彰显主基督_十二月十二日保罗的敬虔人生有不可抗拒的力量

十二月十二日保罗的敬虔人生有不可抗拒的力量

Paul’s Godly Life had Irresistible Power, December 12

“坚心倚赖你的，你必保守他十分平安，因为他倚靠你”（赛26:3）。{RC360.1}

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3. {RC 360.1}

不久之后，尼禄就宣布保罗死刑，以致他必须为道殉身。……{RC360.2}

Nero pronounced the decision that condemned Paul to a martyr’s death.... {RC 360.2}

保罗被秘密地解往刑场，当局只准少数人同去，因为迫害他的人慑于他广泛的影响，唯恐有人看见他从容就义而皈依基督教。可是连那些押解他的无情兵士，听到他的言语，看到他临死时所表显愉快甚至喜乐的神情也感到不胜惊异。对于一些看见他殉道的人，他那饶恕杀害他之人的精神和始终依靠基督而毫不动摇的信心就成了“活的香气”叫他们活。……{RC360.3}

Few spectators were allowed to be present; for his persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity by the scenes of his death. But even the hardened soldiers who attended him listened to his words and with amazement saw him cheerful and even joyous in the prospect of death. To some who witnessed his martyrdom, his spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers and his unwavering confidence in Christ till the last proved a savor of life unto life.... {RC 360.3}

保罗脸上所表显的天赐平安吸引了许多人信从福音。保罗身上常带着上天的气氛。凡与他接近的人都感受到他那与基督联合，与天使交往的影响。他自己的生活为他所传的真理作见证，这就使他所传讲的道具有感服人心的能力。{RC360.4}

The heaven-born peace expressed on Paul’s countenance won many a soul to the gospel. Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed gave convincing power to his preaching. {RC 360.4}

真理的能力就在于此。圣洁的生活自然而然，不知不觉地发出影响，乃是为基督教所能作最有力的见证。辩论纵然极其有理，甚至叫人无言可答，却只能惹起人的反对；而一个敬虔的榜样却有一种不能抵抗的力量。{RC360.5}

Here lies the power of truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist. {RC 360.5}

保罗对于那些仍要留在世上，应付偏见仇恨和迫害的人所有的关怀，使他忘了自己将要遭受的痛苦。他再三述说上帝对于为义受逼迫之人所发的宝贵应许，设法坚固并鼓励那几个陪他到刑场的基督徒。他断言，上帝所说一切有关他受苦而忠心之儿女的话，没有一句会落空的。{RC360.6}

The apostle lost sight of his own approaching sufferings in his solicitude for those whom he was about to leave to cope with prejudice, hatred, and persecution. The few Christians who accompanied him to the place of execution he endeavored to strengthen and encourage by repeating the promises given for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. He assured them that nothing would fail of all that the Lord has spoken concerning His tried and faithful children. {RC 360.6}

他们或许因百般的试探而暂时心情沉重，他们或许没有属世的安慰。但他们应当振作起来，说：“因为知道我所信的是谁，也深信他能保全我所交付他的，直到那日”（提后1:12）。不久，试炼和痛苦的黑夜必要过去，和平快乐的曙光和正午的辉煌将要来到。{RC360.7}

For a little season they might be in heaviness through manifold temptations; they might be destitute of earthly comforts; but they could encourage their hearts with the assurance of God’s faithfulness, saying, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him” (2 Timothy 1:2). Soon the night of trial and suffering would end, and then would dawn the glad morning of peace and perfect day. {RC 360.7}

这时，保罗仰望着那伟大的将来，没有一点犹疑，也没有一点畏惧，只有喜乐的盼望和热切的期待。当他站在殉道的地点时，他没有看刽子手的刀，也没有看那即将吸收他鲜血的地；他却抬头从夏天蔚蓝的天空看到永生上帝的宝座。（AA.509-512）{RC360.8}

The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stands at the place of martyrdom he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive his blood; he looks up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the Eternal.—The Acts of the Apostles, 509-512. {RC 360.8}