聖經365恩典之旅

雅1:1作神和主耶穌基督僕人的雅各，請散住十二個支派之人的安。
雅1:2我的弟兄們，你們落在百般試煉中，都要以為大喜樂。
雅1:3因為知道你們的信心經過試驗，就生忍耐。
雅1:4但忍耐也當成功，使你們成全完備，毫無缺欠。
雅1:5你們中間若有缺少智慧的，應當求那厚賜與眾人，也不斥責人的神，主就必賜給他。
雅1:6只要憑著信心求，一點不疑惑，因為那疑惑的人，就像海中的波浪，被風吹動翻騰。
雅1:7這樣的人，不要想從主那裡得甚麼。
雅1:8心懷二意的人，在他一切所行的路上，都沒有定見。
雅1:9卑微的弟兄升高，就該喜樂。
雅1:10富足的降卑，也該如此，因為他必要過去，如同草上的花一樣。
雅1:11太陽出來，熱風颳起，草就枯乾，花也凋謝，美容就消沒了，那富足的人，在他所行的事上，也要這樣衰殘。
雅1:12忍受試探的人是有福的，因為他經過試驗以後，必得生命的冠冕，這是主應許給那些愛他之人的。
雅1:13人被試探，不可說：我是被神試探，因為神不能被惡試探，他也不試探人。
雅1:14但各人被試探，乃是被自己的私慾牽引誘惑的。
雅1:15私慾既懷了胎，就生出罪來，罪既長成，就生出死來。
雅1:16我親愛的弟兄們，不要看錯了。
雅1:17各樣美善的恩賜，和各樣全備的賞賜，都是從上頭來的，從眾光之父那裡降下來的，在他並沒有改變，也沒有轉動的影兒。
雅1:18他按自己的旨意，用真道生了我們，叫我們在他所造的萬物中，好像初熟的果子。
雅1:19我親愛的弟兄們，這是你們所知道的，但你們各人要快快的聽，僈僈的說：慢慢的動怒。
雅1:20因為人的怒氣，並不成就神的義。
雅1:21所以你們要脫去一切的污穢，和盈餘的邪惡，存溫柔的心領受那所栽種的道，就是能救你們靈魂的道。
雅1:22只是你們要行道，不要單單聽道，自己欺哄自己。
雅1:23因為聽道而不行道的，就像人對著鏡子看自己本來的面目。
雅1:24看見，走後，隨即忘了他的相貌如何。
雅1:25惟有詳細察看那全備使人自由之律法的，並且時常如此，這人既不是聽了就忘，乃是實在行出來，就在他所行的事上必然得福。
雅1:26若有人自以為虔誠，卻不勒住他的舌頭，反欺哄自己的心，這人的虔誠是虛的。

雅1:27在神我們的父面前，那清潔沒有玷污的虔誠，就是看顧在患難中的孤兒寡婦，並且保守自己不沾染世俗。

 

 

 

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

本日經文提要  ( 希伯來書 12:1~13:25)

 

   

 

來12:1我們既有這許多的見證人，如同雲彩圍著我們，就當放下各樣的重擔，脫去容易纏累我們的罪，存心忍耐，奔那擺在我們前頭的路程，
來12:2仰望為我們信心創始成終的耶穌，〔或作仰望那將真道創始成終的耶穌〕他因那擺在前面的喜樂，就輕看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦難，便坐在神寶座的右邊。
來12:3那忍受罪人這樣頂撞的，你們要思想，免得疲倦灰心。
來12:4你們與罪惡相爭，還沒有抵擋到流血的地步。
來12:5你們又忘了那勸你們如同勸兒子的話，說：『我兒，你不可輕看主的管教，被他責備的時候，也不可灰心。
來12:6因為主所愛的他必管教，又鞭打凡所收納的兒子。』
來12:7你們所忍受的，是神管教你們，待你們如同待兒子，焉有兒子不被父親管教的呢。
來12:8管教原是眾子所共受的，你們若不受管教，就是私子，不是兒子了。
來12:9再者，我們曾有生身的父管教我們，我們尚且敬重他，何況萬靈的父，我們豈不更當順服他得生麼。
來12:10生身的父都是暫隨己意管教我們，惟有萬靈的父管教我們，是要我們得益處，使我們在他的聖潔上有分。
來12:11凡管教的事，當時不覺得快樂，反覺得愁苦，後來卻為那經練過的人，結出平安的果子，就是義。
來12:12所以你們要把下垂的手，發酸的腿，挺起來。
來12:13也要為自己的腳把道路修直了，使瘸子不至歪腳，反得痊癒。〔歪腳或作差路〕
來12:14你們要追求與眾人和睦，並要追求聖潔，非聖潔沒有人能見主。
來12:15又要謹慎，恐怕有人失了神的恩，恐怕有毒根生出來擾亂你們，因此叫眾人沾染污穢。
來12:16恐怕有淫亂的，有貪戀世俗如以掃的，他因一點食物把自己長子的名分賣了。
來12:17後來想要承受父所祝的福，竟被棄絕，雖然號哭切求，卻得不著門路，使他父親的心意回轉，這是你們知道的。
來12:18你們原不是來到那能摸的山，此山有火焰，密雲，黑暗，暴風，
來12:19角聲與說話的聲音，那些聽見這聲音的，都求不要再向他們說話。
來12:20因為他們當不起所命他們的話，說：『靠近這山的，即便是走獸，也要用石頭打死。』
來12:21所見的極其可怕，甚至摩西說：『我甚是恐懼戰兢。』
來12:22你們乃是來到錫安山，永生神的城邑，就是天上的耶路撒冷，那裡有千萬的天使，
來12:23有名錄在天上諸長子之會所共聚的總會，有審判眾人的神，和被成全之義人的靈魂，
來12:24並新約的中保耶穌，以及所灑的血，這血所說的比亞伯的血所說的更美。
來12:25你們總要謹慎，不可棄絕那向你們說話的，因為那些棄絕在地上警戒他們的，尚且不能逃罪，何況我們違背那從天上警戒我們的呢。
來12:26當時他的聲音震動了地，但如今他應許說：『再一次我不單要震動地，還要震動天。』
來12:27這再一次的話，是指明被震動的，就是受造之物，都要挪去，使那不被震動的常存。
來12:28所以我們既得了不能震動的國，就當感恩，照神所喜悅的，用虔誠敬畏的心事奉神。
來12:29因為我們的神乃是烈火。

來13:1你們務要常存弟兄相愛的心。
來13:2不可忘記用愛心接待客旅，因為曾有接待客旅的，不知不覺就接待了天使。
來13:3你們要記念被捆綁的人，好像與他們同受捆綁，也要記念遭苦害的人，想到自己也在肉身之內。
來13:4婚姻，人人都當尊重，床也不可污穢，因為苟合行淫的人神必要審判。
來13:5你們存心不可貪愛錢財，要以自己所有的為足，因為主曾說：『我總不撇下你，也不丟棄你。』
來13:6所以我們可以放膽說：『主是幫助我的，我必不懼怕，人能把我怎麼樣呢。』
來13:7從前引導你們，傳神之道給你們的人，你們要想念他們，效法他們的信心，留心看他們為人的結局。
來13:8耶穌基督，昨日今日一直到永遠是一樣的。
來13:9你們要被那諸般怪異的教訓勾引了去，因為人心靠恩得堅固才是好的，並不是靠飲食，那在飲食上專心的，從來沒有得著益處。
來13:10我們有一祭壇，上面的祭物是那些在帳幕中供職的人不可同吃的。
來13:11原來牲畜的血，被大祭司帶入聖所作贖罪祭，牲畜的身子，被燒在營外。
來13:12所以耶穌，要用自己的血叫百姓成聖，也就在城門外受苦。
來13:13這樣，我們也當出到營外就了他去，忍受他所受的凌辱。
來13:14我們在這裡本沒有常存的城，乃是尋求那將來的城。
來13:15我們應當靠著耶穌，常常以頌讚為祭，獻給神，這就是那承認主名之人嘴唇的果子。
來13:16只是不可忘記行善，和捐輸的事，因為這樣的祭，是神所喜悅的。
來13:17你們要依從那些引導你們的，且要順服，因他們為你們的靈魂時刻儆醒，好像那將來交賬的人，你們要使他們交的時候有快樂，不至憂愁，若憂愁就與你們無益了。
來13:18請你們為我們禱告，因我們自覺良心無虧，願意凡事按正道而行。
來13:19我更求你們為我禱告，使我快些回到你們那裡去。
來13:20但願賜平安的神，就是那憑永約之血使群羊的大牧人我主耶穌，從死裡復活的神，
來13:21在各樣善事上，成全你們，叫你們遵行他的旨意，又藉著耶穌基督在你們心裡行他所喜悅的事，願榮耀歸給他，直到永永遠遠。阿們。
來13:22弟兄們，我略略寫信給你們，望你們聽我勸勉的話。
來13:23你們該知道我們的兄弟提摩太已經釋放了，他若快來，我必同他去見你們。
來13:24請你們問引導你們的諸位和眾聖徒安。從義大利來的人也問你們安。

Hebrews 12 

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Warning and Encouragement
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d]

22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e] 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”[f]

Hebrews 13 

Concluding Exhortations
13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”[a]
6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”[b]
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

Benediction and Final Greetings
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.

23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.

25 Grace be with you all.

本日經文提要  ( 希伯來書 10:1~11:40)

 

   

 

來10:1律法既是將來美事的影兒，不是本物的真像，總不能藉著每年常獻一樣的祭物，叫那近前來的人得以完全。
來10:2若不然，獻祭的事豈不早已止住了麼，因為禮拜的人，良心既被潔淨，就不再覺得有罪了。
來10:3但這些祭物是叫人每年想起罪來。
來10:4因為公牛和山羊的血，斷不能除罪。
來10:5所以基督到世上來的時候，就說：『神阿，祭物和禮物是你不願意的，你曾給我豫備了身體。
來10:6燔祭和贖罪祭是你不喜歡的。
來10:7那時我說：神阿，我來了為要照你的旨意行，我的事在經卷上已經記載了。』
來10:8以上說：祭物和禮物，燔祭和贖罪祭，是你不願意的，也是你不喜歡的，（這都是按著律法獻的）
來10:9後又說：我來了為要照你的旨意行，可見他是除去在先的，為要立定在後的。
來10:10我們憑這旨意，靠耶穌基督只一次獻上他的身體，就得以成聖。
來10:11凡祭司天天站著事奉神，屢次獻上一樣的祭物，這祭物永不能除罪。
來10:12但基督獻了一次永遠的贖罪祭，就在神的右邊坐下了。
來10:13從此等候他仇敵成了他的腳凳。
來10:14因為他一次獻祭，便叫那得以成聖的人永遠完全。
來10:15聖靈也對我們作見證，因為他既已說過，
來10:16『主說：那些日子以後，我與他們所立的約乃是這樣，我要將我的律法寫在他們心上，又要放在他們的裡面。』
來10:17以後就說：『我不再記念他們的罪愆，和他們的過犯。』
來10:18這些罪過既已赦免，就不用再為罪獻祭了。
來10:19弟兄們，我們既因耶穌的血，得以坦然進入至聖所，
來10:20是藉著他給我們開了一條又新又活的路從幔子經過，這幔子就是他的身體。
來10:21又有一位大祭司治理神的家。
來10:22並我們心中天良的虧欠已經灑去，身體用清水洗淨了，就當存著誠心，和充足的信心，來到神面前。
來10:23也要堅守我們所承認的指望，不至搖動，因為那應許我們的是信實的。
來10:24又要彼此相顧，激發愛心，勉勵行善。
來10:25你們不可停止聚會，好像那些停止慣了的人，倒要彼此勸勉，既知道〔原文作看見〕那日子臨近，就更當如此。
來10:26因為我們得知真道以後，若故意犯罪，贖罪的祭就再沒有了。
來10:27惟有戰懼等候審判和那燒滅眾敵人的烈火。
來10:28人干犯摩西的律法，憑兩三個見證人，尚且不得憐恤而死。
來10:29何況人踐踏神的兒子，將那使他成聖之約的血當作平常，又褻慢施恩的聖靈，你們想，他要受的刑罰該怎樣加重呢。
來10:30因為我們知道誰說：『伸冤在我，我必報應。』又說：『主要審判他的百姓。』
來10:31落在永生神的手裡，真是可怕的。
來10:32你們要追念往日，蒙了光照以後，所忍受大爭戰的各樣苦難。
來10:33一面被毀謗，遭患難，成了戲景，叫眾人觀看，一面陪伴那些受這樣苦難的人。
來10:34因為你們體恤了那些被捆鎖的人，並且你們的家業被人搶去，也甘心忍受，知道自己有更美長存的家業。
來10:35所以你們不可丟棄勇敢的心，存這樣的心必得大賞賜。
來10:36你們必須忍耐，使你們行完了神的旨意，就可以得著所應許的。
來10:37『因為還有一點點時候，那要來的就來，並不遲延。
來10:38只是義人必因信得生，〔義人有古卷作我的義人〕他若退後，我心裡就不喜歡他。』
來10:39我們卻不是退後入沉淪的那等人，乃是有信心以致靈魂得救的人。

來11:1信就是所望之事的實底，是未見之事的確據。
來11:2古人在這信上得了美好的證據。
來11:3我們因著信，就知道諸世界是藉神話造成的，這樣，所看見的，並不是從顯然之物造出來的。
來11:4亞伯因著信獻祭與神，比該隱所獻的更美，因此便得了稱義的見證，就是神指著他禮物作的見證，他雖然死了，卻因這信仍舊說話。
來11:5以諾因著信被接去，不至於見死，人也找不著他，因為神已經把他接去了，只是他被接去以先，已經得了神喜悅他的明證。
來11:6人非有信，就不能得神的喜悅，因為到神面前來的人，必須信有
來11:7挪亞因著信，既蒙神指示他未見的事，動了敬畏的心，豫備了一隻方舟，使他全家得救，因此就定了那世代的罪，自己也承受了那從信而來的義。
來11:8亞伯拉罕因著信，蒙召的時候，就遵命出去，往將來要得為業的地方去，出去的時候，還不知往那裡去。
來11:9他因著信，就在所應許之地作客，好像在異地居住帳棚，與那同蒙一個應許的以撒，雅各一樣。
來11:10因為他等候那座有根基的城，就是神所經營所建造的。
來11:11因著信，連撒拉自己，雖然過了生育的歲數，還能懷孕，因他以為那應許他的是可信的。
來11:12所以從一個彷彿已死的人就生出子孫，如同天上的星那樣眾多，海邊的沙那樣無數。
來11:13這些人都是存著信心死的，並沒有得著所應許的，卻從遠處望見，且歡喜迎接，又承認自己在世上是客旅，是寄居的。
來11:14說這樣話的人，是表明自己要找一個家鄉。
來11:15他們若想念所離開的家鄉，還有可以回去的機會。
來11:16他們卻羨慕一個更美的家鄉，就是在天上的，所以神被稱為他們的神，並不以為恥，因為他已經給他們豫備了一座城。
來11:17亞伯拉罕因著信，被試驗的時候，就把以撒獻上，這便是那歡喜領受應許的，將自己獨生的兒子獻上。
來11:18論到這兒子曾有話說：『從以撒生的才要稱為你的後裔，』
來11:19他以為神還能叫人從死裡復活，他也彷彿從死中得回他的兒子來。
來11:20以撒因著信，就指著將來的事，給雅各以掃祝福。
來11:21雅各因著信，臨死的時候，給約瑟的兩個兒子各自祝福，扶著杖頭敬拜神。
來11:22約瑟因著信，臨終的時候，題到以色列族將來要出埃及，並為自己的骸骨留下遺命。
來11:23摩西生下來，他的父母見他是個俊美的子，就因著信把他藏了三個月，並不怕王命。
來11:24摩西因著信，長大了就不肯稱為法老女兒之子。
來11:25他寧可和神的百姓同受苦害，也不願暫時享受罪中之樂。
來11:26他看為基督受的凌辱，比埃及的財物更寶貴，因他想望所要得的賞賜。
來11:27他因著信，就離開埃及，不怕王怒，因為他恆心忍耐，如同看見那不能看見的主。
來11:28他因著信，就守逾越節，〔守或作立〕行灑血的禮，免得那滅長子的臨近以色列人。
來11:29他們因著信，過紅海如行乾地，埃及人試著要過去，就被吞滅了。
來11:30以色列人因著信，圍繞耶利哥城七日，城牆就倒塌了。
來11:31妓女喇合因著信，曾和和平平的接待探子，就不與那些不順從的人一同滅亡。
來11:32我又何必再說呢，若要一一細說：基甸，巴拉，參孫，耶弗他，大衛，撒母耳，和眾先知的事，時候就不夠了。
來11:33他們因著信，制伏了敵國，行了公義，得了應許，堵了獅子的口。
來11:34滅了烈火的猛勢，脫了刀劍的鋒刃，軟弱變為剛強，爭戰顯出勇敢，打退外邦的全軍。
來11:35有婦人得自己的死人復活，又有人忍受嚴刑，不肯苟且得釋放，〔釋放原文作贖〕為要得著更美的復活。
來11:36又有人忍受戲弄，鞭打，捆鎖，監禁，各等的磨煉，
來11:37被石頭打死，被鋸鋸死，受試探，被刀殺，披著綿羊山羊的皮各處奔跑，受窮乏，患難，苦害，
來11:38在曠野，山嶺，山洞，地穴，飄流無定，本是世界不配有的人。
來11:39這些人都是因信得了美好的證據，卻仍未得著所應許的。

 

Hebrews 10 

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
10 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
    but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
    I have come to do your will, my God.’”[a]
8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
    after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”[b]
17 Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts
    I will remember no more.”[c]
18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

A Call to Persevere in Faith
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”[e] 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,

“In just a little while,
    he who is coming will come
    and will not delay.”[f]
38 And,

“But my righteous[g] one will live by faith.
    And I take no pleasure
    in the one who shrinks back.”[h]

39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Hebrews 11 

Faith in Action
11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”[a] For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she[b] considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[c] 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.

31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[d]

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

本日經文提要  ( 希伯來書3:1~4:16)

 

  

 

來3:1同蒙天召的聖潔弟兄阿，你們應當思想我們所認為使者，為大祭司的耶穌。                        
來3:2他為那設立他的盡忠，如同摩西在神的全家盡忠一樣。                        
來3:3他比摩西算是更配多得榮耀，好像建造房屋的比房屋更尊榮。                        
來3:4因為房屋都必有人建造，但建造萬物的就是神。                        
來3:5摩西為僕人，在神的全家誠然盡忠，為要證明將來必傳說的事。                        
來3:6但基督為兒子，治理神的家，我們若將可誇的盼望和膽量，堅持到底，便是他的家了。                        
來3:7聖靈有話說：『你們今日若聽他的話，                        
來3:8就不可硬著心，像在曠野惹他發怒，試探他的時候一樣。                        
來3:9在那裡，你們的祖宗試我探我，並且觀看我的作為，有四十年之久。                        
來3:10所以我厭煩那世代的人，說：他們心裡常常迷糊，竟不曉得我的作為。                        
來3:11我就在怒中起誓說：他們斷不可進入我的安息。』                        
來3:12弟兄們，你們要謹慎，免得你們中間，或有人存著不信的惡心，把永生神離棄了。                        
來3:13總要趁著還有今日，天天彼此相勸，免得你們中間，有人被罪迷惑，心裡就剛硬了。                        
來3:14我們若將起初確實的信心，堅持到底，就在基督裡有分了。                        
來3:15經上說：『你們今日若聽他的話，就不可硬著心，像惹他發怒的日子一樣。』                        
來3:16那時聽見他話惹他發怒的是誰呢，豈不是跟著摩西從埃及出來的眾人麼。                        
來3:17神四十年之久，又厭煩誰呢，豈不是那些犯罪屍首倒在曠野的人麼。                        
來3:18又向誰起誓，不容他們進入他的安息呢，豈不是向那些不信從的人麼。                        
來3:19這樣看來，他們不能進入安息，是因為不信的緣故了。                        

來4:1我們既蒙留下有進入他安息的應許，就當畏懼，免得我們中間，〔我們原文作你們〕或有人似乎是趕不上了。                        
來4:2因為有福音傳給我們，像傳給他們一樣，只是所聽見的道與他們無益，因為他們沒有信心與所聽見的道調和。                        
來4:3但我們已經相信的人，得以進入那安息，正如神所說：『我在怒中起誓說：他們斷不可進入我的安息。』其實造物之工，從創世以來已經成全了。                        
來4:4論到第七日，有一處說：『到第七日神就歇了他一切的工。』                        
來4:5又有一處說：『他們斷不可進入我的安息。』                        
來4:6既有必進安息的人，那先前聽見福音的，因為不信從，不得進去。                        
來4:7所以過了多年，就在大衛的書上，又限定一日，如以上所引的說：『你們今日若聽他的話，就不可硬著心。』                        
來4:8若是約書亞已叫他們享了安息，後來神就不再題別的日子了。                        
來4:9這樣看來，必另有一安息日的安息，為神的子民存留。                        
來4:10因為那進入安息的，乃是歇了自己的工，正如神歇了他的工一樣。                        
來4:11所以我們務必竭力進入那安息，免得有人學那不信從的樣子跌倒了。                        
來4:12神的道是活潑的，是有功效的，比一切兩刃的劍更快，甚至魂與靈，骨節與骨髓，都能刺入剖開，連心中的思念和主意，都能辨明。                        
來4:13並且被造的，沒有一樣在他面前不顯然的，原來萬物，在那與我們有關係的主眼前，都是赤露敞開的。                        
來4:14我們既然有一位己經升入高天尊榮的大祭司，就是神的兒子耶穌，便當持定所承認的道。                        
來4:15因我們的大祭司，並非不能體恤我們的軟弱，他也曾凡事受過試探，與我們一樣，只是他沒有犯罪。                        

 

Jesus Greater Than Moses
3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,”[a] bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Warning Against Unbelief
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
8     do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
    during the time of testing in the wilderness,
9 where your ancestors tested and tried me,
    though for forty years they saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation;
    I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray,
    and they have not known my ways.’
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”[b]
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 15 As has just been said:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
    do not harden your hearts
    as you did in the rebellion.”[c]

16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God
4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.[a] 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”[b]
And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”[c] 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
    do not harden your hearts.”[d]
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e] just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

本日經文提要  ( 希伯來書 7:1~9:28)

 

 

來7:1這麥基洗德，就是撒冷王，又是至高神的祭司，本是長遠為祭司的，他當亞伯拉罕殺敗諸王回來的時候，就迎接他，給他祝福。
來7:2亞伯拉罕也將自己所得來的，取十分之一給他，他頭一個名繙出來，就是仁義王，他又名撒冷王，就是平安王的意思。
來7:3他無父，無母，無族譜，無生之始，無命之終，乃是與神的兒子相似。
來7:4你們想一想，先祖亞伯拉罕，將自己所擄來上等之物取十分之一給他，這人是何等尊貴呢。
來7:5那得祭司職任的利未子孫，領命照例向百姓取十分之一，這百姓是自己的弟兄，雖是從亞伯拉罕身中生的，〔身原文作腰〕還是照例取十分之一。
來7:6獨有麥基洗德，不與他們同譜，倒收納亞伯拉罕的十分之一，為那蒙應許的亞伯拉罕祝福。
來7:7從來位分大的給位分小的祝福，這是駁不倒的理。
來7:8在這裡收十分之一的都是必死的人，但在那裡收十分之一的，有為他作見證的說：他是活的。
來7:9並且可說：那受十分之一的利未，也是藉著亞伯拉罕納了十分之一。
來7:10因為麥基洗德迎接亞伯拉罕的時候，利未已經在他先祖的身中。〔身原文作腰〕
來7:11從前百姓在利未人祭司職任以下受律法，倘若藉這職任能得完全，又何用另外興起一位祭司，照麥基洗德的等次，不照亞倫的等次呢。
來7:12祭司的職任既已更改，律法也必須更改。
來7:13因為這話所指的人，本屬別的支派，那支派裡從來沒有一人伺候祭壇。
來7:14我們的主分明是從猶大出來的，但這支派，摩西並沒有題到祭司。
來7:15倘若照麥基洗德的樣式，另外興起一位祭司來，我的話更是顯而易見的了。
來7:16他成為祭司，並不是照屬肉體的條例，乃是照無窮之生命的大能，〔無窮原文作不能毀壞〕
來7:17因為有給他作見證的說：『你是照著麥基洗德的等次永遠為祭司。』
來7:18先前的條例，因軟弱無益，所以廢掉了。
來7:19（律法原來一無所成）就引進了更美的指望，靠這指望我們便可以進到神面前。
來7:20再者，耶穌為祭司，並不是不起誓立的。
來7:21至於那些祭司，原不是起誓立的，只有耶穌是起誓立的，因為那立他的對他說：『主起了誓決不後悔，你是永遠為祭司。』
來7:22既是起誓立的，耶穌就作了更美之約的中保。
來7:23那些成為祭司的，數目本來多，是因為有死阻隔不能長久。
來7:24這位既是永遠常存的，他祭司的職任，就長久不更換。
來7:25凡靠著他進到神面前的人，他都能拯救到底，因為他是長遠活著，替他們祈求。
來7:26像這樣聖潔，無邪惡，無玷污，遠離罪人，高過諸天的大祭司，原是與我們合宜的。
來7:27他不像那些大祭司，每日必須先為自己的罪，後為百姓的罪獻祭，因為他只一次將自己獻上，就把這事成全了。
來7:28律法本是立軟弱的人為大祭司，但在律法以後起誓的話，是立兒子為大祭司，乃是成全到永遠的。

來8:1我們所講的事，其中第一要緊的，就是我們有這樣的大祭司，已經坐在天上至大者的右邊，
來8:2在聖所，就是真帳幕裡，作執事，這帳幕是主所支的，不是人所支的。
來8:3凡大祭司都是為獻禮物和祭物設立的，所以這位大祭司也必須有所獻的。
來8:4他若在地上，必不得為祭司，因為已經有照律法獻禮物的祭司。
來8:5他們供奉的事，本是天上事的形狀和影像，正如摩西將要造帳幕的時候，蒙神警戒他，說：『你要謹慎，作各樣的物件，都要照著在山上指示你的樣式。』
來8:6如今耶穌所得的職任是更美的，正如他作更美之約的中保，這約原是憑更美之應許立的。
來8:7那前約若沒有瑕疪，就無處尋求後約了。
來8:8所以主指著他的百姓說：〔或作所以主指前約的缺欠說〕『日子將到，我要與以色列家，和猶大家，另立新約。
來8:9不像我拉著他們祖宗的手，領他們出埃及的時候，與他們所立的約，因為他們不恆心守我的約，我也不理他們，這是主說的。』
來8:10主又說：『那些日子以後，我與以色列家所立的約乃是這樣，我要將我的律法放在他們裡面，寫在他們心上，我要作他們的神，他們要作我的子民。
來8:11他們不用各人教導自己的鄉鄰，和自己的弟兄，說：你該認識主，因為他們從最小的到至大的，都必認識我。
來8:12我要寬恕他們的不義，不再記念他們的罪愆。』
來8:13既說新約。就以前約為舊了。但那漸舊漸衰的，就必快歸無有了。

來9:1原來前約有禮拜的條例，和屬世界的聖幕。
來9:2因為有豫備的帳幕，頭一層叫作聖所，裡面有燈臺，桌子，和陳設餅。
來9:3第二幔子後，又有一層帳幕，叫作至聖所。
來9:4有金香爐，〔爐或作壇〕有包金的約櫃，櫃裡有盛嗎哪的金罐，和亞倫發過芽的杖，並兩塊約版。
來9:5櫃上面有榮耀的影罩著施恩座，〔施恩原文作蔽罪〕這幾件我現在不能一一細說。
來9:6這些物件既如此豫備齊了，眾祭司就常進頭一層帳幕，行拜神的禮。
來9:7至於第二層帳幕，惟有大祭司一年一次獨自進去，沒有不帶著血，為自己和百姓的過錯獻上。
來9:8聖靈用此指明，頭一層帳幕仍存的時候，進入至聖所的路還未顯明。
來9:9那頭一層帳幕作現今的一個表樣，所獻的禮物和祭物，就著良心說：都不能叫禮拜的人得以完全。
來9:10這些事連那飲食和諸般洗濯的規矩，都不過是屬肉體的條例，命定到振興的時候為止。
來9:11但現在基督已經來到，作了將來美事的大祭司，經過那更大更全備的帳幕，不是人手所造也不是屬乎這世界的。
來9:12並且不用山羊和牛犢的血，乃用自己的血，只一次進入聖所，成了永遠贖罪的事。
來9:13若山羊和公牛的血，並母牛犢的灰，灑在不潔的人身上，尚且叫人成聖，身體潔淨。
來9:14何況基督藉著永遠的靈，將自己無瑕無疵獻給神，他的血豈不更能洗淨你們的心〔原文作良心〕除去你們的死行，使你們事奉那永生神麼。
來9:15為此他作了新約的中保，既然受死贖了人在前約之時所犯的罪過，便叫蒙召之人得著所應許永遠的產業。
來9:16凡有遺命，必須等到留遺命的人死了，〔遺命原文與約字同〕
來9:17因為人死了，遺命才有效力，若留遺命的尚在，那遺命還有用處麼。
來9:18所以前約也不是不用血立的。
來9:19因為摩西當日照著律法，將各樣誡命傳給眾百姓，就拿朱紅色絨和牛膝草，把牛犢山羊的血和水，灑在書上，又灑在眾百姓身上，說：
來9:20『這血就是神與你們立約的憑據。』
來9:21他又照樣把血灑在帳幕，和各樣器皿上。
來9:22按著律法，凡物差不多都是用血潔淨的，若不流血，罪就不得赦免了。
來9:23照著天上樣式作的物件，必須用這些祭物去潔淨，但那天上的本物，自然當用更美的祭物去潔淨。
來9:24因為基督並不是進了人手所造的聖所，（這不過是真聖所的影像）乃是進了天堂，如今為我們顯在神面前。
來9:25也不是多次將自己獻上，像那大祭司每年帶著牛羊的血進入聖所，〔牛羊的血原文作不是自己的血〕
來9:26如果這樣，他從創世以來，就必多次受苦了，但如今在這末世顯現一次，把自己獻為祭，好除掉罪。
來9:27按著定命，人人都有一死，死後且有審判。

來9:28像這樣，基督既然一次被獻，擔當了多人的罪，將來要向那等候他的人第二次顯現，並與罪無關，乃是為拯救他們。

 

 

 

 

 

7 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Jesus Like Melchizedek
11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[a]
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind:
    ‘You are a priest forever.’”[b]
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[c] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

 

The High Priest of a New Covenant
8 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”[a] 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said[b]:

“The days are coming, declares the Lord,
    when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
    and I turned away from them,
declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
    after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
    and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”[c]
13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Footnotes:

本日經文提要  ( 希伯來書5:1~6:20)

 

   

 

 

來5:1凡從人間挑選的大祭司，是奉派替人辦理屬神的事，為要獻上禮物，和贖罪祭，〔或作要為罪獻上禮物和祭物〕                        
來5:2他能體諒那愚蒙的，和失迷的人，因為他自己也是被軟弱所困。                        
來5:3故此他理當為百姓和自己獻祭贖罪。                        
來5:4這大祭司的尊榮，沒有人自取，惟要蒙神所召，像亞倫一樣。                        
來5:5如此，基督也不是自取榮耀作大祭司，乃是在乎向他說『你是我的兒子，我今日生你。』的那一位。                        
來5:6就如經上又有一處說：『你是照著麥基洗德的等次永遠為祭司。』                        
來5:7基督在肉體的時候，既大聲哀哭，流淚禱告懇求那能救他免死的主，就因他的虔誠，蒙了應允。                        
來5:8他雖然為兒子，還是因所受的苦難學了順從。                        
來5:9他既得以完全，就為凡順從他的人，成了永遠得救的根源。                        
來5:10並蒙神照著麥基洗德的等次稱他為大祭司。                        
來5:11論到麥基洗德，我們有好些話，並且難以解明，因為你們聽不進去。                        
來5:12看你們學習的工夫，本該作師傅，誰知還得有人將神聖言小學的開端，另教導你們，並且成了那必須吃奶，不能吃乾糧的人。                        
來5:13凡只能吃奶的，都不熟練仁義的道理，因為他是嬰孩。                        
來5:14惟獨長大成人的，才能吃乾糧，他們的心竅，習練得通達，就能分辨好歹了。                        
來6:1所以我們應當離開基督道理的開端，竭力進到完全的地步，不必再立根基，就如那懊悔死行，信靠神，                        
來6:2各樣洗禮，按手之禮，死人復活，以及永遠審判，各等教訓。                        
來6:3神若許我們，我們必如此行。                        
來6:4論到那些已經蒙了光照，嘗過天恩的滋味，又於聖靈有分，                        
來6:5並嘗過神善道的滋味，覺悟來世權能的人，                        
來6:6若是離棄道理，就不能叫他們從新懊悔了，因為他們把神的兒子重釘十字架，明明的羞辱他。                        
來6:7就如一塊田地，吃過屢次下的雨水，生長菜蔬合乎耕種的人用，就從神得福。                        
來6:8若長荊棘和蒺藜，必被廢棄，近於咒詛，結局就是焚燒。                        
來6:9親愛的弟兄們，我們雖是這樣說：卻深信你們的行為強過這些，而且近乎得救。                        
來6:10因為神並非不公義，竟忘記你們所作的工，和你們為他名所顯的愛心，就是先前伺候聖徒，如今還是伺候。                        
來6:11我們願你們各人都顯出這樣的殷勤，使你們有滿足的指望，一直到底。                        
來6:12並且不懈怠，總要效法那些憑信心和忍耐承受應許的人。                        
來6:13當初神應許亞伯拉罕的時候，因為沒有比自己更大可以指著起誓的，就指著自己起誓，說：                        
來6:14『論福，我必賜大福給你，論子孫，我必叫你的子孫多起來。』                        
來6:15這樣，亞伯拉罕既恆久忍耐，就得了所應許的。                        
來6:16人都是指著比自己大的起誓，並且以起誓為實據，了結各樣的爭論。                        
來6:17照樣，神願意為那承受應許的人，格外顯明他的旨意是不更改的，就起誓為證。                        
來6:18藉這兩件不更改的事，神決不能說謊，好叫我們這逃往避難所，持定擺在我們前頭指望的人，可以大得勉勵。                        
來6:19我們有這指望如同靈瑰的錨，又堅固又牢靠，且通入幔內。                        

來6:20作先鋒的耶穌，既照著麥基洗德的等次，成了永遠的大祭司，就為我們進入幔內。    

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”[a]
6 And he says in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[b]
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Warning Against Falling Away

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

 

6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The Certainty of God’s Promise
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”[d] 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.              

本日經文提要  ( 希伯來書1:1~2:18)

 

 

 

來1:1神既在古時藉著眾先知，多次多方的曉諭列祖，                        
來1:2就在這末世，藉著他兒子曉諭我們，又早已立他為承受萬有的，也曾藉著他創造諸世界。                        
來1:3他是神榮耀所發的光輝，是神本體的真像，常用他權能的命令托住萬有，他洗淨了人的罪，就坐在高天至大者的右邊。                        
來1:4他所承受的名，既比天使的名更尊貴，就遠超過天使。                        
來1:5所有的天使，神從來對那一個說：『你是我的兒子，我今日生你。』又指著那一個說：『我要作他的父，他要作我的子。』                        
來1:6再者，神使長子到世上來的時候，〔或作神再使長子到世上來的時候〕就說：『神的使者都要拜他。』                        
來1:7論到使者，又說：『神以風為使者，以火焰為僕役。』                        
來1:8論到子卻說：『神阿，你的寶座是永永遠遠的，你的國權是正直的。                        
來1:9你喜愛公義，恨惡罪惡，所以神，就是你的神，用喜樂油膏你，勝過膏你的同伴。』                        
來1:10又說：『主阿，你起初立了地的根基，天也是你手所造的。                        
來1:11天地都要滅沒，你卻要長存，天地都要像衣服漸漸舊了。                        
來1:12你要將天地捲起來，像一件外衣，天地就都改變了，惟有你永不改變，你的年數沒有窮盡。』                        
來1:13所有的天使，神從來對那一個說：『你坐在我的右邊，等我使你仇敵作你的腳凳。』                        
來1:14天使豈不都是服役的靈，奉差遣為那將要承受救恩的人效力麼。                        

來2:1所以我們當越發鄭重所聽見的道理，恐怕我們隨流失去。                        
來2:2那藉著天使所傳的話，既是確定的，凡干犯悖逆的，都受了該受的報應。                        
來2:3我們若忽略這麼大的救恩，怎能逃罪呢，這救恩起先是主親自講的，後來是聽見的人給我們證實了。                        
來2:4神又按自己的旨意，用神蹟奇事，和百般的異能，並聖靈的恩賜，同們作見證。                        
來2:5我們所說將來的世界，神原沒有交給天使管轄。                        
來2:6但有人在經上某處證明說：『人算甚麼，你竟顧念他，世人算甚麼，你竟眷顧他。                        
來2:7你叫他比天使微小一點，〔或作你叫他暫時比天使小〕賜他榮耀尊貴為冠冕，並將你手所造的都派他管理。                        
來2:8叫萬物都服在他的腳下。』既叫萬物都服他，就沒有剩下一樣不服他的。只是如今我們還不見萬物都服他。                        
來2:9惟獨見那成為比天使小一點的耶穌，〔或作惟獨見耶穌暫時比天使小〕因為受死的苦，就得了尊貴榮耀為冠冕，叫他因著神的恩，為人人嘗了死味。                        
來2:10原來那為萬物所屬，為萬物所本的，要領許多的兒子進榮耀裡去，使救他們的元帥，因受苦難得以完全，本是合宜的。                        
來2:11因那使人成聖的，和那些得以成聖的，都是出於一，所以他稱他們為弟兄，也不以為恥，                        
來2:12說：『我要將你的名傳與我的弟兄，在會中我要頌揚你。』                        
來2:13又說：『我要倚賴他。』又說：『看哪，我與神所給我的兒女。』                        
來2:14兒女既同有血肉之體，他也照樣親自成了血肉之體，特要藉著死，敗壞那掌死權的就是魔鬼。                        
來2:15並要釋放那些一生因怕死而為奴僕的人。                        
來2:16他並不救拔天使，乃是救拔亞伯拉罕的後裔。                        
來2:17所以他凡事該與他的弟兄相同，為要在神的事上，成為慈悲忠信的大祭司，為百姓的罪獻上挽回祭。                        

 

God’s Final Word: His Son
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The Son Superior to Angels
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father”[a]?
Or again,

“I will be his Father,
    and he will be my Son”[b]?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”[c]
7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,
    and his servants flames of fire.”[d]
8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.”[e]
10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
    like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
    and your years will never end.”[f]
13 To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand
    until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet”[g]?

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Warning to Pay Attention
2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Jesus Made Fully Human
5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified:

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?
7 You made them a little[a] lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
8     and put everything under their feet.”[b][c]
In putting everything under them,[d] God left nothing that is not subject to them.[e] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.[f] 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.[g] 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
    in the assembly I will sing your praises.”[h]
13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”[i]
And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[j]

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[k] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

本日經文提要  (腓利門書1:1~1:25)

 

   

 

門1:1為基督耶穌被囚的保羅，同兄弟提摩太，寫信給我們所親愛的同工腓利門，                        
門1:2和妹子亞腓亞，並與我們同當兵的亞基布，以及在你家的教會。                        
門1:3願恩惠平安，從神我們的父，和主耶穌基督，歸與你們。                        
門1:4我禱告的時候題到你，常為你感謝我的神。                        
門1:5因聽說你的愛心，並你向主耶穌和眾聖徒的信心，〔或作因聽說你向主耶穌和眾聖徒有愛心有信心〕                        
門1:6願你與人所同有的信心顯出功效，使人知道你們各樣善事都是為基督作的。                        
門1:7兄弟阿，我為你的愛心，大有快樂，大得安慰，因眾聖徒的心從你得了暢快。                        
門1:8我雖然靠著基督能放膽吩咐你合宜的事。                        
門1:9然而像我這有年紀的保羅，現在又是為基督耶穌被囚的，寧可憑著愛心求你。                        
門1:10就是為我在捆鎖中所生的兒子阿尼西母〔此名就是有益處的意思〕求你。                        
門1:11他從前與你沒有益處，但如今與你我都有益處。                        
門1:12我現在打發他親自回你那裡去，他是我心上的人。                        
門1:13我本來有意將他留下，在我為福音所的捆鎖中替你伺候我。                        
門1:14但不知道你的意思，我就不願意這樣行，叫你的善行不是出於勉強，乃是出於甘心。                        
門1:15他暫時離開你，或者是叫你永遠得著他。                        
門1:16不再是奴僕，乃是高過奴僕，是親愛的兄弟，在我實在是如此，何況在你呢。這也不拘是按肉體說：是按主說：                        
門1:17你若以我為同伴，就收納他，如同收納我一樣。                        
門1:18他若虧負你，或欠你甚麼，都歸在我的賬上。                        
門1:19我必償還，這是我保羅親筆寫的，我並不用對你說：連你自己也是虧欠於我。                        
門1:20兄弟阿，望你使我在主裡因你得快樂，〔或作益處〕並望你使我的心在基督裡得暢快。                        
門1:21我寫信給你，深信你必順服，知道你所要行的，必過於我所說的。                        
門1:22此外你還要給我豫備住處，因為我盼望藉著你們的禱告，必蒙恩到你們那裡去。                        
門1:23為基督耶穌與我同坐監的以巴弗問你安。                        
門1:24與我同工的馬可，亞里達古，底馬，路加，也都問你安。                        

PhilemonNew International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

3 Grace and peace to you[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

本日經文提要  (提多書 1:1~2:15)

 

 

 

多1:1神的僕人，耶穌基督的使徒保羅，憑著神選民的信心，與敬虔真理的知識，                        
多1:2盼望那無謊言的神，在萬古之先所應許的永生，                        
多1:3到了日期，藉著傳揚的工夫，把他的道顯明了，這傳揚的責任，是按著神我們救主的命令交託了我。                        
多1:4現在寫信給提多，就是照著我們共信之道作我真兒子的，願恩惠平安，從父神和我們的救主基督耶穌歸與你。                        
多1:5我從前留你在革哩底，是要你將那沒有辦完的事都辦整齊了，又照我所吩咐你的，在各城設立長老。                        
多1:6若有無可指責的人，只作一個婦人的丈夫，兒女也是信主的，沒有人告他們是放蕩不服約束的，就可以設立。                        
多1:7監督既是神的管家，必須無可指責，不任性，不暴躁，不因酒滋事，不打人，不貪無義之財，                        
多1:8樂意接待遠人，好善，莊重，公平，聖潔，自持。                        
多1:9堅守所教真實的道理，就能將純正的教訓勸化人，又能把爭辯的人駁倒了。                        
多1:10因為有許多人不服約束，說虛空話，欺哄人，那奉割禮的，更是這樣。                        
多1:11這些人的口總要堵住，他們因貪不義之財，將不該教導的教導人，敗壞人的全家。                        
多1:12有革哩底人中的一個本地先知說：『革埋底人常說謊話，乃是惡獸，又饞又懶，』                        
多1:13這個見證是真的。所以你要嚴嚴的責備他們，使他們在真道上純全無疵。                        
多1:14不聽猶太人荒渺的言語，和離棄真道之人的誡命。                        
多1:15在潔淨的人，凡物都潔淨，在污穢不信的人，甚麼都不潔淨，連心地和天良，也都污穢了。                        
多1:16他們說是認識神，行事卻和他相背，本是可憎惡的，是悖逆的，在各樣的善事上是可廢棄的。                        

多2:1但你所講的，總要合乎那純正的道理。                        
多2:2勸老年人，要有節制，端莊，自守，在信心愛心忍耐上，都要純全無疵。                        
多2:3又勸老年婦人，舉止行動要恭敬，不說讒言，不給酒作奴僕，用善道教訓人。                        
多2:4好指教少年婦人，愛丈夫，愛兒女，                        
多2:5謹守，貞潔，料理家務，待人有恩，順服自己的丈夫，免得神的道理被毀謗。                        
多2:6又勸少年人要謹守。                        
多2:7你自己凡事要顯出善行的榜樣，在教訓上要正直，端莊，                        
多2:8言語純全，無可指責，叫那反對的人，既無處可說我們的不是，便自覺羞愧。                        
多2:9勸僕人要順服自己的主人，凡事討他的喜歡，不可頂撞他。                        
多2:10不可私拿東西，要顯為忠誠，以致凡事尊榮我們救主神的道。                        
多2:11因為神救眾人的恩典，已經顯明出來，                        
多2:12教訓我們除去不敬虔的心，和世俗的情慾，在今世自守，公義，敬虔度日。                        
多2:13等候所盼望的福，並等候至大的神，和〔或作無和字〕我們救主耶穌基督的榮耀顯現。                        
多2:14他為我們捨了自己，要贖我們脫離一切罪惡，又潔淨我們，特作自己的子民，熱心為善。                        

 

 Titus 1 

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint[a] elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Rebuking Those Who Fail to Do Good

10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”[c] 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

 

Titus 2 

Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel
2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

 

Saved in Order to Do Good
3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

 

本日經文提要  (提摩太後書 1:1~4:22)

 

提後1:1奉神旨意，照著在基督耶穌裡生命的應許，作基督耶穌使徒的保羅，                       
提後1:2寫信給我親愛的兒子提摩太，願恩惠憐憫平安，從父神和我們主基督耶穌，歸與你。                       
提後1:3我感謝神，就是我接續祖先，用清潔的良心所事奉的神，祈禱的時候，不住的想念你，                       
提後1:4記念你的眼淚，晝夜切切的想要見你，好叫我滿心快樂。                       
提後1:5想到你心裡無偽之信，這信是先在你外祖母羅以，和你母親友尼基心裡的，我深信也在你的心裡。                       
提後1:6為此我提醒你，使你將神藉我按手所給你的恩賜，再如火挑旺起來。                       
提後1:7因為神賜給我們，不是膽怯的心，乃是剛強，仁愛，謹守的心。                       
提後1:8你不要以給我們的主作見證為恥，也不要以我這為主被囚的為恥，總要按神的能力，與我為福音同受苦難。                       
提後1:9神救了我們，以聖召召我們，不是按我們的行為，乃是按他的旨意，和恩典，這恩典是萬古之先，在基督耶穌裡賜給我們的。                       
提後1:10但如今藉著我們救主基督耶穌的顯現，才表明出來了。他已經把死廢去，藉著福音，將不能壞的生命彰顯出來。                       
提後1:11我為這福音奉派作傳道的，作使徒，作師傅。                       
提後1:12為這緣故，我也受這些苦難，然而我不以為恥，因為知道我所信的是誰，也深信他能保全我所交付他的，〔或作他所交託我的〕直到那日。                       
提後1:13你從我聽的那純正話語的規模，要用在基督耶穌裡的信心和愛心，常常守著。                       
提後1:14從前所交託你的善道，你要靠著那住在我們裡面的聖靈，牢牢的守著。                       
提後1:15凡在亞西亞的人都離棄我，這是你知道的，其中有腓吉路和黑摩其尼。                       
提後1:16願主憐憫阿尼色弗一家的人，因他屢次使我暢快，不以我的鎖鍊為恥。                       
提後1:17反倒在羅馬的時候，殷勤的找我，並且找著了。                       
提後1:18願主使他在那日得主的憐憫，他在以弗所怎樣多多的服事我，是你明明知道的。                       

提後2:1我兒阿，你要在基督耶穌的恩典上剛強起來。                       
提後2:2你在許多見證人面前聽見我所教訓的，也要交託那忠心能教導別人的人。                       
提後2:3你要和我同受苦難，好像基督耶穌的精兵。                       
提後2:4凡在軍中當兵的，不將世務纏身，好叫那招他當兵的人喜悅。                       
提後2:5人若在埸上比武，非按規矩，就不能得冠冕。                       
提後2:6勞力的農夫，理當先得糧食。                       
提後2:7我所說的話你要思想，因為凡事主必給你聰明。                       
提後2:8你要記念耶穌基督乃是大衛的後裔，他從死裡復活，正合乎我所傳的福音。                       
提後2:9我為這福音受苦難，甚至被捆綁，像犯人一樣，然而神的道，卻不被捆綁。                       
提後2:10所以我為選民凡事忍耐，叫他們也可以得著那在基督耶穌裡的救恩，和永遠的榮耀。                       
提後2:11有可信的話說：我們若與基督同死，也必與他同活。                       
提後2:12我們若能忍耐，也必和他一同作王，我們若不認他，他也必不認我們。                       
提後2:13我們縱然失信，他仍是可信的，因為他不能背乎自己。                       
提後2:14你要使眾人回想這些事，在主面前囑咐他們，不可為言語爭辯，這是沒有益處的，只能敗壞聽見的人。                       
提後2:15你當竭力，在神面前得蒙喜悅，作無愧的工人，按著正意分解真理的道。                       
提後2:16但要遠避世俗的虛談，因為這等人必進到更不敬虔的地步。                       
提後2:17他們的話如同毒瘡，越爛越大，其中有許米乃和腓理徒。                       
提後2:18他們偏離了真道，說復活的事已過，就敗壞好些人的信心。                       
提後2:19然而神堅固的根基立住了，上面有這印記說：主認識誰是他的人，又說：凡稱呼主名的人，總要離開不義。                       
提後2:20在大戶人家，不但有金器銀器，也有木器瓦器，有作為貴重的，有作為卑賤的。                       
提後2:21人若自潔，脫離卑賤的事，就必作貴重的器皿，成為聖潔，合乎主用，豫備行各樣的善事。                       
提後2:22你要逃避少年的私慾，同那清心禱告主的人追求公義，信德，仁愛，和平。                       
提後2:23惟有那愚拙無學問的辯論，總要棄絕，因為知道這等事是起爭競的。                       
提後2:24然而主的僕人不可爭競，只要溫溫和和的待眾人，善於教導，存心忍耐，                       
提後2:25用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人，或者神給他們悔改的心，可以明白真道。                       
提後2:26叫他們這已經被魔鬼任意擄去的，可以醒悟，脫離他的網羅。                       

提後3:1你該知道，末世必有危險的日子來到。                       
提後3:2因為那時人要專顧自己，貪愛錢財，自誇，狂傲，謗讟，違背父母，忘恩負義，心不聖潔，                       
提後3:3無親情，不解怨，好說讒言，不能自約，性情兇暴，不愛良善，                       
提後3:4賣主賣友，任意妄為，自高自大，愛宴樂不愛神。                       
提後3:5有敬虔的外貌，卻背了敬虔的實意，這等人你要躲開。                       
提後3:6那偷進人家，牢籠無知婦女的，正是這等人，這些婦女擔負罪惡，被各樣的私慾引誘。                       
提後3:7常常學習，終久不能明白真道。                       
提後3:8從前雅尼和佯庇怎樣敵擋摩西，這等人也怎樣敵擋真道，他們的心地壞了，在真道上是可廢棄的。                       
提後3:9然而他們不能再這樣敵擋，因為他們的愚昧，必在眾人面前顯露出來，像那二人一樣。                       
提後3:10但你已經服從了我的教訓，品行，志向，信心，寬容，愛心，忍耐，                       
提後3:11以及我在安提阿，以哥念，路司得，所遭遇的逼迫，苦難，我所忍受是何等的逼迫，但從這一切苦難中，主都把我救出來了。                       
提後3:12不但如此，凡立志在基督耶穌裡敬虔度日的，也都要受逼迫。                       
提後3:13只是作惡的，和迷惑人的，必越久越惡，他欺哄人也被人欺哄。                       
提後3:14但你所學習的，所確信的，要存在心裡，因為你知道是跟誰學的。                       
提後3:15並且知道你是從小明白聖經，這聖經能使你因信基督耶穌有得救的智慧。                       
提後3:16聖經都是神所默示的，〔或作凡神所默示的聖經〕於教訓，督責，使人歸正，教導人學義，都是有益的。                       
提後3:17叫屬神的人得以完全，豫備行各樣的善事。                       

提後4:1我在神面前，並在將來審判活人死人的基督耶穌面前，憑著他的顯現和他的國度囑咐你。                       
提後4:2務要傳道，無論得時不得時，總要專心，並用百般的忍耐，各樣的教訓，責備人，警戒人，勸勉人。                       
提後4:3因為時候要到，人必厭煩純正的道理，耳朵發癢，就隨從自己的情慾，增添好些師傅。                       
提後4:4並且掩耳不聽真道，偏向荒渺的言語。                       
提後4:5你卻要凡事謹慎，忍受苦難，作傳道的工夫，盡你的職份。                       
提後4:6我現在被澆奠，我離世的時候到了。                       
提後4:7那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了，所信的道我已經守住了。                       
提後4:8從此以後，有公義的冠冕為我存留，就是按著公義審判的主到了那日要賜給我的，不但賜給我，也賜給凡愛慕他顯現的人。                       
提後4:9你要趕緊的到我這裡來。                       
提後4:10因為底馬貪愛現今的世界，就離棄我往帖撒羅尼迦去了，革勒士往加拉太去，提多往撻馬太去。                       
提後4:11獨有路加在我這裡。你來的時候要把馬可帶來，因為他在傳道的事上於我有益處。〔傳道或作服事我〕                       
提後4:12我已經打發推基古往以弗所去。                       
提後4:13我在特羅亞留於加布的那件外衣，你來的時候可以帶來，那些書也要帶來，更是要緊的是那些皮卷。                       
提後4:14銅匠亞力山大多多的害我，主必照他所行的報應他。                       
提後4:15你也要防備他，因為他極力敵擋了我們的話。                       
提後4:16我初次申訴，沒有人前來幫助，竟都離棄我，但願這罪不歸與他們。                       
提後4:17惟有主站在我旁邊，加給我力量，使福音被我盡都傳明，叫外邦人都聽見，我也從獅子口裡被救出來。                       
提後4:18主必救我脫離諸般的兇惡，也必救我進他的天國。願耀歸給他，直到永永遠遠。阿們。                       
提後4:19問百基拉，亞居拉，和阿尼色弗一家的人安。                       
提後4:20以拉都在哥林多住下了。特羅非摩病了，我就留他在米利都。                       
提後4:21你要趕緊在冬天以前到我這裡來。有友布羅，布田，利奴，革老底亞和眾弟兄，都問你安。                       

提後4:22願主與你的靈同在。願恩惠常與你們同在。                        

 

 

 

 

 

2 Timothy 1 

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my dear son:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanksgiving
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty
15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

 

The Appeal Renewed
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself.
Dealing With False Teachers
14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 

 

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

A Final Charge to Timothy

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings
19 Greet Priscilla[a] and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.[b]

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

 

 

 

本日經文提要  (提摩太前書 3:1~6:21)

 

 

 

提前3:1人若想要得監督的職分，就是羨慕善工，這話是可信的。                        
提前3:2作監督的，必須無可指責，只作一個婦人的丈夫，有節制，自守，端正，樂意接待遠人，善於教導。                        
提前3:3不因酒滋事，不打人，只要溫和，不爭競，不貪財。                        
提前3:4好好管理自己的家，使兒女凡事端莊順服。〔或作端端莊莊的使兒女順服〕                        
提前3:5人若不知道管理自己的家，焉能照管神的教會呢。                        
提前3:6初入教的不可作監督，恐怕他自高自大，就落在魔鬼所受的刑罰裡。                        
提前3:7監督也必須在教外有好名聲，恐怕被人毀謗，落在魔鬼的網羅裡。                        
提前3:8作執事的也是如此，必須端莊，不一口兩舌，不好喝酒，不貪不義之財。                        
提前3:9要存清潔的良心，固守真道的奧秘。                        
提前3:10這等人也要先受試驗，若沒有可責之處，然後叫他們作執事。                        
提前3:11女執事〔原文作女人〕也是如此，必須端莊，不說讒言，有節制，凡事忠心。                        
提前3:12執事只要作一個婦人的丈夫，好好管理兒女和自己的家。                        
提前3:13因為善作執事的，自己就得到美好的地步，並且在基督耶穌裡的真道上大有膽量。                        
提前3:14我指望快到你那裡去，所以先將這些事寫給你。                        
提前3:15倘若我耽延日久，你也可以知道在神的家中當怎樣行，這家就是永生神的教會，真理的柱石和根基。                        
提前3:16大哉，敬虔的奧秘，無人不以為然，就是神在肉身顯現，被聖靈稱義，〔或作在靈性稱義〕被天使看見，被傳於外邦，被世人信服，被接在榮耀裡。                        

提前4:1聖靈明說：在後來的時候，必有人離棄真道，聽從那引誘人的邪靈，和鬼魔的道理。                        
提前4:2這因為說謊之人的假冒，這等人的良心，如同被熱鐵烙慣了一般。                        
提前4:3他們禁止嫁娶，又禁戒食物，〔或作又叫人戒葷〕就是神所造叫那信而明白真道的人，感謝著領受的。                        
提前4:4凡神所造的物，都是好的，若感謝著領受，就沒有一樣可棄的。                        
提前4:5都因神的道和人的祈求，成為聖潔了。                        
提前4:6你若將這些事提醒弟兄們，便是基督耶穌的好執事，在真道的話語，和你向來所服從的善道上，得了教育。                        
提前4:7只是要棄絕那世俗的言語，和老婦荒渺的話，在敬虔上操練自己。                        
提前4:8操練身體，益處還少，惟獨敬虔，凡事都有益處，因有今生和來生的應許。                        
提前4:9這話是可信的，是十分可佩服的。                        
提前4:10我們勞苦努力，正是為此，因我們的指望在乎永生的神，他是萬人的救主，更是信徒的救主。                        
提前4:11這些事你要吩咐人，也要教導人。                        
提前4:12不可叫人小看你年輕，總要在言語，行為，愛心，信心，清潔上，都作信徒的榜樣。                        
提前4:13你要以宣讀，勸勉，教導為念，直等到我來。                        
提前4:14你不要輕忽所得的恩賜，就是從前藉著豫言，在眾長老按手的時候，賜給你的。                        
提前4:15這些事你要殷勤去作，並要在此專心，使眾人看出你的長進來。                        
提前4:16你要謹慎自己和自己的教訓，要在這些事上恆心，因為這樣行，又能救自己，又能救聽你的人。                        

提前5:1不可嚴責老年人，只要勸他如同父親，勸少年人如同弟兄。                        
提前5:2勸老年婦女如同母親，勸少年婦女如同姐妹，總要清清潔潔的。                        
提前5:3要尊敬那真為寡婦的。                        
提前5:4若寡婦有兒女，或有孫子孫女，便叫他們先在自己家中學著行孝，報答親恩，因為這在神面前是可悅納的。                        
提前5:5那獨居無靠真為寡婦的，是仰賴神，晝夜不住的祈求禱告。                        
提前5:6但那好宴樂的寡婦，正活著的時候，也是死的。                        
提前5:7這些事你要囑咐他們，叫他們無可指責。                        
提前5:8人若不看顧親屬，就是背了真道，比不信的人還不好，不看顧自己家裡的人，更是如此。                        
提前5:9寡婦記在冊子上，必須年紀到六十歲，從來只作一個丈夫的妻子，                        
提前5:10又有行善的名聲，就如養育兒女，接待遠人，洗聖徒的腳，救濟遭難的人，竭力行各樣善事。                        
提前5:11至於年輕的寡婦，就可以辭他，因為他們的情慾發動，違背基督的時候，就想要嫁人。                        
提前5:12他們被定罪，是因廢棄了當初所許的願。                        
提前5:13並且他們又習慣懶惰，挨家閒遊，不但是懶惰，又說長道短，好管閒事，說些不當說的話。                        
提前5:14所以我願意年輕的寡婦嫁人，生養兒女，治理家務，不給敵人辱罵的把柄。                        
提前5:15因為已經有轉去隨從撒但的。                        
提前5:16信主的婦女，若家中有寡婦，自己就當救濟他們，不可累著教會，好使教會能救濟那真無倚靠的寡婦。                        
提前5:17那善於管理教會的長老，當以為配受加倍的敬奉，那勞苦傳道教導人的，更當如此。                        
提前5:18因為經上說：『牛在埸上踹穀的時候，不可籠住他的嘴。』又說：『工人得工價是應當的。』                        
提前5:19控告長老的呈子，非有兩三個見證就不要收。                        
提前5:20犯罪的人，當在眾人面前責備他，叫其餘的人也可以懼怕。                        
提前5:21我在神和基督耶穌並蒙揀選的天使面前囑咐你，要遵守這些話，不可存成見，行事也不可有偏心。                        
提前5:22給人行按手的禮，不可急促，不要在別人的罪上有分，要保守自己清潔。                        
提前5:23因你胃口不清，屢次患病，再不要照常喝水，可以稍微用點酒。                        
提前5:24有些人的罪是明顯的，如同先到審判案前，有些人的罪是隨後跟了去的。                        
提前5:25這樣，善行也有明顯的，那不明顯的，也不能隱藏。                        

提前6:1凡在軛下作僕人的，當以自己主人配受十分的恭敬，免得神的名和道理，被人褻瀆。                        
提前6:2僕人有信道的主人，不可因為與他是弟兄就輕看他，更要加意服事他，因為得服事之益處的，是信道蒙愛的。你要以此教訓人，勸勉人。                        
提前6:3若有人傳異教，不服從我們主耶穌基督純正的話，與那合乎敬虔的道理。                        
提前6:4他是自高自大，一無所知，專好問難，爭辯言詞，從此就生出嫉妒，分爭，毀謗，妄疑，                        
提前6:5並那壞了心術，失喪真理之人的爭競。他們以敬虔為得利的門路。                        
提前6:6然而敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了。                        
提前6:7因為我們沒有帶甚麼到世上來，也不能帶甚麼去。                        
提前6:8只要有衣有食，就當知足。                        
提前6:9但那些想要發財的人，就陷在迷惑，落在網羅，和許多無知有害的私慾裡，叫人沉在敗壞和滅亡中。                        
提前6:10貪財是萬惡之根，有人貪戀錢財，就被引誘離了真道，用許多愁苦把自己刺透了。                        
提前6:11但你這屬神的人，要逃避這些事，追求公義，敬虔，信心，愛心，忍耐，溫柔。                        
提前6:12你要為真道打那美好的仗，持定永生，你為此被召，也在許多見證人面前，已經作了那美好的見證。                        
提前6:13我在叫萬物生活的神面前，並在向本丟彼拉多作過那美好見證的基督耶穌面前囑咐你，                        
提前6:14要守這命令，毫不玷污，無可指責，直到我們的主耶穌基督顯現。                        
提前6:15到了日期，那可稱頌獨有權能的，萬王之王，萬主之主，                        
提前6:16就是那獨一不死，住在人不能靠近的光裡，是人未曾看見，也是不能看見的，要將他顯明出來。但願尊貴和永遠的權能，都歸給他。阿們。                        
提前6:17你要囑咐那些今世富足的人，不要自高，也不要倚靠無定的錢財，只要倚靠那厚賜百物給我們享受的神。                        
提前6:18又要囑咐他們行善，在好事上富足，甘心施捨，樂意供給人，〔供給或作體貼〕                        
提前6:19為自己積成美好的根基，豫備將來，叫他們持定那真正的生命。                        
提前6:20提摩太阿，你要保守所託付你的，躲避世俗的虛談，和那敵真道似是而非的學問。                        

 

 

 

 

3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,
    was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,

    was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 4 

4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[a] and “The worker deserves his wages.”[b] 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

 

1 Timothy 6 

6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare[a] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money
These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Final Charge to Timothy
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

本日經文提要  (提摩太前書 1:1~2:15)

 

 

提前1:1奉我們救主神，和我們的盼望基督耶穌之命，作基督耶穌使徒的保羅，                        
提前1:2寫信給那因信主作我真兒子提摩太，願恩惠憐憫平安，從父神和我們主基督耶穌，歸與你。                        
提前1:3我往馬其頓去的時候，曾勸你仍住在以弗所，好囑咐那幾個人，不可傳異教，                        
提前1:4也不可聽從荒渺無憑的話語，和無窮的家譜，這等事只生辯論，並不發明神在信上所立章程。                        
提前1:5但命令的總歸就是愛，這愛是從清潔的心，和無虧的良心，無偽的信心，生出來的。                        
提前1:6有人偏離這些，反去講虛浮的話。                        
提前1:7想要作教法師，卻不明白自己所講說的，所論定的。                        
提前1:8我們知道律法原是好的，只要人用得合宜。                        
提前1:9因為律法不是為義人設立的，乃是為不法和不服的，不虔誠和犯罪的，不聖潔和戀世俗的，弒父母和殺人的，                        
提前1:10行淫和親男色的，搶人口和說謊話的，並起假誓的，或是為別樣敵正道的事設立的。                        
提前1:11這是照著可稱頌之神交託我榮耀福音說的。                        
提前1:12我感謝那給我力量的，我們主基督耶穌，因他以我有忠心，派我服事他。                        
提前1:13我從前是褻瀆神的，逼迫人的，侮慢人的，然而我還蒙了憐憫，因我是不信不明白的時候而作的。                        
提前1:14並且我主的恩是格外豐盛，使我在基督耶穌裡有信心和愛心。                        
提前1:15基督耶穌降世，為要拯救罪人，這話是可信的，是十分可佩服的，在罪人中我是個罪魁。                        
提前1:16然而我蒙了憐憫，是因耶穌基督要在我這罪魁身上，顯明他一切的忍耐，給後來信他得永生的人作榜樣。                        
提前1:17但願尊貴榮耀歸與那不能朽壞不能看見永世的君王，獨一的神，直到永永遠遠。阿們。                        
提前1:18我兒提摩太阿，我照從前指著你的豫言，將這命令交託你，叫你因此可以打那美好的仗。                        
提前1:19常存信心，和無虧的良心，有人丟棄良心，就在真道上如同船破壞了一般。                        
提前1:20其中有許米乃和亞力山大，我已經把他們交給撒但，使他們受責罰，就不再謗瀆了。                        

提前2:1我勸你第一要為萬人懇求，禱告，代求，祝謝。                        
提前2:2為君王和一切在位的也該如此，使我們可以敬虔端正，平安無事的度日。                        
提前2:3這是好的，在神我們救主面前可蒙悅納。                        
提前2:4他願意萬人得救，明白真道。                        
提前2:5因為只有一位神，在神和人中間，只有一位中保，乃是降世為人的基督耶穌。                        
提前2:6他捨自己作萬人的贖價，到了時候，這事必證明出來。                        
提前2:7我為此奉派，作傳道的，作使徒，作外邦人的師傅，教導他們相信，學習真道。我說的是真話，並不是謊言。                        
提前2:8我願男人無忿怒，無爭論，〔爭論或作疑惑〕舉起聖潔的手，隨處禱告。                        
提前2:9又願女人廉恥，自守，以正派衣裳為妝飾，不以編髮，黃金，珍珠，和貴價的衣裳為妝飾。                        
提前2:10只要有善行，這才與自稱是敬神的女人相宜。                        
提前2:11女人要沉靜學道，一味的順服。                        
提前2:12我不許女人講道，也不許他轄管男人，只要沉靜。                        
提前2:13因為先造的是亞當，後造的是夏娃。                        
提前2:14且不是亞當被引誘，乃是女人被引誘，陷在罪裡。                        

提前2:15然而女人若常存信心愛心，又聖潔自守，就必在生產上得救。  

 

 

 

 

1 Timothy 1 

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

The Lord’s Grace to Paul
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

 

 1 Timothy 2 

Instructions on Worship
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

11 A woman[a] should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;[b] she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women[c] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

 

                

本日經文提要  (帖撒羅尼迦後書 1:1~3:18)

 

   

帖後2:1弟兄們，論到我們主耶穌基督降臨，和我們到他那裡聚集，                        
帖後2:2我勸你們，無論有靈，有言語，有冒我名的書信，說主的日子現在到了，〔現在或作就〕不要輕易動心，也不要驚慌。                        
帖後2:3人不拘用甚麼法子，你們總不要被他誘惑，因為那日子以前，必有離道反教的事，並有那大罪人，就是沉淪之子，顯露出來。                        
帖後2:4他是抵擋主，高抬自己，超過一切稱為神的，和一切受人敬拜的，甚至坐在神的殿裡，自稱是神。                        
帖後2:5我還在你們那裡的時候，曾把這些事告訴你們，你們不記得麼。                        
帖後2:6現在你們也知道那攔阻他的是甚麼，是叫他到了的時候，才可以顯露。                        
帖後2:7因為那不法的隱意已經發動，只是現在有一個攔阻的，等到那攔阻的被除去。                        
帖後2:8那時這不法的人，必顯露出來，主耶穌要用口中的氣滅絕他，用降臨的榮光廢掉他。                        
帖後2:9這不法的人來，是照撒但的運動，行各樣的異能神蹟，和一切虛假的奇事，                        
帖後2:10並且在那沉淪的人身上，行各樣出於不義的詭詐，因他們不領受愛真理的心，使他們得救。                        
帖後2:11故此，神就給他們一個生發錯誤的心，叫他們信從虛謊。                        
帖後2:12使一切不信真理，倒喜愛不義的人，都被定罪。                        
帖後2:13主所愛的弟兄們哪，我們本該常為你們感謝神，因為他從起初揀選了你們，叫你們因信真道，又被聖靈感動成為聖潔，能以得救。                        
帖後2:14神藉我們所傳的福音，召你們到這地步，好得著我們主耶穌基督的榮光。                        
帖後2:15所以弟兄們，你們要站立得穩，凡所領受的教訓，不拘是我們口傳的，是信上寫的，都要堅守。                        
帖後2:16但願我們主耶穌基督，和那愛我們，開恩將永遠的安慰，並美好的盼望，賜給我們的父神，                        
帖後2:17安慰你們的心，並且在一切善行善言上，堅固你們。                        

 

1 Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters,[b] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.[c]

 

The Man of Lawlessness
2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Request for Prayer
3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Final Greetings
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

本日經文提要  (帖撒羅尼迦前書 3:1~5:28)

 

   

 

帖前3:1我們既不能再忍，就願意獨自等在雅典。
帖前3:2打發我們的兄弟在基督福音上作神執事的提摩太前去，〔作神執事的有古卷作與神同工的〕堅固你們，並在你們所信的道上勸慰你們。
帖前3:3免得有人被諸般患難搖動，因為你們自己知道我們受患難原是命定的。
帖前3:4我們在你們那裡的時候，豫先告訴你們，我們必受患難，以後果然應驗了，你們也知道。
帖前3:5為此，我既不能再忍，就打發人去，要曉得你們的信心如何，恐怕那誘惑人的到底誘惑了你們，叫我們的勞苦歸於徒然。
帖前3:6但提摩太剛才從你們那裡回來，將你們信心和愛心的好消息報給我們，又說你們常常記念我們，切切的想見我們，如同我們想見你們一樣。
帖前3:7所以弟兄們，我們在一切困苦患難之中，因著你們的信心就得了安慰。
帖前3:8你們若靠主站立得穩，我們就活了。
帖前3:9我們在神面前，因著你們甚是喜樂，為這一切喜樂，可用何等的感謝，為你們報答神呢。
帖前3:10我們晝夜切切的祈求，要見你們的面，補滿你們信心的不足。
帖前3:11願神我們的父，和我們的主耶穌，一直引領我們到你們那裡去。
帖前3:12又願主叫你們彼此相愛的心，並愛眾人的心，都能增長，充足，如同我們愛你們一樣。
帖前3:13好使你們，當我們主耶穌同他眾聖徒來的時候，在我們父神面前，心裡堅固，成為聖潔，無可責備。

帖前4:1弟兄們，我還有話說：我們靠著主耶穌求你們，勸你們，你們既然受了我們的教訓，知道該怎樣行，可以討神的喜悅，就要照你們現在所行的，更加勉勵。
帖前4:2你們原曉得我們憑主耶穌傳給你們甚麼命令。
帖前4:3神的旨意就是要你們成為聖潔，遠避淫行。
帖前4:4要你們各人曉得怎樣用聖潔尊貴，守著自己的身體。
帖前4:5不放縱私慾的邪情，像那不認識神的外邦人。
帖前4:6不要一個人在這事上越分，欺負他的弟兄，因為這一類的事，主必報應，正如我豫先對你們說過，又切切囑咐你們的。
帖前4:7神召我們，本不是要我們沾染污穢，乃是要我們成為聖潔。
帖前4:8所以那棄絕的，不是棄絕人，乃是棄絕那賜聖靈給你們的神。
帖前4:9論到弟兄們相愛，不用人寫信給你們，因為你們自己蒙了神的教訓，叫你們彼此相愛。
帖前4:10你們向馬其頓全地的眾弟兄，固然是這樣行，但我勸弟兄們要更加勉勵。
帖前4:11又要立志作安靜人，辦自己的事，親手作工，正如我們從前所吩咐你們的。
帖前4:12叫你們可以向外人行事端正，自己也就沒有甚麼缺乏了。
帖前4:13論到睡了的人，我們不願意弟兄們不知道，恐怕你們憂傷，像那些沒有指望的人一樣。
帖前4:14我們若信耶穌死而復活了，那已經在耶穌裡睡了的人，神也必將他與耶穌一同帶來。
帖前4:15我們現在照主的話告訴你們一件事，我們這活著還存留到主降臨的人，斷不能在那已經睡了的人之先。
帖前4:16因為主必親自從天降臨，有呼叫的聲音，和天使長的聲音，又有神的號吹響，那在基督裡死了的人必先復活。
帖前4:17以後我們這活著還存留的人，必和他們一同被提到雲裡，在空中與主相遇，這樣，我們就要和主永遠同在。
帖前4:18所以你們當用這些話彼此勸慰。

帖前5:1弟兄們，論到時候日期，不用寫信給你們。
帖前5:2因為你們自己明明曉得，主的日子來到，好像夜間的賊一樣。
帖前5:3人正說平安穩妥的時候，災禍忽然臨到他們，如同產難臨到懷胎的婦人一樣，他們絕不能逃脫。
帖前5:4弟兄們，你們卻不在黑暗裡，叫那日子臨到你們像賊一樣。
帖前5:5你們都是光明之子，都是白晝之子，我們不是屬黑夜的，也不是屬幽暗的。
帖前5:6所以我們不要睡覺，像別人一樣，總要儆醒謹守。
帖前5:7因為睡了的人是在夜間睡，醉了的人是在夜間醉。
帖前5:8但我們既然屬乎白晝，就當謹守，把信和愛當作護心鏡遮胸，把得救的盼望當作頭盔戴上。
帖前5:9因為神不是豫定我們受刑，乃是豫定我們藉著我們主耶穌基督得救。
帖前5:10他替我們死，叫我們無論醒著睡著，都與他同活。
帖前5:11所以你們該彼此勸慰，互相建立，正如你們素常所行的。
帖前5:12弟兄們，我們勸你們敬重那在你們中間勞苦的人，就是在主裡面治理你們，勸戒你們的。
帖前5:13又因他們所作的工，用愛心格外尊重他們，你們也要彼此和睦。
帖前5:14我們又勸弟兄們，要警戒不守規矩的人，勉勵灰心的人，扶助軟弱的人，也要向眾人忍耐。
帖前5:15你們要謹慎，無論是誰都不可以惡報惡，或是彼此相待，或是待眾人，常要追求良善。
帖前5:16要常常喜樂。
帖前5:17不住的禱告。
帖前5:18凡事謝恩，因為這是神在基督耶穌裡向你們所定的旨意。
帖前5:19不要銷滅聖靈的感動。
帖前5:20不要藐視先知的講論。
帖前5:21但要凡事察驗，善美的要持守。
帖前5:22各樣的惡事要禁戒不作。
帖前5:23願賜平安的神，親自使你們全然成聖，又願你們的靈，與魂，與身子，得蒙保守，在我主耶穌基督降臨的時候，完全無可指摘。
帖前5:24那召你們的本是信實的，他必成就這事。
帖前5:25請弟兄們為我們禱告。
帖前5:26與眾弟兄親嘴問安務要聖潔。
帖前5:27我指著主囑咐你們，要把這信念給眾弟兄聽。

帖前5:28願我主耶穌基督的恩常與你們同在。

 

 

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

 

Living to Please God
4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Believers Who Have Died

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

 

 

The Day of the Lord
5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

本日經文提要  (帖撒羅尼迦前書 1:1~ 2 :20)

 

   

 

帖前1:1保羅，西拉，提摩太，寫信給帖撒羅尼迦在父神和主耶穌基督裡的教會，願恩惠平安歸與你們。

帖前2:20因為你們就是我們的榮耀，我們的喜樂。

 

 

 

 

1 Thessalonians 1 

1 Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers and sisters[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

 

 

2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[b]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

本日經文提要  (歌羅西書 1:1~ 4:18)

 

 

 

西1:1奉神旨意，作基督耶穌使徒的保羅，和兄弟提摩太，
西1:2寫信給歌羅西的聖徒，在基督裡有忠心的弟兄，願恩惠平安，從神我們的父，歸與你們。
西1:3我們感謝神我們主耶穌基督的父，常常為你們禱告。
西1:4因聽見你們在基督耶穌裡的信心，並向眾聖徒的愛心。
西1:5是為那給你們存在天上的盼望，這盼望就是你們從前在福音真理的道上所聽見的。
西1:6這福音傳到你們那裡，也傳到普天之下，並且結果增長，如同在你們中間，自從你們聽見福音，真知道神恩惠的日子一樣。
西1:7正如你們從我們所親愛，一同作僕人的以巴弗所學的，他為我們〔有古卷作你們〕作了基督忠心的執事。
西1:8也把你們因聖靈所存的愛心告訴了我們。
西1:9因此，我們自從聽見的日子，也就為你們不住的禱告祈求，願你們在一切屬靈的智慧悟性上，滿心知道神的旨意。
西1:10好叫你們行事為人對得起主，凡事蒙他喜悅，在一切善事上結果子，漸漸的多知道神。
西1:11照他榮耀的權能，得以在各樣的力上加力，好叫你們凡事歡歡喜喜的忍耐寬容。
西1:12又感謝父，叫我們能與眾聖徒在光明中同得基業。
西1:13他救了我們脫離黑暗的權勢，把我們遷到他愛子的國裡。
西1:14我們在愛子裡得蒙救贖，罪過得以赦免。
西1:15愛子是那不能看見之神的像，是首生的，在一切被造的以先。
西1:16因為萬有都是靠他造的，無論是天上的，地上的，能看見的，不能看見的，或是有位的，主治的，執政的，掌權的，一概都是藉著他造的，又是為他造的。
西1:17他在萬有之先，萬有也靠他而立。
西1:18他也是教會全體之首，他是元始，是從死裡首先復生的，使他可以在凡事上居首位。
西1:19因為父喜歡叫一切的豐盛，在他裡面居住。
西1:20既然藉著他在十字架上所流的血，成就了和平，便藉著他叫萬有，無論是地上的，天上的，都與自己和好了。
西1:21你們從前與神隔絕，因著惡行，心裡與他為敵。
西1:22但如今他藉著基督的肉身受死，叫你們與自己和好，都成了聖潔，沒有瑕疵，無可責備，把你們引到自己面前。
西1:23只要你們在所信的道上恆心，根基穩固，堅定不移，不至被引動失去〔原文作離開〕福音的盼望，這福音就是你們所聽過的，也是傳與普天下萬人聽的，〔萬人原文作凡受造的〕我保羅也作了這福音的執事。
西1:24現在我為你們受苦，倒覺歡樂，並且為基督的身體，就是為教會，要在我肉身上補滿基督患難的缺欠。
西1:25我照神為你們所賜我的職份，作了教會的執事，要把神的道理傳得全備。
西1:26這道理就是歷世歷代所隱藏的奧秘，但如今向他的聖徒顯明了。
西1:27神願意叫他們知道，這奧秘在外邦人中有何等豐盛的榮耀，就是基督在你們心裡成了有榮耀的盼望。
西1:28我們傳揚他，是用諸般的智慧，勸戒各人，教導各人，要把各人在基督裡完完全全的引到神面前。
西1:29我也為此勞苦，照著他在我裡面運用的大能，盡心竭力。

西2:1我願意你們曉得我為你們和老底嘉人，並一切沒有與我親自見面的人，是何等的盡心竭力。
西2:2要叫他們的心得安慰，因愛心互相聯絡，以致豐豐足足在悟性中有充足的信心，使他們真知神的奧秘，就是基督。
西2:3所積蓄的一切智慧知識，都在他裡面藏著。
西2:4我說這話，免得有人用花言巧語迷惑你們。
西2:5我身子雖與你們相離，心卻與你們同在，見你們循規蹈矩，信基督的心也堅固，我就歡喜了。
西2:6你們既然接受了主基督耶穌，就當遵他而行。
西2:7在他裡面生根建造，信心堅固，正如你們所領的教訓，感謝的心也更增長了。
西2:8你們要謹慎，恐怕有人用他的理學，和虛空的妄言，不照著基督，乃照人間的遺傳，和世上的小學，就把你們擄去。
西2:9因為神本性一切的豐盛，都有形有體的居住在基督裡面。
西2:10你們在他裡面也得了豐盛。他是各樣執政掌權者的元首。
西2:11你們在他裡面，也受了不是人手所行的割禮，乃是基督使你們脫去肉體情慾的割禮。
西2:12你們既受洗與他一同埋葬，也就在此與他一同復活，都因信那叫他從死裡復活神的功用。
西2:13你們從前在過犯，和未受割禮的肉體中死了，神赦免了你們〔或作我們〕一切過犯，便叫你們與基督一同活過來。
西2:14又塗抹了在律例上所寫，攻擊我們有礙於我們的字據，把他撤去，釘在十字架上。
西2:15既將一切執政的掌權的擄來，明顯給眾人看，就仗著十字架誇勝。
西2:16所以不拘在飲食上，或節期，月朔，安息日，都不可讓人論斷你們。
西2:17這些原是後事的影兒，那形體卻是基督。
西2:18不可讓人因著故意謙虛，和敬拜天使，就奪去你們的獎賞，這等人拘泥在所見過的，〔有古卷作這等人窺察所沒有見過的〕隨著自己的慾心，無故的自高自大，
西2:19不持定元首，全身既然靠著他筋節得以相助聯絡，就因神大得長進。
西2:20你們若是與基督同死，脫離了世上的小學，為甚麼仍像在世俗中活著，服從那不可拿，不可嘗，不可摸，等類的規條呢。
西2:21見上節
西2:22這都是照人所吩咐所教導的。說到這一切，正用的時候就都敗壞了。
西2:23這些規條，使人徒有智慧之名，用私意崇拜，自表謙卑，苦待己身，其實在克制肉體的情慾上，是毫無功效。

西3:1所以你們若真與基督一同復活，就當求在上面的事，那裡有基督坐在神的右邊。
西3:2你們要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。
西3:3因為你們已經死了，你們的生命與基督一同藏在神裡面。
西3:4基督是我們的生命，他顯現的時候，你們也要與他一同顯現在榮耀裡。
西3:5所以要治死你們在地上的肢體，就如淫亂，污穢，邪情，惡慾，和貪婪，貪婪就與拜偶像一樣。
西3:6因這些事，神的忿怒必臨到那悖逆之子。
西3:7當你們在這些事中活著的時候，也曾這樣行過。
西3:8但現在你們要棄絕這一切的事，以及惱恨，忿怒，惡毒，〔或作陰毒〕毀謗，並口中污穢的言語。
西3:9不要彼此說謊，因你們已經脫去舊人，和舊人的行為，
西3:10穿上了新人，這新人在知識上漸漸更新，正如造他主的形像。
西3:11在此並不分希利尼人，猶太人，受割禮的，未受割禮的，化外人，西古提人，為奴的，自主的，惟有基督是包括一切，又住在各人之內。
西3:12所以你們既是神的選民，聖潔蒙愛的人，就要存〔原文作穿下同〕憐憫，恩慈，謙虛，溫柔，忍耐的心。
西3:13倘若這人與那人有嫌隙，總要彼此包容，彼此饒恕，主怎樣饒恕了你們，你們也要怎樣饒恕人。
西3:14在這一切之外，要存著愛心，愛心就是聯絡全德的。
西3:15又要叫基督的平安在你們心裡作主，你們也為此蒙召，歸為一體，且要存感謝的心。
西3:16當用各樣的智慧，把基督的道理，豐豐富富的存在心裡，〔或作當把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡以各樣的智慧〕用詩章，頌詞，靈歌，彼此教導，互相勸戒心被恩感歌頌神。
西3:17無論作甚麼，或說話，或行事，都要奉主耶穌的名，藉著他感謝父神。
西3:18你們作妻子的，當順服自己的丈夫，這在主裡面是相宜的。
西3:19你們作丈夫的，要愛你們的妻子，不可苦待他們。
西3:20你們作兒女的，要凡事聽從父母，因為這是主所喜悅的。
西3:21你們作父親的，不要惹兒女的氣，恐怕他們失了志氣。
西3:22你們作僕人的，要凡事聽從你們肉身的主人，不要只在眼前事奉，像是討人喜歡的，總要存心誠實敬畏主。
西3:23無論作甚麼，都要從心裡作，像是給主作的，不是給人作的。
西3:24因你們知道從主那裡，必得著基業為賞賜，你們所事奉的乃是主基督。

 

 

 

 

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters[a] in Christ:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father.[b]

Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,[c] who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[d] behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Supremacy of the Son of God
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[g] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Paul’s Labor for the Church
24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b] was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[e]

Freedom From Human Rules
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

 

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[c] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

 

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Final Greetings
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

 

本日經文提要  (以弗所書 6:1~腓立比書4:23  )

 

   

 

 

弗6:1你們作兒女的，要在主裡聽從父母，這是理所當然的。

弗6:24並願所有誠心愛我們主耶穌基督的人，都蒙恩惠。

 

腓1:1基督耶穌的僕人保羅，和提摩太，寫信給凡住腓立比，在基督耶穌裡的眾聖徒，和諸位監督，諸位執事。
腓1:2願恩惠平安，從神我們的父，並主耶穌基督，歸與你們。
腓1:3我每逢想念你們，就感謝我的神。
腓1:4（每逢為你們眾人祈求的時候，常是歡歡喜喜的祈求）
腓1:5因為從頭一天直到如今，你們是同心合意的興旺福音。
腓1:6我深信那在你們心裡動了善工的，必成全這工，直到耶穌基督的日子。
腓1:7我為你們眾人有這樣的意念，原是應當的，因為你們常在我心裡，無論我是在捆鎖之中，是辯明證實福音的時候，你們都與我一同得恩。
腓1:8我體會基督耶穌的心腸，切切的想念你們眾人，這是神可以給我作見證的。
腓1:9我所禱告的，就是要你們的愛心，在知識和各樣見識上，多而又多。
腓1:10使你們能分別是非，〔或作喜愛那美好的事〕作誠實無過的人，直到基督的日子。
腓1:11並靠著耶穌基督結滿了仁義的果子，叫榮耀稱讚歸與神。
腓1:12弟兄們，我願意你們知道，我所遭遇的事，更是叫福音興旺。
腓1:13以致我受的捆鎖，在御營全軍，和其餘的人中，已經顯明是為基督的緣故。
腓1:14並且那在主裡的弟兄，多半因我受的捆鎖，就篤信不疑，越發放膽傳神的道，無所懼怕。
腓1:15有的傳基督，是出於嫉妒分爭，也有的是出於好意。
腓1:16這一等，是出於愛心，知道我是為辯明福音設立的。
腓1:17那一等傳基督，是出於結黨，並不誠實，意思要加增我捆鎖的苦楚。
腓1:18這有何妨呢，或是假意，或是真心，無論怎樣，基督究竟被傳開了，為此我就歡喜，並且還要歡喜。
腓1:19因為我知道這事藉你們的祈禱，和耶穌基督之靈的幫助，終必叫我得救。
腓1:20照著我所切慕所盼望的，沒有一事叫我羞愧，只要凡事放膽，無論是生，是死，總叫基督在我身上照常顯大。
腓1:21因我活著就是基督，我死了就有益處。
腓1:22但我在肉身活著，若成就我功夫的果子，我就不知道該挑選甚麼。
腓1:23我正在兩難之間，情願離世與基督同在，因為這是好得無比的。
腓1:24然而我在肉身活著，為你們更是要緊的。
腓1:25我既然這樣深信，就知道仍要住在世間，且與你們眾人同住，使你們在所信的道上，又長進又喜樂。
腓1:26叫你們在基督耶穌裡的歡樂，因我再到你們那裡去，就越發加增。
腓1:27只要你們行事為人與基督的福音相稱，叫我或來見你們，或不在你們那裡，可以聽見你們的景況，知道你們同有一個心志，站立得穩，為所信的福音齊心努力。
腓1:28凡事不怕敵人的驚嚇，這是證明他們沉淪，你們得救，都是出於神。
腓1:29因為你們蒙恩，不但得以順服基督，並要為他受苦。
腓1:30你們的爭戰，就與你們在我身上從前所看見，現在所聽見的一樣。

腓2:1所以在基督裡若有甚麼勸勉，愛心有甚麼安慰，聖靈有甚麼交通，心中有甚麼慈悲憐憫，
腓2:2你們就是意念相同，愛心相同，有一樣的心思，有一樣的意念，使我的喜樂可以滿足。
腓2:3凡事不可結黨，不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀，只要存心謙卑，各人看別人比自己強。
腓2:4各人不要單顧自己的事，也要顧別人的事。
腓2:5你們當以基督耶穌的心為心。
腓2:6他本有神的形像，不以自己與神同等為強奪的。
腓2:7反倒虛己，取了奴僕的形像，成為人的樣式。
腓2:8既有人的樣子，就自己卑微，存心順服，以至於死，且死在十字架上。
腓2:9所以神將他升為至高，又賜給他超乎萬名之上的名，
腓2:10叫一切在天上的，地上的，和地底下的，因耶穌的名，無不屈膝，
腓2:11無不口稱耶穌基督為主，使榮耀歸與父神。
腓2:12這樣看來，我親愛的弟兄，你們既是常順服的，不但我在你們那裡，就是如今不在你們那裡，更是順服的，就當恐懼戰兢，作成你們得救的工夫。
腓2:13因為你們立志行事，都是神在你們心裡運行，為要成就他的美意。
腓2:14凡所行的，都不要發怨言，起爭論，
腓2:15使你們無可指摘，誠實無偽，在這彎曲悖謬的世代，作神無瑕疵的兒女，你們顯在這世代中，好像明光照耀，
腓2:16將生命的道表明出來，叫我在基督的日子，好誇我沒有空跑，也沒有徒勞。
腓2:17我以你們的信心為供獻的祭物，我若被澆奠在其上，也是喜樂，並且與你們眾人一同喜樂。
腓2:18你們也要照樣喜樂，並且與我一同喜樂。
腓2:19我靠主耶穌指望快打發提摩太去見你們，叫我知道你們的事，心裡就得安慰。
腓2:20因為我沒有別人與我同心，實在罣念你們的事。
腓2:21別人都求自己的事，並不求耶穌基督的事。
腓2:22但你們知道提摩太的明證，他興旺福音與我同勞，待我像兒子待父親一樣。
腓2:23所以我一看出我的事要怎樣了結，就盼望立刻打發他去。
腓2:24但我靠著主自信我也必快去。
腓2:25然而我想必須打發以巴弗提到你們那裡去，他是我的弟兄，與我一同作工，一同當兵，是你們所差遣的，也是供給我需用的。
腓2:26他很想念你們眾人，並且極其難過，因為你們聽見他病了。
腓2:27他實在是病了，幾乎要死，然而神憐恤他，不但憐恤他，也憐恤我，免得我憂上加憂。
腓2:28所以我越發急速打發他去，叫你們再見他，就可以喜樂，我也可以少些憂愁。
腓2:29故此你們要在主裡歡歡樂樂的接待他，而且要尊重這樣的人。
腓2:30因他為作基督的工夫，幾乎至死，不顧性命，要補足你們供給我的不及之處。

腓3:1弟兄們，我還有話說：你們要靠主喜樂。我把這話再寫給你們，於我並不為難，於你們卻是妥當。
腓3:2應當防備犬類，防備作惡的，防備妄自行割的。
腓3:3因為真受割禮的，乃是我們這以神的靈敬拜，在基督耶穌裡誇口，不靠著肉體的。
腓3:4其實我也可以靠肉體，若是別人想他可以靠肉體，我更可以靠著了。
腓3:5我第八天受割禮，我是以色列族，便雅憫支派的人，是希伯來人所生的希伯來人，就律法說：我是法利賽人。
腓3:6就熱心說：我是逼迫教會的，就律法上的義說：我是無可指摘的。
腓3:7只是我先前以為與我有益的，我現在因基督都當作有損的。
腓3:8不但如此，我也將萬事當作有損的，因我以認識我主基督耶穌為至寶。我為他已經丟棄萬事，看作糞土，為要得著基督。
腓3:9並且得以在他裡面，不是有自己因律法而得的義，乃是有信基督的義，就是因信神而來的義。
腓3:10使我認識基督，曉得他復活的大能，並且曉得和他一同受苦，效法他的死。
腓3:11或者我也得以從死裡復活。
腓3:12這不是說：我已經得著了，已經完全了，我乃是竭力追求，或者可以得著基督耶穌所以得著我的。〔所以得著我的或作所要我得的〕
腓3:13弟兄們，我不是以為自己已經得著了，我只有一件事，就是忘記背後努力面前的，
腓3:14向著標竿直跑，要得神在基督耶穌裡從上面召我來得的獎賞。
腓3:15所以我們中間凡是完全人，總要存這樣的心，若在甚麼事上，存別樣的心，神也必以此指示你們。
腓3:16然而我們到了甚麼地步，就當照著甚麼地步行。
腓3:17弟兄們，你們要一同效法我，也當留意看那些照我們榜樣行的人。
腓3:18因為有許多人行事，是基督十字架的仇敵，我屢次告訴你們，現在又流淚的告訴你們。
腓3:19他們的結局就是沉淪，他們的神就是自己的肚腹，他們以自己的羞辱為榮耀，專以地上的事為念。
腓3:20我們卻是天上的國民，並且等候救主，就是主耶穌基督，從天上降臨。
腓3:21他要按著那能叫萬有歸服自己的大能，將我們這卑賤的身體改變形狀，和他自己榮耀的身體相似。

腓4:1我所親愛所想念的弟兄，你們就是我的喜樂，我的冠冕，我親愛的弟兄，你們應當靠主站立得穩。
腓4:2我勸友阿爹和循都基，要在主裡同心。
腓4:3我也求你這真實同負一軛的，幫助這兩個女人，因為他們在福音上曾與我一同勞苦，還有革利免，並其餘和我一同作工的，他們的名字都在生命冊上。
腓4:4你們要靠主常常喜樂，我再說：你們要喜樂。
腓4:5當叫眾人知道你們謙讓的心。主已經近了。
腓4:6應當一無罣慮，只要凡事藉著禱告，祈求，和感謝，將你們所要的告訴神。
腓4:7神所賜出人意外的平安，必在基督耶穌裡，保守你們的心懷意念。
腓4:8弟兄們，我還有未盡的話，凡是真實的，可敬的，公義的，清潔的，可愛的，有美名的，若有甚麼德行，若有甚麼稱讚，這些事你們都要思念。
腓4:9你們在我身上所學習的，所領受的，所聽見的，所看見的，這些事你們都要去行，賜平安的神，就必與你們同在。
腓4:10我靠主大大的喜樂，因為你們思念我的心，如今又發生，你們向來就思念我，只是沒得機會。
腓4:11我並不是因缺乏說這話，我無論在甚麼景況，都可以知足，這是我已經學會了。
腓4:12我知道怎樣處卑賤，也知道怎樣處豐富，或飽足，或飢餓，或有餘，或缺乏，隨事隨在，我都得了秘訣。
腓4:13我靠著那加給我力量的，凡事都能作。
腓4:14然而你們和我同受患難，原是美事。
腓4:15腓立比人阿，你們也知道我初傳福音，離了馬其頓的時候，論到授受的事，除了你們以外，並沒有別的教會供給我。
腓4:16就是我在帖撒羅尼迦，你們也一次兩次的，打發人供給我的需用。
腓4:17我並不求甚麼餽送，所求的就是你們的果子漸漸增多，多歸在你們的賬上。
腓4:18但我樣樣都有，並且有餘，我已經充足，因我從以巴弗提受了你們的餽送，當作極美的香氣，為神所收納所喜悅的祭物。
腓4:19我的神必照他榮耀的豐富，在基督耶穌裡，使你們一切所需用的都充足。
腓4:20願榮耀歸給我們的父神，直到永永遠遠。阿們。
腓4:21請問在基督耶穌裡的各位聖徒安。在我這裡的眾弟兄都問你們安。
腓4:22眾聖徒都問你們安。在該撒家裡的人特特的問你們安。

腓4:23願主耶穌基督的恩常在你們心裡。

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 6 

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a]

4 Fathers,[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters,[c] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.[d]

 

Philippians 1 

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons[a]:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,[e] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

 

 

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.
Do Everything Without Grumbling
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

 

 

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[a]

本日經文提要  (以弗所書 1:1~5:33)

 

 

 

弗1:1奉神旨意，作基督耶穌使徒的保羅，寫信給在以弗所的聖徒，就是在基督耶穌裡有忠心的人。
弗1:2願恩惠平安，從神我們的父，和主耶穌基督，歸與你們。
弗1:3願頌讚歸與我們主耶穌基督的父神，他在基督裡，曾賜給我們天上各樣屬靈的福氣。
弗1:4就如神從創立世界以前，在基督裡揀選了我們，使我們在他面前成為聖潔，無有瑕疵。
弗1:5又因愛我們，就按著自己意旨所喜悅的，豫定我們，藉著耶穌基督得兒子的名分，
弗1:6使他榮耀的恩典得著稱讚，這恩典是他在愛子裡所賜給我們的。
弗1:7我們藉這愛子的血，得蒙救贖，過犯得以赦免，乃是照他豐富的恩典。
弗1:8這恩典是神用諸般智慧聰明，充充足足賞給我們的，
弗1:9都是照他自己所豫定的美意，叫我們知道他旨意的奧秘，
弗1:10要照所安排的，在日期滿足的時候，使天上地上一切所有的，都在基督裡面同歸於一。
弗1:11我們也在他裡面得了基業，〔得或作成〕這原是那位隨己意行作萬事的，照著他旨意所豫定的。
弗1:12叫他的榮耀，從我們這首先在基督裡有盼望的人，可以得著稱讚。
弗1:13你們既聽見真理的道，就是那叫你們得救的福音，也信了基督，既然信他，就受了所應許的聖靈為印記。
弗1:14這聖靈，是我們得基業的憑據，〔原文作質〕直等到神之民〔民原文作產業〕被贖，使他的榮耀得著稱讚。
弗1:15因此，我既聽見你們信從主耶穌，親愛眾聖徒，
弗1:16就為你們不住的感謝神，禱告的時候，常題到你們。
弗1:17求我們主耶穌基督的神，榮耀的父，將那賜人智慧和啟示的靈，賞給你們，使你們真知道他。
弗1:18並且照明你們心中的眼睛，使你們知道他的恩召有何等指望，他在聖徒中得的基業，有何等豐盛的榮耀。
弗1:19並知道他向我們這信的人所顯的能力，是何等浩大，
弗1:20就是照他在基督身上，所運行的大能大力，使他從死裡復活，叫他在天上坐在自己的右邊，
弗1:21遠超過一切執政的，掌權的，有能的，主治的，和一切有名的，不但是今世的，連來世的也都超過了。
弗1:22又將萬有服在他的腳下，使他為教會作萬有之首。
弗1:23教會是他的身體，是那充滿萬有者所充滿的。

弗2:1你們死在過犯罪惡之中，他叫你們活過來。
弗2:2那時，你們在其中行事為人隨從今世的風俗，順服空中掌權者的首領，就是現今在悖逆之子心中運行的邪靈。
弗2:3我們從前也都在他們中間，放縱肉體的私慾，隨著肉體和心中所喜好的去行，本為可怒之子，和別人一樣。
弗2:4然而神既有豐富的憐憫，因他愛我們的大愛，
弗2:5當我們死在過犯中的時候，便叫我們與基督一同活過來，（你們得救是本乎恩）
弗2:6他又叫我們與基督耶穌一同復活，一同坐在天上，
弗2:7要將他極豐富的恩典，就是他在基督耶穌裡向我們所施的恩慈，顯明給後來的世代看。
弗2:8你們得救是本乎恩，也因著信，這並不是出於自己，乃是神所賜的。
弗2:9也不是出於行為，免得有人自誇。
弗2:10我們原是他的工作，在基督耶穌裡造成的，為要叫我們行善，就是神所豫備叫我們行的。
弗2:11所以你們應當記念，你們從前按肉體是外邦人，是稱為沒受割禮的這名原是那些憑人手在肉身上稱為受割禮之人所起的。
弗2:12那時，你們與基督無關，在以色列國民以外，在所應許的諸約上是局外人，並且活在世上沒有指望，沒有神。
弗2:13你們從前遠離神的人，如今卻在基督耶穌裡，靠著他的血，已經得親近了。
弗2:14因他使我們和睦，〔原文作因他是我們的和睦〕將兩下合而為一，拆毀了中間隔斷的牆。
弗2:15而且以自己的身體，廢掉冤仇，就是那記在律法上的規條，為要將兩下，藉著自己造成一個新人，如此便成就了和睦。
弗2:16既在十字架上滅了冤仇，便藉這十字架，使兩下歸為一體，與神和好了。
弗2:17並且來傳和平的福音給你們遠處的人，也給那近處的人。
弗2:18因為我們兩下藉著他被一個聖靈所感，得以進到父面前。
弗2:19這樣，你們不再作外人，和客旅，是與聖徒同國，是神家裡的人了。
弗2:20並且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶穌自己為房角石。
弗2:21各〔或作全〕房靠他聯絡得合式，漸漸成為主的聖殿。
弗2:22你們也靠他同被建造成為神藉著聖靈居住的所在。

弗3:1因此，我保羅為你們外邦人作了基督耶穌被囚的，替你們祈禱，〔此句乃照對十四節所加〕
弗3:2諒必你們曾聽見神賜恩給我，將關切你們的職分託付我，
弗3:3用啟示使我知道福音的奧秘，正如我以前略略寫過的。
弗3:4你們念了，就能曉得我深知基督的奧秘。
弗3:5這奧秘在以前的世代，沒有叫人知道，像如今藉著聖靈啟示他的聖使徒和先知一樣。
弗3:6這奧秘就是外邦人在基督耶穌裡，藉著福音，得以同為後嗣，同為一體，同蒙應許。
弗3:7我作了這福音的執事，是照神的恩賜，這恩賜是照他運行的大能賜給我的。
弗3:8我本來比眾聖徒中最小的還小，然而他還賜我這恩典，叫我把基督那測不透的豐富，傳給外邦人。
弗3:9又使眾人都明白，這歷代以來隱藏在創造萬物之神裡的奧秘，是如何安排的。
弗3:10為要藉著教會，使天上執政的，掌權的，現在得知神百般的智慧。
弗3:11這是照神從萬世以前，在我們主基督耶穌裡所定的旨意。
弗3:12我們因信耶穌，就在他裡面放膽無懼，篤信不疑的來到神面前。
弗3:13所以我求你們，不要因我為你們所受的患難喪膽，這原是你們的榮耀。
弗3:14因此。我在父面前屈膝，
弗3:15（天上地上的各〔或作全〕家，都是從他得名）
弗3:16求他按著他豐盛的榮耀，藉著他的靈，叫你們心裡力量剛強起來，
弗3:17使基督因你們的信，住在你們心裡，叫你們的愛心，有根有基，
弗3:18能以和眾聖徒一同明白基督的愛，是何等長闊高深，
弗3:19並知道這愛是過於人所能測度的，便叫神一切所充滿的，充滿了你們。
弗3:20神照著運行在我們心裡的大力，充充足足的成就一切超過我們所求所想的。
弗3:21但願他在教會中，並在基督耶穌裡，得著榮耀，直到世世代代，永永遠遠。阿們。

弗4:1我為主被囚的勸你們，既然蒙召，行事為人就當與蒙召的恩相稱。
弗4:2凡事謙虛，溫柔，忍耐，用愛心互相寬容，
弗4:3用和平彼此聯絡，竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。
弗4:4身體只有一個，聖靈只有一個，正如你們蒙召，同有一個指望，
弗4:5一主，一信，一洗，
弗4:6一神，就是眾人的父，超乎眾人之上，貫乎眾人之中，也住在眾人之內。
弗4:7我們各人蒙恩，都是照基督所量給各人的恩賜。
弗4:8所以經上說：『他升上高天的時候，擄掠了仇敵，將各樣的恩賜賞給人。』
弗4:9（既說升上，豈不是先降在地下麼。
弗4:10那降下的，就是遠升諸天之上要充滿萬有的。）
弗4:11他所賜的有使徒，有先知，有傳福音的，有牧師和教師。
弗4:12為要成全聖徒，各盡其職，建立基督的身體。
弗4:13直等到我們眾人在真道上同歸於一，認識神的兒子，得以長大成人，滿有基督長成的身量。
弗4:14使我們不再作小孩子，中了人的詭計，和欺騙的法術，被一切異教之風搖動，飄來飄去，就隨從各樣的異端。
弗4:15惟用愛心說誠實話，凡事長進，連於元首基督。
弗4:16全身都靠他聯絡得合式，百節各按各職，照著各體的功用，彼此相助，便叫身體漸漸增長，在愛中建立自己。
弗4:17所以我說：且在主裡確實的說：你們行事，不要再像外邦人存虛妄的心行事。
弗4:18他們心地昏昧，與神所賜的生命隔絕了，都因自己無知，心裡剛硬。
弗4:19良心既然喪盡，就放縱私慾，貪行種種的污穢。
弗4:20你們學了基督，卻不是這樣。
弗4:21如果你們聽過他的道，領了他的教，學了他的真理，
弗4:22就要脫去你們從前行為上的舊人，這舊人是因私慾的迷惑，漸漸變壞的。
弗4:23又要將你們的心志改換一新。
弗4:24並且穿上新人，這新人是照著神的形像造的，有真理的仁義，和聖潔。
弗4:25所以你們要棄絕謊言，各人與鄰舍說實話，因為我們是互相為肢體。
弗4:26生氣卻不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落。
弗4:27也不可給魔鬼留地步。
弗4:28從前偷竊的，不要再偷，總要勞力，親手作正經事，就可有餘，分給那缺少的人。
弗4:29污穢的言語，一句不可出口，只要隨事說造就人的好話，叫聽見的人得益處。
弗4:30不要叫神的聖靈擔憂，你們原是受了他的印記，等候得贖的日子來到。
弗4:31一切苦毒，惱恨，忿怒，嚷鬧，毀謗，並一切惡毒，〔或作陰毒〕都當從你們中間除掉。
弗4:32並要以恩慈相待，存憐憫的心，彼此饒恕，正如神在基督裡饒恕了你們一樣。

弗5:1所以你們該效法神，好像蒙慈愛的兒女一樣。
弗5:2也要憑愛心行事，正如基督愛我們，為我們捨了自己，當作馨香的供物，和祭物，獻與神。
弗5:3至於淫亂，並一切污穢，或是貪婪，在你們中間連題都不可，方合聖徒的體統。
弗5:4淫詞，妄語，和戲笑的話，都不相宜，總要說感謝的話。
弗5:5因為你們確實的知道，無論是淫亂的，是污穢的，有貪心的，在基督和神的國裡，都是無分的，有貪心的，就與拜偶像的一樣。
弗5:6不要被人虛浮的話欺哄，因這些事，神的忿怒必臨到那悖逆之子。
弗5:7所以你們不要與他們同夥。
弗5:8從前你們是暗昧的，但如今在主裡面是光明的，行事為人就當像光明的子女。
弗5:9光明所結的果子，就是一切良善，公義，誠實。
弗5:10總要察驗何為主所喜悅的事。
弗5:11那暗昧無益的事，不要與人同行，倒要責備行這事的人。
弗5:12因為他們暗中所行的，就是題起來，也是可恥的。
弗5:13凡事受了責備，就被光顯明出來，因為一切能顯明的，就是光。
弗5:14所以主說：你這睡著的人，當醒過來，從死裡復活，基督就要光照你了。
弗5:15你們要謹慎行事，不要像愚昧人，當像智慧人。
弗5:16要愛惜光陰，因為現今的世代邪惡。
弗5:17不要作糊塗人，要明白主的旨意如何。
弗5:18不要醉酒，酒能使人放蕩，乃要被聖靈充滿。
弗5:19當用詩章，頌詞，靈歌，彼此對說：口唱心和的讚美主。
弗5:20凡事要奉我們主耶穌基督的名，常常感謝父神。
弗5:21又當存敬畏基督的心，彼此順服。
弗5:22你們作妻子的，當順服自己的丈夫，如同順服主。
弗5:23因為丈夫是妻子的頭，如同基督是教會的頭，他又是教會全體的救主。
弗5:24教會怎樣順服基督，妻子也要怎樣凡事順服丈夫。
弗5:25你們作丈夫的，要愛你們的妻子，正如基督愛教會，為教會捨己。
弗5:26要用水藉著道，把教會洗淨，成為聖潔，
弗5:27可以獻給自己，作個榮耀的教會，毫無玷污皺紋等類的病，乃是聖潔沒有瑕疵的。
弗5:28丈夫也當照樣愛妻子，如同愛自己的身子，愛妻子，便是愛自己了。
弗5:29從來沒有人恨惡自己的身子，總要保養顧惜，正像基督待教會一樣。
弗5:30因我們是他身上的肢體。〔有古卷在此有就是他的骨他的肉〕
弗5:31為這個緣故，人要離開父母，與妻子連合，二人成為一體。
弗5:32這是極大的奧秘，但我是指著基督和教會說的。

Ephesians 1 

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To God’s holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles
3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

 

 

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.”[b]
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Instructions for Christian Living
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

Ephesians 5 

5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

 

 

 

 

本日經文提要  (加拉太書 4:1~6:18)

 

   

 

加4:1我說那承受產業的，雖然是全業的主人，但為孩童的時候，卻與奴僕毫無分別。
加4:2乃在師傅和管家的手下，直等他父親豫定的時候來到。
加4:3我們為孩童的時候，受管於世俗小學之下，也是如此。
加4:4及至時候滿足，神就差遣他的兒子，為女子所生，且生在律法以下，
加4:5要把律法以下的人贖出來，叫我們得著兒子的名分。
加4:6你們既為兒子，神就差他兒子的靈，進入你們〔原文作我們〕的心，呼叫阿爸，父。
加4:7可見，從此以後，你不是奴僕，乃是兒子了，既是兒子，就靠著神為後嗣。
加4:8但從前你們不認識神的時候，是給那些本來不是神的作奴僕。
加4:9現在你們既然認識神，更可說是被神所認識的，怎麼還要歸回那懦弱無用的小學，情願再給他作奴僕呢。
加4:10你們謹守日子，月分，節期，年分。
加4:11我為你們害怕，惟恐我在你們身上是枉費了工夫。
加4:12弟兄們，我勸你們要像我一樣，因我也像你們一樣，你們一點沒有虧負我。
加4:13你們知道我頭一次傳福音給你們，是因為身體有疾病。
加4:14你們為我身體的緣故受試煉，沒有輕看我，也沒有厭棄我，反倒接待我，如同神的使者，如同基督耶穌。
加4:15你們當日所誇的福氣在那裡呢，那時你們若能行，就是把自己的眼睛剜出來給我，也都情願，這是我可以給你們作見證的。
加4:16如今我將真理告訴你們，就成了你們的仇敵麼。
加4:17那些人熱心待你們，卻不是好意，是要離間〔原文作把你們關在外面〕你們，叫你們熱心待他們。
加4:18在善事上，常用熱心待人，原是好的，卻不單我與你們同在的時候才這樣。
加4:19我小子阿，我為你們再受生產之苦，直等到基督成形在你們心裡。
加4:20我巴不得現今在你們那裡，改換口氣，因我為你們心裡作難。
加4:21你們這願意在律法以下的人，請告訴我，你們豈沒有聽見律法麼。
加4:22因為律法上記著，亞伯拉罕有兩個兒子，一個是使女生的，一個是自主之婦人生的。
加4:23然而那使女所生的，是按著血氣生的，那自主之婦人所生的，是憑著應許生的。
加4:24這都是比方，那兩個婦人，就是兩約，一約是出於西乃山，生子為奴，乃是夏甲。
加4:25這夏甲二字是指著亞拉伯的西乃山，與現在的耶路撒冷同類，因耶路撒冷和他的兒女都是為奴的。
加4:26但那在上的耶路撒冷是自主的，他是我們的母。
加4:27因為經上記著，『不懷孕不生養的，你要歡樂，未曾經過產難的，你要高聲歡呼，因為沒有丈夫的，比有丈夫的兒女更多。』
加4:28弟兄們，我們是憑著應許作兒女，如同以撒一樣。
加4:29當時那按著血氣生的，逼迫了那按著聖靈生的，現在也是這樣。
加4:30然而經上是怎麼說的呢，是說：『把使女和他兒子趕出去，因為使女的兒子，不可與自主婦人的兒子一同承受產業。』
加4:31弟兄們，這樣看來，我們不是使女的兒女，乃是自主婦人的兒女了。

加5:1基督釋放了我們，叫我們得以自由，所以要站立得穩，不要再被奴僕的軛挾制。
加5:2我保羅告訴你們，若受割禮，基督就與你們無益了。
加5:3我再指著凡受割禮的人確實的說：他是欠著行全律法的債。
加5:4你們這要靠律法稱義的，是與基督隔絕，從恩典中墜落了。
加5:5我們靠著聖靈，憑著信心，等候所盼望的義。
加5:6原來在基督耶穌裡，受割禮不受割禮，全無功效，惟獨使人生發仁愛的信心，才有功效。
加5:7你們向來跑得好，有誰攔阻你們，叫你們不順從真理呢。
加5:8這樣的勸導，不是出於那召你們的。
加5:9一點麵酵能使全團都發起來。
加5:10我在主裡很信你們必不懷別樣的心，但攪擾你們的，無論是誰，必擔當他的罪名。
加5:11弟兄們，我若仍舊傳割禮，為甚麼還受逼迫呢，若是這樣，那十字架討厭的地方就沒有了。
加5:12恨不得那攪亂你們的人，把自己割絕了。
加5:13弟兄們，你們蒙召，是要得自由，只是不可將你們的自由當作放縱情慾的機會，總要用愛心互相服事。
加5:14因為全律法都包在愛人如己這一句話之內了。
加5:15你們要謹慎，若相咬相吞，只怕要彼此消滅了。
加5:16我說：你們當順著聖靈而行，就不放縱肉體的情慾了。
加5:17因為情慾和聖靈相爭，聖靈和情慾相爭，這兩個是彼此相敵，使你們不能作所願意作的。
加5:18但你們若被聖靈引導，就不在律法以下。
加5:19情慾的事，都是顯而易見的，就如姦淫，污穢，邪蕩，
加5:20拜偶像，邪術，仇恨，爭競，忌恨，惱怒，結黨，紛爭，異端，
加5:21嫉妒，〔有古卷在此有兇殺二字〕醉酒，荒宴等類，我從前告訴你們，現在又告訴你們，行這樣事的人，必不能承受神的國
加5:22聖靈所結的果子，就是仁愛，喜樂，和平，忍耐，恩慈，良善，信實，
加5:23溫柔，節制，這樣的事，沒有律法禁止。
加5:24凡屬基督耶穌的人，是已經把肉體，連肉體的邪情私慾，同釘在十字架上了。
加5:25我們若是靠聖靈得生，就當靠聖靈行事。
加5:26不要貪圖虛名，彼此惹氣，互相嫉妒。

加6:1弟兄們，若有人偶然被過犯所勝，你們屬靈的人，就當用溫柔的心，把他挽回過來，又當自己小心，恐怕也被引誘。
加6:2你們各人的重擔要互相擔當，如此，就完全了基督的律法。
加6:3人若無有，自己還以為有，就是自欺了。
加6:4各人應當察驗自己的行為，這樣，他所誇的就專在自己，不在別人了。
加6:5因為各人必擔當自己的擔子。
加6:6在道理上受教的，當把一切需用的供給施教的人。
加6:7不要自欺，神是輕慢不得的，人種的是甚麼，收的也是甚麼。
加6:8順著情慾撒種的，必從情慾收敗壞，順著聖靈撒種的，必從聖靈收永生。
加6:9我們行善，不可喪志，若不灰心，到了時候，就要收成。
加6:10所以有了機會，就當向眾人行善，向信徒一家的人更當這樣。
加6:11請看我親手寫給你們的字，是何等的大呢。
加6:12凡希圖外貌體面的人，都勉強你們受割禮，無非是怕自己為基督的十字架受逼迫。
加6:13他們那些受割禮的，連自己也不守律法，他們願意你們受割禮，不過要藉著你們的肉體誇口。
加6:14但我斷不以別的誇口，只誇我們主耶穌基督的十字架，因這十字架，就我而論，世界已經釘在十字架上，就世界而論，我已經釘在十字上架上。
加6:15受割禮不受割禮，都無關緊要，要緊的就是作新造的人。
加6:16凡照此理而行的，願平安憐憫加給他們，和神的以色列民。
加6:17從今以後，人都不要攪擾我，因為我身上帶著耶穌的印記。

4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[d]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Hagar and Sarah
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.

24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

“Be glad, barren woman,
    you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
    you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
    than of her who has a husband.”[e]

28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. 30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[f] 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

 

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

本日經文提要  (加拉太書 1:1~3:29)

 

 

 

 

加1:1作使徒的保羅，（不是由於人，也不是藉著人，乃是藉著耶穌基督，與叫他從死裡復活的父神）
加1:2和一切與我同在的眾弟兄，寫信給加拉太的各教會。
加1:3願恩惠平安，從父神與我們的主耶穌基督，歸與你們。
加1:4基督照我們父神的旨意為我們的罪捨己，要救我們脫離這罪惡的世代。
加1:5但願榮耀歸於神直到永永遠遠。阿們。
加1:6我希奇你們這麼快離開那藉著基督之恩召你們的，去從別的福音。
加1:7那並不是福音，不過有些人攪擾你們，要把基督的福音更改了。
加1:8但無論是我們，是天上來的使者，若傳福音給你們，與我們所傳給你們的不同，他就應當被咒詛。
加1:9我們已經說了，現在又說：若有人傳福音給你們，與你們所領受的不同，他就應當被咒詛。
加1:10我現在是要得人的心呢，還是要得神的心呢，我豈是討人的喜歡麼，若仍舊討人的喜歡，我就不是基督的僕人了。
加1:11弟兄們，我告訴你們，我素來所傳的福音，不是出於人的意思。
加1:12因為我不是從人領受的，也不是人教導我的，乃是從耶穌基督啟示來的。
加1:13你們聽見我從前在猶太教中所行的事，怎樣極力逼迫殘害神的教會。
加1:14我又在猶太教中，比我本國許多同歲的人更有長進，為我袓宗的遺傳更加熱心。
加1:15然而那把我從母腹裡分別出來，又施恩召我的神，
加1:16既然樂意將他兒子啟示在我心裡，叫我把他傳在外邦人中，我就沒有與屬血氣的人商量，
加1:17也沒有上耶路撒冷去，見那些比我先作使徒的，惟獨往亞拉伯去，後又回到大馬色。
加1:18過了三年，才上耶路撒冷去見磯法，和他同住了十五天。
加1:19至於別的使徒，除了主的兄弟雅各，我都沒有看見。
加1:20我寫給你們的，不是謊話，這是我在神面前說的。
加1:21以後我到了敘利亞和基利家境內。
加1:22那時，猶太信基督的各教會都沒有見過我的面。
加1:23不過聽說：那從前逼迫我們的，現在傳揚他原先所殘害的真道。
加1:24他們就為我的緣故，歸榮耀給神。

加2:1過了十四年，我同巴拿巴又上耶路撒冷去，並帶著提多同去。
加2:2我是奉啟示上去的，把我在外邦人中所傳的福音，對弟兄們陳說：卻是背地裡對那有名望之人說的，惟恐我現在，或是從前，徒然奔跑。
加2:3但與我同去的提多，雖是希利尼人，也沒有勉強他他受割禮。
加2:4因為有偷著引進來的假弟兄，私下窺探我們在基督耶穌裡的自由，要叫我們作奴僕。
加2:5我們就是一刻的工夫，也沒有容讓順服他們，為要叫福音的真理仍存在你們中間。
加2:6至於那些有名望的，不論他是何等人，都與我無干，神不以外貌取人，那些有名望的，並沒有加增我甚麼。
加2:7反倒看見了主託我傳福音給那未受割禮的人，正如託彼得傳福音給那受割禮的人。
加2:8（那感動彼得，叫他為受割禮之人作使徒的，也感動我，叫我為外邦人作使徒）
加2:9又知道所賜給我的恩典，那稱為教會柱石的雅各，磯法，約翰，就向我和巴拿巴用右手行相交之禮，叫我們往外邦人那裡去，他們往受割禮的人那裡去。
加2:10只是願意我們記念窮人，這也是我本來熱心去行的。
加2:11後來磯法到了安提阿，因他有可責之處，我就當面抵擋他。
加2:12從雅各那裡來的人，未到以先，他和外邦人一同吃飯，及至他們來到，他因怕奉割禮的人，就退去與外邦人隔開了。
加2:13其餘的猶太人，也都隨著他裝假，甚至連巴拿巴也隨夥裝假。
加2:14但我一看見他們行的不正，與福音的真理不合，就在眾人面前對磯法說：你既是猶太人，若隨外邦人行事，不隨猶太人行事，怎麼還勉強外邦人隨猶太人呢。
加2:15我們這生來的猶太人，不是外邦的罪人，
加2:16既知道人稱義，不是因行律法，乃是因信耶穌基督，連我們也信了基督耶穌，使我們因信基督稱義，不因行律稱義，因為凡有血氣的，沒有一人因行律法稱義。
加2:17我們若求在基督裡稱義，卻仍舊是罪人，難道基督是叫人犯罪的麼，斷乎不是。
加2:18我素來所拆毀的，若重新建造，這就證明自己是犯罪的人。
加2:19我因律法，就向律法死了，叫我可以向神活著。
加2:20我已經與基督同釘十架，現在活著的，不再是我，乃是基督在我裡面活著，並且我如今在肉身活著，是因信神的兒子而活，他是愛我，為我捨己。
加2:21我不廢掉神的恩，義若是藉著律法得的，基督就是徒然死了。

加3:1無知的加拉太人哪，耶穌基督釘十字架，已經活畫在你們眼前，誰又迷惑了你們呢。
加3:2我只要問你們這一件，你們受了聖靈，是因行律法呢，是因聽信福音呢。
加3:3你們既靠聖靈入門，如今還靠肉身成全麼，你們是這樣的無知麼。
加3:4你們受若如此之多，都是徒然的麼，難道果真是徒然的麼。
加3:5那賜給你們聖靈，又在你們中間行異能的，是因你們行律法呢，是因你們聽信福音呢。
加3:6正如『亞伯拉罕信神這就算為他的義。』
加3:7所以你們要知道那以信為本的人，就是亞伯拉罕的子孫。
加3:8並且聖經既然豫先看明，神要叫外邦人因信稱義，就早已傳福音給亞伯拉罕，說：『萬國都必因你得福。』
加3:9可見那以信為本的人，和有信心的亞伯拉罕一同得福。
加3:10凡以行律法為本的，都是被咒詛的，因為經上說著，『凡不常照律法書上所記一切之事去行的，就被咒詛。』
加3:11沒有一個人靠著律法在神面前稱義，這是明顯的，因為經上說：『義人必因信得生。』
加3:12律法原不本乎信，只說：『行這些事的，就必因此活著。』
加3:13基督既為我們受了咒詛，〔受原文作成〕就贖出我們脫離律法的咒詛，因為經上記著，『凡掛在木頭上都是被咒詛的。』
加3:14這便叫亞伯拉罕的福，因基督耶穌可以臨到外邦人，使我們因信得著所應許的聖靈。
加3:15弟兄們，我且照著人的常話說：雖然是人的文約，若已經立定了，就沒有能廢棄或加增的。
加3:16所應許的原是向亞伯拉罕和他子孫說的，神並不是說眾子孫，指著許多人，乃是說你那一個子孫，指著一個人，就是基督。
加3:17我是這麼說：神豫先所立的約，不能被那四百三十年以後的律法廢掉，叫應許歸於虛空。
加3:18因為承受產業，若本乎律法，就不本乎應許，但神是憑著應許，把產業賜給亞伯拉罕。
加3:19這樣說來，律法是為甚麼有的呢，原是為過犯添上的，等候那蒙應許的子孫來到，並且是藉天使經中保之手設立的。
加3:20但中保本不是為一面作的，神卻是一位。
加3:21這樣，律法是與神的應許反對麼，斷乎不是，若曾傳一個能叫人得生的律法，義就誠然本乎律法了。
加3:22但聖經把眾人都圈在罪裡，使所應許的福因信耶穌基督，歸給那信的人。
加3:23但這因信徥救的理，還未來以先，我們被看守在律法之下，直圈到那將來的真道顯明出來。
加3:24這樣，律法是們訓蒙的師傅，引我們到基督那裡，使我們因信稱義。
加3:25但這因信得救的理，既然來到，我們從上就不在師傅的手下了。
加3:26所以你們因信基督耶穌，都是神的兒子。
加3:27你們受洗歸入基督的，都是披戴基督了。
加3:28並不分猶太人，希利尼人，自主的，為奴的，或男或女，因為你們在基督耶穌裡都成為一了。

加3:29你們既屬乎基督，就是亞伯拉罕的後裔，是照著應許承受產業的了。

 

 

 

 

 

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me,

To the churches in Galatia:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.

 

 

2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,[a] just as Peter had been to the circumcised.[b] 8 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas[c] and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Paul Opposes Cephas
11 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[d] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”[e]

 

 

3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] 4 Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c]

7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d] 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[e] 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[f] 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[g] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[h] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

The Law and the Promise
15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[i] meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God
23 Before the coming of this faith,[j] we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.