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威斯敏斯特信條第31章
第三十一章 論教會的總會和會議
中文趙中輝版
一、為了教會有更好的治理與進步的造就，應當有通常所謂之總會或會議的聚集1。
二、執政者為了磋商並勸告有關宗教問題，可以有權召開教職者（牧師）及其他適當人員的會議2；若執政者公然與教會為敵，基督的教職者便可憑着自己的職權，或他們與代表各教會的適當人員，在此種會議中會合3。
三、教義爭論，良心問題，為公共崇拜與教會行政的良好秩序之規則與指示的制定，受理有關惡政（處理不當）的控訴及其具有權威性的決定等行政權，皆屬教會會議。此種命令與決定，如果合乎聖經，應當尊敬順從，並非僅因其合乎聖經，且亦因其按神的命令在聖經中所制定的權威4。
四、使徒時代以後所有的教會會議，不拘是世界性的會議，或地方性的會議，都有錯謬的可能，而且許多會議已經有了錯謬。所以不可拿這些會議所規定的，當作信仰與行為的準則，只可用為幫助信仰與生活5。
五、教會總會和會議，除了有關教會的事務以外，不可處理或決定任何事。不可干涉有關一般社會的國政，若遇有非常的事，可以謙恭地向政府請願；或在政府官長所要求的情形下，為滿足良心，可向政府提出忠告6。
1. 徒十五2、4、6。
2. 賽四十九23；提前二1-2；代下十九8-11、29-30；太二4-5；箴十一14。
3. 徒十五2、4、22-23、25。
4. 徒十五15、19、24、27-31，十六4；太十八17-20。
5. 弗二20；徒十七11；林前二5；林後一24。
6. 路十二13-14；約十八36。
中文王志勇版
第三十一章 論教會總會和議會
一．為了教會更好 的管理和更深的造就，應有通稱為總會或議會的聚會（徒15:2，4，6）。
二．正如執政者可以合法地召集牧師及其他適當人選，開會商討並諮詢有關 宗教事務（賽49:23；提前2:1，2；代下19:8－11，29；30；太2:4，5；箴11:4）；照樣，若國家官員公然作教會的仇敵，基督的眾牧師便可憑自己的職權，或是他們與其他代表各教會的 適當人選，自行在此種總會或會議中聚集（徒15:2，4，22，23，25）。
三．決定教義的爭論和有關良心事項，制定法規以促進公共崇拜以及教會管 理，接受失職的控訴，並行使權威予以裁決，此類職權皆屬教會總會和議會；此類教令和裁決，如果符合聖經，我們便應當恭敬順服，不僅因其符合聖經，而且因其 制定者是遵照上帝的命令，秉有聖經所賦與的權威（徒15:15，19，24，27－31；16:4；太18:17－20）。
四．自從使徒時代以來，所有的教會總會或議會，無論是普通的，還是特別 的，都有可能犯錯誤，而且有許多已經犯錯；所以不可用這些會議所規定的，作為信仰與行為的準則，只可用來幫助二者（弗2:20；徒17:11；林 前2:5；林後1:24）。
五． 教會總會和議會，除了有關教會的事務以外，不可處理或決定其他任何事情；又不可干涉國政，除非是在特殊事件上，可以向公民政府請願；或是為滿足良心起見， 公民政府有所諮詢時，可以提出忠告（路12:13-14；約18:36）。
中文呂沛淵版
31.1 為了教會有更美好的治理與更進深的造就，應當有通常稱為「大區會或議會」的會議聚集。 各教會的牧師與治理長老，藉著基督賜給他們的職份與權 柄，來造就教會而不是拆毀教會。他們有權召開這樣的會議；在 這些會議中聚集討論。為了使教會得益，如果他們認為需要且合 適，可以多次召開這樣會議。
31.2 有關信仰教義爭論，良心案件，設立規則與指示以維持公共 敬拜與教會治理的更佳秩序，受理有關處理不當的控訴，並用其 權柄裁決，這些都是屬於大區會或議會職權範圍。大區會與議會 的命令與決議，如果合乎聖經，就應當以尊敬順從的心來接受， 不僅是因為這些決議合乎聖經，也因為它們所依據的權柄，是上 帝 在聖經中所定規的。
31.3 使徒時代以來，所有的大區會與議會，無論是總會或地方性 的會議，都有犯錯的可能，而且許多會議已經犯下錯誤。所以， 不可將這些會議所規定的，當作信仰或實行的準則，只可用來作 為信仰與生活的參考幫助。
31.4 大區會和議會，除了有關教會的事務以外，不可處理或決斷 任何事。不可干涉國政，若遇有非常的事，可以謙恭地向政府請 願，或應政府官員的要求，為滿足良心，可向政府提出忠告。
英文OPC版
CHAPTER 31 OF SYNODS AND COUNCILS
1. For the better government, and further edification of the church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils: and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies; and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the church.
2. It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word.
3. All synods or councils, since the Apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.
4. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or, by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.
英文CRTA版
Chapter XXXI
Of Synods and Councils
I. For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils.[1]
II. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers, and other fit persons, to consult and advise with, about matters of religion;[2] so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ, of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons upon delegation from their Churches, may meet together in such assemblies.[3]
III. It belongs to synods and councils, ministerially to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same; which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in His Word.[4]
IV. All synods or councils, since the apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.[5]
IV. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or, by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.[6]
證明經文
1 徒十五2保羅、巴拿巴與他們大大地紛爭辯論；眾門徒就定規，叫保羅、巴拿巴和本會中幾個人，為所辯論的上耶路撒冷去見使徒和長老。4到了耶路撒冷，教會和使徒並長老都接待他們，他們就述說 神同他們所行的一切事。6使徒和長老聚會商議這事。
2 賽四十九23列王必作你的養父，王后必作你的乳母；他們必將臉伏地，向你下拜，並舔你腳上的塵土。你便知道我是耶和華！等候我的必不至羞愧。」 提前二1我勸你第一要為萬人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝， 2為君王和一切在位的，也該如此，使我們可以敬虔、端正，平安無事地度日。 代下十九8約沙法從利未人和祭司，並以色列族長中派定人，在耶路撒冷為耶和華判斷，聽民間的爭訟，就回耶路撒冷去了。 9約沙法囑咐他們說：「你們當敬畏耶和華，忠心誠實辦事。 10住在各城裡你們的弟兄，若有爭訟的事來到你們這裡，或為流血，或犯律法、誡命、律例、典章，你們要警戒他們，免得他們得罪耶和華，以致他的忿怒臨到你們和你們的弟兄。這樣行，你們就沒有罪了。 11凡屬耶和華的事，有大祭司亞瑪利雅管理你們；凡屬王的事，有猶大支派的族長以實瑪利的兒子西巴第雅管理你們。在你們面前有利未人作官長，你們應當壯膽辦事，願耶和華與善人同在。」 太二4他就召齊了祭司長和民間的文士，問他們說：「基督當生在何處？」 5他們回答說：「在猶太的伯利恆。因為有先知記著說；箴十一14無智謀，民就敗落；謀士多，人便安居。
3 徒十五2保羅、巴拿巴與他們大大地紛爭辯論；眾門徒就定規，叫保羅、巴拿巴和本會中幾個人，為所辯論的上耶路撒冷去見使徒和長老。4到了耶路撒冷，教會和使徒並長老都接待他們，他們就述說 神同他們所行的一切事。 22那時，使徒和長老並全教會定意從他們中間揀選人，差他們和保羅、巴拿巴同往安提阿去。所揀選的就是稱呼巴撒巴的猶大和西拉；這兩個人在弟兄中是作首領的。 23於是寫信交付他們，內中說：「使徒和作長老的弟兄們問安提阿、敘利亞、基利家外邦眾弟兄的安！25所以我們同心定意揀選幾個人，差他們同我們所親愛的巴拿巴和保羅往你們那裡去。
4 徒十五15眾先知的話也與這意思相合。19所以據我的意見，不可難為那歸服 神的外邦人；24我們聽說有幾個人從我們這裡出去，用言語攪擾你們，惑亂你們的心。（註：有古卷在此有「你們必須受割禮，守摩西的律法。」）其實我們並沒有吩咐他們。27我們就差了猶大和西拉，他們也要親口訴說這些事。 28因為聖靈和我們定意不將別的重擔放在你們身上，惟有幾件事是不可少的， 29就是禁戒祭偶像的物和血，並勒死的牲畜和姦淫。這幾件你們若能自己禁戒不犯就好了。願你們平安！」 30他們既奉了差遣，就下安提阿去，聚集眾人，交付書信。 31眾人念了，因為信上安慰的話就歡喜了。十六4他們經過各城，把耶路撒冷使徒和長老所定的條規交給門徒遵守。太十八17若是不聽他們，就告訴教會；若是不聽教會，就看他像外邦人和稅吏一樣。18我實在告訴你們：凡你們在地上所捆綁的，在天上也要捆綁；凡你們在地上所釋放的，在天上也要釋放。19我又告訴你們：若是你們中間有兩個人在地上同心合意地求甚麼事，我在天上的父必為他們成全。 20因為無論在哪裡，有兩三個人奉我的名聚會，那裡就有我在他們中間。」
5 弗二20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；徒十七11這地方的人賢於帖撒羅尼迦的人，甘心領受這道，天天考查聖經，要曉得這道是與不是。林前二5叫你們的信不在乎人的智慧，只在乎神的大能。林後一24我們並不是轄管你們的信心，乃是幫助你們的快樂，因為你們憑信才站立得住。
6 路十二13-眾人中有一個人對耶穌說：「夫子，請你吩咐我的兄長和我分開家業。」 14耶穌說：「你這個人！誰立我作你們斷事的官，給你們分家業呢？」 約十八36耶穌回答說：「我的國不屬這世界。我的國若屬這世界，我的臣僕必要爭戰，使我不至於被交給猶太人；只是我的國不屬這世界。」。
[1] ACT 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[2] ISA 49:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. 1TI 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 2CH 19:8 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem. 9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass. 11 And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good. (2CH 29-30 throughout) MAT 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet. PRO 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.
[3] ACT 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.
[4] ACT 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God. 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. MAT 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
[5] EPH 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. ACT 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 1CO 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2CO 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
[6] LUK 12:13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? JOH 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
目錄
威斯敏斯特信条证明经文 （1-8章 9-16章 ） 威斯敏斯特信条王志勇牧师译 威斯敏斯特信条吕沛渊牧师译