建立初信者

Bible Reading: Acts 14: 19 – 27
讀經： 使徒行傳十四章19至27節

Paul and Barnabas had probably been on the road as missionaries for about a year. They had suffered a great deal in that time. Now they were ready to go back to their home church at Antioch and share with the Christians all that God had done.

保羅和巴拿巴的宣教旅程大概進行了一年，途中二人都受了很多苦，此刻他們準備回到安提阿，與那裡的信徒分享神的一切作為。

But first there was something more to do before they could leave the areas they had visited. They had been forced to leave almost every city in a hurry even though there were new Christians there. Now Paul felt he must go back over the same road. But this time he would meet only with the Christians to strengthen their faith and help them organise a church.

就在他們準備回程的時候，他們覺得必須先償一個心願。他們昔日因行程緊逼，所以在每處傳講福音、領人信主之後，便匆忙地繼續上路。因此，保羅此刻認為他們必須沿著原路回去，重訪昔日到過的地方，去探望初信的信徒，鞏固他們的信心，並協助他們建立教會。

Preaching and evangelistic work are very important. But there must also be care for the new converts and wherever possible the formation of a local church if the work is to continue. Paul did all of this wherever he went.

傳道和佈道這兩項工作都非常重要；可是，栽培初信的信徒，並在可能的情況下，儘量幫助他們建立教會，才能使福音的工作得以持續。保羅正是盡可能在每個地方做這全面的工作。

Paul helped the Christians too by explaining the strange mystery of suffering (v.22). No-one can expect to be absolutely free of pain and problems just because they have accepted Christ. It is part of the work of the Holy Spirit to help us endure these occasions and to become more Christlike in them.

而且，保羅教導信徒，信仰的路途需經歷很多艱苦(22節)，也對信徒大有幫助。我們不可讓初信者誤以為，信了基督就可免除一切的痛苦及難題。聖靈其中一項工作，正是幫助信徒在苦難中保持忍耐，以及在苦難中學像基督。

Lastly, Paul arrived back in Antioch and found a marvellous welcome. He was in his home church. How he must have appreciated the fellowship he found there after a year on the road. They shared in praising God together as he told of what God had done. It was a very happy ending to twelve months of testing.

最後，保羅終於回到安提阿，獲得了信徒的熱烈歡迎。他在外面辛勞了整整一年，如今回到自己的母會，再次感受到主內肢體的關懷與支持，實在是何等的欣慰！他向眾人講述神的作為之後，他們都同聲向神發出讚美。這快樂歡愉的一幕，為過去十二個月的艱辛工作劃上了圓滿的句號。

A QUESTION: What help do we give to people who accept Christ?
反思： 我們怎樣去建立初信者？

保羅宣教的開始

Bible Reading: Acts 13: 6 – 12

讀經： 使徒行傳十三章6至12節

When Paul and Barnabas set out on their first missionary journey, they met two men (vv. 6-7), one of whom welcomed them and the other opposed them. That seems to be the same today in many places doesn’t it? Paul spoke bluntly to the man who opposed him, but shared his faith warmly with the man who welcomed him.


保羅和巴拿巴終於出發，開始他們的第一次宣教旅程。他們在途中遇到兩個人(6至7節)，一個邀請他們來向自己講解道理，但另一個卻敵擋他們。今天的情況豈不是一樣？有人喜歡聽神的道，有人卻恣意攻擊。保羅的反應是怎樣呢？對於那個攻擊真道的人，保羅直斥其非：但對於那個愛慕真道的人，保羅便熱切地向他分享信仰。

Why did Paul rebuke Elymas so strongly? Because Elymas was standing in the way of another man coming to know Christ (v. 8). Have you ever noticed that the strongest, harshest words in the Bible were often spoken to those who stood in the way of others trusting God?

保羅為何以那麼嚴厲的態度來斥責以呂馬呢？因為以呂馬試圖攔阻別人去認識基督(8節)。你有否留意到，在聖經之中被嚴詞斥責的人，往往是那些妨礙別人相信神的人？

Christ never said a harsh word to a sinning man or woman, but he certainly spoke out against those who were supposed to lead men and women to God but failed to do so.

基督從來不會疾言厲色地斥責罪人，然而，對於那些理應有責任去帶領別人信神，但反倒成為絆腳石，阻礙別人去信神的人，基督便會厲言斥責。

Paul’s hard words to Elymas made the deputy named Sergius Paulus stop and think again (v.12). He was a man with a hungry heart, an open ear and a believing faith, When he heard Paul speak about Christ, he accepted the truth and was born again. He was Paul’s first Gentile convert that we know about.

保羅怒斥以呂馬的話，聽在方伯士求‧保羅的耳中，使得他反覆思想(12節)。士求‧保羅這個人，原本已有一顆渴慕真理的心、一雙願意聆聽的耳朵，和一顆幼嫩的信心。當他聽完保羅傳講有關基督的道理後，便接受了真道，得著了重生。就我們所知，他就是保羅第一位帶領信主的外邦人。

The two men must have become the best of friends and Paul even changed his name to the same as the man he had just led to Christ. There is a wonderful bond between friends who have helped each other in Christ. Who has been the means of blessing to you? Have you ever told them so? It might be a real encouragement to them. Why not do it today?

保羅跟這位士求‧保羅必然是成為了好朋友，因為保羅是在領他信主之後，才把自己的名字由原來的「掃羅」改為「保羅」。兩位曾經在基督裡互相幫助的朋友，他們的友誼必定更加親密。有沒有哪位信徒曾經扶立你、幫助你？你有沒有告訴他們，你曾經如何從他們身上得到幫助？你的剖白，對他們來說是一種真正的激勵；所以，不要吝嗇你的感謝，趕快去向那些曾經幫助你的信徒表達謝意吧！

A PRAYER:

Thank God again for the one who first told you of Chris

禱告：

為到那些曾經向你傳福音、帶領你信主的信徒向神感恩。

禱告的教會

Bible Reading: Acts 13: 1 – 5

讀經： 使徒行傳十三1至5節

Here is another glimpse of the church at Antioch. We saw a few days ago how they enjoyed sound Bible teaching and were active in witnessing. Now we see something of their depth of prayer and their willing obedience when God called.

今天我們會從另一個角度來認識安提阿的教會。我們已經知道，安提阿教會不單為信徒提供美好的聖經教導，而且，信徒亦熱衷於為信仰作見證。從今天查考的經文中，我們將看見安提阿的信徒如何熱心禱告，和忠於神的呼召。

The church at Antioch was a praying church. But notice that they prayed not only when it was easy and convenient. Twice in these verses we read of 'fasting' which is going without food in order to spend more time in prayer. That means the sacrifice of personal appetites in order to pray.

安提阿教會是一間禱告的教會，但值得我們留意的是，安提阿教會的信徒並非只在自己方便的時候才抽空祈禱，經文更兩次提到他們「禁食」禱告，這表示他們寧願不吃飯，為了省下更多的時間來禱告。由此可見，他們為了禱告，不惜放下自己的基本慾望和需求。

Do we know very much of this? Our Lord was often so busy that to find the necessary time for prayer, he gave up his sleep. Do we know – does your church know – very much about that kind of sacrificial prayer?

我們曾否作過禁食禱告，或是為了禱告的緣故，甘願放下自己的一些基本需求？我們的主耶穌終日忙於滿足群眾的需要，以致連休息的時間也沒有，然而，為了爭取時間去禱告，祂便甘願犧牲睡眠的時間，不是清早起來禱告，就是徹夜不眠地祈禱。反觀我們自己或我們的教會，究竟有沒有這種甘願放下自己需要的心志，為的是要更專心祈禱？

Secondly, when God spoke to the church, they were immediately obedient. God asked for their best. He always does. He asked for Barnabas, the encourager, and Paul, the active leader in evangelism. It must have been quite a loss to the Antioch church to give up those two men. But they sent Paul and Barnabas out as their representatives and prayed for them as they went (v. 3).

其次，當神向安提阿教會發出明確的命令時，他們便毫不遲疑地遵從。我們不要以為，神吩咐他們去做一件輕而易舉的事；神實在是要他們將最好的獻給祂──祂要他們將擁有勸慰人恩賜的巴拿巴，和擁有佈道恩賜的保羅差派出去。失去這兩位領袖人材，對安提阿教會來說無疑是一大損失。然而，他們卻聽從神的吩咐把兩人差出去，讓他們成為福音的使者，而且，在他們出發之前，還為他們禁食禱告(3節)。

Does your church stand in the need of greater blessing? Perhaps it should take a lesson from the Antioch church and spend more time in sacrificial prayer. Then if God speaks to your church, asking you to step out in his name, make sure your obedience is as ready and immediate as was theirs.

你的教會渴望得到更大的祝福嗎？也許，現在正是時候去學習安提阿教會所樹立的榜樣，甘願放下自己的需要去熱心禱告了。然後，當神吩咐你的教會奉祂的名出去服侍祂的時候，亦要學像安提阿教會那樣作好準備，立即以行動來回應神的呼召。

A QUESTION:

Should you personally be more like those at Antioch?

反省：

你願意學像安提阿教會的信徒那樣熱心禱告嗎？

信心的祈求

Bible Reading: Acts 12: 1 – 11

讀經： 使徒行傳十二章1至11節

How do we explain some of the things God does? Here is one of the greatest examples of how God does one thing for one person and the opposite for another. James lost his wife for Christ's sake while Peter was miraculously delivered. We can only say God knows best. Even if we do not understand all he does or why he does it, we can still trust him

人生中確實有某些事情是很難去解釋的，這段經文便提供了一個實際的事例。雅各被逼迫教會的人捉拿以後，神沒有用特殊的方式去拯救他，最後他便為主而殉道；但是，彼得雖同樣被捉拿，可是神卻差派天使去拯救他，使他神蹟性地逃出了監牢。神怎麼會用這兩種截然不同的方式，去對待這兩個屬祂的人呢？我們不知道真正的答案，只能相信惟有神才知道甚麼是對人最好的。因此，即使我們不能夠明白神的一切作為，或神做某些事情的背後原因，但我們仍然可以放心去信靠祂。

Perhaps someone reading this page today has been unable to understand why they have been allowed to suffer while others have not. In those circumstances it is always good to ask this question, 'What does God want me to learn from all of this?' Sometimes when we begin to really learn the lesson God has for us, he then changes our circumstances. When the planned change begins in us, often the situation changes too.

當讀到今天這段經文時，也許立即勾起某些人的反應，質疑神為何容讓自己受苦，卻又幫助別人解困。當我們落入艱難困苦的境況時，也許最好先反省一個問題：「神究竟想我從中學到甚麼功課呢？」有些時候，當我們開始認真去學習神要我們去學的功課，神就會逐漸改變客觀的環境，為我們打開出路。神的計劃，可能是要藉著困境來使我們作出某些改變，因此，當我們開始作出改變之後，困境便可能迎刃而解。

The other point to notice in our reading today is found in verse 5. Prayer was made by the church unto God for him. There is tremendous power in the united prayer of God's people, especially when they really lay hold of God for the special thing they are asking for.

這段經文的另一個重點是在第5節：教會切切為彼得禱告，求神拯救他。信徒同心合意的祈禱，尤其是對神滿有信心的禱告，確實是大有功效的。

True prayer of course is always 'unto God'. Sometimes we need to be reminded that without him we can do nothing. If we want what prayer can do, then we have to be truly in touch with God.

當然，真正的禱告永遠是「在神的面前」懇切祈求。當們面對危難或挫敗的經歷時，往往會猛然醒覺，我們如果離開了神，便甚麼也不能作。我們若然希望禱告產生果效，就必須與神保持美好的相交。

Prayer was very definite, too. Notice it says 'for him'. They were not praying general prayers which went round the world and back again. They were praying definitely for Peter – a particular person – and God heard and answered.

而且，禱告更不要流於空泛，要確切地將真正的需要帶到神的面前。請留意，經文中的信徒並非無的放矢地禱告，反之，他們是確切地為到彼得的安危代求，而神最終亦垂聽和應允了他們的禱告。

Sometimes we have to pray in faith, not knowing just what God will do. But when we put our trust in him and definitely ask him for that which is on our hearts, he will always answer. We may have to wait. His answer may not be what we wanted or asked for, but it will be for our best good. Lord, teach us to pray.

許多時候，我們確實只能憑著信心禱告，不知道神的計劃最終要怎樣。然而，我們只要全心全意地信靠神，並為到內心的逼切需要向神祈求，神總必垂聽。我們也許需要等候一段時間，才能得到神的回應；而神的回應也許並不如我們所求；可是，我們必須切記：愛我們的神，總必把最好的給予祂的兒女。主啊，求你教導我們禱告。

安提阿教會

Bible Reading: BIBLE READING: Acts 11: 19 – 26
讀經： 使徒行傳十一章19至26節

There are two churches which are important in the book of Acts. The first was at Jerusalem, the second was at Antioch. The Jerusalem church had a wonderful start, but then was hit by persecution and many of its members were scattered. Some of those members started the church at Antioch (Acts 11:20, 21). It became a wonderful church with a great missionary vision.

使徒行傳出現兩間重要的教會，第一間是耶路撒冷教會，第二間是安提阿教會。耶路撒冷教會有一個美好的開始，可是，後來當逼迫臨到，信徒便逃散到各地。其中一些信徒便在安提阿建立了教會(徒十一20、21)；這間教會發展迅速，不久更成為一間帶有強烈宣教使命的教會。

One of the first pastors was Barnabas. He was a most gracious man. When he saw the situation at Antioch, he said, 'The man to meet the need here is that new convert, Saul. He is back home in Tarsus. I will go and get him.' He did, and Antioch became Paul's home church.

最初在安提阿教會負責牧養工作的，是一位名叫巴拿巴的信徒。巴拿巴是個仁愛謙厚的人。當他了解到安提阿教會的情況後，便對眾人說：「我認識一個人，他可以幫助牧養這間教會，他就是已經信主有一段時間的保羅。他現在留在他的家鄉大數，我要去那裡，把他帶到這裡來。」巴拿巴馬上動身去了，真的把保羅帶來，結果，安提阿教會便成了保羅在此成長和事奉的母會。

For twelve months Barnabas and Paul had a team ministry to the church in Antioch. They had what every church needs – a real teaching ministry. No church can really develop without a solid foundation of Bible teaching. Does your church have that foundation? It should.

巴拿巴和保羅一同合作，在安提阿教會事奉足有一年。他們所作的事奉，正正是每間教會所需要的事奉：教導的事奉；除非教會先在聖經的教導上，立好穩固的基礎，否則便難有真正的發展。你的教會又如何呢？已確立此根基了嗎？

But it was not only a well-fed church, it was a witnessing church. If all we do is to take in food without having any exercise we become fat and lazy. It is the same spiritually. Verse 21 tells us that a great many believed in Jesus Christ in Antioch. It was there the disciples were given a nickname – they were called 'Christians', people who followed Christ.

安提阿教會不單是一間有豐富屬靈餵養的教會，她更是一間懂得作見證的教會。我們若飽食終日，卻不懂得多做運動，就只會變得過胖和懶惰。信徒在屬靈方面也是同一道理。第21節告訴我們，在安提阿這個地方有很多人相信了主；而且，這更是第一個地方，暱稱信徒是「基督徒」，意即他們乃跟從基督的人。

Later, in chapter 13, we will see that the church at Antioch was a praying church and an obedient, missionary – minded church.

來到後面的第十三章，我們將發現安提阿教會成了一間禱告、順服和踐實宣教使命的教會。

Could we stop and look at our own church just now, wherever it is? Is there a good solid ministry of Bible teaching? There should be. Are the people witnessing for Christ day by day? Are they gathering regularly for prayer? If they are not, what do you think you could do to help bring this about? Why not pray and ask God to guide you as you seek his best for your church.

此刻，讓我們暫且停下來，反觀自己的教會。我們的教會在教導聖經方面，已立好穩固的基礎了嗎？教會若要發展，就必須先有此基礎。此外，我們的教會是否每天為基督作見證？是否經常一起禱告？我們的教會若然在這些方面有所欠缺，我們便有責任去改善。我們何不首先為自己的教會懇切禱告，祈求神親自帶領教會的發展？

我們有甚麼信息傳給未信者？

Bible Reading: BIBLE READING: Acts 10: 34 – 48
讀經： 使徒行傳十章34至48節

Isn't it easy to talk about everything except about Christ? We talk about the weather or our family or the stat of our country, but often fail to speak about our Saviour.

我們與人談論任何題目，上至天文，下至地理，以致自己的家庭，甚或是國家大事，都覺得很容易；惟獨是與人談論我們所相信的救主基督，卻覺得很困難。

As you read Peter's message in the home of Cornelius you will find it is full of thoughts about Christ. Peter knew that this was a good family. They had evening prayer and often did good deeds. But they were not saved. It was God who had said they were not (Acts 11:14). What these fine people needed was a saving relationship with Christ and a living experience of him. So that is what Peter talked to them about.

我們發現，彼得在哥尼流家中所傳講的信息，主要是關乎基督本身。彼得知道哥尼流一家都是虔誠人，他們常常禱告，又廣行善事；可是，他們卻未曾得救──這是神親自告訴彼得的(徒十一14)。這一家人現在最需要的，是認識基督，和得著基督的救恩，且在生活中經歷祂的同在。

Notice what Peter said. In verse 38 he says Jesus was anointed by God. This means he was particularly honoured as God's son. He was powerful. He was concerned about people. God was with him. He died on the cross, but God raised him again. Through him we can be saved. At the end of time all the world will be judged by him.

留意彼得在第38節說，耶穌是神所膏立的，這點顯示耶穌擁有神兒子的尊貴身分。除此之外，祂的一生都顯明神與祂同在，而祂亦經常運用祂的能力去幫助有需要的人。最終，祂雖然死在十字架上，可是，神卻使祂從死裡復活，讓我們可以藉著祂得救。當世界來到終局的時候，祂將要成為審判眾人的主。

What a message about Christ! What was the result? When a prepared heart meets a prepared messenger with a message about Christ, the result is always the same. Cornelius and his whole family were converted and baptised immediately.

這篇有關基督的信息是何等的全面！彼得講完之後，帶來甚麼結果？當一個內心已作好預備的人，從一個已有充分準備的僕人口中，聽到有關基督的信息，通常便會產生一個正面的結果──好像哥尼流的一家人那樣，立即決志信主和接受洗禮。

What message do we have for the needy souls around us? It is the same. It is Christ - who he is and what he can do. He is still full of power and love. He can save all who come to him.

我們可以向身邊有需要的人，傳講甚麼信息呢？只有一個信息能真正滿足人心的需要，那就是基督的信息：基督是誰，祂能夠做些甚麼；祂是如何的滿有能力與慈愛，能拯救一切來到祂面前的人。

There is a message of warning too. One day God will judge all the world by this simple test – 'What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?' Peter said it here in verse 42. Paul said it at Athens (Acts 17:31). One of the last scenes in Revelation is that of the Great White Throne and the Lamb's book of life when all men will be judged.

當然，我們不可忽略一個警告的信息，那就是：來到最後，神將會逐一詢問每一個人：「你怎樣接待我的兒子耶穌基督？」；這個問題的答案，將會成為神審判各人的標準。彼得在這裡的第42節提醒我們，而保羅亦曾經在雅典提醒眾人(徒十七31)。在啟示錄出現的最後一幕景象，就是世人站在白色的大寶座前，按著羔羊的生命冊，接受神的審判。

Let's talk about Christ more. He is what the world needs. He is what our friends and neighbours need. He is what everyone needs. Why don't we talk about him more?

A CHORUS TO SING:

'Let's talk about Jesus more and more'

立志：

環顧我們的朋友、鄰居，和現今世人的最大需要，就是認識基督的救恩。願聖靈幫助我們常作準備，隨時與人談論耶穌基督。

我們真的願意被神使用嗎？

Bible Reading: BIBLE READING: Acts 10: 1 – 16
讀經： 使徒行傳十章1至16節

This story of the conversion of Cornelius is told twice in the book of Acts and is referred to again in Acts 15:7. Why is it so important?

哥尼流信主的經歷，除了在第十章詳細記述之外，彼得還在第十一章覆述一次，然後在第十五章7節又再提及；這件事怎麼如此重要，值得一再提及呢？

There are at least two reasons. This was the first group of converts who were not Jews and Peter had to overcome his own deep feelings of 'racism' before he was willing to preach to these non-Jews. It was an important turning point for the church.

至少有兩個原因：哥尼流是其中一個最先信主的非猶太人，彼得首先要克服他那種根深蒂固的「民族主義」情意結，才肯把福音傳給這些非猶太人。對教會來說，這是一個非常重要的轉捩點和里程碑。

God wanted to break down old barriers so that the gospel might reach out beyond the Jewish circle. But those who knew the gospel weren't willing to share it with anyone else. Before we criticise them, however, let's answer this question - how willing am I for God to use me in any way he wants to? Am I prepared to speak to anyone about Christ, especially those who seem to me to be unlovely?

神期望信徒能打破舊有的人際阻隔，讓福音得以在非猶太人的圈子傳開；然而，當時的信徒卻不願意向同胞以外的人分享福音。不過，我們在批評他們之先，必須撫心自問：我是否願意聽從神的吩咐，神要我做甚麼，我就做甚麼呢？我是否願意向任何人傳講基督呢？即使是那些令我討厭、使我避之則吉的人也在所不辭？

God had to do something unusual to get Peter's attention, to make him willing. The whole message of the sheet full of animals and birds was a lesson to Peter that all the people of the world are equal in God's sight.

神做了一些特別的事情，來引起彼得的關注，使他遵從祂的吩咐而行。神讓彼得在異象中看見天上縋下一塊大布，內中有各種牲畜、野獸、昆蟲和飛鳥，目的就是要他明白：在神眼中，人人平等。

When Peter understood what God was saying and was willing to go anywhere and to anyone with the gospel, then he found a heart and a home prepared by God and waiting for him.

當彼得終於明白神的心意，並且願意到任何地方及向任何人去傳講福音的時候，他很快便發現，神原來早已預備了一個渴慕救恩的外邦人家庭，他們正等候他去向他們講解福音。

If we are really willing to be used by the Lord, he will take us at our word. If we are prepared to say each day 'Lord lead some soul to me today and help me to speak to that one about you and what you mean to me', we may be surprised how quickly and how often God answers that prayer. You will often find that, like Cornelius, God has prepared their hearts for what you have to say. Let's go back to our first question – Are we really willing for God to use us?

只要我們真的願意被神使用，神就必會使用我們。我們若然立志每天向主祈求：「主啊，求你帶領我，讓我有機會向人傳講福音，向人分享你在我身上的作為」，你必驚訝地發現，神很快便會垂聽你的禱告，把一個像哥尼流那樣已預備心志去接受福音的人，帶到你的面前。關鍵是在於，我們要先回答最初那個問題：我們真的願意被神使用嗎？

禱告：

'Lead me to some soul today, Oh teach me, Lord, just what to say.'

主啊，求你讓我有機會與人分享福音，同時，又求你指教我懂得如何與人分享。