MHC:哥林多前書 9

哥林多前書第9章

　　

Chapter 9

9

apostle shows his authority, and asserts his right to be maintained.

(1–14)

He waved this part of his Christian liberty, for the good of others.

(15–23)

He did all this, with care and diligence,

(24–27)

in view of an unfading crown.

第九章

本章綱要

使徒顯示了他的權威，並聲明他言論的正確性。（1-14）

為了他人的益處，他捨棄了在基督里的這些自由。（15-23）

為了那永不朽壞的冠冕，他細心而勤勞的做了這一切。（24-27）

Verses 1 – 14

It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.

1-14節 待人友善、殷勤服事，卻得到一些人刻薄的對待，這對一個牧師而言並非鮮見。面對一些人的苛責，使徒保羅以自己為例闡述了怎樣為他人的益處舍己。他和其他使徒一樣有權利娶妻，應該娶什麼樣的人為妻，他從教會所生的不經分娩的子女應是什麼樣的。那些為我們的靈命付出的人，我們應該供應他們的生活所需。但是保羅放棄了他的權利，免得因此而阻礙了他的成功。人們有責任供應他們的牧師。他可能像保羅一樣放棄他的權力，但是有些人違背基督的誡命，不提供或者剋扣應給的供給。

Verses 15 – 23

It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.

15-23節

對一個牧師而言，舍己來服事主、拯救靈魂是榮耀的。但是如果一個牧師為着福音的益處而放棄了他的權利，那麼他所做的比他應得的工價和神所要求的更多。為了自由地宣講福音，使徒保羅稱自己的的行動是出於熱情和愛，因而在靈里享受了極大的安慰和盼望。雖然因着基督他已經脫離了律法的管束，但是他仍然順服律法，這樣可能對猶太人起作用，可以免除他們的偏見，勸他們聽福音，從而歸信基督。他也可以不服從基督的律法，以此取悅於人，可以調節自己的行為來適應任何人，他也可能守法而得到一些人。行善是他一生的功課和事業，而且他會盡力實現這個目標，並不依靠特權。我們必須小心狂熱分子，不依靠任何事，唯獨信靠基督。我們必須不容許錯誤或失誤，以致傷害他人，或使福音蒙羞。

Verses 24 – 27

The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in the Christian race all may run so as to obtain the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course.

Those who ran in these games were kept to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must not be suffered to rule. The apostle presses this advice on the Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts and appetites. Holy fear of himself was needed to keep an apostle faithful: how much more is it needful for our preservation! Let us learn from hence humility and caution, and to watch against dangers which surround us while in the body.

24-27節 使徒將自己比作地峽運動會中的賽跑者和競爭者，這個運動會在哥林多是非常著名的。但是在基督徒的競賽中，所有人都是為了得到最大的獎賞，因此，在這個過程中，要堅持我們所有的力氣。參加比賽的人員都要節制。他們習慣了艱難，練習這些運動。那些追求靈魂益處的，必須努力與身體的欲望戰鬥。身體必然不屈服於管制。使徒極力勸誡哥林多教會。保羅向他們呈現了屈服於身體私慾的危險。保持使徒的忠實需要有對己的懼怕：這是多麼需要我們保持的啊！讓我們從這裏學習謙卑謹慎，謹防圍繞在我們周圍的以及我們身體內的危險。

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