61 中翻英 Be wise about christian stewardship 哥林多16章 18/05/2025

61 中翻英    Be  wise about christian stewardship        哥林多16章        18/05/2025

CHAPTER 13    BE WISE ABOUT CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP      1 Corinthians 16                    第十三章                       明智地履行基督徒管家的職責                            哥林多前書 16

It is to the credit of the believers at Corinth that, when they wrote their questions to Paul, they asked him about the collection he was taking for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul answered their question and then closed the letter by informing the church of his personal travel plans and also the plans for his associates in the ministry.                                                                                          值得稱讚的是，當哥林多的信徒寫信給保羅詢問時，他們詢問了他為耶路撒冷的貧困聖徒募捐的情況。保羅回答了他們的問題，然後在信的結尾告知教會他個人的旅行計劃，以及他同事的傳道計劃。

This chapter may seem unrelated to our needs today, but actually it deals in a very helpful way with three areas of stewardship: money (1 Cor. 16:1–4), opportunities (1 Cor. 16:5–9), and people (1 Cor. 16:10–24). These are probably the greatest resources the church has today, and they must not be wasted.                                                                                                                                            這一章似乎與我們今天的需求無關，但實際上它以一種非常有用的方式涉及了管理的三個方面：金錢（哥林多前書 16：1-4）、機會（哥林多前書 16：5-9）和人（哥林多前書 16：10-24）。這些可能是當今教會所擁有的最寶貴的資源，絕對不能浪費。

1.  Money (16:1–4)                                                                                                                                      1. 金錢（16:1-4）

One of the most important ministries Paul had during his third journey was the gathering of a special “relief offering” for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He wanted to achieve several purposes in this offering. For one thing, the Gentiles owed material help to the Jews in return for the spiritual blessings the Jews had given them (Rom. 15:25–27). At the Jerusalem Conference years before, Paul had agreed to “remember the poor,” so he was keeping his pledge (Gal. 2:10). Paul not only preached the gospel, but he also tried to assist those who had physical and material needs.                                                                                                                                                          保羅在第三次旅程中最重要的事工之一就是為耶路撒冷的貧困信徒收集特殊的「救濟捐款」。他希望透過這次祭祀實現幾個目的。首先，外邦人應該向猶太人提供物質幫助，以回報猶太人給予他們的精神祝福（羅馬書 15：25-27）。在幾年前的耶路撒冷會議上，保羅同意“記住窮人”，所以他履行了自己的承諾（加拉太書 2:10）。保羅不只傳福音，他也盡力幫助那些有身體和物質需要的人。

Why was there such a great need in the Jerusalem church? It is likely that many of the believers had been visiting Jerusalem at Pentecost when they heard the Word and were saved. This meant that they were strangers, without employment, and the church would have to care for them. In the early days of the church, the members had gladly shared with each other (Acts 2:41–47; 4:33–37); but even their resources were limited. There had also been a famine (Acts 11:27–30), and the relief sent at that time could not last for too long a time.                                                                                  為什麼耶路撒冷教會有這麼大的需要？很可能許多信徒在五旬節期間訪問了耶路撒冷，聽到了神的話語並得救了。這意味著他們是陌生人，沒有工作，教會必須照顧他們。在教會早期，教會成員樂意彼此分享（使徒行傳 2:41-47；4:33-37）；但即使是他們的資源也是有限的。那裡也發生了飢荒（使徒行傳 11:27-30），當時送來的救濟無法持續太久.

Apart from keeping his promise and meeting a great need, Paul’s greatest motive for taking up the offering was to help unite Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles, and this bothered some of the Jewish believers (Acts 17:21–25). Paul hoped that this expression of Gentile love would help to heal some wounds and build some bridges between the churches. (For more information about this offering, read 2 Cor. 8—9.)                                                                      除了履行諾言和滿足巨大需求之外，保羅接受奉獻的最大動機是為了幫助猶太人和外邦信徒團結起來。保羅是一位向外邦人傳教的傳教士，這讓一些猶太信徒感到困擾（使徒行傳 17：21-25）。保羅希望這種對外國人的愛的表達能幫助治癒一些傷口並在教會之間建立一些橋樑。 （有關此奉獻的更多信息，請閱讀哥林多後書第 8-9 章。）

Even though this was a special missionary offering, from Paul’s instructions we may learn some basic principles that relate to Christian stewardship.                                                                          雖然這是一次特殊的傳教奉獻，但從保羅的教導中我們可以學到一些與基督徒管家職責相關的基本原則。

Giving is an act of worship. Each member was to come to the Lord’s Day gathering prepared to give his share for that week. The early church met on the first day of the week in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (The Holy Spirit came on the church at Pentecost on the first day of the week.) It is tragic when church members give only as a duty and forget that our offerings are to be “spiritual sacrifices” presented to the Lord (Phil. 4:18). Giving should be an act of worship to the resurrected and ascended Savior.                                                                              施捨是一種崇拜行為。每位成員都要準備好參加主日聚會，奉獻自己那一週的份額。早期教會在每週的第一天聚會，紀念耶穌基督的復活（聖靈在五旬節的第一天降臨到教會。）當教會成員只把奉獻當作一種義務，而忘記我們的奉獻是獻給主的「靈祭」（腓立比書 4:18）時，這真是可悲。奉獻應該是對復活和升天的救世主的一種崇拜行為。

                                                                                                                                                                    Giving should be systematic. Some students have suggested that many people were paid on the first day of the week during that time in history. But even if they were not, each believer was to set aside his offering at home and then bring it to the assembly on the first day. Paul did not want to have to take up a number of collections when he arrived in Corinth. He wanted the whole contribution to be ready. If today’s church members were as systematic in their giving as they are in handling their other financial matters, the work of the Lord would not suffer as it sometimes does.                                                                                                                                                            捐贈應該有系統。一些學生提出，歷史上那個時期許多人都是在每週的第一天領取工資。但即使沒有，每個信徒也應該將自己的供品留在家裡，然後在第一天帶到集會上。保羅不想在抵達哥林多時還要進行大量的募款。他希望整個貢獻都已準備好。如果今天的教友在奉獻方面像處理其他財務問題一樣系統，主的工作就不會像有時那樣受到影響。

Giving was personal and individual. Paul expected each member to share in the offering, the rich and poor alike. Anyone who had an income was privi[1]leged to share and to help those in need. He wanted all to share in the blessing.                                                                                                    捐贈是個人的、個體的。保羅希望每個成員，無論貧富，都能分享奉獻。任何有收入的人都有權利[1]分享並幫助有需要的人。他希望所有人都能分享這份祝福。

Giving is to be proportionate. “As God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2) suggests that believers who have more should give more. The Jewish believers in the church would have been accustomed to the tithe, but Paul did not mention any special proportion. Certainly the tithe (10 percent of one’s income) is a good place to begin our stewardship, but we must not remain at that level. As the Lord gives us more, we should plan to give more.                                                                          給予是要適度的。 「照神所賜給祂的進項」（哥林多前書 16:2）顯示擁有較多的信徒應該奉獻更多。教會裡的猶太信徒應該已經習慣了什一稅，但保羅並沒有提到任何特殊的比例。當然，什一稅（個人收入的 10%）是我們開始履行管理職責的一個好起點，但我們不能停留在那個水平。當上帝給我們更多時，我們就應該計劃給予更多。

The trouble is, too many saints, as they earn more, involve themselves in more and more financial obligations; and then they do not have more to give to the Lord. Instead of finding a suitable “level” and remain[1]ing there, they keep trying to “go higher,” and their income is spent rather than invested. As the old saying goes, “When your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep is your downfall.”                                                                                                                                            問題是，太多的聖徒，隨著他們賺得越來越多，他們承擔的經濟義務也越來越多；然後他們就沒有更多東西可以奉獻給主了。他們沒有找到一個合適的“水平”並保持[1]在那裡，而是不斷試圖“走得更高”，他們的收入被用來花掉而不是投資。正如那句老話所說，“當你的支出超過你的收入時，你的維持費用就是你的失敗。”

Paul made it clear in 2 Corinthians 8—9 that Christian giving is a grace, the outflow of the grace of God in our lives and not the result of promotion or pressure. An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand. If we appreciate the grace of God extended to us, we will want to express that grace by sharing with others.                                                                                                                                保羅在哥林多後書第 8 至 9 章中明確指出，基督徒的奉獻是一種恩典，是上帝恩典在我們生命中的流露，而不是晉升或壓力的結果。敞開的心扉無法容納緊閉的手。如果我們感激上帝給我們的恩典，我們就會想透過與他人分享來表達這種恩典。

Money is to be handled honestly. The various churches involved in this special offering appointed delegates to help Paul manage it and take it safely to Jerusalem. (See 2 Cor. 8:16–24 for more information on the “finance committee” that assisted Paul.) It is unfortunate when Christian ministries lose their testimony because they mismanage funds entrusted to them. Every ministry ought to be businesslike in its financial affairs. Paul was very careful not to allow anything to happen that would give his enemies opportunity to accuse him of stealing funds (2 Cor. 8:20–21).金錢要用誠實的方式處理。參與此次特別奉獻的各教會都指派代表幫助保羅管理奉獻物並將其安全地帶到耶路撒冷。 （有關協助保羅的「財務委員會」的更多信息，請參閱哥林多後書 8:16-24。）當基督教事工因為管理不善委託給他們的資金而失去見證時，這是不幸的是。每個部門在處理財務事務時都應該講究條理。保羅非常小心，不讓任何事情發生，讓他的敵人有機會指控他偷竊資金（哥林多後書 8：20-21）。

This explains why Paul encouraged the churches to share in the offering and to select dependable representatives to help manage it. Paul was not against individuals giving personally; in this chapter, as well as in Romans 16, he named various individuals who assisted him personally. This no doubt included helping him with his financial needs. But generally speaking, Christian giving is church-centered. Many churches encourage their members to give designated gifts through the church budget.                                                                                                                                            這就解釋了為什麼保羅鼓勵教會分享奉獻並選擇可靠的代表來幫助管理。保羅並非反對個人捐獻；在本章以及羅馬書第 16 章中，他列舉了親自協助過他的各種人。這無疑包括幫助他滿足財務需求。但一般來說，基督徒的奉獻是以教會為中心的。許多教會鼓勵其成員透過教會預算捐贈指定禮物。 

It is interesting that Paul mentioned the offering just after his discussion about the resurrection. There were no “chapter breaks” in the original manuscripts, so the readers would go right from Paul’s hymn of victory into his discussion about money. Doctrine and duty go together; so do worship and works. Our giving is “not in vain” because our Lord is alive. It is His resurrection power that motivates us to give and to serve.                                                                                          有趣的是，保羅在討論復活之後就提到了獻祭。原始手稿中沒有“章節間隔”，因此讀者可以直接從保羅的勝利讚美詩進入他關於金錢的討論。教義與責任相輔相成；敬拜與工作也是如此。我們的奉獻“不是徒勞的”，因為我們的主還活著。正是祂的復活力量激勵我們奉獻和服務。

3.  Opportunities (16:5–9)                                                                                                                          3. 機會（16:5-9）

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15–16 niv). Paul was as careful in his use of time as he was in his use of money. Someone has said that killing time is the chief occupation of modern society, but no Christian can afford to kill time or waste opportunities.                                              「所以，你們要謹慎行事，不要像愚昧人，當像智慧人。要用盡一切機會，因為現今的世代邪惡。」（弗 5:15-16 niv）保羅對時間的運用就像他對金錢的運用一樣謹慎。有人說，消磨時間是現代社會的主要職業，但沒有一個基督徒可以浪費時間或浪費機會。

Paul informed his friends at Corinth of his plans for future travel and ministry. It is worth noting that his statements were very tentative: “It may be suitable … it may be … wherever I go … but I trust.” Of course, the entire plan was dependent on God’s providential lead[1]ing: “if the Lord permit.” Paul’s attitude toward his future plans agreed with the injunctions in James 4:13–17.        保羅向哥林多的朋友們講述了他未來旅行和傳教的計劃。值得注意的是，他的言論非常試探性：「它可能適合……它可能……無論我去哪裡……但我相信。」當然，整個計劃都依賴上帝的指引[1]：「如果主允許的話」。保羅對他未來計劃的態度與雅各書 4:13-17 的禁令一致。

Paul was at Ephesus when he wrote this letter. His plan was to travel to Macedonia for a time of ministry (pass through in 1 Cor. 16:5 means “travel in a system[1]atic ministry”), winter at Corinth, and then go to Judea with the collection. From November to February, it was impossible to travel by ship; so it would have been convenient for Paul to stay at Corinth and be with his friends. There were some problems to solve in the church, and Paul had promised to come to help the leaders (1 Cor. 11:34).                                                                                                                            保羅寫這封信時正在以弗所。他的計劃是前往馬其頓進行一段時間的傳道（哥林多前書 16:5 中的「經過」意為「在系統[1]的傳道中旅行」），在哥林多過冬，然後帶著募款前往猶大。從十一月到二月，無法乘船出行；這樣，保羅就可以方便地留在哥林多和他的朋友們在一起。教會中出現了一些問題需要解決，保羅承諾會來幫助教會領袖（哥林多前書 11:34）。

However, various circumstances forced Paul to revise his plans at least twice. His plan B was to visit Corinth, then travel through Macedonia, passing through Corinth a second time on his way to Judea (2 Cor. 1:15–16). Instead of one long visit, he planned two shorter visits; but even this plan did not materialize. Plan C turned out to be a quick and painful visit to Corinth, after which he returned to Ephesus. He then went to Troas to wait for Titus (who had been sent to Corinth, 2 Cor. 2:12–13; 7:5ff.), visited Macedonia, and then went to Judea. He did not spend as much time at Corinth as he had hoped or as they had expected.                                                                            然而，各種情況迫使保羅至少兩次修改他的計劃。他的 B 計劃是訪問哥林多，然後穿過馬其頓，在前往猶太的途中第二次經過哥林多（哥林多後書 1:15-16）。他沒有計劃進行一次長時間的訪問，而是計劃兩次較短的訪問；但這個計劃也未能實現。計劃 C 實際上是對科林斯進行一次快速而痛苦的訪問，之後他返回以弗所。然後他去特羅亞等待提多（提多被派往哥林多，哥林多後書 2:12-13；7:5 以下），訪問了馬其頓，然後去了猶大。他在科林斯待的時間並不如他所希望的或他們所期望的那麼多。

What do we learn from this difficult experience of Paul’s? For one thing, a Christian must use his com[1]mon sense, pray, study the situation, and seek the best he can to determine the will of God. Proverbs 3:5–6 (“lean not unto thine own understanding”) must not be interpreted to mean “Put your brain in neutral and don’t think!” God gave us our minds and He expects us to think, but He does not want us to depend only on our own reasoning. We must pray, meditate on the Word, and even seek the counsel of mature Christian friends.                                                                                我們從保羅的這次艱難經歷中學到了什麼？首先，基督徒必須運用他的常識[1]，禱告，研究形勢，並盡力尋求上帝的旨意。箴言 3:5-6（「不要倚靠自己的聰明」）絕不能被解釋為「讓你的大腦保持中立，不要思考！」上帝賦予我們頭腦，祂希望我們思考，但祂不希望我們只依賴自己的推理。我們必須祈禱、默想聖經，甚至尋求成熟的基督徒朋友的建議。

Second, our decisions may not always be in the will of God. We may make promises that we cannot keep and plans that we cannot fulfill. Does this mean that we are liars or failures? (Some of the believers at Corinth thought Paul was deceptive and not to be trusted. See 2 Cor. 1:12—2:13.) In my own ministry, I have had to change my plans and alter my schedule because of situations over which I had no control. Did this mean I had been out of the will of God in making my plans? Not necessarily. Even an apostle (who had been to heaven and back) occasionally had to revise his datebook.                                                                                                                                                      第二，我們的決定可能並不總是符合上帝的意願。我們可能會做出無法兌現的承諾或製定無法實現的計劃。這是否意味著我們是騙子或失敗者？ （哥林多的一些信徒認為保羅是騙子，不值得信任。參考哥林多後書 1:12-2:13。）在我自己的事工中，我不得不改變我的計劃和時間表，因為我無法控制的情況。這是否意味著我所製定的計劃違背了上帝的意願？未必。甚至連使徒（曾經去過天堂並返回）有時也需要修改他的日記本。

There are two extremes we must avoid in thisimportant matter of seeking God’s will. One is to be so frightened at making a mistake that we make no deci[1]sions at all. The other is to make impulsive decisions and rush ahead, without taking time to wait on the Lord. After we have done all we can to determine the leading of the Lord, we must decide and act, and leave the rest to the Lord. If we are in some way out of His will, He will so work that we will finally have His guid[1]ance. The important thing is that we sincerely want to do His will (John 7:17). After all, He guides us “for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3), and it is His reputation that is at stake.                            在尋求上帝旨意這件大事上，我們必須避免兩個極端。一種情況是，我們太害怕犯錯，以致於根本不做任何決定[1]。另一種是衝動地做決定，倉促行事，不花時間等候主。當我們盡力確定主的帶領之後，我們必須決定並採取行動，將其餘的一切交給主。如果我們在某種程度上違背了祂的意願，祂會努力讓我們最終得到祂的指引[1]。重要的是我們真誠地想要遵行祂的旨意（約翰福音 7:17）。畢竟，祂「為自己的名」引導我們（詩篇 23:3），而這關係到祂的名譽。

Paul had an open door of ministry in Ephesus, and this was important to him. He wanted to win the lost in Ephesus, not go to Corinth to pamper the saved. (On “open doors,” see Acts 14:27; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3; Rev. 3:8.) Paul was neither an optimist nor a pessimist; he was a realist. He saw both the opportunities and the obstacles. God had opened “a great door for effective work,” and Paul wanted to seize the opportunities while they were still there.                                                  保羅在以弗所的傳道生涯敞開了大門，這對他來說很重要。他想在以弗所贏得迷失的人，而不是去哥林多縱容得救的人。 （關於“敞開的門”，請參閱使徒行傳 14:27；哥林多後書 2:12；歌羅西書 4:3；啟示錄 3:8。）保羅既不是樂觀主義者，也不是悲觀主義者；他是一個現實主義者。他既看到了機遇，也看到了障礙。上帝為“有效的工作開了一扇大門”，保羅想趁著機會還在的時候抓住它。

An ancient Roman proverb says, “While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity.” Once we know what to do, we must do it and not delay. We can usually think of many reasons (or excuses) not to act. Even though Paul was in danger in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32), he planned to remain there while the door was open. Like a wise merchant, he had to “buy up the opportunity” before it vanished and would never return.                                                                                              古羅馬有句諺語說：「當我們停下來思考時，我們常常會錯失機會。」一旦我們知道該做什麼，就必須去做，不要拖延。我們通常可以想出很多不採取行動的理由（或藉口）。儘管保羅在以弗所處於危險之中（哥林多前書 15:32），他還是計劃在門還開著的時候留在那裡。就像一個聰明的商人一樣，他必須“抓住機會”，以免機會消失，永不再來。

The stewardship of opportunity is important. The individual believer, and the church family, must con[1]stantly ask, What opportunities is God giving us today? Instead of complaining about the obstacles, we must take advantage of the opportunities, and leave the results with the Lord.          把握機會非常重要。每一個信徒，以及整個教會家庭，都必須不斷地問自己：上帝今天給了我們什麼機會？我們不應該抱怨障礙，而應該抓住機遇，把結果交給上帝。

3.  People (16:10–24)                                                                                                                                    3. 人民（16:10-24）

Often at the close of his letters, Paul named various people who were a part of his life and his ministry; and what a variety they were! He was not only a soul-win[1]ner, but he was a friend maker; and many of his friends found their way into dedicated service for the Lord. Evangelist Dwight L. Moody possessed this same gift of making friends and then enlisting them for the Lord’s service. Some of the greatest preachers and musi[1]cians of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were “found” by Moody, including Ira Sankey, G. Campbell Morgan, Henry Drummond, and F. B. Meyer.                                                                                                                  保羅常在書信的結尾提到一些參與他的生活和事工的人的名字；它們的種類是多麼豐富啊！他不僅是一位贏得靈魂的人[1]，而且還是一位結交朋友的人；他的許多朋友也都獻身於侍奉上帝。福音傳道者德懷特·L·穆迪 (Dwight L. Moody) 也擁有這種結交朋友並招募他們為上帝服務的天賦。十九世紀末二十世紀初的一些最偉大的傳教士和音樂家[1]都是被穆迪「發現」的，其中包括艾拉·桑基、G·坎貝爾·摩根、亨利·德拉蒙德和F·B·邁耶。

Money and opportunities are valueless without people. The church’s greatest asset is people, and yet too often the church takes people for granted. Jesus did not give His disciples money, but He did invest three years training them for service so they might seize the opportunities He would present them. If people are pre[1]pared, then God will supply both the opportunities and the money so that His work will be accomplished.                                                                                      沒有人，金錢和機會就毫無價值。教會最大的財富是人，但教會卻常將人視為理所當然。耶穌沒有給他的門徒錢財，但他花了三​​年時間訓練他們服務，以便他們可以抓住他提供給他們的機會。如果人們[1]做好了準備，上帝就會提供機會和金錢，以完成祂的工作。

Timothy (vv. 10–11). Timothy, along with Titus, was one of Paul’s special assistants, usually sent to the most difficult places.                                                                                                                              提摩太（10-11節）。提摩太和提多都是保羅的特別助手，通常被派往最艱苦的地方。

Timothy had been brought up in a godly home (2 Tim. 1:5), but it was Paul who had led the young man to Christ. Paul usually referred to him as “my own son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2). When John Mark abandoned Paul and returned to Jerusalem, it was Timothy who was called to work as Paul’s assistant (Acts 16:1–5). Timothy learned his lessons well and made great progress in Christian life and service (Phil. 2:20–22). Eventually, Timothy took Paul’s place at Ephesus, a most difficult place to minister. (It would not be easy to be Paul’s successor!) At one point, Timothy wanted to leave the city, but Paul encouraged him to stay (1 Tim. 1:3).                                提摩太在一個敬虔的家庭中長大（提摩太後書 1:5），但帶領這位年輕人信仰基督的是保羅。保羅通常稱他為「因信主作我兒子的」（提摩太前書 1:2）。當約翰馬可拋棄保羅並返回耶路撒冷時，提摩太被召喚擔任保羅的助手（使徒行傳 16：1-5）。提摩太學識淵博，在基督徒生活和服務方面取得了長足的進步（腓立比書 2:20-22）。最終，提摩太代替保羅在以弗所－一個最難傳道的地方。 （成為保羅的繼任者並不容易！）有一次，提摩太想要離開這座城市，但保羅鼓勵他留下來（提摩太前書 1:3）。

The advice Paul gave the Corinthians about Timothy (1 Cor. 16:10) would suggest that the young man had some physical and emotional problems (1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 1:4). He needed all the encourage[1]ment he could get. The important thing was that he was doing God’s work and laboring with God’s servant. A church should not expect every servant of God to be an apostle Paul. Young men starting out in service have great potential, and the church should encourage them. “Let no man despise thee!”                                                                                                            保羅給哥林多人關於提摩太的建議（哥林多前書 16:10）表明這個年輕人有一些身體和情感上的問題（提摩太前書 5:23；提摩太後書 1:4）。他需要所有能得到的鼓勵[1]。重要的是，他正在做上帝的工作並與上帝的僕人一起勞動。教會不應該期望上帝的每個僕人都成為使徒保羅。開始從事服務的年輕人有很大的潛力，教會應該鼓勵他們。 “不要讓任何人輕視你！”

Apollos (vv. 12–14). Apollos was an eloquent Jew who was brought into the full understanding of the gospel by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24–28). He had ministered with great power at Corinth, and there was a segment of the church there that felt attached to him (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4–8). It is unlikely that Apollos promoted this division, for his great concern seemed to be to preach Christ. In spite of the division (“The Apollos Fan Club”), Paul did not hesitate to encourage Apollos to return to Corinth for further ministry. It is clear that there was no envy on Paul’s part or sense of competition on the part of Apollos.                                                                                      亞波羅（12-14節）。亞波羅是一位能言善辯的猶太人，百基拉和亞居拉使他對福音有了充分的理解（使徒行傳 18：24-28）。他曾在哥林多傳道，能力非凡，那裡的教會成員有一部分對他十分依戀（哥林多前書 1:12；3:4-8）。亞波羅不太可能提倡這種分裂，因為他最關心的似乎是宣揚基督。儘管有分歧（「亞波羅粉絲俱樂部」），保羅還是毫不猶豫地鼓勵亞波羅回到哥林多繼續傳道。顯然，保羅沒有嫉妒，亞波羅也沒有競爭意識。

Paul did not have the authority to place men against their will. Apollos did not feel he should go to Corinth at that time, and Paul had to concur with his decision. It is wonderful the way these different men worked together.                                                                                                                保羅沒有權力違背人的意願安置他們。亞波羅當時覺得他不應該去哥林多，保羅不得不同意他的決定。這些不同的人一起工作的方式真是太棒了。

Perhaps it was in the light of the divisions in the church that Paul gave the admonitions in 1 Corinthians 16:13–14. Watch simply means “Be alert! Be vigilant!” The enemy is always at hand, and we are never safe from attack. Satan would certainly attack the church and try to hinder the ministry of Timothy or Apollos.                                                                                                                也許正是鑑於教會的分裂，保羅才在哥林多前書 16:13-14 中給了勸誡。觀察的意思是「保持警覺！保持警覺！」敵人總是近在咫尺，我們永遠無法免受攻擊。撒旦肯定會攻擊教會並試圖阻礙提摩太或亞波羅的傳道工作。

To stand fast in the faith means to have mature sta[1]bility. Paul had already warned them that they were immature children who needed to grow up (1 Cor. 3:1ff.). No wonder Paul added, Quit you like men, which means, “Act like men, not children.” (The word quit is short for “acquit”—to perform or act.) It was a call to courageous manliness at an hour when mature leadership was needed.                                                                                                                                                        堅定信仰意味著擁有成熟的穩定性[1]。保羅已經警告過他們，他們是需要成長的不成熟的孩子（哥林多前書 3:1 及後）。難怪保羅補充道，“要像男人一樣”，意思是“像男人一樣行事，而不是像孩子一樣。” （“quit” 這個詞是“acquit”的縮寫，即履行或行動。）這是在需要成熟領導力的時刻對勇敢男子氣概的呼籲。

But even manliness needs to be balanced with love, lest leadership become dictatorship. Paul had expounded the value and virtues of love in 1Corinthians 13. Carl Sandburg, when addressing the United States Congress, said that Abraham Lincoln was a man of “velvet steel.” That is a good image for the Christian to borrow, for true manliness does not exclude tenderness.                        但即使是男子氣概也需要與愛平衡，否則領導力就會變成獨裁。保羅在哥林多前書第13章中詳細闡述了愛的價值和美德。卡爾桑德堡在美國國會演講時說亞伯拉罕林肯是一位「鋼鐵般的意志」。這是基督徒應該借鏡的一個很好的形象，因為真正的男子氣概並不排除溫柔。

Stephanas and his household (vv. 15–18). These were the first people to be won to Christ in Achaia, and Paul had baptized them himself, instead of leaving it to one of his helpers (1 Cor. 1:16). They became important leaders in the church, for they “devoted themselves” to Christ’s service. The verb means “they appointed themselves,” but it does not suggest that they pushed their way into leadership. Rather, whenever they saw a need, they went to work to meet it without waiting to be asked. They were Paul’s helpers, and they labored (“toiled to the point of exhaustion”) for the Lord. What a wonderful thing it is when an entire family serves the Lord faithfully in the local church.                                                                                                                    司提反和他的家人（15-18節）。這些人是亞該亞第一批歸向基督的人，保羅親自為他們施洗，而不是交給他的助手（哥林多前書 1:16）。他們成為教會的重要領袖，因為他們「獻身於」基督的服務。這個動詞的意思是“他們自己任命的”，但並不意味著他們透過自己的努力獲得了領導地位。相反，只要他們發現有需要，他們就會主動去滿足，而不會等別人要求。他們是保羅的助手，為主勞動（「辛苦工作直至精疲力盡」）。當一個家庭全家在當地教會忠實地服事主時，這是多麼美好的事。

Stephanas was joined by Fortunatus and Achaicus as an official committee sent from Corinth to Ephesus to confer with Paul about church problems. Paul saw in them a representation of the entire church; their love to Paul compensated for Paul’s absence from Corinth. But these men did more than share problems with Paul; they also refreshed his spirit and brought him blessing.        史蒂芬納斯與福圖納圖斯和阿卡古斯一起組成了一個官方委員會，從哥林多派往以弗所，與保羅討論教會問題。保羅認為他們代表了整個教會；他們對保羅的愛彌補了保羅離開哥林多的缺席。但這些人所做的不僅僅是與保羅分享問題；它們也使他的精神煥發，並給他帶來祝福。

This is a good place to encourage church members to refresh and encourage their pastor. Too often, believers share only problems and burdens with their spiritual leaders, and rarely share the blessings. Who is the pastor’s pastor? To whom does the pastor turn for spiritual refreshment and encouragement? Every church member, if he will, can help refresh the pastor and make his burdens lighter.                                                                                                                                          這是鼓勵教會成員振奮精神並鼓勵牧師的好地方。很多時候，信徒只與他們的精神領袖分享問題和負擔，而很少分享祝福。牧師的牧師是誰？牧師向誰尋求心靈的慰藉和鼓勵？如果願意的話，每個教會成員都可以幫助牧師恢復精神並減輕他的負擔。

Paul encouraged the church to honor this very special family and submit to their spiritual leadership. It is right to honor faithful Christians if God gets the glory.                                            保羅鼓勵教會尊重這個特殊的家庭並服從他們的精神領導。如果上帝得到榮耀，那麼尊敬忠實的基督徒是正確的。

Aquila and Priscilla (vv. 19–20). These two were a dedicated husband-and-wife team whose lives and ministries intersected and intertwined with Paul’s. The apostle met them at Corinth because, like Paul, they were tentmakers (Acts 18:1–3). This godly couple had been expelled from Rome because Aquila was a Jew; but that was only part of God’s providence to get them to Corinth where they could assist Paul.                                                                                                                    亞居拉和百基拉（19-20節）。這兩個人是一對盡職的夫妻，他們的生活和事工與保羅有交叉、交織。使徒在哥林多遇見了他們，因為他們像保羅一樣，都是帳棚製造者（使徒行傳 18：1-3）。這對虔誠的夫婦因為亞居拉是猶太人而被羅馬驅逐；但這只是上帝旨意的一部分，讓他們前往哥林多協助保羅。

Priscilla must have been a remarkable woman. This couple’s names occur in the New Testament six times, and in four of these instances, Priscilla’s name stands first. (The best texts put Priscilla first in Acts 18:26.) We get the impression that she was the stronger of the two, a devoted leader and witness. They worked together in serving the Lord and helping Paul.                                            普里西拉一定是一位了不起的女性。這對夫婦的名字在新約中出現了六次，其中四次，普里西拉的名字排在第一位。 （最好的文本將普里西拉放在使徒行傳 18:26 的第一位。）我們得到的印像是，她是兩人中更堅強的一位，是一位忠誠的領導者和見證人。他們同心合意服事主並幫助保羅。

When Paul moved from Corinth to Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla packed up and moved their business with him and assisted in founding the church in that needy city (Acts 18:18ff.). So capable were they that Paul left them to oversee the ministry while he returned to Antioch. It was while they were at Ephesus that they assisted Apollos in better understanding the truth of the gospel.                                                                                                                                                        當保羅從哥林多搬到以弗所時，亞居拉和百基拉收拾行李，把她們的生意和他一起搬走，並協助在那個貧困的城市建立教堂（使徒行傳 18:18 及後）。他們的能力如此強悍，保羅便留下他們來監督傳道工作，而他自己則返回安提阿。他們在以弗所期間幫助亞波羅更能理解福音的真理。

Every local church can be thankful for husbands and wives like Aquila and Priscilla, people who work together in serving the Lord and helping the preacher. The fact that his wife was a better leader did not hin[1]der Aquila from standing with her in their united ministry. (I am sure that Priscilla submitted to her hus[1]band and did not try to act important.) One of the Ephesian assemblies met in their house, which shows they were people given to hospitality. Romans 16:4 states that, at one time, this dedicated couple risked their own lives to help save Paul. (See Acts 19:29–30; 20:19 for possible situations where this rescue might have occurred.)                                每個地方教會都可以感謝像亞居拉和百基拉這樣的夫妻，他們同心合意地服事主，幫助傳道人。儘管他的妻子是一位更好的領導者，但這並不妨礙[1]亞居拉與她站在一起共同致力於事工。 （我確信普里西拉順服她的丈夫[1]，並沒有試圖裝作重要。）以弗所人的一次集會在他們家舉行，這表明他們是熱情好客的人。羅馬書 16:4 指出，這對忠誠的夫婦曾經冒著生命危險去拯救保羅。 （請參閱使徒行傳 19：29-30；20：19，以了解可能發生此救援的情況。）

But Priscilla and Aquila did not remain in Ephesus; for when Paul wrote to the saints at Rome, he greeted this couple there (Rom. 16:3). Once again, they had a church meeting in their house (Rom. 16:5). In my itinerant ministry, I have more than once preached to an assembly that had been founded in somebody’s living room.                                                                                                        但百基拉和亞居拉沒有留在以弗所；因為當保羅寫信給羅馬的聖徒時，他向這對夫婦問好（羅馬書 16:3）。他們再次在家裡舉行了教會聚會（羅馬書 16:5）。在我的巡迴傳道中，我曾多次向在某人的客廳裡建立的集會佈道。

In Paul’s last letter, he sent greetings to Prisca (alternate spelling) and Aquila by way of Timothy, who was then overseeing the work in Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:19). This remarkable couple had left Rome and were now back in Ephesus, this time to assist Timothy as they had assisted Paul.      在保羅的最後一封信中，他透過當時負責以弗所工作的提摩太向百基拉（另一種拼寫）和亞居拉問安（提摩太後書 4:19）。這對非凡的夫婦離開了羅馬，現在回到了以弗所，這次他們來協助提摩太，就像他們協助保羅一樣。

How many couples today would move as often as did Priscilla and Aquila, just to be able to serve the Lord better? And whenever they moved, they had to move their business as well. People with this kind of dedication and sacrifice are not easy to find, but they are great assets to the local church.                                                                                                                                                          如今有多少對夫妻會像百基拉和亞居拉一樣頻繁搬家，只為了能夠更好地服事主？每當他們搬家時，他們的業務也必須隨之轉移。具有這種奉獻精神和犧牲精神的人並不容易找到，但他們對當地教會來說是寶貴的財富。

Paul’s closing words need not detain us. The “holy kiss” (1 Cor. 16:20) was a common mode of greeting, the men kissing the men and the women kissing the women (Rom. 16:16; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). If Paul were writing to Western churches, he would say, “Shake hands with one another.                                                                                                                                        我們不需要再聽保羅的最後幾句話。 「聖吻」（哥林多前書 16:20）是一種常見的問候方式，男人親吻男人，女人親吻女人（羅馬書 16:16；哥林多後書 13:12；帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:26；彼得前書 5:14）。如果保羅寫信給西方教會，他會說：「互相握手。

Paul usually dictated his letters and then took the pen and added his signature. He also added his “benediction of grace” as a mark that the letter was authentic (see Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:17).            保羅通常口述他的信件，然後拿起筆簽名。他還加上了“恩典的祝福”，以證明這封信是真實的（參考加拉太書 6:11；帖撒羅尼迦後書 3:17）。

The word anathema is Aramaic and means “accursed” (see 1 Cor. 12:3). Not to love Christ means not to believe in Him, and unbelievers are accursed (John 3:16–21). The word maranatha is Greek and means “our Lord comes” or (as a prayer) “our Lord, come!” (see Rev. 22:20). If a person loves Jesus Christ, he will also love His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8).                                                「anathema」這個字是亞蘭語，意思是「被詛咒的」（參考哥林多前書 12:3）。不愛基督就意味著不相信他，不信的人是被咒詛的（約翰福音 3：16-21）。 「maranatha」這個字源自希臘語，意思是「我們的主來了」或（作為祈禱）「我們的主，來吧！」（參考啟示錄 22:20）一個人如果愛耶穌基督，他也會愛他的顯現（提摩太後書 4:8）。

Paul had been stern with the Corinthian believers, but he closed his letter by assuring them of his love. After all, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6).                                                      保羅對哥林多信徒一直很嚴厲，但他在信的結尾向他們保證了他的愛。畢竟，「朋友加的傷痕出於忠誠」（箴 27:6）。

Paul has shared a great deal of spiritual wisdom with us. May we receive it with meekness and put it into practice to the glory of God.                                                                                                          保羅與我們分享了大量的屬靈的智慧。願我們溫順地接受它，並付諸實踐，以榮耀上帝。