#50 使徒行傳16:27-32

Lesson #50 – 7/22/2017
講員：Kevin Berg      翻譯：Angie Berg

We have done something while we have gone through this passage of scripture, in Acts 16: We have tried to come up with what Paul and Silas could have been thinking while going through these circumstances that they have found themselves in. The passage didn’t give us all of the details, so we had to read between the lines a little, using what we did have in the passage to draw some conclusions. Why would we do this? One obvious reason is to make us think. But, the main reason is that when we are faced with our own difficult situations we don’t know how to go from the situation to the solution. Here in Acts 16 we see the solution, but we need to know how to get to the solution; we have to compare scripture with scripture to get the whole picture. 

在使徒行傳16章中，我們經歷了這段經文，我們已經做了一些試圖想出保羅和西拉在經歷這些情況下可能會想到的一切事情。 這段經文沒有給我們所有的細節，所以我們不得不在字裏行間讀出一點端倪，使用我們在經文中所有的做出結論。 為什麼我們這樣做呢？ 一個很明顯的原因就是要讓我們思考。 但是，主要原因是當我們面對自己的困境時，我們不知道如何從困境走向解決的辦法。 在使徒行傳16章中，我們看到了解決的辦法，但是我們需要知道如何解決問題; 我們必須比較經文與經文，以獲得整體情況。

We have taken our time through this passage of scripture, for this very reason. It doesn’t take long to read through this passage of scripture. And, after we have read through it, we have a pretty good idea of what happened. But, the purpose here has been to really look at the account closely; to think about it, to contemplate it, to drill down into it, and to actually study it. It is easy to read through it, but I hope that you agree that we wouldn’t have gotten as much out of it that way. We want it to be applicable to us right now, we want to learn from it, and not just have it be a nice story. 

就是由於這個原因，我們已經花了相當的時間讀過這段經文。 閱讀這段經文不需要很長時間。 而且，在我們閱讀之後，我們對發生了什麼有一個很好的了解。 但是，這裡的目的是真正地關注這個紀錄; 思想它，思考它，深思熟慮地探討，並實際研究它。 雖然閱讀是很容易的，但我希望你們贊同如此的話我們不會得到那麼多。 我們希望的是現在就能適用於我們，我們想從中學習，而不僅僅只是當作是一個很好的故事而已。

The thing about this passage is that it allows us to use what we have already learned. It doesn’t give us all the answers, but many of the answers have already been given to us in prior lessons. It helps us to review and remember.

關於這段經文的主要事情就是，它允許我們使用我們已經學習到的東西。 它沒有給我們所有的答案，但是許多答案已經在以前的課程中給了我們。 它有助於我們審查和牢牢的記住。

One topic that we learned about in the past was prayer. We spent a number of hours on the topic of prayer. And, when Paul and Silas were in prison one of the things they did was pray. When we first learned about prayer, we had to think, and we had to concentrate on what we were learning. Now, when the topic of prayer comes up again, we have to think and concentrate again to recall those things we learned. 

過去我們學到的一個主題是禱告。 我們花了好幾個小時在禱告的主題上。 而保羅和西拉在監獄裡，他們所做的一件事就是祈禱。 當我們第一次學習禱告時，我們不得不思考，我們不得不專注於我們正在學習的東西。 現在，當禱告的主題再次出現時，我們必須再思考和集中精力來回憶起我們所學過的東西。

So, we could ask the question, “What were Paul & Silas praying about while they were in prison?” However, as with other things, we don’t know, the text does not tell us. But, a better question would be, “What would we be praying about if we were in their shoes?” Then it helps for us to remember the topic of prayer. Can anyone remember the different areas of prayer that we studied? One area is Thanksgiving. Let’s quickly review the different areas of prayer that the bible teaches. 

所以，我們可以問一個問題：“保羅和西拉在監獄裡祈禱什麼？”但是，與其他事情一樣，我們不知道，經文中並沒有告訴我們。 但是，一個更好的問題是，“如果我們在同樣的情況裡，我們會為什麼禱告呢？”那麽，這有助於我們記起禱告的主題。 有沒有人記得我們學習過的禱告的不同部份？ 感恩是其中之一。 讓我們快速回顧一下聖經所教導的禱告不同的部份。

Paul was an apostle, he was taught by many different people, and some of them were taught directly by our Lord. We can assume that since he wrote more New Testament books than anyone else, that he knew a thing or two about prayer. So, a quick review, before we go on. Prayer can have a number of different sections to it:

.   .     Thanksgiving / praise.

2.     Prayer for others, called intercessory prayer. This may also include prayer for ministries.

3.     Prayer for guidance. Also, God’s will to be done.

4.     Prayer for yourself.

保羅是使徒，他是由許多不同的人教導的，其中一些是由我們的主直接教導的。 我們可以假設，由於他寫了比任何人更多的新約書信，他應該知道一兩件關於禱告的事。 所以，我們繼續之前，快速回顧一下 。 禱告可以有許多不同的部分：

1

1. 感恩/讚美

2. 為別人禱告，稱之為代禱。 這也可能包括為使命為事工禱告。

3. 祈禱指引。 此外，神的旨意成全。

4. 為自己禱告

So, do you think that the only prayer that Paul & Silas prayed was, “God help us! Get us out of these terrible circumstances.”?

那麼，你認為保羅和西拉的禱告只有禱告就是“上帝幫助我們！ 讓我們脫離這些可怕的情況嗎？”

We can assume that they had other prayers. That they were thinking of something other than their own situation. We can be confident that they were asking God to show them why they were there. They surely were praying for guidance. They may have been praying for the other prisoners. They may have asked to be shown how they could minister to these people.  

我們可以假設他們有其他的禱告。 他們在思考自己的景況。 我們可以相信他們要求上帝告訴他們為什麼他們在那裡。 他們當然正在祈禱指引。 他們可能為其他囚犯禱告。 他們可能會要神求向他們展示如何為這些人服事。

Something happened earlier, in Acts chapter 4, that sounds quite similar to what we are studying now, and it gives us insight into what is going on in Paul and Silas’ minds. In Acts 4:27-31, it says:

在“使徒行傳”第四章中更早發生的事情，聽起來和我們現在正在學習的非常相似，它讓我們深入了解保羅和西拉的心情。 在使徒行傳4：27-31，它說：

“27In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. 29And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. 31After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.”

“27  希律和本丟‧彼拉多，外邦人和以色列民，果然在這城裏聚集，要攻打你所膏的聖僕#僕：或譯子耶穌， 28成就你手和你意旨所預定必有的事。 29-30他們恐嚇我們，現在求主鑒察，一面叫你僕人大放膽量講你的道，一面伸出你的手來醫治疾病，並且使神蹟奇事因着你聖僕#僕：或譯子耶穌的名行出來。」 31禱告完了，聚會的地方震動，他們就都被聖靈充滿，放膽講論神的道。”

Sound familiar? It is very possible that the prayers of Paul and Silas were quite similar to this prayer, “Father, give us great boldness in preaching your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.” Not too far fetched is it?

聽起來很熟悉吧？ 保羅和西拉的禱告很可能與這個禱告非常相似，“父神啊！賜給我們大膽的宣講你的話語。 奉主耶穌的名，我們禱告。 阿門，“不是很牽強吧？”

Okay, let’s move on. We have recently had an earthquake in the prison in Acts 16; all the doors were opened, all the chains were released.

好的，我們繼續吧。 我們最近在使徒行傳16章看到在監獄裡發生地震。 所有的門被打開，所有的鎖鏈被斷開。

Let’s see what happens next, in verse 27 & 28. Did they pass the test, did they escape while they had the chance? Let’s read it.

我們來看看接下來發生什麼，在27和28節。他們通過了試驗嗎？他們有機會逃跑嗎？ 我們來看看吧！

“27When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." 

“27禁卒一醒，看見監門全開，以為囚犯已經逃走，就拔刀要自殺。 28保羅大聲呼叫說：「不要傷害自己！我們都在這裏。」”

Let’s think about something. Did Paul and Silas do the right thing? Did they make the right decision to stay put? What does it take to do the right thing? By being a good example, do you think that they were a positive influence on the other prisoners?

讓我們來思考一下。 保羅和西拉做了正確的事嗎？ 他們做出了正確的決定嗎？ 做正確的事情需要做些什麼？ 作為一個很好的例子，你認為他們對其他囚犯有正面的影響嗎？

I love the phrase, “supposing that the prisoners had escaped.” It is exactly what the general consensus was last week. He assumed, like we did, that the normal response was for all of the prisoners to leave when they had the opportunity to. But, isn’t it amazing that they didn’t? Do these men show that they had integrity and honor?

我喜歡這個句子，“假設囚犯逃脫了”，這正是上週我們普遍的共識。 他（獄卒）像我們一樣假設，正當回應是所有的囚犯有機會都會離開。 但是，是否很訝異他們沒有離開呢？ 這兩人是否表現出誠信德行和尊嚴？

Let’s go on to verse 29:

我們繼續看29節：

“29And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.”

“29禁卒叫人拿燈來，就跳進去，戰戰兢兢地俯伏在保羅、西拉面前；”

What is the jailer saying by his actions? Do you get a sense of appreciation? Do you think he is thankful for the decision that they made? Do you think that doing the right thing has an effect on other people? Are these two men good ambassadors for Christ Jesus? This is obviously an amazing testimony. Let’s see what happens next – the jailer has a question in verse 30:

獄卒的行為說明了什麼？ 你有感覺得到感激嗎？ 你認為他感激他們做出的決定嗎？ 你認為做正確的事情對其他人有影響嗎？ 這兩個人是否是基督耶穌的大使？ 這顯然是一個了不起的見證。 讓我們看看接下來會發生什麼 - 獄卒在30節有一個問題：

“30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"”

“30又領他們出來，說：「二位先生，我當怎樣行才可以得救？」”

Hold your place in Acts 16, and turn in your bible to John chapter 3. If someone asked you this question, "Sirs (or Madame), what must I do to be saved?" and you didn’t have your bible with you, what would you say? A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus had the same question at the beginning of John chapter 3, and Jesus answered it for him. Let’s start at the end and work our way back by looking at John 3:36, first:

保留使徒行傳16章，把你的聖經翻到約翰福音章第3章。如果有人問你這個問題，“先生（或夫人），我該怎麼辦才能得救？ 你沒有你的聖經在身邊，你會說什麼？ 一個叫尼哥底母的法利賽人， 在約翰福音第3章的開頭有同樣的問題，耶穌回答他了。 讓我們從最後開始看回頭，先看約翰福音3:36：

“36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

“36信子的人有永生；不信子的人得不着永生#原文是不得見永生，神的震怒常在他身上。」”

Then John 3:17&18:

然後約翰福音3：17＆18：

“17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

“17因為神差他的兒子降世，不是要定世人的罪#或譯：審判世人；下同，乃是要叫世人因他得救。 18信他的人，不被定罪；不信的人，罪已經定了，因為他不信神獨生子的名。”

Now, we can look at the most famous verse of them all. The verse that many have memorized, John 3:16:

現在，我們看看所有的最著名的經句。 這是許多人都會背誦的經文在約翰福音3:16：

“16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“16「神愛世人，甚至將他的獨生子賜給他們，叫一切信他的，不致滅亡，反得永生。”

Let’s go back to Acts 16, and verses 31 & 32 to wrap it up for this evening:

讓我們回到使徒行傳16，31和32節，做為晚上的結束：

31And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

“31他們說：「當信主耶穌，你和你一家都必得救。」 32他們就把主的道講給他和他全家的人聽。”

I believe at this point that Paul & Silas’ prayers were answered. God has made it clear to them why they are there. They did do the right thing, and here is the result.

我相信在這時候，保羅和西拉的禱告得到了回答。 上帝已經顯明他們為什麼在那裡。 他們做了正確的事情，這是結果。

Is this the answer we would have given if someone asked us this question? It is clear, hopefully there is no confusion. They didn’t mince their words. We have all had a chance in our lives to obey this, and I am confident that everyone here tonight has done just that. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. This promises eternity with God, and eternity in heaven. Quite a pivotal set of passages of scripture. 

如果有人問我們這個問題，我們會給出答案嗎？ 很明顯，希望沒有困惑。 他們沒有說得不清不楚。 我們都有機會在我們的生命中遵守這一點，我相信今天晚上的每個人都這樣做了。 相信主耶穌基督，你必得救。 這應許永生和上帝一起，永生在天堂。 非常關鍵性的一些經文。

Paul and Silas made a good decision, but not nearly as good of a decision as the decision to believe in Christ, which has eternal ramifications. And it is critical to note that God allows us to make the decision; we can accept Christ for who he is or we can reject him and say that we don’t believe. It is up to us and we either reap the benefits, or suffer the consequences. 

保羅和西拉做出了一個很好的決定，但不如決定相信基督的決定那樣好，因為基督是據有永恆的後果。 請注意上帝允許我們作決定是至關重要的。 我們可以接受基督為著他是誰，或者我們可以拒絕他，說我們不相信。 這取決於我們，我們要么收穫好處，要么遭受後果。

Next week we will continue on in Acts 16.

下週我們將繼續使徒行傳16。

Let’s pray.

讓我們祈禱。

#49 使徒行傳16:26

Lesson #49 – 7/15/2017
講員：Kevin Berg      翻譯：Melissa Feliz

We are currently in Acts chapter 16. We have gone from verse 16 through verse 25. We have seen two men, Paul and Silas, run across a little slave girl with a spirit of divination. The Apostle Paul cast out the demon from the little girl. The girl’s owners lost income because she could no longer do the fortune telling show. They then drug Paul and Silas into the town square and accused them of committing a crime. The local authorities sentenced them to a beating, threw them into the inner portion of the prison, and bound their feet. 

我们已经学到了使徒行传16章，一起看了16节到25节，了解到保罗和西拉遇到了一个被巫鬼所附的使女。使徒保罗便将鬼从使女的身上驱逐出来。使女不能继续施法术，因而，她的主人便不能继续从她身上得财力了。于是，她的主人们揪住了保罗和西拉，拉他们到市上，告他们犯罪。官长判他们棍打，将他们下在监里，两脚上了木狗。

Then last week we saw how Paul and Silas responded to the situation: They were praying and singing praises to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. They had a captive audience. They did the right thing, they had the right attitude, and they kept in mind that God was with them, He wouldn’t fail them, and He wouldn’t turn His back on them. 

于是，上个星期，我们一起看了保罗与西拉是如何应对这样的情况：他们祷告唱诗赞美神，众囚犯也侧耳而听。他们拥有俘虏的观众。他们做了正确的事，保持了正确的态度，时刻记得神与他们同在，并不会丢弃他们。

Last week we also asked the question of why would we look at a passage of scripture like this. Obviously, we want to learn from it, but further it allows us to see how people who are serving God would handle difficult situations like this. We see one example of the proper way to handle adversity in our life. Adversity will not take this same form in our life; however, we will run across different things that may take a similar application of faith in our life. 

上个星期我们也问了为什么我们要看这节经文，很明显，我们想要从中学习，此外，也帮助我们了解到服侍神的人在这样的困境下，是如何应对的。我们看到了一个在困境中正确应对的例子。困境/苦难在生活中并不会以同样的形式出现，但是，当我们遇到这些以不同形式呈现的困境时，我们是可以用同样的信心来应对的。

This account also allows us to evaluate how we are doing in our own spiritual life. This isn’t for us to evaluate how others are doing, but for us to evaluate how we are doing. Are we making progress? Is our faith growing? Are we consistently utilizing God’s provision for forgiveness? Are we able to remember some promises that God has provided us and apply them to a difficult situation? 

这个故事也能帮助我们来评估一下我们自己的属灵生命。当然，我们是用其来评估自己的作为，不要用其来评价他人的作为。我们是否在属灵生命上进步了？我们的信心是否也增长了？我们是否利用了神的宽恕？我们是否记得神的应许，并能将其应用于困难中？

We have all failed in the past. However, we are not studying this section of scripture to become discouraged. We might think, “I could never pass a test like this. And, we might be right. If we give up, if we don’t keep at it, if we don’t have patience, and if we stop growing, we may never be able to pass such a test as this. But, if we do keep pressing on, and if our faith does continue to get stronger, then maybe in the future we can. 

过去我们都失败过。但是，我们学习这个部分的目的并不是要我们因此变得沮丧。 我们可能会认为，“我永远不会通过这样的试炼。我们可能是对的，因为如果我们放弃，如果我们不坚持下去，如果我们没有耐心，如果我们停止增长，我们可能永远无法通过这样的试炼。但是，如果我们继续坚持下去，如果我们的信心会继续增强，那么也许在将来我们可以做到。

So, please don’t get discouraged. Let’s not throw in the towel and say that this could never apply to us; it can, and it will if we stick with it. The real question is will we pass the future test or not. Will we depend upon God, claim His promises, and come to a proper conclusion to the situation? Will we develop a divine viewpoint, or will we stick with a human viewpoint? Will we be able to develop the proper attitude in difficult times?

所以，请不要气馁。不要认输，认为我们做不到; 如果我们坚持下去的话，是可以的。 真正的问题是我们是否会通过未来的试炼。我们是否会依靠神，谨记他的应许，对这种情况作出正确的判断？ 我们会不会以神的观点来看，还是我们会继续坚持属世的观点？我们能够在困境中形成正确的态度吗？

Right here, right now, we are in the right place to continue the process. And, we need to learn, we need to understand, and we need to apply these things in real world situations. We have all had failures in the past. We have all sinned in the past. We may have done something in the past that really shocks us and we can’t let it go. But, we need to keep in mind that God never abandons us, no matter what we have done in the past. His plan for our lives is still in effect. Nothing can separate us from His love. We shouldn’t focus on our past failures, we shouldn’t feel guilt; we should press on. We want to see the solution, and recognize the faithfulness of God, no matter where we have come from. 

此时、此刻，我们来到了这个正确的地方来进行这个过程，我们需要学习、理解，并将其在现实生活中应用。我们都失败过，也都犯过罪，甚至在过去发生过让我们备受打击的事情，以至于我们至今都无法释怀/走出。但是我们要记得，不管我们在过去做过什么，神永远不会丢弃我们。没有任何事物能将我们与神的爱隔绝。我们不该关注于过去的失败，也不该感觉有罪，而应该坚定地继续。不管我们经历过什么，我们都要看解决的办法和神的信实。

Philippians  3:12-14, says it best:

“12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

腓立比书3章12至14节，对其做了最好的诠释：

12这不是说我已经得着了，已经完全了；而是竭力追求，或许可以得着基督耶稣（#所要我得着的#或译#所以得着我的#）。 13弟兄们，我不是以为自己已经得着了；我只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，14向着标竿直跑，要得上帝在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏。

God’s grace is greater than our failures. Our Lord Jesus Christ has taken our place on the cross. All of our sins were poured out on him and judged. Sin is no longer the issue, forgiveness is available to us by simply naming the sins we know about privately to God the Father; He is faithful and justified to forgive those sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) However, it is up to us to make the decision to utilize what God has provided for us. It is a free gift, through grace, we just need to know about it, believe it, and then accept it by utilizing it. 

神的恩典大过我们的失败。我们的主耶稣基督已经替我们钉于十字架上，也替我们的罪受了审判。罪已经不是关键的问题，我们若将我们所犯的罪告诉神，祂便会饶恕我们。正如约翰一书1章9节所说：“我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们的一切不义”。但是决定在于我们，在于我们如何使用神所预备给我们的。这是一个免费的礼物，通过恩典，我们只需知道它，相信它，通过运用而接受它。

Okay, so let’s see what happens next in Acts chapter 16. Let’s go onto verse 26.

好了，让我们一起看看使徒行传16章26节会发生什么。

“26and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.”

“忽然，地大震动，甚至监牢的地基都摇动了，监门立刻全开，众囚犯的锁链也都解开了。”

Okay, put yourself in these men’s shoes. What is the first thing that comes to mind?

好吧，让我们来设身处地来想一下，这个时候，你马上想到的是什么？

Did you think, “Hallelujah, our prayers have been answered!, Let’s get out of this place, we are free!”? But, let’s pause to think, “Is this the right thing to do?” Why or Why not? Has God revealed Himself? How? Has He shown them the way? Or, is this another test?

你是不是在想“哈利路亚，我们的祷告终于被应答了，我们赶紧走吧，我们自由了！”但是，我们需要想一想，“这是正确的事情吗？”为什么是或为什么不是？神是不是向我们显现了祂自己？祂是如何向他们显现的呢？或者，这又是另一个试炼吗？

We won’t do it, but we could do the same thing that we did the last two weeks. We could brainstorm on what the normal reaction would be to the earthquake. Then we could also list what an abnormal response to being apparently set free by the earthquake would be. 

我们不能真的设身处地，但是我们可以继续用我们两周前用过的头脑风暴，一起想一想如果地震发生，什么是我们正常的反应。然后我们也可以一起设想一下如果地震的发生是让我们得救，我们哪些“非正常”的反应会是哪些。

There is an expression of how to know the will or plan of God for us. It is either the door closed or the door is opened to a particular situation or opportunity. Common advice is that if God closes the door, that you accept it, and that you don’t try to kick it down. Also, if God opens doors for you, that you have the faith to walk through them. So, this situation takes a lot of thought and you need to think about other things. If it seems as though a door is opening for you (as it looks like here for Paul and Silas), you have to evaluate whether going through the apparent open door is in conflict with anything else you know about God and His plan for your life. 

我们常常会说“我们如何知道这是不是神的计划”。其实这是关乎在这个情况下神会为我们开这扇门还是关这扇门。一般来说，如果神把这扇门关起来，我们应该接受这个事实，别试图踹开门。当然，如果神为我们开一扇门，我们也该满有信心地继续走下去。因此，在这样的情况下，我们要多思考，并要考虑其他的事情。如果看起来，门真的为你打开（正如我们这里提及的保罗与西拉），我们就要好好思考一下，这个明显打开的门是不是与你所了解的神和祂为你预备的计划相冲突。

So, if it looks like a door is opening in your life, but by going through it you are breaking the law, either in your land, or breaking one of God’s laws, you can be assured that it isn’t God opening that door for you. As an example, say someone is completely out of money, and we are all praying that God would provide, so that they can feed their family. Let’s say someone comes to offer them a really good plan to rob a bank. It will provide them with plenty of money for their family and will get them out of the financial hole. Do you say, “Hallelujah, God has answered our prayers.”? Why not? Do you think that by saying no to something wrong, even if it looks like an open door, requires faith? 

所以，如果在你的生活中，似乎有一扇门向你打开，但是走出这扇门是违法的，不管是这世上的法或是神的律法，你都可以确定这并不是神在为你开门。举一个例子，说一个人没有钱了，我们就都为他祷告，祈祷神的供应，供应他的全家。这时，有一个人建议他该去抢银行，因为这样就能有足够的钱来弥补家用了。你会说“哈利路亚，神回答了我的祷告？”为什么不？是不是对一件事情说不，即便这看起来是打开的门，也需要信心呢？

So, what is the situation here in the prison for Paul and Silas? Why should they resist leaving right away? Asked in a different way, what if there was a convicted murderer in the same prison. What if they escaped after the earthquake, would they be set free? Or, would they be hunted down and be put back into prison? I think we know the answer. 

那么现在保罗和西拉的情况又如何呢?他们为什么要拒绝离开呢？换一种问法，如果是一个已决犯也在相同的监狱。他们即便也是从地震中逃跑了，他们会真正自由吗？或者他们会被再抓捕回来呢？我想我们都知道这个答案。

So, the authorities of the area have not released Paul and Silas, correct? So, is it right for them to leave and call it God’s plan? No. Are we to obey the authorities in our life? Do we have to follow the laws of the land? Do the laws apply to us? The answer is yes, with one exception: if the law contradicts God’s laws. We follow His laws first and foremost. But, other than that situation, we are commanded to follow the authorities that are over us. 

这个地区的官长并未放了保罗与西拉，对吗？那么，他们这样的离开是否可被叫做神的计划呢？不是的。我们在生活中是否也该服从掌权的呢？我们是否该遵守属世的法律呢？法律对我们是否适用？答案是“是的”。但是只有一种特例，那就是如果这个律法是违背我们神的律法。我们要先遵守神的律法再遵守其他的法律。但是，除此之外，我们应当服从掌权的。

Let’s look quickly at some passages of scripture that explain this, first 1 Peter 2:13-17:

让我们一起快速看看彼得前书2章13到17节：

“13Be subject, for the Lord's sake, to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

13你们为主的缘故要顺服人的一切制度，或是在上的君王， 14或是君王所派惩恶赏善的官员/臣宰。 15因为上帝的旨意原是要你们以行善来堵住糊涂无知人的口。 16虽然你们是自由的，却不可藉着自由遮盖恶毒，总要作上帝的仆人。 17务要尊重众人；要敬爱教中的弟兄姊妹；要敬畏上帝；要尊敬君王。

Yes, but this doesn’t mean the IRS too, does it? Do we as Christians have to pay our taxes? Well, let’s look at Mark 12:14-17:

是的，但是这并不意味着IRS（国税局），是吗？作为基督徒的我们，要不要交税呢？我们一起看看马可福音12章14到17节是如何说的。

“14And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?" 15But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."  16And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's." 17Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at him.”

14他们来了，就对他说：「夫子，我们知道你是诚实的，什么人你都不徇情面；因为你不看人的外貌，乃是诚诚实实传上帝的道。纳税给凯撒可以不可以？ 15我们该纳不该纳？」耶稣知道他们的假意，就对他们说：「你们为什么试探我？拿一个银钱来给我看！」 16他们就拿了来。耶稣说：「这像和这号是谁的？」他们说：「是凯撒的。」 17耶稣说：「凯撒的物当归给凯撒，上帝的物当归给上帝。」他们就很希奇他。

Okay, just to make it clear, let’s look at one more: Romans 13:1-7

为了我们可以更加清楚地明白，我们再一起看看罗马书13章的1到7节。

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

1在上有权柄的，人人当顺服他，因为没有权柄不是出于神的。凡掌权的都是神所命的。 2所以，抗拒掌权的就是抗拒神的命；抗拒的必自取刑罚。 3作官的原不是叫行善的惧怕，乃是叫作恶的惧怕。你愿意不惧怕掌权的吗？你只要行善，就可得他的称赞； 4因为他是神的用人，是与你有益的。你若作恶，却当惧怕，因为他不是空空地佩剑；他是神的用人，是伸冤的，刑罚那作恶的。 5所以，你们必须顺服，不但是因为刑罚，也是因为良心。 6你们纳粮，也为这个缘故；因他们是神的差役，常常特管这事。 7凡人所当得的，就给他。当得粮的，给他纳粮；当得税的，给他上税；当惧怕的，惧怕他；当恭敬的，恭敬他。

Yes, we are to pay our taxes. Yes, we are to follow the rules and laws of where we live. Yes, we are to submit to the governing authorities. There is an important principle that comes out of this, “Just because everyone is doing it, it doesn’t mean that it is right.” How do we know what is right? God let’s us know clearly. Here in these past three passages of scripture it is made perfectly clear that we are to be subject to the governing authorities. This applies to local, county, state, and federal authorities. 

是的，我们当纳税。是的，我们也当遵从规则与法律。是的，我们当顺服掌权的。因而，在这当中，也有一条很重要的法则“就因为所有人都在做，并不意味着这就是对的”。我们如何知道对错与否呢？神才会清晰地让我们了解。刚刚我们所找的三段经文就非常充分地说明了我们当顺服掌权的。这既包括我们的区、县、州也包括我们的联邦当局。

So, in Acts 16, verse 25 the earthquake opens all of the doors, and releases all of the chains that bind the prisoners, including Paul and Silas. What are they to do? What is the right thing for them to do? Are we all clear on this? Okay, next week we will go on and see if they pass this test, or if they make a mistake and fail to do the right thing. And, next week we will also talk about honor and integrity and how it applies to Paul and Silas, and how it can possibly apply to us as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

因此，在使徒行传16章的25节的大震动，震开了监门，震开了囚犯的锁链，这其中也包括保罗与西拉。他们接下里会怎么做？什么才是正确的事呢？我们都清晰了吗？好，下周我们会继续看他们是否通过了这个试炼，还是犯了错，并未做正确的事。下周我们也会继续讨论在保罗与西拉身上所体现的尊严与正直，并讨论如何可以在我们这些信徒身上体现同样的品质。

Let’s pray.

我们祷告。