52 英翻中 CHAP. 4 Be wise about the christian inistry 對待基督徒的傳道工作要有智慧 29/04/2025
CHAPTER
4 BE WISE ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
1 Corinthians 4 第四章 明智地對待基督徒的傳道工作 哥林多前書 4 章
In 1
Corinthians 3, Paul presented three pictures of the local church. Now he
presents three pictures of the minister—a steward (1 Cor. 4:1–6), a spectacle
(1 Cor. 4:7–13), and a father (1 Cor. 4:14–21).
He wanted his readers to understand how God measures and evaluates a
Christian’s service. First Corinthians 4:6 explains Paul’s purpose: “That no
one of you be puffed up for one against another.” 在哥林多前書第 3 章中，保羅描繪了三幅地方教會的圖畫。現在他展示了牧師的三幅圖畫——管家（哥林多前書 4:1-6）、奇觀（哥林多前書 4:7-13）和父親（哥林多前書 4:14-21）。他希望讀者了解上帝如何衡量和評價基督徒的服務。哥林多前書 4:6 解釋了保羅的目的：“免得你們有人自高自大，反對別人。”
We must
avoid extremes when it comes to evaluating men and their ministries. On the one
hand, we can be so indifferent that we accept anybody who comes along. But the
other extreme is to be so hypercritical that Paul himself would fail the test.
It is important that we “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1–6; and note 2 John), but
we must be careful not to grieve the Spirit as we do so. 在評價人及其事工時，我們必須避免走極端。一方面，我們可以如此冷漠，以至於接受任何遇到的人。但另一個極端就是吹毛求疵，以致於保羅自己也無法通過考驗。 「試驗那些靈」是很重要的（約翰一書 4:1-6；注意約翰二書），但我們必須小心，不要在這樣做的時候令聖靈擔憂。
In
these three pictures of ministry, Paul presented three characteristics of a
true minister of Jesus Christ. 在這三幅事工圖畫中，保羅展現了耶穌基督真正的牧師的三個特質。
1. Faithfulness—The Steward
(4:1–6) 1. 忠誠－管家（4:1-6）
Paul
answered the leaders of the various factions in the church when he called
himself, Peter, and Apollos “ministers of Christ.” The word translated “ministers”
is literally “under-rowers.” It described the slaves who rowed the huge Roman
galleys. “We are not the captains of the ship,” said Paul, “but only the galley
slaves who are under orders. Now, is one slave greater than another?” 當保羅稱自己、彼得和亞波羅為「基督的僕人」時，他回答了教會中各個派別的領導人。翻譯為「牧師」的字的字面意思是「划船者」。它描述了劃著巨大的羅馬帆船的奴隸。保羅說：“我們不是船長，只是奉命在船上的奴隸。難道一個奴隸就比另一個奴隸厲害嗎？”
Then
Paul explained the image of the steward. A steward is a servant who manages
everything for his master, but who himself owns nothing. Joseph was a chief
steward in Potiphar’s household (Gen. 39). The church is the “household of
faith” (Gal. 6:10), and
the ministers are stewards who share God’s wealth with the family (Matt. 13:52). Paul called this spiritual
wealth “the mysteries of God.” We met this important word mystery in 1
Corinthians 2:7, so you may want to review it.然後保羅解釋了管家的形象。管家是為主人管理一切的僕人，自己卻一無所有。約瑟是波提乏家中的管家（創 39）。教會是「信仰之家」（加拉太書 6:10），牧師是管家，與家人分享上帝的財富（太 13:52）。保羅稱這種精神財富為「上帝的奧秘」。我們在哥林多前書 2章7節 中遇到了這個重要的詞“奧秘”，所以你可能想複習一下。
The
responsibility of the steward is to be faithful to his master. A steward may
not please the members of the household; he may not even please some of the
other servants; but if he pleases his own master, he is a good steward. This
same idea is expressed in Romans 14:4. 管家的責任就是對主人忠誠。管家可能不會取悅家裡的成員；他甚至可能不會讓其他一些僕人滿意；但如果他能讓主人高興，他就是一個好管家。羅馬書 14:4 也表達了同樣的想法。
So, the
main issue is not, “Is Paul popular?” or, “Is Apollos a better preacher than
Paul?” The main issue is, “Have Paul, Apollos, and Peter been faithful to do
the work God assigned to them?” Jesus had this same test in mind when He told
the parable recorded in Luke 12:41–48. If a servant of God is faithful in his
personal life, in his home, and in his ministry of the Word, then he is a good
steward and will be adequately rewarded. 因此，主要問題不是「保羅受歡迎嗎？」或「亞波羅比保羅更善於傳道嗎？」主要問題是：「保羅、亞波羅和彼得是否忠實地完成上帝賦予他們的工作？」當耶穌講述路加福音 12:41-48 中記載的寓言時，他想到了同樣的考驗。如果上帝的僕人在祂的個人生活、家庭生活和傳道工作中都忠誠，那麼祂就是一個好的管家，並將得到足夠的回報。
But a
servant is constantly being judged. There is always somebody criticizing
something he does. Paul pointed out that there are three judgments in the life
of the steward. 但僕人卻不斷受到審判。總是有人批評他所做的事情。保羅指出管家的一生要面對三次審判。
There
is man’s judgment (v. 3a). Paul did not get upset when people criticized him,
for he knew that his Master’s judgment was far more important. The phrase man’s
judgment is literally “man’s day.” This is in contrast to God’s day of judgment
yet to come (1 Cor. 1:8; 3:13).
There is the servant’s own self-judgment (vv. 3b–4a). Paul knew nothing that
was amiss in his life and ministry, but even that did not excuse him. Sometimes
we do not really know ourselves. There can be a fine line between a clear
conscience and a self-righ[1]teous
attitude, so we must beware. 這是人的審判（第 3 節上）。當人們批評保羅時，他並沒有生氣，因為他知道他主人的判斷更為重要。 「人的審判」這個片語的字面意思是「人的一天」。這與上帝尚未到來的審判日形成了對比（哥林多前書 1:8；3:13）。這是僕人自己的自我判斷（第 3b-4a 節）。保羅不知道他的生活和事工中有什麼不對勁，但即使如此，他也不能原諒自己。有時我們並不真正了解自己。問心無愧和自以為是[1]態度之間的界線可能很模糊，所以我們必須小心謹慎。
The
most important judgment is God’s judg[1]ment
(v. 4b). Certainly God judges us today through His Word (Heb. 4:12) and by the ministry of the
Spirit. Sometimes He uses the ministry of a loving friend to help us face and
confess sin (Matt. 18:15–17).
But the main reference here is to the final evaluation when each Christian
stands at the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Then the true facts will be revealed and the faithful servants rewarded. 最重要的審判是上帝的審判[1]（第4b節）。當然，上帝今天透過祂的話語（希伯來書 4:12）和聖靈的角色來審判我們。有時，祂會透過一位慈愛的朋友來幫助我們面對和懺悔罪過（馬太福音 18：15-17）。但這裡主要指的是每個基督徒站在基督審判台前的最終評價（羅馬書 14:10；哥林多後書 5:10）。然後真相就會被揭露，忠誠的僕人也會得到獎勵。
These
verses must not be used to cultivate a selfrighteous independence of people.
The local church is a family, and members of the family must help eachother to
grow. There is a place for honest, loving criti[1]cism (Eph. 4:15). If the critic is right, then
he has helped us. If he is wrong, then we can help him. Either way, the truth
is strengthened. 這些詩句絕不能被用來培養人們自以為是的獨立性。地方教會是一個家庭，家庭成員必須互相幫助一起成長。誠實、有愛心的批評[1]是有其存在的空間的（弗 4:15）。如果批評者是對的，那麼他就幫助了我們。如果他錯了，那我們可以幫助他。無論如何，事實都得到了加強。
Paul’s
“therefore” in 1 Corinthians 4:5 alerts us that he is about to make a personal
application of the truths just discussed. He closed this section with a
threefold rebuke. 保羅在哥林多前書 4:5 中的「因此」提醒我們，他即將親自應用剛才討論過的真理。他以三重斥責結束了本節。
First,
“you are judging God’s servants at the wrong time” (v. 5). It is when the Lord
returns that He will evaluate their lives and ministries, so wait until then.
In fact, you cannot see into men’s hearts; you cannot begin to judge their
motives. Only God can do that. “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the
Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). 第一，「你們審判神的僕人真是失禮了」（第5節）。當主回來時，祂會評價他們的生活和事工，所以等到那時。事實上，你無法看透男人的心；你無法判斷他們的動機。只有上帝才能做到這一點。 「人是看外貌，耶和華是看內心」（撒母耳記上 16:7）。
The
Corinthians who were passing judgment on Paul were actually “playing God” and
assuming to themselves the privileges that only God has. How often in my own
ministry I have made this mistake! How easy it is to misread a situation and
misjudge a person. 那些對保羅進行評判的哥林多人實際上是在“扮演上帝”，並妄稱只有上帝才擁有的特權。在我自己的服事中我曾經多少次犯過這種錯誤！誤解一種情況和錯誤判斷一個人是多麼容易。
Second,
“you are judging by the wrong standard” (v. 6a). The Corinthians were measuring
different men by their own personal preferences and prejudices. They were even
comparing ministers with one another. The only true basis for evaluation is
“that which is written”—the Word of God. 第二，「你們判斷的標準錯了」（第 6 節上）。哥林多人以自己的個人喜好和偏見來衡量不同的人。他們甚至互相比較部長。唯一真正的評價依據是「所寫的」──上帝的話語。
The
Bible clearly reveals what kind of life and service is required of God’s
ministers. There is no need for us to devise new standards. Often I receive
letters from churches seeking pastors, asking if I could recommend candidates
to them. Too often their “requirements” have gone beyond what God requires in
His Word. Again, it is the problem Paul discussed in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2—the
wisdom of men versus the wisdom of God. 聖經清楚地揭示了上帝的牧師需要過什麼樣的生活和服事。我們沒有必要製定新的標準。我經常收到教會尋找牧師的來信，詢問我是否可以向他們推薦候選人。他們的「要求」常常超越了上帝在《聖經》中的要求。再一次，這是保羅在哥林多前書第 1 章和第 2 章中討論的問題——人的智慧與上帝的智慧。
Third,
“you are judging with the wrong motive” (v. 6b). Each group in the church was
tearing down the other preachers in order to build up the man they liked. Their
motive was not at all spiritual. They were promoting division in the church by
being partisan to one man as opposed to the others. They needed to examine
their own hearts and get rid of the pride that was destroying the church. 第三，「你們判斷人，是存心不良」（第 6 節下）。教會裡的每個團體都在貶低其他傳教士，以建立他們喜歡的人。他們的動機根本不是精神上的。他們擁護一個人而反對其他人，從而加劇了教會的分裂。他們需要審視自己的內心，擺脫正在摧毀教會的驕傲。
God’s
servants are stewards of His truth, and the key test is Have they been faithful
to obey and to teach the Word of God? Not just faithful preaching, but faithful
practicing as well. The testimony of Samuel (1 Sam. 12:1–5) and Paul (Acts
20:17ff.) will bear witness to this truth. 上帝的僕人是祂的真理的管家，關鍵的考驗是他們是否忠實地遵守和傳授上帝的話語？不僅要忠實地傳道，也要忠實實踐。撒母耳（撒母耳記上 12:1-5）和保羅（使徒行傳 20:17 比照研讀）的證詞將證明這真理。
2. Humbleness—The
Spectacle (4:7–13) 2. 謙卑－奇觀（4:7-13）
When
Paul called himself and other apostles “a specta[1]cle unto the
world” (1 Cor. 4:9), he was using an image familiar to people in the Roman Empire. The government kept the people pacified by
presenting entertainments in the different cities. The amphitheaters would be
filled with citizens, eager to see men compete in the games and prisoners fight
with the beasts. (In fact, the Greek word translated “spectacle” gives us our
English word theater.) The Coliseum at Rome
became the center for these “entertainments.” 當保羅稱自己和其他使徒為「給世人觀看的一齣戲[1]」時（哥林多前書 4:9），他使用的是羅馬帝國人民所熟悉的形象。政府透過在各個城市舉辦娛樂活動來安撫人民。圓形劇場擠滿了市民，他們渴望看到人們參加遊戲和囚犯與野獸搏鬥。 （事實上，翻譯為“奇觀”的希臘單字造就了英語單字“劇院”。）羅馬競技場成為了這些“娛樂”的中心。
When
the “main events” were ended, then the poorest and weakest prisoners were
brought in to fight with the beasts. Nobody expected too much from their
performance. 當「主要活動」結束後，最貧窮、最弱小的囚犯就會被帶去與野獸搏鬥。沒有人對他們的表現抱有太高的期望。
What a
picture of the apostles of Jesus Christ! But it forms the background for a
series of contrasts that Paul presented for the purpose of trying to humble the
Corinthians. 這真是耶穌基督使徒的圖畫！但它構成了保羅為了試圖讓哥林多人謙卑而提出的一系列對比的背景。
Kings—prisoners
(vv. 7–9). The questions in 1 Corinthians 4:7 ought to make all of us stop and
think. I like the New American Standard Bible’s translation of the first
question: “Who regards you as superior?” A young preacher once said to a friend
of mine, “Please pray that I will stay humble.” My friend replied, “Tell me,
what do you have to be proud about?” Why would anybody regard us as superior?
Perhaps it is our own biased opinion that makes us feel so important. The best
commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:7 is the witness of John the Baptist: “A man can
receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.… He [Christ] must increase,
but I must decrease” (John 3:27,
30). 國王 — 囚犯（第 7-9 節）。哥林多前書 4:7 中的問題應該讓我們所有人停下來思考。我喜歡新美國標準聖經對第一個問題的翻譯：「誰認為你更優秀？」一位年輕的傳教士曾經對我的朋友說：「請祈禱我能保持謙卑。」我的朋友回答說：「告訴我，你有什麼值得驕傲的？」為什麼有人會認為我們優越？也許正是我們自己的偏見讓我們覺得自己如此重要。哥林多前書 4:7 的最佳註釋是施洗約翰的見證：「若不是從天上賜的，人就不能得什麼…他必興旺，我必衰微」（約翰福音 3:27，30）。
Paul
used a bit of sanctified sarcasm in 1 Corinthians 4:8 when he described the
Corinthians as kings. “I wish I could reign with you and be important!” he
wrote. “But instead, I must go into the arena and suffer for the Lord Jesus
Christ. You are first in men’s eyes, but we apostles are last.” In the eyes of
God, the apostles were first (1 Cor. 12:28),
but in the eyes of men they were last. 當保羅在《哥林多前書》4:8 中將哥林多人描述為君王時，他使用了一些神聖的諷刺。 「我希望能夠和你一起統治並成為重要人物！」他寫道。 「但我必須去競技場，為主耶穌基督受苦。在人眼中，你們是最重要的，但我們使徒卻是最後的。」在神的眼中，使徒是首先的（林前十二28），但在人的眼中，使徒卻是末後的。
There
is no place for pride in the ministry. If a truly great leader like Paul
considered himself “on exhibition last in the program,” where does this leave
the rest of us? Church members are wrong when they measure ministers other than
by the standards God has given. They are also wrong when they boast about their
favorite preachers. This is not to say that faithful ser[1]vants cannot be
recognized and honored, but in all things God must be glorified (1 Thess. 5:12–13). 在政府部門中不存在驕傲的餘地。如果像保羅這樣一位真正偉大的領導者都認為自己“在節目中表現最差”，那麼我們其他人又該如何呢？如果教會成員不以上帝所賦予的標準來衡量牧師，那麼他們就是錯的。當他們吹噓自己最喜歡的傳教士時，他們也是錯的。這並不是說忠心的僕人[1]不能得到認可和尊敬，而是說凡事都要榮耀上帝（帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:12-13）。
Wise
men—fools (v. 10a). Paul was a fool accord[1]ing to the
standards of men. Had he remained a Jewish rabbi, he could have attained great
heights in the Jewish religion (Gal. 1:14).
Or had he sided with the Jewish legalists in the Jerusalem church and not minis[1]tered
to the Gentiles, he could have avoided a great deal of persecution (Acts 15;
21:17ff.). But when Paul asked the Lord, “What wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts
9:6) he really meant it. 聰明人－愚昧人（第 10 節上）。以人的標準，保羅是個傻瓜。如果他繼續做猶太教的拉比，他可能會在猶太教中取得很大的成就（加拉太書 1:14）。或者，如果他站在耶路撒冷教會的猶太律法主義者一邊，不去服事[1]外邦人，他就可以避免很多迫害（使徒行傳 15；21:17 比照研讀）。但當保羅問主：「你要我做什麼？」（使徒行傳 9:6） 他是真心實意的。
The
Corinthians were wise in their own eyes, but they were actually fools in the
sight of God. By depending on the wisdom and the standards of the world, they
were acting like fools. The way to be spiri[1]tually wise is to
become a fool in the eyes of the world (1 Cor. 3:18). I often find myself quoting those words of martyred
Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot
lose.” 哥林多人在自己眼中是聰明的，但在上帝眼中他們其實是愚拙的。他們依賴世俗的智慧和標準，行為舉止就像傻瓜一樣。成為屬靈智慧的方法就是成為世人眼中的愚拙人（哥林多前書 3:18）。我經常引用殉道者吉姆·艾略特的那句話：“為了得到不能失去的東西而放棄不能保留的東西的人並不是傻子。”
Strong
men—weak (v. 10b). There was a time when Paul gloried in his strengths; but
then he metJesus Christ and discovered that what he thought were assets were
really liabilities (Phil. 3). It was through his own personal suffering that
Paul discovered that his spiritual strength was the result of personal weakness
(2 Cor. 12:7–10). Strength that knows itself to be strength is weakness; but
weakness that knows itself to be weakness becomes strength. 強人－弱者（第 10b 節）。保羅曾經一度為自己的力量而自豪；但後來他遇見了耶穌基督，發現他所認為的資產實際上是負債（腓立比書 3）。保羅透過自己的親身經歷發現，他的精神力量源自於個人的軟弱（哥林多後書 12：7-10）。知道自己是強者，便是弱者；但知道自己是弱點的弱點就會變成力量。
The
Corinthians were proud of their spiritual achievements. The factions in the
church were proud of their human leaders and favorite preachers. But all of
this was only weakness. There is strength only when God gets the glory. “My
strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). 哥林多人對他們的精神成就感到自豪。教會內的各個派係都以他們的人類領袖和受人喜愛的傳教士為榮。但這一切只是弱點。只有當上帝得著榮耀時，才有力量。 「我的力量是在人的軟弱上顯得完全」（哥林多後書 12:9）。
Honorable—despised
(vv. 10c–13). This was the crux of the whole matter: The Christians in Corinth wanted the honor
that comes from men, not the honor that comes from God. They were trying to
“borrow” glory by associating themselves with “great men.” Paul answered, “If
you associate with us, you had better be ready for suffering. We apostles are
not held in honor—we are despised!” 尊貴的—被鄙視的（10c-13節）。整個問題的關鍵在於：哥林多的基督徒想要的是來自人類的榮譽，而不是上帝的榮譽。他們試圖透過與「偉人」交往來「借用」榮耀。保羅回答說：“你若與我們來往，最好準備好受苦。我們使徒不受人尊敬，反而被人藐視！”
Paul
then described the privations and sufferings that he had to endure as a servant
of God. The fact that he worked with his own hands as a tentmaker would have
lowered him in the eyes of many, because the Greeks despised manual labor. 保羅接著描述了他作為上帝的僕人所必須忍受的困苦和苦難。事實上，他親手製作帳篷，這在許多人眼中降低了他的地位，因為希臘人鄙視體力勞動。
Paul
also described how he responded to the way people treated him; and this, in
itself, helped to make him great. What life does to us depends on what life
finds in us. When Paul was reviled, he blessed—just as Jesus commanded (Matt. 5:44). When persecuted, he endured
it by the grace of God and did not retaliate. When he was slandered, Paul tried
to conciliate. In all things, he sought to respond in love. 保羅也描述了他對人們對待他的方式的反應；而這本身就幫助他成就了偉大。生命對我們做什麼取決於生命在我們身上發現了什麼。當保羅被辱罵時，他祝福－正如耶穌所命令的（太 5:44）。當遭受迫害時，他靠著上帝的恩典忍受了下來，並沒有報復。當保羅受到誹謗時，他試圖安撫。在所有的事情中，他都尋求用愛來回應。
What
was the result? Men treated him “as the filth of the world … the offscouring of
all things” (1 Cor. 4:13).
“Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live”
(Acts 22:22). Paul and the
other apostles were treated just as their Lord was treated; but God vindicated
them and brought glory to His name. 結果如何？人們待祂「如同世上的污穢…萬物中的渣滓」（哥林多前書 4:13）。 「這樣的人，從世上除掉他！他不宜活著。」（使徒行傳 22:22）保羅和其他使徒所受的待遇就如同他們的主所受的待遇一樣；但上帝為他們辯護，並給他的名字帶來榮耀。
Faithfulness
in service and humbleness of mind: these are two important characteristics of a
minister of Jesus Christ. He must be willing to work and willing to suffer. It
is one thing to be faithful and quite another to be popular. But there is a
third characteristic that helps to balance the others. 忠誠服事和謙卑的心態：這是耶穌基督牧師的兩個重要特質。他必須願意工作並且願意受苦。忠誠是一回事，受歡迎則是另一回事。但還有第三個特徵可以幫助平衡其他特徵。
3. Tenderness—The
Father (4:14–21) 3. 溫柔－天父（4:14-21）
Paul
had already compared the local church to a family (1 Cor. 3:1–4). But now the
emphasis is on the minister as a “spiritual father.” In none of his letters did
Paul ever call himself “father.” He was mindful of the Lord’s teaching in
Matthew 23:8–12. But in comparing himself to a “spiritual father,” Paul
reminded the church of the important ministries he had performed on their
behalf.保羅已經將地方教會比喻為一個家庭（哥林多前書 3：1-4）。但現在重點是牧師作為「精神之父」。保羅在他的所有書信中都沒有稱自己為「父親」。他牢記主在馬太福音 23:8-12 的教導。但當保羅將自己比喻為「屬靈的父親」時，他提醒教會他為他們所做的重要事工。
First,
Paul had founded the family (vv. 14–15). The Corinthians were Paul’s beloved
children in the faith. Whenever we share the gospel with someone and have the
joy of leading him to faith in Christ, we become a “spiritual parent” in his
life. This does not give us any special authority over his faith (2 Cor. 1:24), but it does create a special
relationship that God can use to help him grow. The local church is God’s
family for helping the newborn Christians develop. 首先，保羅建立了家庭（14-15節）。哥林多人是保羅所鍾愛的信仰之子。每當我們與某人分享福音，並樂意引導他信仰基督時，我們就成為他生命中的「精神父母」。這並沒有賦予我們對祂的信仰的任何特殊權威（哥林多後書 1:24），但它確實建立了一種特殊的關係，上帝可以利用這種關係來幫助祂成長。地方教會是神的家，幫助新生基督徒成長。
It is
important to note that Paul did not take the credit for their conversion. Their
spiritual birth was in Christ and through the gospel. Sinners are born again
through the ministry of the Spirit of God and the Word of God (John 3:6; 1
Peter 1:23–25). Paul was
the “father” who stood by and assisted at their birth. 值得注意的是，保羅並沒有將他們的皈依歸功於自己。他們的精神誕生是在基督裡並透過福音實現的。罪人藉著上帝的靈和上帝的話語而重生（約翰福音 3：6；彼得前書 1：23-25）。保羅是陪伴並幫助他們出生的「父親」。
This
section prepared the way for the next two chapters that deal with discipline in
the local church. There was much sin in the Corinthian congregation, and Paul
was prepared to deal with it. He had already written them a letter about the
matter (1 Cor. 5:9), but the congregation had not obeyed him. It was then that
some of the more spiritual members contacted Paul (1 Cor. 1:11; 16:17)
and shared the burdens with him. Some of the church leaders had written Paul
for counsel (1 Cor. 7:1), and Paul prayed that they might obey the counsel he
wrote to them.A child may have many guardians and teachers, but he can have only one father. He has a special relation[1]ship to his father that must not be preempted by anyone else. There had been no church in Corinth before Paul came, so that even the second-generation believers in the church were the results of Paul’s effective ministry.This section prepared the way for the next two chapters that deal with discipline in the local church. There was much sin in the Corinthian congregation, and Paul was prepared to deal with it. He had already written them a letter about the matter (1 Cor. 5:9), but the congregation had not obeyed him. It was then that some of the more spiritual members contacted Paul (1 Cor. 1:11; 16:17) and shared the burdens with him. Some of the church leaders had written Paul for counsel (1 Cor. 7:1), and Paul prayed that they might obey the counsel he wrote to them.A child may have many guardians and teachers, but he can have only one father. He has a special relation[1]ship to his father that must not be preempted by anyone else. There had been no church in Corinth before Paul came, so that even the second-generation believers in the church were the results of Paul’s effective ministry. 本節為接下來兩章有關地方教會紀律的內容做好了準備。哥林多教會中存在著許多罪惡，保羅已準備好處理這些問題。他已經就此事給他們寫了一封信（哥林多前書 5:9），但會眾並沒有聽從他。就在那時，一些比較有靈性的成員聯繫了保羅（哥林多前書 1:11；16:17）並與他分擔了重擔。有些教會領袖曾寫信給保羅尋求建議（哥林多前書 7:1），保羅祈禱他們能聽從他寫給他們的建議。一個孩子可能有許多監護人和老師，但他只能有一個父親。他與父親之間有著特殊的關係[1]，任何人都不能取代這段關係。在保羅來之前，哥林多並沒有教會，所以即使教會中的第二代信徒，也是保羅有效事工的結果。這部分為接下來兩章討論地方教會紀律作了鋪墊。哥林多教會中存在著許多罪惡，保羅已準備好處理這些問題。他已經就此事給他們寫了一封信（哥林多前書 5:9），但會眾並沒有聽從他。就在那時，一些比較有靈性的成員聯繫了保羅（哥林多前書 1:11；16:17）並與他分擔了重擔。有些教會領袖曾寫信給保羅尋求建議（哥林多前書 7:1），保羅祈禱他們能聽從他寫給他們的建議。一個孩子可能有許多監護人和老師，但他只能有一個父親。他與父親之間有著特殊的關係[1]，任何人都不能取代這段關係。在保羅來之前，哥林多並沒有教會，所以即使教會裡第二代的信徒也是保羅有效事奉的結果。
Paul founded the church and Apollos followed him and taught the people. In some way that is not made clear in the Scriptures, Peter also ministered at Corinth. (Perhaps he had not been there personally, but other teachers from Jerusalem had ministered in Corinth as “representatives” of Peter.) God’s children need the ministry of different teachers, but they must never for[1]get the “spiritual father” who brought them to Christ. 保羅建立了教會，亞波羅跟隨他並教導人們。聖經中沒有明確提到，彼得也曾在哥林多傳道。 （也許他沒有親自去過那裡，但耶路撒冷的其他教師曾經作為彼得的「代表」在哥林多傳道。）上帝的孩子們需要不同教師的服侍，但他們絕不能[1]忘記帶他們歸向基督的「屬靈父親」。
Second, Paul was an example to the family (vv. 16–17). Children have a way of imitating their par[1]ents, either for good or for ill. Researchers tell us that teenagers learn to drink at home and not from their peers. My guess is that other bad habits are learned the same way. 第二，保羅為全家樹立了榜樣（16-17節）。孩子有模仿父母[1]的方式，無論好壞。研究人員告訴我們，青少年是在家裡學會喝酒的，而不是從同儕那裡學會的。我猜想其他壞習慣也是透過同樣的方式養成的。
The word followers literally is “mimics.” Paul gave the same admonition in Philippians 3:17, but we must not think that he was exalting himself. Little children learn first by example, then by explanation. When Paul pastored the church in Corinth, he set the example before them in love, devotion to Christ, sacrifice, and service. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul was a good example because he was following the greatest Example of all, Jesus Christ. 追隨者這個詞的字面意思是「模仿者」。保羅在腓立比書 3:17 中給了同樣的警告，但我們不能認為他在抬高自己。小孩子先透過例子來學習，然後再透過解釋來學習。當保羅牧養哥林多教會時，他以愛、對基督的虔誠、犧牲和服務為他們樹立了榜樣。 「你們要效法我，像我效法基督一樣」（哥林多前書 11:1）。保羅是一個很好的榜樣，因為他跟隨的是人類最偉大的榜樣－耶穌基督。
But Paul was also a good teacher. It takes both example and instruction to bring a child to maturity. Paul sent Timothy (also one of his spiritual children) to remind the church of the doctrines and practices that Paul always taught. Timothy did not carry the letter to the church (1 Cor. 16:10), but apparently went ahead to prepare the way for the letter. 但保羅也是一位好老師。孩子的成長需要榜樣和指導。保羅派遣提摩太（也是他屬靈的孩子之一）來提醒教會保羅一直教導的教義和實踐。提摩太沒有把這封信帶到教會（哥林多前書 16:10），但顯然他先行為這封信做了準備。
God does not have one standard for one church and a different standard for another church. He may work out His will in different ways (Phil. 2:12–13), but the basic doctrines and principles are the same. Because churches have gotten away from God’s wis[1]dom and have substituted man’s wisdom, we have serious doctrinal differences among various churches. Men have gone beyond “that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6), and this has brought division into the church. 上帝不會對一個教會有一個標準，對另一個教會有不同的標準。祂可能會以不同的方式來實現祂的旨意（腓立比書 2：12-13），但基本教義和原則是相同的。由於教會遠離了神的智慧[1]，而用人的智慧取而代之，導致各教會之間存在嚴重的教義分歧。人們已經超越了「聖經所寫的」（哥林多前書 4:6），這給教會帶來了分裂。
This section prepared the way for the next two chapters that deal with discipline in the local church. There was much sin in the Corinthian congregation, and Paul was prepared to deal with it. He had already written them a letter about the matter (1 Cor. 5:9), but the congregation had not obeyed him. It was then that some of the more spiritual members contacted Paul (1 Cor. 1:11; 16:17) and shared the burdens with him. Some of the church leaders had written Paul for counsel (1 Cor. 7:1), and Paul prayed that they might obey the counsel he wrote to them.A child may have many guardians and teachers, but he can have only one father. He has a special relation[1]ship to his father that must not be preempted by anyone else. There had been no church in Corinth before Paul came, so that even the second-generation believers in the church were the results of Paul’s effective ministry. 本節為接下來兩章有關地方教會紀律的內容做好了準備。哥林多教會中存在著許多罪惡，保羅已準備好處理這些問題。他已經就此事給他們寫了一封信（哥林多前書 5:9），但會眾並沒有聽從他。就在那時，一些比較有靈性的成員聯繫了保羅（哥林多前書 1:11；16:17）並與他分擔了重擔。有些教會領袖曾寫信給保羅尋求建議（哥林多前書 7:1），保羅祈禱他們能聽從他寫給他們的建議。一個孩子可能有許多監護人和老師，但他只能有一個父親。他與父親之間有著特殊的關係[1]，任何人都不能取代這段關係。在保羅來之前，哥林多並沒有教會，所以即使教會裡第二代的信徒也是保羅有效事奉的結果。
Paul founded the church and Apollos followed him and taught the people. In some way that is not made clear in the Scriptures, Peter also ministered at Corinth. (Perhaps he had not been there personally, but other teachers from Jerusalem had ministered in Corinth as “representatives” of Peter.) God’s children need the ministry of different teachers, but they must never for[1]get the “spiritual father” who brought them to Christ. 保羅建立了教會，亞波羅跟隨他並教導人們。聖經中沒有明確提到，彼得也曾在哥林多傳道。 （也許他沒有親自去過那裡，但耶路撒冷的其他教師曾經作為彼得的「代表」在哥林多傳道。）上帝的孩子們需要不同教師的服侍，但他們絕不能[1]忘記帶他們歸向基督的「屬靈父親」。
Second, Paul was an example to the family (vv. 16–17). Children have a way of imitating their par[1]ents, either for good or for ill. Researchers tell us that teenagers learn to drink at home and not from their peers. My guess is that other bad habits are learned the same way. 第二，保羅為全家樹立了榜樣（16-17節）。孩子有模仿父母[1]的方式，無論好壞。研究人員告訴我們，青少年是在家裡學會喝酒的，而不是從同儕那裡學會的。我猜想其他壞習慣也是透過同樣的方式養成的。
The word followers literally is “mimics.” Paul gave the same admonition in Philippians 3:17, but we must not think that he was exalting himself. Little children learn first by example, then by explanation. When Paul pastored the church in Corinth, he set the example before them in love, devotion to Christ, sacrifice, and service. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul was a good example because he was following the greatest Example of all, Jesus Christ. 追隨者這個詞的字面意思是「模仿者」。保羅在腓立比書 3:17 中給了同樣的警告，但我們不能認為他在抬高自己。小孩子先透過例子來學習，然後再透過解釋來學習。當保羅牧養哥林多教會時，他以愛、對基督的虔誠、犧牲和服務為他們樹立了榜樣。 「你們要效法我，像我效法基督一樣」（哥林多前書 11:1）。保羅是一個很好的榜樣，因為他跟隨的是人類最偉大的榜樣－耶穌基督。
But Paul was also a good teacher. It takes both example and instruction to bring a child to maturity. Paul sent Timothy (also one of his spiritual children) to remind the church of the doctrines and practices that Paul always taught. Timothy did not carry the letter to the church (1 Cor. 16:10), but apparently went ahead to prepare the way for the letter. 但保羅也是一位好老師。孩子的成長需要榜樣和指導。保羅派遣提摩太（也是他屬靈的孩子之一）來提醒教會保羅一直教導的教義和實踐。提摩太沒有把這封信帶到教會（哥林多前書 16:10），但顯然他先行為這封信做了準備。
God does not have one standard for one church and a different standard for another church. He may work out His will in different ways (Phil. 2:12–13), but the basic doctrines and principles are the same. Because churches have gotten away from God’s wis[1]dom and have substituted man’s wisdom, we have serious doctrinal differences among various churches. Men have gone beyond “that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6), and this has brought division into the church. 上帝不會對一個教會有一個標準，對另一個教會有不同的標準。祂可能會以不同的方式來實現祂的旨意（腓立比書 2：12-13），但基本教義和原則是相同的。由於教會遠離了神的智慧[1]，而用人的智慧取而代之，導致各教會之間存在嚴重的教義分歧。人們已經超越了「聖經所寫的」（哥林多前書 4:6），這給教會帶來了分裂。
Paul founded the church and Apollos followed him and taught the people. In some way that is not made clear in the Scriptures, Peter also ministered at Corinth. (Perhaps he had not been there personally, but other teachers from Jerusalem had ministered in Corinth as “representatives” of Peter.) God’s children need the ministry of different teachers, but they must never for[1]get the “spiritual father” who brought them to Christ. 保羅建立了教會，亞波羅跟隨他並教導人們。聖經中沒有明確提到，彼得也曾在哥林多傳道。 （也許他沒有親自去過那裡，但耶路撒冷的其他教師曾經作為彼得的「代表」在哥林多傳道。）上帝的孩子們需要不同教師的服侍，但他們絕不能[1]忘記帶他們歸向基督的「屬靈父親」。
Second, Paul was an example to the family (vv. 16–17). Children have a way of imitating their par[1]ents, either for good or for ill. Researchers tell us that teenagers learn to drink at home and not from their peers. My guess is that other bad habits are learned the same way. 第二，保羅為全家樹立了榜樣（16-17節）。孩子有模仿父母[1]的方式，無論好壞。研究人員告訴我們，青少年是在家裡學會喝酒的，而不是從同儕那裡學會的。我猜想其他壞習慣也是透過同樣的方式養成的。
The word followers literally is “mimics.” Paul gave the same admonition in Philippians 3:17, but we must not think that he was exalting himself. Little children learn first by example, then by explanation. When Paul pastored the church in Corinth, he set the example before them in love, devotion to Christ, sacrifice, and service. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul was a good example because he was following the greatest Example of all, Jesus Christ. 追隨者這個詞的字面意思是「模仿者」。保羅在腓立比書 3:17 中給了同樣的警告，但我們不能認為他在抬高自己。小孩子先透過例子來學習，然後再透過解釋來學習。當保羅牧養哥林多教會時，他以愛、對基督的虔誠、犧牲和服務為他們樹立了榜樣。 「你們要效法我，像我效法基督一樣」（哥林多前書 11:1）。保羅是一個很好的榜樣，因為他跟隨的是人類最偉大的榜樣－耶穌基督。
But Paul was also a good teacher. It takes both example and instruction to bring a child to maturity. Paul sent Timothy (also one of his spiritual children) to remind the church of the doctrines and practices that Paul always taught. Timothy did not carry the letter to the church (1 Cor. 16:10), but apparently went ahead to prepare the way for the letter. 但保羅也是一位好老師。孩子的成長需要榜樣和指導。保羅派遣提摩太（也是他屬靈的孩子之一）來提醒教會保羅一直教導的教義和實踐。提摩太沒有把這封信帶到教會（哥林多前書 16:10），但顯然他先行為這封信做了準備。
God does not have one standard for one church and a different standard for another church. He may work out His will in different ways (Phil. 2:12–13), but the basic doctrines and principles are the same. Because churches have gotten away from God’s wis[1]dom and have substituted man’s wisdom, we have serious doctrinal differences among various churches. Men have gone beyond “that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6), and this has brought division into the church. 上帝不會對一個教會有一個標準，對另一個教會有不同的標準。祂可能會以不同的方式來實現祂的旨意（腓立比書 2：12-13），但基本教義和原則是相同的。由於教會遠離了神的智慧[1]，而用人的智慧取而代之，導致各教會之間存在嚴重的教義分歧。人們已經超越了「聖經所寫的」（哥林多前書 4:6），這給教會帶來了分裂。
Third, Paul was faithful to discipline the family (vv. 18–21). A child’s will must be broken, but not destroyed. Until a colt is broken, it is dangerous and useless; but once it learns to obey, it becomes gentle and useful. Pride is a terrible thing in the Christian life and in the church. The yeast of sin (leaven, 1 Cor. 5:6–8) had made the Corinthians “puffed up,” even to the point of saying, “Paul will not come to us! His bark is worse than his bite!” (2 Cor. 10:8–11) 第三，保羅忠心管教家人（18-21節）。孩子的意志必須被打破，但不能被摧毀。小馬若未被馴服，便是危險而無用的；但一旦它學會服從，它就會變得溫順和有用。在基督徒的生活和教會中，驕傲是一件可怕的事。罪的酵（酵，哥林多前書 5:6-8）使哥林多人“心高氣傲”，甚至說：“保羅不會來找我們！他說話算數！” （哥林多後書 10:8-11）
Paul had been patient with their disobedience, but now he warned them that the time had come for disci[1]pline. Paul was not like the tolerant modern mother who shouted at her spoiled son, “This is the last time I’m going to tell you for the last time!” 保羅對他們的不服從一直很有耐心，但現在他警告他們，懲戒的時候到了[1]。保羅不像現代寬容的母親那樣，對被寵壞的兒子大喊：“這是我最後一次告訴你！”
A faithful parent must discipline his children. It is not enough to teach them and be an example before them; he must also punish them when they rebel and refuse to obey. Paul would have preferred to come with meekness and deal with their sins in a gentle manner, but their own attitude made this difficult. They were puffed up—and even proud of their disobedience (1 Cor. 5:1–2)! 忠誠的父母必須管教自己的孩子。教導他們並為他們樹立榜樣是不夠的；當他們反抗並拒絕服從時，他也必須懲罰他們。保羅本來希望以溫柔的態度來處理他們的罪，但他們自己的態度使這件事變得困難。他們驕傲自大，甚至為自己的不服從而感到自豪（哥林多前書 5：1-2）！
The contrast in this paragraph is between speech and power, words and deeds. The arrogant Corinthians had no problem “talking big,” the way children often will do; but they could not back up their talk with their “walk.” Their religion was only in words. Paul was prepared to back up his talk with power, with deeds that would reveal their sins and God’s holiness. 本段對比的是言論與權力、言語與行為的對比。傲慢的哥林多人不介意“說大話”，就像小孩子常做的那樣；但他們無法用行動來支持他們的言論。他們的宗教只停留在口頭上。保羅準備用權力和行動來支持他的言論，以揭露他們的罪和上帝的神聖。
It is a
principle of life that those who will not gov[1]ern themselves
must be governed. Insurance companies and medical authorities urged drivers to
wear seat belts, but many of them refused. So the government passed a law
requiring drivers to wear seat belts. If you fail to obey, you will be
punished. 人生的一條原則是：那些不願意管理自己的人，必須被管理。保險公司和醫療機構敦促駕駛人繫安全帶，但許多人拒絕這樣做。因此政府通過了一項法律，要求司機繫安全帶。如果你不服從，你就會受到懲罰。
Paul
gave the Corinthian church opportunity to set their household in order. In the
following chapters, he explained how the local church ought to be governed in
the will of God. Unfortunately, the church did not immediately obey. Paul had
to make a quick visit to Corinth, and his experience during that visit was very
painful (2 Cor. 2:1; 12:14;
13:1). He then had to write them a very strong letter (1 Cor. 7:8–12); possibly
it was carried by Titus. 保羅給了哥林多教會機會來整頓他們的家庭。在接下來的章節中，他解釋了地方教會應該如何按照上帝的旨意來管理。不幸的是，教會並沒有立即服從。保羅必須快速地造訪哥林多，而那次訪問的經驗非常痛苦（哥林多後書 2:1；12:14；13:1）。然後他必須給他們寫一封非常嚴厲的信（哥林多前書 7:8-12）；它可能是由提圖斯攜帶的。
To the
glory of God, the matters did get settled for the most part. There was still
some mopping up to do (2 Cor. 12:20—13:5),
but the crisis was now over. 感謝上帝，事情大部分都得到了解決。還有一些清理工作要做（哥林多後書 12:20-13:5），但危機已經過去了。
It is not
an easy thing to be a minister of Jesus Christ. As a steward, you must be
faithful to your Master no matter what men may say to you or do to you. You
will be treated as refuse by the people of the world. Your own spiritual
children may break your heart and have to be disciplined.成為耶穌基督的牧師並不是一件容易的事。作為一名管家，無論人們對您說什麼或做什麼，您都必須忠於您的主人。你們將被世人視為廢物。你自己的精神孩子可能會傷你的心並且必須受到管教。
God’s
faithful servants deserve our love, respect, obedience, and prayer support. 上帝忠實的僕人值得我們的愛、尊重、順服和禱告支持。
