害司提反的事，故此他决意维护司提反所为之舍命的真理，以洗除过去的污点。他觉得逃离耶路撒冷乃是一件怯懦的行为。{7Red 54.1}[129]
§269 But Paul had miscalculated the spirit of his Jewish brethren. The same fury that had burst forth upon Stephen was visited upon himself. He saw that he must separate from his brethren, and sorrow filled his heart. He would willingly have yielded up his life, if by that means they might have been brought to a knowledge of the truth. The Jews began to lay plans to take his life, and the disciples urged him to leave Jerusalem; but he lingered, unwilling to leave the place, and anxious to labor a little longer for his Jewish brethren. He had taken so active a part in the martyrdom of Stephen that he was deeply anxious to wipe out the stain by boldly vindicating the truth which had cost Stephen his life. It looked to him like cowardice to flee from Jerusalem.?{7Red 54.1}[129]
§270 当保罗不顾一切后果到圣殿去恳切祷告上帝的时候，救主在异象中向他显现说：“你赶紧地离开耶路撒冷，不可迟延，因你为我作的见证，这里的人必不领受”（徒22:18）。保罗这时还是犹豫。在他使顽固的犹太人信服他所信的真理之前，他不愿离开耶路撒冷。他想，纵使为真理牺牲了性命，也只不过是偿了他在司提反的死上所欠下的债而已。他回答说：“主啊，他们知道我从前把信祢的人收在监里，又在各会堂里鞭打他们，并且祢的见证人司提反被害流血的时候，我也站在旁边欢喜，又看守害死他之人的衣裳”（徒22:19,20）。但主的回答比以前更加坚决：“你去吧！我要差你远远地往外邦人那里去”（徒22:21）。{7Red 54.2}[130]
§271 While Paul, braving all the consequences of such a step, was praying earnestly to God in the temple, the Saviour appeared to him in vision, saying, “Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.” Paul even then hesitated to leave Jerusalem without convincing the obstinate Jews of the truth of his faith; he thought that, even if his life should be sacrificed for the truth, it would not more than settle the fearful account which he held against himself for the death of Stephen. He answered, “Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.” But the reply was more decided than before: “Depart;?for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.”?{7Red 54.2}[130]
§272 弟兄们听说保罗所见的异象，以及上帝对他的指示，就更加为他担心了，因为他们认识到他确实是主所拣选的器皿，要把真理传给外邦人。他们赶紧帮助他秘密逃离耶路撒冷，唯恐犹太人杀害他。保罗的离开暂时止息了犹太人强烈的反对，教会一时有了平安，信徒的人数也增多了。{7Red 55.1}[131]
§273 When the brethren learned of the vision of Paul, and the care which God had over him, their anxiety on his behalf was increased; for they realized that he was indeed a chosen vessel of the Lord, to bear the truth to the Gentiles. They hastened his secret escape from Jerusalem, for fear of his assassination by the Jews. The departure of Paul suspended for a time the violent opposition of the Jews, and the church had a period of rest, in which many were added to the number of believers.?{7Red 55.1}[131]
§274 彼得的传道工作
§275 彼得在传道行程中，访问了吕大的信徒。他在这里医好了一位卧病八年的瘫子以尼雅。彼得对他说：“以尼雅，耶稣基督医好你了，起来!收拾你的褥子。”“他就立刻起来了。凡住在吕大和沙仑的人都看见了他，就归服主”（徒9:34,35）。{7Red 55.2}[132]
§276 The Ministry of Peter
§277 Peter, in pursuance of his work, visited the saints at Lydda. There he healed Aeneas, who had been confined to his bed for eight years with the palsy. “And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”?{7Red 55.2}[132]
§278 在靠近吕大的约帕，有一位译名为多加的大比大死了。她是耶稣基督的一个宝贵门徒，而且她的一生都以仁爱慈善济助贫穷与伤心的人，并为真理的圣工大发热心。她的死乃是一个大损失；那地幼小的教会实在少不了她那高尚的努力。当众信徒听到彼得在吕大医病的奇事时，他们就热望他能到约帕去。他们差人去请他前往。{7Red 55.3}[133]
§279 Joppa was near Lydda, and at that time Tabitha—called Dorcas by interpretation—lay there dead. She had been a worthy disciple of Jesus Christ, and her life had been characterized by deeds of charity and kindness to the poor and sorrowful, and by zeal in the cause of truth. Her death was a great loss; the infant church could not well spare her noble efforts. When the believers heard of the marvelous cures which Peter had performed in Lydda, they greatly desired him to come to Joppa. Messengers were sent to him to solicit his presence there.?{7Red 55.3}[133]
§280 “彼得就起身和他们同去，到了，便有人领他上楼。众寡妇都站在彼得旁边哭，拿多加与他们同在时，所作的里衣外衣给他看。”彼得请那些在房内哀哭的朋友们出去，随后他跪下热切地求上帝使多加那没有脉息的身体恢复生命与健康。“彼得转身对着死人说：大比大，起来，她就睁开眼睛，见了彼得，便坐起来。彼得伸手扶她起来，叫众圣徒和寡妇进去，把多加活活的交给他们”（徒9:39-41）。这一件使死人复活的伟大神迹，结果在约帕使许多人悔改相信了耶稣。{7Red 56.1}[134]
§281 “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.” Peter had the weeping and wailing friends sent from the room. He then kneeled down, and prayed fervently to God to restore life and health to the pulseless body of Dorcas; “and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.” This great work of raising the dead to life was the means of converting many in Joppa to the faith of Jesus.?{7Red 56.1}[134]
§282 “在凯撒利亚有一个人，名叫哥尼流，是意大利营的百夫长。他是个虔诚人，他和全家都敬畏上帝，多多周济百姓，常常祷告上帝”（徒10:1,2）。哥尼流虽然是罗马人，却已经认识真神上帝并已放弃拜偶像的事。他顺从上帝的旨意，并且诚心敬拜祂。他没有同犹太人联合，却熟悉并且遵守道德的律法。他没有受过割礼，也没有参加献祭的礼节，故此他被犹太人看为不洁净。但他常慷慨捐助犹太人的事业，而且他慈善的作为远近皆闻。他公义的生活使他在犹太和外邦人中都有了好的名声。{7Red 56.2}[135]
§283 “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.” Though Cornelius was a Roman, he had become acquainted with the true God, and had renounced idolatry. He was obedient to the will of God, and worshiped him with a true heart. He had not connected himself with the Jews, but was acquainted with, and obedient to, the moral law. He had not been circumcised, nor did he take part in the sacrificial offerings; he was therefore accounted by the Jews as unclean. He, however, sustained the Jewish cause by liberal donations, and was known far and near for his deeds of charity and benevolence. His righteous life made him of good repute, among both Jews and Gentiles.?{7Red 56.2}[135]
§284 哥尼流对基督还没有明白的信仰，但他相信圣经的预言，并且仰望弥赛亚降临，由于他对上帝所表现的敬爱和顺从，他得以亲近上帝，并且已准备好在救主向他显现的时候得以接受祂。人之所以被定罪，乃是因为他们拒绝上帝所赐的亮光。那百夫长是贵族出身，并且担任重要和崇高的职位；但这些情况并没有影响到他那高贵的品质，真实的良善与伟大使他成为一个品德高尚的人。他的影响对于他所接触的一切人都是有益的。{7Red 57.1}[136]
§285 Cornelius had not an understanding faith in Christ, although he believed the prophecies, and was looking for Messiah to come. Through his love and obedience to God, he was brought nigh unto him, and was prepared to receive the Saviour when he should be revealed to him. Condemnation comes by rejecting the light given. The centurion was a man of noble family, and held a position of high trust and honor; but these circumstances had not tended to subvert the noble attributes of his character. True goodness and greatness united to make him a man of moral worth. His influence was beneficial to all with whom he was brought in contact.?{7Red 57.1}[136]
§286 哥尼流相信那创造天地的独一真神。他敬畏祂，承认祂的权威，并且在他生活一切的事上寻求祂的指导。他在家庭生活和职务的责任上都忠心尽到本分，并已在家中设立了家庭礼拜。他不敢在没有得到上帝的帮助之前冒然实行自己的计划或负起他重要的责任，故此他时常祷告，恳切祈求帮助。他一切的作为以信心为特征，上帝也因他行动的纯正和他慷慨的作风而看重他，并借真道和圣灵与他亲近。{7Red 57.2}[137]
§287 He believed in the one God, the Creator of Heaven and earth. He revered him, acknowledged his authority, and sought counsel of him in all the business of his life. He was faithful in his home duties as well as in his official responsibilities, and had erected the altar of God in his family. He dared not venture to carry out his plans, and bear the burden of his weighty responsibilities, without the help of God; therefore he prayed much and earnestly for that help. Faith marked all his works, and God regarded him for the purity of his actions, and his liberalities, and came near to him in word and Spirit.?{7Red 57.2}[137]
§288 在哥尼流祷告的时候，上帝差遣一位天使到他那里去，称呼他的名字对他讲话。百夫长为之惊惧，但也知道那天使是上帝差来教导他的，便说：“主啊，什么事呢？天使说：你的祷告和你的周济，达到上帝面前已蒙记念了。现在你当打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来，他住在海边一个硝皮匠西门的家里，房子在海边上。他必告诉你当做什么。”（徒10:4-6）。{7Red 57.3}[138]
§289 While Cornelius was praying, God sent a celestial messenger to him, and “he saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.” He was afraid, yet knew that the angel was sent of God to instruct him, and said, “What is it, Lord? And he said?unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side. He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.”?{7Red 57.3}[138]
§290 这件事上帝又显明祂如何尊重福音的执事，和祂有组织的教会。那要将十字架的故事讲给哥尼流听的，不是祂的天使，而是一个像哥尼流一样有血肉之躯的软弱及遭受试探的人。人要教导哥尼流关于那钉十字架，复活与升天的救主。那个天使奉差遣特特要帮助哥尼流同上帝的仆人发生关系，那仆人将要教训他和他全家如何得救。{7Red 58.1}[139]
§291 Here again God showed his regard for the gospel ministry, and for his organized church. His angel was not the one to tell the story of the cross to Cornelius. A man, subject as himself to human frailties and temptations, was to instruct him concerning the crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. The heavenly messenger was sent for the express purpose of putting Cornelius in connection with the minister of God, who would teach him how he and his house could be saved.?{7Red 58.1}[139]
§292 哥尼流欣然遵照这信息的吩咐。“ 向他说话的天使去后，哥尼流叫了两个家人和常伺候他的一个虔诚兵来，把这事都述说给他们听，就打发他们往约帕去”（徒10:7,8）。天使指示的内容如此明白，甚至提到彼得当时所寄居人家的人名，这足以证明上天对于各阶层中之人的历史和业务十分熟悉。上帝注意到卑微的劳动者每日的工作，正如同注意到宝座上的君王一样。人们在暗中所犯贪财、残酷，隐秘及自私的罪，像他们的慈善、爱心、慷慨和仁厚的行为一样为上帝所知道。没有一件事是瞒得过上帝的。{7Red 58.2}[140]
§293 Cornelius was gladly obedient to the message. “And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; and when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.” The explicitness of these directions, in which was even named the occupation of the man with whom Peter was then making his home, evidences that Heaven is well acquainted with the history and business of men in every grade of life. God is cognizant of the daily employment of the humble laborer, as well as of that of the king upon his throne. And the avarice, cruelty, secret crimes, and selfishness of men are known to him, as well as their good deeds, charity, liberality, and kindness. Nothing is hidden from God.?{7Red 58.2}[140]
§294 那天使去和哥尼流谈话之后，便立即到彼得那里去，他正因旅行而疲倦饥饿，在房顶上祷告。正在他祷告的时候。上帝使他看到一个异象。他“看见天开了，有一物降下好像一块大布，系着四角，缒在地上。里面有地上各样四足的走兽，和昆虫，并天上的飞鸟。又有声音向他说：彼得，起来，宰了吃。彼得却说：主啊，这是不可的，凡俗物，和不洁净的物，我从来没有吃过。第二次有声音向他说，上帝所洁净的，你不可当作俗物。这样一连三次，那物随即收回天上去了”（徒10:11-16）。{7Red 59.1}[141]
§295 Immediately after this interview with Cornelius, the angel went to Peter, who was praying upon the housetop. While praying he was shown a vision, “and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth; wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice; and the vessel was received up again into heaven.”?{7Red 59.1}[141]
§296 在这件事上我们可以看到上帝启动万事、使祂的旨意行在地上如同行在天上的方法。这时彼得还没有向外邦人传讲福音。过去固然有许多外邦人专心听过他所教导的真理，但基督的死所已经拆毁的“中间隔断的墙”（弗2:14）还存在于使徒们的思想之中，把外邦人排斥于福音的特权之外。讲希腊语的犹太人已经有使徒们为他们作工，而且他们中间有许多人因而接受了耶稣的信仰，但哥尼流的悔改将要作为外邦人中头一个重要的例子。{7Red 59.2}[142]
§297 Here we may perceive the workings of God’s plan to set the machinery in motion, whereby his will may be done on earth as it is done in Heaven. Peter had not yet preached the gospel to the Gentiles. Many of them had been interested listeners to the truths which he taught; but the middle wall of partition, which the death of Christ had broken down, still existed in the minds of the apostles, and excluded the Gentiles from the privileges of the gospel. The Greek Jews had received the labors of the apostles, and many of them had responded to those efforts by embracing the faith of Jesus; but the conversion of Cornelius was to be the first one of importance among the Gentiles.?{7Red 59.2}[142]
§298 上帝利用那从天上缒下来的大布和其中的内容，破除彼得对于外邦人的成见；要他明白异邦各国都要因基督而在犹太人的福分和特权上有分，与他们同受其惠。有人强调说，这个异象的意思乃是说上帝已经撤消祂禁止人食用祂先前所声明为不洁净之动物的命令，故此猪肉是可以作食物的了。这是很狭窄而完全错误的说法，并且是与圣经对于这异象的记载和事情后来的发展相冲突的。{7Red 59.3}[143]
§299 By the vision of the sheet and its contents, let down from heaven, Peter was to be divested of his settled prejudices against the Gentiles; to understand that, through Christ, heathen nations?were made partakers of the blessings and privileges of the Jews, and were to be thus benefited equally with them. Some have urged that this vision was to signify that God had removed his prohibition from the use of the flesh of animals which he had formerly pronounced unclean; and that therefore swines’ flesh was fit for food. This is a very narrow, and altogether erroneous interpretation, and is plainly contradicted in the scriptural account of the vision and its consequences.{7Red 59.3}[143]
§300 彼得所看见那在大布里的许多动物，以及他奉命宰了吃，又得保证说，上帝所洁净的他不可称为不洁净的异象，不过是个比喻，向他说明外邦人的真地位；并说明由于基督的死，他们都和属上帝的以色列人同作后嗣了。这异象带给彼得责备与教训。过去他工作的对象，全限于犹太人；而且他一直看外邦人为不洁净的族类，所以把他们列在上帝应许的范围之外。这时上帝引导他的思想，使他明了上帝计划的范围是普世性的。{7Red 60.1}[144]
§301 The vision of all manner of live beasts, which the sheet contained, and of which Peter was commanded to kill and eat, being assured that what God had cleansed should not be called common or unclean by him, was simply an illustration presenting to his mind the true position of the Gentiles; that by the death of Christ they were made fellow-heirs with the Israel of God. It conveyed to Peter both reproof and instruction. His labors had heretofore been confined entirely to the Jews; and he had looked upon the Gentiles as an unclean race, and excluded from the promises of God. His mind was now being led to comprehend the world-wide extent of the plan of God.?{7Red 60.1}[144]
§302 正当他思量这异象时，异象的意义就向他解释了。“彼得心里正在猜疑之际，不知所见的异象是什么意思，哥尼流所差来的人，已经访问到西门的家，站在门外喊着问，有称呼彼得的西门住在这里没有。彼得还思想那异象的时候，圣灵向他说：有三个人来找你。起来，下去，和他们同往，不要疑惑，因为是我差他们来的”（徒10:17-20）。{7Red 60.2}[145]
§303 Even while he pondered over the vision, it was explained to him. “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, and called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him,?Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”?{7Red 60.2}[145]
§304 这道命令使彼得受到很大的考验；但他不敢照自己的感觉行事，就“下去见那些人，说，我就是你们所找的人。你们来是为什么缘故。他们说，百夫长哥尼流是个义人，敬畏上帝，为犹太通国所称赞，他蒙一位圣天使指示，叫他请你到他家里去，听你的话。彼得就请他们进去，住了一宿”（徒10：21-23）。他们将他们特殊的任务告诉使徒，他便据他方才从上帝领受的指示，立即答应第二天就和他们同去。他当夜很殷勤地招待了他们，到了早晨，就同他们出发到凯撒利亚去，同时随行的有六位弟兄，作为他在探访外邦人时一切言行的证人，因为他知道他一定要为如此直接违犯犹太信仰和教训的行为作交代的。7Red 61.1}[146]
§305 It was a trying command to Peter; but he dared not act according to his own feelings, and therefore “went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek; what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them.” Thus they communicated their singular errand to the apostle, and, according to the direction he had just received from God, he at once agreed to accompany them on the morrow. He courteously entertained them that night, and in the morning set out with them for Caesarea, accompanied by six of his brethren, who were to be witnesses of all he should say or do while visiting the Gentiles; for he knew that he should be called to account for so direct an opposition to the Jewish faith and teachings.?{7Red 61.1}[146]
§306 行程几乎用了两天的光阴。哥尼流很荣幸地开门欢迎一位福音的执事。照上帝所告诉他的，这位执事将要教训他和他全家关于得救的道理。当那些差役出去找彼得的时候，那百夫长便尽量召集他所找到的亲戚，让他们可以像他一样在真道上受教。在彼得来到之后，已经有一大群人聚集在那里，殷切地等待听他讲道。{7Red 61.2}[147]
§307 It was nearly two days before the journey was ended and Cornelius had the glad privilege of opening his doors to a gospel minister, who, according to the assurance of God, should teach him and his house how they might be saved. While the messengers were upon their errand, the centurion had gathered together as many of his relatives as were accessible, that they, as well as he, might be instructed in the truth. When?Peter arrived, a large company were gathered, eagerly waiting to listen to his words.?{7Red 61.2}[147]
§308 当彼得走进这个外邦人的家时，哥尼流没有把他当作普通宾客接待，却把他看为上天所尊荣，上帝所差派的。根据东方的风俗，人常在君王或显贵的人面前鞠躬，小孩子也常在负有重托的父母面前鞠躬，但哥尼流对那受上帝委派的使徒感到非常的崇敬，便俯伏在他脚前拜他。彼得因百夫长的这种行动而惊吓畏缩，把他扶起来说：“你起来，我也是人”（徒10:26）。于是他和哥尼流就亲热地谈话，为要消除他的敬畏和对他十分尊崇的感觉。{7Red 62.1}[148]
§309 As Peter entered the house of the Gentile, Cornelius did not salute him as an ordinary visitor, but as one honored of Heaven, and sent to him by God. It is an Eastern custom to bow before a prince or other high dignitary, and for children to bow before their parents who are honored with positions of trust. But Cornelius, overwhelmed with reverence for the apostle who had been delegated by God, fell at his feet and worshiped him. Peter shrank with horror from this act of the centurion, and lifted him to his feet, saying, “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” He then commenced to converse with him familiarly, in order to remove the sense of awe and extreme reverence with which the centurion regarded him.?{7Red 62.1}[148]
§310 如果彼得真赋有罗马天主教会所加在他身上的权威和地位的话，他就会鼓励，而不会阻止哥尼流的崇拜了。自命为彼得的继承者的教皇，要君王和皇帝都在他们脚前下拜，而彼得本人却说他不过是一个可能犯错而且时常犯错的人。{7Red 62.2}[149]
§311 Had Peter been invested with the authority and position accorded to him by the Roman Catholic Church, he would have encouraged, rather than have checked, the veneration of Cornelius. The so-called successors of Peter require kings and emperors to bow at their feet; but Peter himself claimed to be only an erring and fallible man.?{7Red 62.2}[149]
§312 彼得向哥尼流和那些聚集在他家里的人提起犹太人的风俗，说明他们和外邦人社交上的来往是不合法的，而且会使他们沾染仪文上的污秽。这虽然不是上帝律法所禁止的，但人的遗传已经使之成为约束人的习俗，彼得说：“你们知道犹太人和别国的人亲近来往本是不合例的，但上帝已经指示我，无论什么人都不可看作俗而不洁净。所以我被请的时候，就不推辞而来，现在请问：你们叫我来有什么意思呢”（徒10:28,29）？{7Red 62.3}[150]
§313 Peter spoke with Cornelius and those assembled in his house, concerning the custom of the Jews; that it was considered unlawful for them to mingle socially with Gentiles, and involved ceremonial defilement. It was not prohibited by the law of God, but the tradition of men had made it a binding custom. Said he, “Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another?nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for; I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me.”?{7Red 62.3}[150]
§314 于是哥尼流向他述说他的经验，以及那在异象中向他显现的天使对他所说的话。他说：“前四天这个时候，我在家中守着申初的祷告，忽然有一个人，穿着光明的衣裳，站在我面前，哥尼流，你的祷告，已蒙垂听，你的周济，达到神面前已蒙记念了。你当打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来，他住在海边一个硝皮匠西门的家里。所以我立时打发人去请你，你来了真好。现今我们都在上帝面前，要听主所吩咐你的一切话。彼得就开口说：我真看出上帝是不偏待人；原来各国中，那敬畏主、行义的人，都为主所悦纳”（徒10:30-35）。上帝虽然曾恩待犹太人过于一切其他国家的人，但如果他们拒绝亮光而不实践他们所信奉的宗教，在上帝眼中他们并不比其他国家的人强，在外邦人中凡像哥尼流一样敬畏上帝行公义并实践自己所领受一切亮光的人，都是上帝所仁慈关注的，祂也悦纳他们真诚的服务。{7Red 63.1}[151]
§315 Cornelius thereupon related his experience, and the words of the angel that had appeared to him in vision: “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon, a tanner, by the sea-side; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Although God had favored the Jews above all other nations, yet if they rejected light, and did not live up to their profession, they were no more exalted in his esteem than other nations. Those among the Gentiles who, like Cornelius, feared God, and worked righteousness, living up to what light they had, were kindly regarded by God, and their sincere service was accepted.?{7Red 63.1}[151]
§316 然而哥尼流的信心和义行因缺少认识基督的知识，就不是完全的，故此上帝将那光与知识赐给他，让他进一步发展他公义的品格。可惜有许多人拒绝上帝所赐的亮光并且引用彼得对哥尼流和他的亲友所讲的话作为借口：“各国中，敬畏主、行义的人都为主所悦纳。”他们说，人不拘相信什么，都没有关系，只要他们的行为好就够了。说这话的人错了；信心必须与行为联合，他们必须照上帝所赐给他们的亮光进步。上帝何时使他们同那些领受了以圣经为根据的新真理的仆人相接触，他们就应当欣然领受。真理是进步的，真理也是向上的。还有一等人则主张单靠自己的信心得救，他们乃是倚靠沙做的绳索，因为信心唯有借行为才可得坚固而成为完全。{7Red 63.2}[152]
§317 But the faith and righteousness of Cornelius could not be perfect without a knowledge of?Christ; therefore God sent that light and knowledge to him for the farther development of his righteous character. Many refuse to receive the light which the providence of God sends, them, and, as an excuse for so doing, quote the words of Peter to Cornelius and his friends: “But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” They maintain that it is of no consequence what men believe, so long as their works are good. Such ones are wrong; faith must unite with their works. They should advance with the light that is given them. If God brings them in connection with his servants who have received new truth, substantiated by the Word of God, they should accept it with joy. Truth is onward. Truth is upward. On the other hand, those who claim that their faith alone will save them, are trusting to a rope of sand; for faith is strengthened and made perfect by works only.?{7Red 63.2}[152]
§318 彼得向那一群注意倾听的人传讲耶稣；详述祂的生活，工作，所行的神迹，被出卖，钉十字架，复活及升天，以及祂在天上作为人类的代表与中保，为罪人代求的工作。在彼得讲话的时候，他的内心因他向众人传授的上帝真理的圣灵而火热。他的听众则因他们所听到的教训而感动，因为他们的心灵已经准备好要领受真理。使徒的话忽然被打断了，圣灵沛然下降，像在五旬节一样。“那些奉割礼和彼得同来的信徒，见圣灵的恩赐也浇在外邦人身上，就很希奇。因听见他们说方言，称赞上帝为大。于是彼得说，这些人既受了圣灵，与我们一样，谁能禁止用水给他们施洗呢？就吩咐奉耶稣的名给他们施洗。他们又请彼得住了几天”（徒10:45-48）。{7Red 64.1}[153]
§319 Peter preached Jesus to that company of attentive hearers; his life, ministry, miracles, betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and his work in Heaven, as man’s Representative and Advocate, to plead in the sinner’s behalf. As the apostle spoke, his heart glowed with the Spirit of God’s truth which he was presenting to the people. His hearers were charmed by the doctrine they heard, for their hearts had been prepared to receive the truth. The apostle was interrupted by the descent of the Holy Ghost, as was manifested on the day of Pentecost. “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy?Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”?{7Red 64.1}[153]
§320 圣灵降在外邦人身上并不能代替水的洗礼。归向基督的步骤始终是一贯的，就是信心、悔改和洗礼。如此，基督的真教会乃是借一主、一信、一洗而结合的，各人不同的性格都被那使人成圣的恩典所改变，并且众人的生活都受相同的特殊原则所管理。彼得接受了这些信主的外邦人的恳请，同他们住了一个时期，向那一带的外邦人传讲耶稣。{7Red 65.1}[154]
§321 The descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Gentiles was not an equivalent for baptism. The requisite steps in conversion, in all cases, are faith, repentance, and baptism. Thus the true Christian church are united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Diverse temperaments are modified by sanctifying grace, and the same distinguishing principles regulate the lives of all. Peter yielded to the entreaties of the believing Gentiles, and remained with them for a time, preaching Jesus to all the Gentiles thereabout.?{7Red 65.1}[154]
§322 当犹太地的弟兄们听说彼得向外邦人传道了，又在外邦人家中和他们聚集，并且同桌吃饭时，他们就甚为惊异，并因他这种奇特的行动不谅解他，他们认为这是僭越的行为，并怕他若这样作，就必破坏自己所讲的教训。所以及至他们遇到彼得时，就严严地责难他说：“你进入未受割礼之人的家，和他们一同吃饭了”（徒11:3）。{7Red 65.2}[155]
§323 When the brethren in Judea heard that Peter had preached to the Gentiles, and had met with them, and eaten with them in their houses, they were surprised and offended by such strange movements on his part. They feared that such a course, which looked presumptuous to them, would tend to contradict his own teachings. As soon as Peter visited them, they met him with severe censure, saying, “Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.”?{7Red 65.2}[155]
§324 于是“彼得就开口，把这事挨次给他们讲解说，我在约帕城里祷告的时候，魂游象外，看见异象，有一物降下，好像一块大布，系着四角，从天缒下，直来到我跟前。我定睛观看，见内中有地上四足的牲畜，和野兽，昆虫，并天上的飞鸟。我且听见有声音向我说，彼得，起来，宰了吃。我说，主啊，这是不可的。凡俗而不洁净的物，从来没有入过我的口。第二次，有声音从天上说，上帝所洁净的，你不可当作俗物。这样一连三次，就都收回天上去了。正当那时，有三个人站在我们所住的房门前，是从凯撒利亚差来见我的。圣灵吩咐我和他们同去，不要疑惑。（或作不要分别等类）同着我去的，还有这六位弟兄。我们都进了那人的家。那人就告诉我们，他如何看见一位天使，站在他屋里，说，你打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来。他有话告诉你，可以叫你和你的全家得救”（徒11：4-14）。他申辩说，这个异象劝导他不可再保持受割礼与未受割礼之间的仪文上的区别，也不可看外邦人为不洁净的，因为上帝是不偏待人的。彼得虽然奉上帝的命令到外邦人家里去，但他还带了当时在场的六位门徒，作为他在外邦人中说话行事的见证，他在这方面向弟兄们表现了他的审慎。{7Red 65.3}[156]
§325 Then “Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me. Upon the which when I had?fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times; and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover, these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house. And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” He pleaded that the vision admonished him no longer to keep up the ceremonial distinction of circumcision and uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gentiles as unclean, for God was not a respecter of persons. His caution was made manifest to his brethren from the fact that, although commanded by God to go to the Gentile’s house, he had taken with him six of the disciples then present, as witnesses of all he should say or do while there.?{7Red 65.3}[156]
§326 彼得叙述自己第一次与外邦人聚会的经历说：“我一开讲，圣灵便降在他们身上，正像当初降在我们身上一样。我就想起主的话说：约翰是用水施洗，但你们要受圣灵的洗。上帝既然给他们恩赐，像在我们信主耶稣基督的时候，给了我们一样；我是谁，能拦阻上帝呢”（徒11:15-17）！{7Red 66.1}[157]
§327 He recounted the events of this first meeting with the Gentiles, saying, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of?the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I could withstand God?”?{7Red 66.1}[157]
§328 门徒们听了这话，就无言可答。他们确信，彼得所行的事，是直接完成上帝的计划，并确信他们旧有的偏见和排外精神应当被基督的福音完全消灭。“众人听见这话，就不言语了，只归荣耀与上帝，说：这样看来，上帝也赐恩给外邦人，叫他们悔改得生命了”（徒11:18）。{7Red 67.1}[158]
§329 The disciples, upon hearing this account, were silenced, and convinced that Peter’s course was in direct fulfillment of the plan of God, and that their old prejudices and exclusiveness were to be utterly destroyed by the gospel of Christ. “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”?{7Red 67.1}[158]
§330 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革老丢。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。{7Red 67.2}[159]
§331 Deliverance of Peter
§332 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.?{7Red 67.2}[159]
§333 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。{7Red 68.1}[160]
§334 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.?{7Red 68.1}[160]
§335 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信徒，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。{7Red 68.2}[161]
§336 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.?{7Red 68.2}[161]
§337 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。{7Red 68.3}[162]
§338 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.?{7Red 68.3}[162]
§339 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。{7Red 69.1}[163]
§340 Peter’s 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.?{7Red 69.1}[163]
§341 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。{7Red 70.2}[164]
§342 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.?{7Red 69.2}[164]
§343 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。{7Red 70.1}[165]
§344 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.?{7Red 70.1}[165]
§345 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。{7Red 70.2}[166]
§346 The day of Peter’s 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. Man’s extremity is God’s 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.?{7Red 70.2}[166]
§347 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，他即将为基督的缘故献上自己的生命。{7Red 70.3}[167]
§348 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 Christ’s sake.?{7Red 70.3}[167]
§349 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。{7Red 71.1}[168]
§350 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 Peter’s 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.?{7Red 71.1}[168]
§351 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。{7Red 71.2}[169]
§352 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.?{7Red 71.2}[169]
§353 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）。{7Red 72.1}[170]
§354 Peter is not awakened until he feels the stroke of the angel’s 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.”?{7Red 72.1}[170]
§355 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。{7Red 72.2}[171]
§356 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.?{7Red 72.2}[171]
§357 到了第二道门，也是里外把守着的，它也像第一道门一样打开，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，彼得则迷茫地跟着他的拯救者，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。{7Red 73.1}[172]
§358 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.?{7Red 73.1}[172]
§359 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子，穿戴整齐。{7Red 73.2}[173]
§360 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.?{7Red 73.2}[173]
§361 他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）。{7Red 73.3}[174]
§362 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.”?{7Red 73.3}[174]
§363 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）。{7Red 74.1}[175]
§364 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 Peter’s 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.”?{7Red 74.1}[175]
§365 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。{7Red 74.2}[176]
§366 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.?{7Red 74.2}[176]
§367 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。{7Red 75.1}[177]
§368 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.?{7Red 75.1}[177]
§369 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。{7Red 75.2}[178]
§370 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.?{7Red 75.2}[178]
§371 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。{7Red 75.3}[179]
§372 Herod, not long after Peter’s 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.?{7Red 75.3}[179]
§373 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，仪态的高贵，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。{7Red 76.1}[180]
§374 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.?{7Red 76.1}[180]
§375 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。{7Red 76.2}[181]
§376 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 wickedness of his daily life.?{7Red 76.2}[181]
§377 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，用空洞绝望的声音喊着说：“你们所高举为神明的人将要变成死人了！”{7Red 76.3}[182]
§378 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!?{7Red 76.3}[182]
§379 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。{7Red 77.1}[183]
§380 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.?{7Red 77.1}[183]
§381 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。{7Red 78.1}[184]
§382 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 Herod’s 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.?{7Red 78.1}[184]
§383 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。{7Red 78.2}[185]
§384 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.?{7Red 78.2}[185]
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