聖經說到耶穌的誕生用了相當大的篇幅，說到祂是因童女馬利亞被聖靈感孕而誕生於伯利恆。因為摩西的律法，上耶路撒冷時遇見了西面和亞拿。提到了幾位東方的博士見到祂的星來朝拜祂，然後就跳到了十二歲的逾越節祂在耶路撒冷發生的事。

      我們先在路加福音 1:24-27 看到了伊利沙伯懷施洗約翰，和天使向馬利亞顯現時間上的關係：『…伊利沙伯懷了孕，就隱藏了五個月，…到了第六個月，天使加百列奉神的差遣往加利利的一座城去，這城名叫拿撒勒，到一個童女那裏，是已經許配大衞家的一個人，名叫約瑟，童女的名字叫馬利亞。』

      然後在馬太福音 1:18-21看到耶穌因童女馬利亞被聖靈感孕：『…還沒有迎娶，馬利亞就從聖靈懷了孕。她丈夫約瑟是個義人，不願意明明地羞辱她，想要暗暗地把她休了。正思念這事的時候，有主的使者向他夢中顯現，說：「大衞的子孫約瑟，不要怕，只管娶過你的妻子馬利亞來，因她所懷的孕是從聖靈來的。她將要生一個兒子，你要給他起名叫耶穌，因他要將自己的百姓從罪惡裏救出來。」』

      接著在路加福音 1:39-45 我們就看到了馬利亞立刻起身去証實所聽到的事情，她到了伊利沙伯家中並見其被聖靈充滿且祝福她：『那時候馬利亞起身，急忙往山地裏去，…進了撒迦利亞的家，問伊利沙伯安。伊利沙伯一聽馬利亞問安，所懷的胎就在腹裏跳動。伊利沙伯且被聖靈充滿，高聲喊着說：「你在婦女中是有福的！你所懷的胎也是有福的！我主的母到我這裏來，這是從哪裏得的呢？因為你問安的聲音一入我耳，我腹裏的胎就歡喜跳動。這相信的女子是有福的！因為主對她所說的話都要應驗。」』

     『馬利亞和伊利沙伯同住，約有三個月，就回家去了。』 (路加福音 1:56)

     第二，我們看看耶穌為什麼雖是君王，卻從一開始就誕生在馬槽裏。這在路加福音 2:1-7 講得很清楚：『當那些日子，凱撒亞古士督有旨意下來，叫天下人民都報名上冊。…眾人各歸各城，報名上冊。約瑟也從加利利的拿撒勒城上猶太去，到了大衞的城，名叫伯利恆。因他本是大衞一族一家的人，要和他所聘之妻馬利亞一同報名上冊。那時馬利亞的身孕已經重了。他們在那裏的時候，馬利亞的產期到了，就生了頭胎的兒子，用布包起來，放在馬槽裏，因為客店裏沒有地方。』沒有報名上册的事，祂不可能誕生在伯利恆，這裡的就符合了舊約的一個預言。

      我們可看到祂不平常的誕生。那時，『在伯利恆之野地裏有牧羊的人，夜間按着更次看守羊羣。有主的使者站在他們旁邊，…那天使對他們說：「不要懼怕！我報給你們大喜的信息，是關乎萬民的。因今天在大衞的城裏，為你們生了救主，就是主基督。你們要看見一個嬰孩，包着布，臥在馬槽裏，那就是記號了。」』 (路加福音 2:8-12)  『忽然，有一大隊天兵同那天使讚美神說：「在至高之處榮耀歸與神！在地上平安歸與他所喜悅的人！」』 (路加福音 2:13-14) 接著牧羊的人就去了伯利恆証實了這件事。也『…因所聽見所看見的一切事，正如天使向他們所說的，就歸榮耀與神，讚美他。』 (路加福音 2:20) 『滿了八天，就給孩子行割禮，與他起名叫耶穌，這就是沒有成胎以前，天使所起的名。』 (路加福音 2:21)

      第三，約瑟『按摩西律法滿了潔淨的日子，他們帶着孩子上耶路撒冷去，要把他獻與主。』 (路加福音 2:22) 這時他們遇見了西面：『…這人又公義又虔誠…又有聖靈在他身上。…他受了聖靈的感動，進入聖殿，正遇見(and)耶穌的父母抱着孩子進來，要照律法的規矩辦理。』 (路加福音 2:25-27) 於是『西面就…稱頌神說：「主啊！…我的眼睛已經看見你的救恩，…是照亮外邦人的光，又是你民以色列的榮耀。」孩子的父母因這論耶穌的話就希奇。』 (路加福音 2:28-33)

       『又有女先知，名叫亞拿，…現在已經八十四歲，並不離開聖殿，禁食祈求，晝夜事奉神。正當那時(in that instant)，她進前來稱謝神，將孩子的事對一切盼望耶路撒冷得救贖的人講說。』 (路加福音 2:36-38)

    請注意，當和合本的翻譯用『正』這個字時，要特別留心！因神常用『恰巧』來工作如路得記所提的，但不是說、『恰巧』就是神的工作。

    第四是說到『幾位』博士看見耶穌的星就來朝拜祂：『當希律王的時候，耶穌生在猶太的伯利恆。有幾個博士從東方來到耶路撒冷，說：「那生下來作猶太人之王的在哪裏？我們在東方看見他的星，特來拜他。」』 (馬太福音 2:1-2) 他們找到了小孩，因『…在東方所看見的那星，忽然在他們前頭行，直行到小孩子的地方，就在上頭停住了。』 (馬太福音 2:9)

      他們(博士)去後，有主的使者向約瑟夢中顯現，說：「起來！帶着小孩子同他母親逃往埃及，住在那裏，等我吩咐你，因為希律必尋找小孩子，要除滅他。」約瑟就起來，夜間帶着小孩子和他母親往埃及去，住在那裏，直到希律死了。這是要應驗主藉先知所說的話，說：「我從埃及召出我的兒子來。」』 (馬太福音 2:13-15) 一方面我們看到了預言因此被應驗，另方面我們看到約瑟知道神要他做什麼他立刻就去做，要不然就可能太遲了！因『博士因為在夢中被主指示，不要回去見希律，就從別的路回本地去了。』 (馬太福音 2:12) 『希律見自己被博士愚弄，就大大發怒，差人將伯利恆城裏並四境所有的男孩，照着他向博士仔細查問的時候，凡兩歲以裏的，都殺盡了。』 (馬太福音 2:16)

      最後我們談一談耶穌十二歲時逾越節所發生的事。我們看到了『孩子漸漸長大，強健起來，充滿智慧，又有神的恩在他身上。』 (路加福音 2:40) 在路加福音 2:43-49 記載：『守滿了節期，他們回去，孩童耶穌仍舊在耶路撒冷。他的父母並不知道，…過了三天，就遇見他在殿裏，坐在教師中間，一面聽，一面問。凡聽見他的，都希奇他的聰明和他的應對。他父母看見就很希奇。他母親對他說：「我兒，為甚麼向我們這樣行呢？看哪，你父親和我傷心來找你！」耶穌說：「為甚麼找我呢？豈不知我應當以我父的事為念嗎？」』 所以至少在十二歲的時候，耶穌就很清楚祂是誰。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

The Bible uses quite a few pages to talk about the birth of Jesus; he was born due to Immaculate Conception and born in Bethlehem. Because of Moses’ laws, Joseph brought the baby Jesus to Jerusalem, where he met Simeon and Anna. Due to the magis talking to King Herod, Joseph had to bring Mary and the baby Jesus and flee to Egypt. Finally, let us review briefly what happened at the feast of Passover when He was twelve years old.

First, we see in Luke 1:24-27 that Elizabeth had John the Baptist in her old age, “After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, …Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

Then in Matthew 1:18-21, we observe the Immaculate Conception: “…when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

Next, in Luke 1:39-45, we can see that Mary arose and went in a hurry to verify what she knew, “Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country …and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.””

As for how long she stays with Elisabeth, Luke 1:56 tells us, “And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.”

Secondly, we can see in Luke 2:1-7 why Jesus is the King but was born in a manger, “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. …Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, …to …Bethlehem, …in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, …But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”” (Luke 2:8-12)

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”” (Luke 2:13-14)

“And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21)

Thirdly, let us take a look at how He met Simeon and Anna. In Luke 2:22, it tells us, “And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.” Luke 2:25-27 says, “…Simeon…was righteous and devout, …and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.”

Simeon then in Luke 2:28-32 “…blessed God, and said, “…For my eyes have seen Your salvation, …A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”” “And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.” (Luke 2:33)

In Luke 2:36-37, the baby Jesus met Anna, “And there was a prophetess, Anna …then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.” “At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

Fourthly, let us see how the magi were led to worship Him in Matthew 2:1-2, “…in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” According to the Bible, it doesn’t say there are three magi like what said traditionally by some people. 

In Matthew 2:9, a miracle happened regarding how they found the baby Jesus, “After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.” “And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.” (Matthew 2:12) 

As a result, Joseph fled to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-15, “Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. …”

“Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.” (Matthew 2:16)

If Joseph didn’t trust and obey immediately, it would be too late. We can see this often in the Bible.

Finally, let us review quickly regarding what happened when Jesus was twelve years old, which is the only event recorded after his birth and before He was an adult. In Luke 2:40, it says, “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”

“Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast.” (Luke 2:41-42)

In Luke 2:43-49, it clearly states, “and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, …Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. …And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? “” 

Apparently, He knew who He was at the age of twelve years old.

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

我们重点式的敘述一下，作為耶稣的开路者的施洗约翰之生平。首先我们用经文看他的出生，我们也可从这里看见我们需要用新约来解释旧约不清楚的地方。接著看他的成长和传道，他的宣道是基於事实，而不是怕把人吓走。第三他很清楚的知道他要做的事情，就像他所說的：他必兴旺，我必衰微。第四他见証了耶稣是神的儿子。最后我们看看他是如何的死，和為什麼圣经說他有他的软弱。

在路加福音 1:8-17 中， 对於他的出生說得很清楚，我们就看经文如何說。我们看到了天使向他的父亲撒迦利亚顯现，並预先告诉他的母亲伊利沙伯要生他，且帮他取了名字叫约翰 [1]。因他的出生可使许多以色列人回转，从母腹里就被圣灵充满(2)，且『他必有以利亚的心志能力，行在主的前面，叫為父(复数)的心转向儿女，叫悖逆的人转从义人的智慧，又為主预备合用的百姓。』(路加福音 1:17) 

这里我们特別要提到的是父用的是复数，不是指天父。如果我们看旧约中相应的经文：『看哪！耶和华大而可畏之日未到以前，我必差遣先知以利亚到你们那里去！他必使父亲的心转向儿女，儿女的心转向父亲，免得我来咒诅遍地。』 (玛拉基书 4:5-6) 如果我们用工具书，就可看见只說父亲是男性的名词，沒有說是单数或复数。在这情況下，我们必须用新约来阐释旧约。

第二我们看到他的成长是在旷野 [2]，到神的话临到他，他就宣讲悔改的洗礼 [3]，正如以赛亚所說的，他是耶稣的开路先锋 [4]。我们也看到了施洗约翰的宣道和许多人不同，他讲的是事实，而不是怕把人吓走 [5]。

接著我们看到约翰為耶稣施洗是要尽诸般的义 [6]，而且他非常清楚的知道他要做的工作，知道『他必兴旺，我必衰微』[7]，也传道說耶稣会用圣灵和火施洗 [8]。

第四我们看施洗约翰為耶稣做的见証。因他為耶稣施洗，『…天忽然為他开了，他就看见神的灵彷彿鸽子降下，落在他身上。从天上有声音說：「这是我的愛子，我所喜悅的。」』(马太福音 3:16-17) 因此『约翰又作见证說：「我曾看见圣灵彷彿鸽子从天降下，住在他的身上。我先前不认识他，只是那差我来用水施洗的，对我說：『你看见圣灵降下来，住在谁的身上，谁就是用圣灵施洗的。』我看见了，就证明这是神的儿子。」 (约翰福音 1:32-34) ##### 最后我们来看看他是如何的死及圣经如何诚实地记载了他的软弱。他為了希罗底的缘故下在监里 [9]。『约翰在监里听见基督所做的事，就打發两个门徒去，问他說：「那将要来的是你吗？还是我们等候別人呢？」(马太福音 11:2-3) 『耶稣回答說：「你们去，把所听见、所看见的事告诉约翰：就是瞎子看见，瘸子行走，长大痲疯的洁淨，聋子听见，死人复活，穷人有福音传给他们。凡不因我跌倒的就有福了。」(马太福音 11:4-6) 所以虽然约翰明知道耶稣是神的儿子，他仍然软弱了！我们虽然常会软弱，但不能用这当借口，要悔改。

这是在圣经中记载他是如何的死：『到了希律的生日，希罗底的女儿在眾人面前跳舞，使希律欢喜。希律就起誓，应许随她所求的给她。女儿被母亲所使，就說：「请把施洗约翰的头放在盘子里，拿来给我。」(马太福音 14:6-8) 以人看来这好像是个悲剧。但让我们看看使徒雅各的死。『那时，希律王下手苦害教会中几个人，用刀杀了约翰的哥哥雅各。』(使徒行传 12:1-2) 雅各短命而死好像也是个悲剧，但在启示錄 21:14，『城牆有十二根基，根基上有羔羊十二使徒的名字。』雅各的名字在十二根基上，是大得荣耀的。神看人的死，和人看人的死，是很不一样的。

一些相关的经文

[1] 撒迦利亚按班次在神面前供祭司的职分，照祭司的规矩掣签，得进主殿烧香。烧香的时候，眾百姓在外面祷告。有主的使者站在香坛的右边向他顯现。撒迦利亚看见，就惊慌害怕。天使对他說：「撒迦利亚，不要害怕，因為你的祈祷已经被听见了。你的妻子伊利沙伯要给你生一个儿子，你要给他起名叫约翰。(路加福音 1:8-13)

[2] 你必欢喜快乐，有许多人因他出世，也必喜乐。他在主面前将要為大，淡酒浓酒都不喝，从母腹里就被圣灵充满了。他要使许多以色列人回转，归於主他们的神。(路加福音 1:14-16)

[3] 亚那和该亚法作大祭司。那时，撒迦利亚的儿子约翰在旷野里，神的话临到他。他就来到约旦河一带地方，宣讲悔改的洗礼，使罪得赦。(路加福音 3:2-3)

[4] 正如先知以赛亚书上所记的话，說：「在旷野有人声喊着說：『预备主的道，修直他的路！一切山洼都要填满，大小山冈都要削平！弯弯曲曲的地方要改為正直，高高低低的道路要改為平坦！凡有血气的，都要见神的救恩！』」(路加福音 3:4-6)

[5] 约翰对那出来要受他洗的眾人說：「毒蛇的种类！谁指示你们逃避将来的忿怒呢？你们要结出果子来，与悔改的心相称。不要自己心里說：『有亚伯拉罕為我们的祖宗。』我告诉你们：神能从这些石头中，给亚伯拉罕兴起子孙来。现在斧子已经放在树根上，凡不结好果子的树就砍下来，丟在火里。」(路加福音 3:7-9)

[6] 当下，耶稣从加利利来到约旦河，见了约翰，要受他的洗。约翰想要拦住他，說：「我当受你的洗，你反倒上我这里来吗？」耶稣回答說：「你暂且许我，因為我们理当这样尽诸般的义。」於是约翰许了他。(马太福音 3:13-15)

[7] 我曾說『我不是基督，是奉差遣在他前面的』，你们自己可以给我作见证。娶新妇的就是新郎，新郎的朋友站着听见新郎的声音就甚喜乐，故此我这喜乐满足了。他必兴旺，我必衰微。」(约翰福音 3:28-30)

[8] 约翰說：「我是用水给你们施洗，但有一位能力比我更大的要来，我就是给他解鞋带也不配。他要用圣灵与火给你们施洗。他手里拿着簸箕，要扬淨他的场，把麦子收在仓里，把糠用不灭的火烧尽了。」(路加福音 3:16-17)

[9] 先是希律為他兄弟腓力的妻子希罗底的缘故，差人去拿住约翰，锁在监里，因為希律已经娶了那妇人。约翰曾对希律說：「你娶你兄弟的妻子是不合理的。」於是希罗底怀恨他，想要杀他，只是不能。(马可福音 6:17-19)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。)

我們重點式的敘述一下，作為耶穌的開路者的施洗約翰之生平。首先我們用經文看他的出生，我們也可從這裏看見我們需要用新約來解釋舊約不清楚的地方。接著看他的成長和傳道，他的宣道是基於事實，而不是怕把人嚇走。第三他很清楚的知道他要做的事情，就像他所說的：他必興旺，我必衰微。第四他見証了耶穌是神的兒子。最後我們看看他是如何的死，和為什麼聖經說他有他的軟弱。

在路加福音 1:8-17 中， 對於他的出生說得很清楚，我們就看經文如何說。我們看到了天使向他的父親撒迦利亞顯現，並預先告訴他的母親伊利沙伯要生他，且幫他取了名字叫約翰 [1]。因他的出生可使許多以色列人回轉，從母腹裏就被聖靈充滿(2)，且『他必有以利亞的心志能力，行在主的前面，叫為父(複數)的心轉向兒女，叫悖逆的人轉從義人的智慧，又為主預備合用的百姓。』(路加福音 1:17) 

這裏我們特別要提到的是父用的是複數，不是指天父。如果我們看舊約中相應的經文：『看哪！耶和華大而可畏之日未到以前，我必差遣先知以利亞到你們那裏去！他必使父親的心轉向兒女，兒女的心轉向父親，免得我來咒詛遍地。』 (瑪拉基書 4:5-6) 如果我們用工具書，就可看見只說父親是男性的名詞，沒有說是單數或複數。在這情況下，我們必須用新約來闡釋舊約。

第二我們看到他的成長是在曠野 [2]，到神的話臨到他，他就宣講悔改的洗禮 [3]，正如以賽亞所說的，他是耶穌的開路先鋒 [4]。我們也看到了施洗約翰的宣道和許多人不同，他講的是事實，而不是怕把人嚇走 [5]。

接著我們看到約翰為耶穌施洗是要盡諸般的義 [6]，而且他非常清楚的知道他要做的工作，知道『他必興旺，我必衰微』[7]，也傳道說耶穌會用聖靈和火施洗 [8]。

第四我們看施洗約翰為耶穌做的見証。因他為耶穌施洗，『…天忽然為他開了，他就看見神的靈彷彿鴿子降下，落在他身上。從天上有聲音說：「這是我的愛子，我所喜悅的。」』(馬太福音 3:16-17) 因此『約翰又作見證說：「我曾看見聖靈彷彿鴿子從天降下，住在他的身上。我先前不認識他，只是那差我來用水施洗的，對我說：『你看見聖靈降下來，住在誰的身上，誰就是用聖靈施洗的。』我看見了，就證明這是神的兒子。」  (約翰福音 1:32-34)

最後我們來看看他是如何的死及聖經如何誠實地記載了他的軟弱。他為了希羅底的緣故下在監裏 [9]。『約翰在監裏聽見基督所做的事，就打發兩個門徒去，問他說：「那將要來的是你嗎？還是我們等候別人呢？」(馬太福音 11:2-3) 『耶穌回答說：「你們去，把所聽見、所看見的事告訴約翰：就是瞎子看見，瘸子行走，長大痲瘋的潔淨，聾子聽見，死人復活，窮人有福音傳給他們。凡不因我跌倒的就有福了。」(馬太福音 11:4-6) 所以雖然約翰明知道耶穌是神的兒子，他仍然軟弱了！我們雖然常會軟弱，但不能用這當藉口，要悔改。

這是在聖經中記載他是如何的死：『到了希律的生日，希羅底的女兒在眾人面前跳舞，使希律歡喜。希律就起誓，應許隨她所求的給她。女兒被母親所使，就說：「請把施洗約翰的頭放在盤子裏，拿來給我。」(馬太福音 14:6-8) 以人看來這好像是個悲劇。但讓我們看看使徒雅各的死。『那時，希律王下手苦害教會中幾個人，用刀殺了約翰的哥哥雅各。』(使徒行傳 12:1-2) 雅各短命而死好像也是個悲劇，但在啓示錄 21:14，『城牆有十二根基，根基上有羔羊十二使徒的名字。』雅各的名字在十二根基上，是大得榮耀的。神看人的死，和人看人的死，是很不一樣的。

一些相關的經文

[1] 撒迦利亞按班次在神面前供祭司的職分，照祭司的規矩掣籤，得進主殿燒香。燒香的時候，眾百姓在外面禱告。有主的使者站在香壇的右邊向他顯現。撒迦利亞看見，就驚慌害怕。天使對他說：「撒迦利亞，不要害怕，因為你的祈禱已經被聽見了。你的妻子伊利沙伯要給你生一個兒子，你要給他起名叫約翰。(路加福音 1:8-13)

[2] 你必歡喜快樂，有許多人因他出世，也必喜樂。他在主面前將要為大，淡酒濃酒都不喝，從母腹裏就被聖靈充滿了。他要使許多以色列人回轉，歸於主他們的神。(路加福音 1:14-16)

[3] 亞那和該亞法作大祭司。那時，撒迦利亞的兒子約翰在曠野裏，神的話臨到他。他就來到約旦河一帶地方，宣講悔改的洗禮，使罪得赦。(路加福音 3:2-3)

[4] 正如先知以賽亞書上所記的話，說：「在曠野有人聲喊着說：『預備主的道，修直他的路！一切山窪都要填滿，大小山岡都要削平！彎彎曲曲的地方要改為正直，高高低低的道路要改為平坦！凡有血氣的，都要見神的救恩！』」(路加福音 3:4-6)

[5] 約翰對那出來要受他洗的眾人說：「毒蛇的種類！誰指示你們逃避將來的忿怒呢？你們要結出果子來，與悔改的心相稱。不要自己心裏說：『有亞伯拉罕為我們的祖宗。』我告訴你們：神能從這些石頭中，給亞伯拉罕興起子孫來。現在斧子已經放在樹根上，凡不結好果子的樹就砍下來，丟在火裏。」(路加福音 3:7-9)

[6] 當下，耶穌從加利利來到約旦河，見了約翰，要受他的洗。約翰想要攔住他，說：「我當受你的洗，你反倒上我這裏來嗎？」耶穌回答說：「你暫且許我，因為我們理當這樣盡諸般的義。」於是約翰許了他。(馬太福音 3:13-15)

[7] 我曾說『我不是基督，是奉差遣在他前面的』，你們自己可以給我作見證。娶新婦的就是新郎，新郎的朋友站着聽見新郎的聲音就甚喜樂，故此我這喜樂滿足了。他必興旺，我必衰微。」(約翰福音 3:28-30)

[8] 約翰說：「我是用水給你們施洗，但有一位能力比我更大的要來，我就是給他解鞋帶也不配。他要用聖靈與火給你們施洗。他手裏拿着簸箕，要揚淨他的場，把麥子收在倉裏，把糠用不滅的火燒盡了。」(路加福音 3:16-17)

[9] 先是希律為他兄弟腓力的妻子希羅底的緣故，差人去拿住約翰，鎖在監裏，因為希律已經娶了那婦人。約翰曾對希律說：「你娶你兄弟的妻子是不合理的。」於是希羅底懷恨他，想要殺他，只是不能。(馬可福音 6:17-19)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

We describe some key points in the life of John the Baptist who was the forerunner for Jesus. First, let us use verses to take a look at his birth, and we can also see from those verses that we have to use New Testament to explain the unclear parts of Old Testament. Secondly, we want to see his growth and preaching style, which is based upon facts without worrying that he might scare people away. Thirdly, he is clear what he was assigned to do, like what he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Fourthly, he has testified that Jesus is the Son of God. Finally, we talk about how he dies, and why the Bible says that he has his feebleness 

In Luke 1:8-17, it talks very clearly about his birth. Let us take a look at what the verses say. We see the angel appeared to his father Zacharias and told him in advance that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist, and also told him that the child’s name should be John [1[. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. And because of his birth, he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God [2]. And Luke 1:17 states, “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Notice that fathers use the plural. So, it doesn’t mean God the father. If we look at the corresponding verses in Malachi 4:5-6 of Old Testament, it says, “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.” If you use tools, you will see that “father” is a male noun and doesn’t specify if it is plural or singular. In this case, we have to use New Testament to get the correct meaning of the words in Old Testament.

Secondly, we can see that he grew in the wilderness [2]. When the word of God came to him, he started to preach the baptism of repentance [3]. As Isaiah said, he is the forerunner of Jesus [4] We can also see his preaching style is very different from many people, which is based upon facts not on the worry that he might scare people away [5]. 

Thirdly, he baptized Jesus since it is fitting for them to fulfill all righteousness (6). He is very clear what he was assigned to do, as he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” [7] He preached that Jesus would baptize people with Holy Spirit and fire [8].

Fourthly, let us take a look at how he testified for Jesus. Since he baptized Jesus, he saw in Matthew 3:16-17, “After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Therefore, “John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:32-34)

Finally, let us look at how he died and how the Bible honestly described his feebleness. John was arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias [9]. In Matthew 11:2-3, it says, “Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?”” “Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”” (Matthew 11:4-6) Although he knew that Jesus is the son of God, he is still feeble. Therefore, although we are often feeble, we cannot use feebleness as an execuse. We really need to repent.

Some related verses

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

[1] Luke 1:8-13, Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.

[2] Luke 1:14-16, You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.

[3] Luke 3:2-3, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;

[4] Luke 3:4-6, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight. ‘Every ravine will be filled, And every mountain and hill will be brought low; The crooked will become straight, And the rough roads smooth; And all flesh will see the salvation of God.'”

[5] Luke 3:7-9, So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

[6] Matthew 3:13-15, Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.

[7] John 3:28-30, You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease.

[8] Luke 3:16-17, John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

[9] Mark 6:17-19, For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so;

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

There are four parts in this article. First, let us review the necessity of repentance. Secondly, we will take a look at what could have been the effect due to a wrong translation. Followed by a discussion about why one shouldn’t look for a perfect church. Finally, we still need to pursue the truth even in this situation. In order to be conformed to the image of Jesus, we need to deny ourselves.

John the Baptist says in Matthew 3:1-3, “…”Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!'”” Jesus himself says in Matthew 4:12-17 that repentance is necessary, “Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; …From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”” The disciples preach the same in Mark 6:12, “They went out and preached that men should repent.” After Pentecost, they preached as was described in Acts 2:38, “Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Repentance is absolutely necessary as indicated in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Repentance is only the first step. We really need a true repentance, since one can even cheat oneself without seeing the fact as says in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” We really need enlightenment by God. Merely studying the Bible is not enough. The purpose of studying the Bible is according to what Jesus says in John 5:39-40, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.” And the life can only be initialized from God as indicated in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” What we can do is be willing to work with God.

Secondly, we can see a wrong translation can cause some problems. As an example, we are familiar with the verse in John 4:24, NASB, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” According to Strong’s Concordance, we have in John 4:24, NIV, “God is a Spirit: (G4151) and they that worship him must worship him in spirit (G4151) and in truth.” There is no distinction between the Holy Spirit and our spirit in Greek. In the English translation the big letter “Spirit” is used to indicate the Holy Spirit, and the small letter “spirit” to describe our spirits. In this case, we cannot use the surrounding verses to decide which one we need to choose, and unfortunately all the possible combinations are chosen in different translations. Therefore, we have to decide how to translate correctly according to the whole Bible. 

Let us just use these two versions for our discussion. In NASB, the small letter “spirit” is used. It has to be wrong since we cannot see a spirit, but in Exodus 33:23 Moses can see God although not in face, “Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.” Thus, we cannot say that “God is spirit” as in NASB. Since according to the whole Bible God is Holy Trinity, God is (Holy) Spirit. As in NIV, there is no “a” in Greek. Thus, the right translation should be “God is Spirit (G4151), and those who worship Him must worship in spirit (G4151) and truth.” 

Thirdly, let us not dream about a perfect church because Romans 3:23 says clearly, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There was a pastor said something like this. If you ever see a perfect church, please let me know and I’ll join it. She knows that it is impossible to have a perfect church. As long as I attend such a church, it isn’t perfect anymore since I am imperfect. It is impossible to not make mistakes. Nevertheless, God is full of mercy and grace as seen in Revelation 3:8, “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Just because the church in Philadelphia has a little power, He rewards them an open door.

Since we talked about sin, we may ask where it comes from? In Romans 5:12, “Therefore, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, …” In Genesis 2:16-17, “The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” However, Adam disobeyed as stated in Genesis 3:6, “…she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” So, sin comes from the disobedience of God. In Romans 5:19, “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One (Jesus) the many will be made righteous.” He obeyed God to death. God says, don’t kill people. If one kills, then the person doesn’t obey and commits a sin.

God knows that we often are weak and commit sins and are unable to follow the words in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” He gives us the way of repentance in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What we need to do is to seek and open the door as stated in Luke 11:9-13, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” The verses are referring to the Holy Spirit. The only condition is that the person has to be a Christian. Although it doesn’t state when, there are no other conditions. We must pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and pray in faith as stated in Hebrews 6:12, “so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot do anything. Jesus says clearly in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Finally, let us talk about denying oneself in order to gain life. Words becomes flesh [1] in order to that we might have life abundantly [2]. To gain life is the way of following Jesus. It is a way of bearing our cross as Jesus says in Luke 9:23, “…If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” It is the way of denying oneself! Paul in Romans 8:13 says, “for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” In other words, we have to substitute the life of ours by that of Jesus: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20) “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29) To be conformed to the image of Jesus is our goal, how can we not deny ourselves? 

Some related verses

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

[1] Philippians 2:5-7, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,:who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

[2] John 3:17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” 

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

我们分為四个部份来看这话题。首先我们看一看悔改的必要性。第二我们看看翻译错误会影响很大。接著我们讨论為什麼不要梦想有个完美的教会，即使如此，我们仍要追求。最后，我们看到了我们必须治死老我，这是得生命非要不可的。

施洗约翰是為耶稣开路的，他传道說：『…「天国近了，你们应当悔改！」这人就是先知以赛亚所說的，他說：「在旷野有人声喊着說：『预备主的道，修直他的路！』」 (马太福音 3:1-3) 耶稣自己也說要悔改：『耶稣听见约翰下了监，就退到加利利去；…从那时候，耶稣就传起道来，說：「天国近了，你们应当悔改！」』 (马太福音 4:12-17) 门徒也这样传道：『门徒就出去传道，叫人悔改。』 (马可福音 6:12) 在五旬节后，他们仍这样传，如『彼得說：「你们各人要悔改，奉耶稣基督的名受洗，叫你们的罪得赦，就必领受所赐的圣灵。」』 (使徒行传 2:38) 悔改实在是非常必要：『我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗淨我们一切的不义。』 (约翰一书 1:9)

悔改只是第一步，要真的悔改，要意识到人真的会自己欺骗自己，看不到自己，因為『人心比万物都诡诈，坏到极处，谁能识透呢？』 (耶利米书 17:9) 需要人的光照。不要以為查考圣经就可以了！耶稣說得很清楚：『你们查考圣经，因你们以為內中有永生；给我作见证的就是这经。然而你们不肯到我这里来得生命。』 (约翰福音 5:39-40)  要知道生命的成长只能从神来，『我栽种了，亚波罗浇灌了，惟有神叫他生长。可见栽种的算不得甚麼，浇灌的也算不得甚麼，只在那叫他生长的神。』 (哥林多前书 3:6-7) 我们只能夠主动的愿意。

第二我们說到错误的翻译会影响很大。舉个例子来說，在以弗所书 4:15 說：『惟用愛心說诚实话(G226)，…』 (以弗所书 4:15) 可能很少人会想到诚实话不见得是真的，更不见得是真理，因此別人不会听。那麼我们看这希腊字 G226，这字只在另一个经文中出现，就是『如今，我将真理 (G226) 告诉你们，就成了你们的仇敌吗？』 (加拉太书 4:16) 我们不能說，圣灵的感动不只是讲真理而已，有时是真话，真理一定是真话，而真话不一定是真理，因此这句话应该翻成：『惟用愛心說真话』。虽說诚实话是翻错的，这也不对，是圣经的话加上了人的逻辑，在这经文中我们看上下文就知道应翻作真理，因此这句话应该翻成：『惟用愛心說真理』。

另外一个影响很大的例子见魂有不同的翻译，这会浪费许多时间去分辨究竟為何？例如和合本中的彼得前书說的灵魂其实都是指魂，英文就很清楚！有更多的经文中，魂被翻成不同的字。

接著谈谈不要梦想有完美的教会，『因為世人都犯了罪，亏缺了神的荣耀。』 (罗马书 3:23) 有个牧师說，如果有完美的教会，请告诉我，我一定要加入。她知道这是不可能的事，『因為我加入了，就不可能再是完美的教会了。』 犯错是经常的事，要悔改！

那麼我们看看在圣经中罪从何处来？『这就如罪是从一人(亚当)入了世界…』 (罗马书 5:12) 在创世记 2:16-17，『耶和华神吩咐他(亚当)說：「园中各样树上的果子，你可以随意吃，只是分別善恶树上的果子，你不可吃，因為你吃的日子必定死。」』 (创世记 2:16-17) 可是，『於是，女人…又给她丈夫，她丈夫也吃了。』 (创世记 3:6) 所以罪从不顺服而来，亚当不能完全的信靠神。『因一人的悖逆，眾人成為罪人；照样，因一人(耶稣)的顺从，眾人也成為义了。』 (罗马书 5:19) 例如，神說不能杀人，杀人就不顺服神，犯罪了！

即使常常不能顺服，神仍留了一條路给我们，『我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗淨我们一切的不义。』 (约翰一书 1:9) 我们要做的是要寻求，『…因為，凡祈求的，就得着；寻找的，就寻见；叩门的，就给他开门。「你们中间作父亲的，谁有儿子求饻，反给他石头呢？求鱼，反拿蛇当鱼给他呢？求雞蛋，反给他蠍子呢？你们虽然不好，尚且知道拿好东西给儿女，何況天父，岂不更将圣灵给求他的人吗？」』 (路加福音 11:9-13) 只要是基督徒，这是沒有任何其他條件而沒說时间的应许，我们一定要求被圣灵充满，『並且不懈怠，总要效法那些凭信心和忍耐承受应许的人。』 (希伯来书 6:12) 沒有圣灵，我们真的什麼都不能做。耶稣实在說得很清楚：『我是葡萄树，你们是枝子。常在我里面的，我也常在他里面，这人就多结果子。因為离了我，你们就不能做甚麼。』 (约翰福音 15:5)

最后我们谈一谈要治死老我得生命。耶稣道成肉身 [1]，不仅是要赐给我们生命，更是要赐给我们更丰盛的生命 [2]。而得生命的道路，是一條跟随的道路，也是一條十字架的道路，因為『耶稣又对眾人說：「若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，天天背起他的十字架来跟从我。」』 (路加福音 9:23) 这是一條治死老我的路！所以保罗說：『你们若顺从肉体活着，必要死；若靠着圣灵治死身体的恶行，必要活着。』 (罗马书 8:13)  也就是說，我们实在要用耶稣的生命去替代我们的生命：『我已经与基督同钉十字架，现在活着的不再是我，乃是基督在我里面活着；並且我如今在肉身活着，是因信神的儿子而活，他是愛我，為我舍己。』 (加拉太书 2:20) 而且『因為他预先所知道的人，就预先定下效法(模成)他儿子的模样(形像)，使他儿子在许多弟兄中作长子。』 (罗马书 8:29) 即然模成耶稣的形像是我们的标桿，怎能不治死我们的老我而得生命？

一些相关的经文

[1] 你们当以基督耶稣的心為心。他本有神的形像，不以自己与神同等為強夺的，反倒虛己，取了奴仆的形像，成為人的样式。 (腓立比书 2:5-7)

[2] 『因為神差他的儿子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。』 (约翰福音 3:17)  『…我来了，是要叫羊得生命，並且得的更丰盛。』(约翰福音 10:10)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。)

我們分為四個部份來看這話題。首先我們看一看悔改的必要性。第二我們看看翻譯錯誤會影響很大。接著我們討論為什麼不要夢想有個完美的教會，即使如此，我們仍要追求。最後，我們看到了我們必須治死老我，這是得生命非要不可的。

施洗約翰是為耶穌開路的，他傳道說：『…「天國近了，你們應當悔改！」這人就是先知以賽亞所說的，他說：「在曠野有人聲喊着說：『預備主的道，修直他的路！』」 (馬太福音 3:1-3) 耶穌自己也說要悔改：『耶穌聽見約翰下了監，就退到加利利去；…從那時候，耶穌就傳起道來，說：「天國近了，你們應當悔改！」』 (馬太福音 4:12-17) 門徒也這樣傳道：『門徒就出去傳道，叫人悔改。』 (馬可福音 6:12) 在五旬節後，他們仍這樣傳，如『彼得說：「你們各人要悔改，奉耶穌基督的名受洗，叫你們的罪得赦，就必領受所賜的聖靈。」』 (使徒行傳 2:38) 悔改實在是非常必要：『我們若認自己的罪，神是信實的，是公義的，必要赦免我們的罪，洗淨我們一切的不義。』 (約翰一書 1:9)

 悔改只是第一步，要真的悔改，要意識到人真的會自己欺騙自己，看不到自己，因為『人心比萬物都詭詐，壞到極處，誰能識透呢？』 (耶利米書 17:9) 需要人的光照。不要以為查考聖經就可以了！耶穌說得很清楚：『你們查考聖經，因你們以為內中有永生；給我作見證的就是這經。然而你們不肯到我這裏來得生命。』 (約翰福音 5:39-40)   要知道生命的成長只能從神來，『我栽種了，亞波羅澆灌了，惟有神叫他生長。可見栽種的算不得甚麼，澆灌的也算不得甚麼，只在那叫他生長的神。』 (哥林多前書 3:6-7) 我們只能夠主動的願意。

第二我們說到錯誤的翻譯會影響很大。舉個例子來說，在以弗所書 4:15 說：『惟用愛心說誠實話(G226)，…』 (以弗所書 4:15) 可能很少人會想到誠實話不見得是真的，更不見得是真理，因此別人不會聽。那麼我們看這希臘字 G226，這字只在另一個經文中出現，就是『如今，我將真理 (G226) 告訴你們，就成了你們的仇敵嗎？』 (加拉太書 4:16) 我們不能說，聖靈的感動不只是講真理而已，有時是真話，真理一定是真話，而真話不一定是真理，因此這句話應該翻成：『惟用愛心說真話』。雖說誠實話是翻錯的，這也不對，是聖經的話加上了人的邏輯，在這經文中我們看上下文就知道應翻作真理，因此這句話應該翻成：『惟用愛心說真理』。

另外一個影響很大的例子見魂有不同的翻譯，這會浪費許多時間去分辨究竟為何？例如和合本中的彼得前書說的靈魂其實都是指魂，英文就很清楚！有更多的經文中，魂被翻成不同的字。

接著談談不要夢想有完美的教會，『因為世人都犯了罪，虧缺了神的榮耀。』 (羅馬書 3:23) 有個牧師說，如果有完美的教會，請告訴我，我一定要加入。她知道這是不可能的事，『因為我加入了，就不可能再是完美的教會了。』 犯錯是經常的事，要悔改！

那麼我們看看在聖經中罪從何處來？『這就如罪是從一人(亞當)入了世界…』 (羅馬書 5:12) 在創世記 2:16-17，『耶和華神吩咐他(亞當)說：「園中各樣樹上的果子，你可以隨意吃，只是分別善惡樹上的果子，你不可吃，因為你吃的日子必定死。」』 (創世記 2:16-17) 可是，『於是，女人…又給她丈夫，她丈夫也吃了。』 (創世記 3:6) 所以罪從不順服而來，亞當不能完全的信靠神。『因一人的悖逆，眾人成為罪人；照樣，因一人(耶穌)的順從，眾人也成為義了。』 (羅馬書 5:19) 例如，神說不能殺人，殺人就不順服神，犯罪了！

即使常常不能順服，神仍留了一條路給我們，『我們若認自己的罪，神是信實的，是公義的，必要赦免我們的罪，洗淨我們一切的不義。』 (約翰一書 1:9) 我們要做的是要尋求，『…因為，凡祈求的，就得着；尋找的，就尋見；叩門的，就給他開門。「你們中間作父親的，誰有兒子求餅，反給他石頭呢？求魚，反拿蛇當魚給他呢？求雞蛋，反給他蠍子呢？你們雖然不好，尚且知道拿好東西給兒女，何況天父，豈不更將聖靈給求他的人嗎？」』 (路加福音 11:9-13) 只要是基督徒，這是沒有任何其他條件而沒說時間的應許，我們一定要求被聖靈充滿，『並且不懈怠，總要效法那些憑信心和忍耐承受應許的人。』 (希伯來書 6:12) 沒有聖靈，我們真的什麼都不能做。耶穌實在說得很清楚：『我是葡萄樹，你們是枝子。常在我裏面的，我也常在他裏面，這人就多結果子。因為離了我，你們就不能做甚麼。』 (約翰福音 15:5)

最後我們談一談要治死老我得生命。耶穌道成肉身 [1]，不僅是要賜給我們生命，更是要賜給我們更豐盛的生命 [2]。而得生命的道路，是一條跟隨的道路，也是一條十字架的道路，因為『耶穌又對眾人說：「若有人要跟從我，就當捨己，天天背起他的十字架來跟從我。」』 (路加福音 9:23) 這是一條治死老我的路！所以保羅說：『你們若順從肉體活着，必要死；若靠着聖靈治死身體的惡行，必要活着。』 (羅馬書 8:13)  也就是說，我們實在要用耶穌的生命去替代我們的生命：『我已經與基督同釘十字架，現在活着的不再是我，乃是基督在我裏面活着；並且我如今在肉身活着，是因信神的兒子而活，他是愛我，為我捨己。』 (加拉太書 2:20) 而且『因為他預先所知道的人，就預先定下效法(模成)他兒子的模樣(形像)，使他兒子在許多弟兄中作長子。』 (羅馬書 8:29) 即然模成耶穌的形像是我們的標桿，怎能不治死我們的老我而得生命？

一些相關的經文

[1] 你們當以基督耶穌的心為心。他本有神的形像，不以自己與神同等為強奪的，反倒虛己，取了奴僕的形像，成為人的樣式。 (腓立比書 2:5-7)

[2] 『因為神差他的兒子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。』 (約翰福音 3:17)  『…我來了，是要叫羊得生命，並且得的更豐盛。』(約翰福音 10:10)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

更正:  關於十一奉獻。這衹是聖靈引導我瞭解十一奉獻的真諦過程中的一次，我在「2142 十一奉獻的真諦和不要認撒但為父」，講述了整個五次的過程。 我在油管和相應的文章中，並沒有個別的更新，而是用更正的方式引用了正確的「2142」，保留了這過程，希望別人不會和我犯下同樣的錯誤。其他的部份沒有問題。謝謝。

     我们首先用十一奉献来说明不要强解圣经，然后问保罗为什么不在迫害基督徒之前见到大光，因而谈到了万物有定时，接着讲箴言中的一个远离虚假和谎言的祷告，最后看圣经如何说神是又真又活的神，是有怜悯有恩典的神。

     我们已在专题查经中谈了三次的十一奉献，因为这和许多人的生活息息相关 [1]。只有在第三次，我们才把人的逻辑完全除掉，只看圣经如何教导。在这里，我们只将分享的最后结论大致提出。

     首先我们看见旧约在律法中的要求是、奉献要超过十分之一。我们现在是在新约的时代，新约没有如律法般的要求一定要奉献十分之一。新约的要求是要甘心乐意，我们和神的关系会决定了我们到底奉献多少。但不能把这当作借口，我可以见证神会考虑我们是否有足够的资源能奉献十分之一。新约中受到耶稣称赞的是穷寡妇奉献的两个小钱，是超过十分之一的奉献。

     如果我们和神关系好，自然会想要神家有粮，尤如我们和一个人关系好，自然希望这人能衣食无忧。也自然会考虑到那在旧约中所说的，且从未拿走的事实：十分之一是属耶和华的。这不是说奉献不到十分之一就是和神关系不好，神是看内心的，而不是看外表。

     我们可能会问，为什么我必须在前两次中犯两次错误？第一次分享是因有对圣经相当熟习的人和我有同样的看见，第二次意识到原文与和合本的翻译不同，直到第三次才借着姊妹的话告诉我拿去一切人的逻辑，只看圣经怎么说。

     问答这一问题，我们试着先问另一问题：神不是随时可以让保罗见到大光吗？不是在他迫害基督徒之前见到大光更好吗？是的，从人的角度看可能是更好的。保罗说：然而我蒙了怜悯，是因耶稣基督要在我这罪魁身上显明他一切的忍耐，给后来信他得永生的人作榜样。 (提摩太前书 1:16) 他说：『…在罪人中我是个罪魁。』(提摩太前书 1:15) 动词用的是现在式，所以他是说，我不仅过去迫害基督徒是个罪魁，现在仍是。神让他看见，和神的圣洁及无限相比，他不是罪魁是什么？愿神让我们都有这样的看见，这样的看见是不可少的。

     在传道书 3:1，耶和华说：「我的意念非同你们的意念，我的道路非同你们的道路。天怎样高过地，照样，我的道路高过你们的道路，我的意念高过你们的意念。」 的确如此，且『凡事都有定期，天下万务都有定时。』 (传道书 3:1) 这就是我们所领受的，凡事都有一个时间的窗口，有开始的时间，有结束的时间。有时候神会允许我们犯错而无意中开始了这窗口，结束的时间是在神手上。我想这大概就是为什么我在讲十一奉献时会先犯两次错误，第三次才借姊妹的话真的知道！没有疑问的，神的道路高过我的道路。

     箴言教我们一个这样的祷告：「我求你两件事，在我未死之先，不要不赐给我：求你使虚假和谎言远离我，使我也不贫穷也不富足，赐给我需用的饮食。恐怕我饱足不认你，说：『耶和华是谁呢？』又恐怕我贫穷就偷窃，以致亵渎我神的名。」  (箴言 30:7-9) 这虽只是物质上的，而人活着不是单靠食物 [2]，有人见证这样的祷告是蒙主悦纳的，是蒙主应许的。

     这就牵涉到善意的谎言问题，因人们常常以为善意的谎言为世界所接纳，是所以可以说的。千万不可！善意的谎言也是谎言，要用智慧的话语。圣经应许基督徒：『你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的神，主就必赐给他。』 (雅各书 1:5)

     我看到在圣经中蒙神赦免的谎言都和牺牲自己的生命有关。例如说，妓女喇和当时如不说谎就形同自杀，神不要我们去自杀。但圣经从没有夸赞她的说谎，只称赞她的信心。 但和真理有关的，『…你务要至死忠心，我就赐给你那生命的冠冕。』 (启示录 2:10)

     圣经在经文中说神是又真又活的神： 『…你们是怎样离弃偶像，归向神，要服事那又真又活的神。』 (帖撒罗尼迦前书 1:9) 神有绝对主权，但有怜悯， 有恩典，如经文所说：『耶和华说：「…我要恩待谁，就恩待谁；要怜悯谁，就怜悯谁。」』 (出埃及记 33:19) 『道成了肉身，住在我们中间，充充满满地有恩典，有真理。…』 (约翰福音 1:14)

     我们已提到了几个神的应许，要全心相信，所有神的应许从不落空。『只要凭着信心求，一点不疑惑；因为那疑惑的人，就像海中的波浪，被风吹动翻腾。』 (雅各书 1:6) 例如在大使命中有这样的应许：『凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守，我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了。』 (马太福音 28:20) 这应许因我们有内住的圣灵而成就了。『他又用印印了我们，并赐圣灵在我们心里作凭据。』 (哥林多后书 1:22)

     我们最后用一节经文来结束分享：『遵守神命令的，就住在神里面，神也住在他里面。我们所以知道神住在我们里面，是因他所赐给我们的圣灵。』 (约翰一书 3:24)

一些相关的经文和知识

 [1] 这三次分别是：『200816 从圣经的无误和一致性看一些经文』https://youtu.be/xea-Yj-jnro ，『 201220 读经要从整本圣经读的三个例子』https://youtu.be/O3E84s3SoYI ，和『210918 愿神家有粮和十一的奉献』https://youtu.be/YH7ih5ZFQeQ 。

 [2] 耶稣却回答说：「经上记着说：『人活着，不是单靠食物，乃是靠神口里所出的一切话。』」 (马太福音 4:4) ####

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。)

更正:  關於十一奉獻。這衹是聖靈引導我瞭解十一奉獻的真諦過程中的一次，我在「2142 十一奉獻的真諦和不要認撒但為父」，講述了整個五次的過程。 我在油管和相應的文章中，並沒有個別的更新，而是用更正的方式引用了正確的「2142」，保留了這過程，希望別人不會和我犯下同樣的錯誤。其他的部份沒有問題。謝謝。

我們首先用十一奉獻來說明不要强解聖經，然後問保羅為什麼不在迫害基督徒之前見到大光，因而談到了萬物有定時，接著講箴言中的一個遠離虛假和謊言的禱告，最後看聖經如何說神是又真又活的神，是有憐憫有恩典的神。

我們已在專題查經中談了三次的十一奉獻，因為這和許多人的生活息息相關 [1]。只有在第三次，我們才把人的邏輯完全除掉，只看聖經如何教導。在這裏，我們只將分享的最後結論大致提出。

首先我們看見舊約在律法中的要求是、奉獻要超過十分之一。我們現在是在新約的時代，新約沒有如律法般的要求一定要奉獻十分之一。新約的要求是要甘心樂意，我們和神的關係會決定了我們到底奉獻多少。但不能把這當作藉口，我可以見証神會考慮我們是否有足夠的資源能奉獻十分之一。新約中受到耶穌稱讚的是窮寡婦奉獻的兩個小錢，是超過十分之一的奉獻。

如果我們和神關係好，自然會想要神家有糧，尤如我們和一個人關係好，自然希望這人能衣食無憂。也自然會考慮到那在舊約中所說的，且從未拿走的事實：十分之一是屬耶和華的。這不是說奉獻不到十分之一就是和神關係不好，神是看內心的，而不是看外表。

我們可能會問，為什麼我必須在前兩次中犯兩次錯誤？第一次分享是因有對聖經相當熟習的人和我有同樣的看見，第二次意識到原文與和合本的翻譯不同，直到第三次才藉著姊妹的話告訴我拿去一切人的邏輯，只看聖經怎麼說。

問答這一問題，我們試著先問另一問題：神不是隨時可以讓保羅見到大光嗎？不是在他迫害基督徒之前見到大光更好嗎？是的，從人的角度看可能是更好的。保羅說：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。 (提摩太前書 1:16) 他說：『…在罪人中我是個罪魁。』(提摩太前書 1:15) 動詞用的是現在式，所以他是說，我不僅過去迫害基督徒是個罪魁，現在仍是。神讓他看見，和神的聖潔及無限相比，他不是罪魁是什麼？願神讓我們都有這樣的看見，這樣的看見是不可少的。

在傳道書 3:1，耶和華說：「我的意念非同你們的意念，我的道路非同你們的道路。天怎樣高過地，照樣，我的道路高過你們的道路，我的意念高過你們的意念。」 的確如此，且『凡事都有定期，天下萬務都有定時。』 (傳道書 3:1) 這就是我們所領受的，凡事都有一個時間的窗口，有開始的時間，有結束的時間。有時候神會允許我們犯錯而無意中開始了這窗口，結束的時間是在神手上。我想這大概就是為什麼我在講十一奉獻時會先犯兩次錯誤，第三次才藉姊妹的話真的知道！沒有疑問的，神的道路高過我的道路。

箴言教我們一個這樣的禱告：「我求你兩件事，在我未死之先，不要不賜給我：求你使虛假和謊言遠離我，使我也不貧窮也不富足，賜給我需用的飲食。恐怕我飽足不認你，說：『耶和華是誰呢？』又恐怕我貧窮就偷竊，以致褻瀆我神的名。」  (箴言 30:7-9) 這雖只是物質上的，而人活著不是單靠食物 [2]，有人見証這樣的禱告是蒙主悅納的，是蒙主應許的。

這就牽涉到善意的謊言問題，因人們常常以為善意的謊言為世界所接納，是所以可以說的。千萬不可！善意的謊言也是謊言，要用智慧的話語。聖經應許基督徒：『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。』 (雅各書 1:5)

我看到在聖經中蒙神赦免的謊言都和犧牲自己的生命有關。例如說，妓女喇和當時如不說謊就形同自殺，神不要我們去自殺。但聖經從沒有誇讚她的說謊，只稱讚她的信心。 但和真理有關的，『…你務要至死忠心，我就賜給你那生命的冠冕。』 (啓示錄 2:10)

聖經在經文中說神是又真又活的神： 『…你們是怎樣離棄偶像，歸向神，要服事那又真又活的神。』 (帖撒羅尼迦前書 1:9) 神有絕對主權，但有憐憫， 有恩典，如經文所說：『耶和華說：「…我要恩待誰，就恩待誰；要憐憫誰，就憐憫誰。」』 (出埃及記 33:19) 『道成了肉身，住在我們中間，充充滿滿地有恩典，有真理。…』 (約翰福音 1:14)

我們已提到了幾個神的應許，要全心相信，所有神的應許從不落空。『只要憑着信心求，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。』 (雅各書 1:6) 例如在大使命中有這樣的應許：『凡我所吩咐你們的，都教訓他們遵守，我就常與你們同在，直到世界的末了。』 (馬太福音 28:20) 這應許因我們有內住的聖靈而成就了。『他又用印印了我們，並賜聖靈在我們心裏作憑據。』 (哥林多後書 1:22)

我們最後用一節經文來結束分享：『遵守神命令的，就住在神裏面，神也住在他裏面。我們所以知道神住在我們裏面，是因他所賜給我們的聖靈。』 (約翰一書 3:24)

一些相關的經文和知識

[1] 這三次分別是：『200816 從聖經的無誤和一致性看一些經文』https://youtu.be/xea-Yj-jnro ，『 201220 讀經要從整本聖經讀的三個例子』https://youtu.be/O3E84s3SoYI ，和『210918 願神家有糧和十一的奉獻』https://youtu.be/YH7ih5ZFQeQ 。

[2] 耶穌卻回答說：「經上記着說：『人活着，不是單靠食物，乃是靠神口裏所出的一切話。』」 (馬太福音 4:4)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

Correction: Regarding tithing. This is just one instance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my understanding of the true meaning of tithing. I recounted the entire five-fold process in “1142 True meaning of tithing and don’t acknowledge Satan as father.” I haven’t updated the individual parts of the corresponding articles or on YouTube. Instead, I’ve included the corrected version of “1142” and preserved the process, hoping others won’t make the same mistake I did. The rest of the content is fine. Thank you.

First, we’ll use the example of giving one tenth of your income as an offering to show that we shouldn’t forcefully interpret the Bible as I did, since I finally got rid of the logic in the aspect of human after three iterations [1]. Instead, whatever the Bible says, we follow. In other words, we can finally study the Bible on this topic in the aspect of the Bible. Then, we asked why Paul didn’t see the big light before he prosecuted Christians? This leads to the discussion of the fact there is a time for everything under heaven similar to the first one that I went through three iterations. After that, we discuss a prayer in Proverbs 30 about keeping deception and lies far from me. Finally, we take a brief look at how the Bible says that God is living and true and He is full of mercy and grace.

We have talked three times about the concept of one tenth offering in topic-wise Bible study as the topic influences our daily life. In the first iteration of 8/16/20, the arguments are very logical in the aspect of human. Actually, there is someone agreeing with me on the same arguments which gave me the courage to talk about it. In the first iteration, I conclude wrongly with the following arguments that we have to offer at least one tenth in the era of New Testament with hearts moved.

In Exodus 25:1-2: Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “… from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.” So, we must have our heart moved when we give an offering. From Leviticus 27:30, it says: Thus, all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s …” This sentence is still true even in the era of the New Testament. For churches talking about one tenth offering, they often quoted the verse in Malachi 3:8, it says: “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” Someone may argue that more than tithes are required if quoting this verse, since there are additional offerings mentioned. Since the offerings mentioned in this verse are all related to the sacrificial system. We no longer have the temple in the era of the New Testament or the offerings mentioned. Therefore, from this argument, one tenth offering in the era of New Testament is still correct.

In the era of New Testament, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 in NIV says, “…On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income (G2343), …”  Paul didn’t have to say how much since everyone at that time knew, one tenth. Let us see what Jesus said in Luke 11:42, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and …” He also said in Matthew 23:3, “therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, …” Hence, both Testaments say that we have to offer at least one tenth. Is it very logical? That is why both of us are deceived by words not in the Bible.

In the second iteration of 12/20/20, I realized the word in Greek G2343 is not necessarily related to income. I made changes accordingly.

In the third iteration of 9/4/21, to answer the question about what the teaching of offering in New Testament is, I realized that the only direct teaching was what Jesus said in Luke 21:2-4, “And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”” 

In the era of New Testament, it is impossible to have any law like one tenth offering as we can see how Jesus hated it. I didn’t say offering less than one tenth indicated the relationship between God and the person was no good. I want to point out there is only one God, who has the absolute authority. We really cannot use logic to say there is no sacrifice anymore, and conclude one tenth offering is still correct. This is to view things in the aspect of human. If in the aspect of the Bible, it was required to offer more than one tenth in the era of Old Testament. Period. Man has free will. Offering how much definitely depends upon the relationship between God and the person.

However, this is not to be used as an excuse. Just like if one person has a good relationship with another person, the first person normally hopes that the other will not lack of food. If one person has good relationship with God, the person will automatically think about having enough food in God’s house like what Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, …” The person then really wants return what belongs to the Lord as said in Leviticus 27:30 mentioned earlier. However, I can testify that God doesn’t blame at all those people who don’t have enough resources to offer one tenth, “…for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).

We might ask then why I had to go through three iterations to get it finally be consistent with the Bible? This is my interpretation. One might ask why Paul saw the big light after he prosecuted Christians. Isn’t it better if it happened before that? Yes, in the aspect of human. But in Isaiah 55:8-9, it says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Furthermore, in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” So, it is the right time as you can see from what Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:16, “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” I think that it might be a similar reason why I had to go through two wrong logical iterations before I finally am consistent with what the Bible says. The way of God is definitely higher than mine, not comparable at all. We can also see that there is a window of time for everything. Sometimes God allows us to start the time window unexpectedly or even by allowing us to make mistakes, the end is solely controlled by God as He has the absolute authority.

Just to mention by passing what is related to 1 Timothy 1:15, “…  sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” notice that the verb is the present tense. So, he didn’t say that he was the foremost because he prosecuted Christians, he is now the one too. God let him see that before His Holy presence and His infinity, what else could he feel other than being the foremost? May God let us feel the same way since such a perception is the must.

Just to mention by passing what is related to 1 Timothy 1:15, notice that the verb is the present tense. So, he didn’t say that he was the foremost because he prosecuted Christians, he is now the one too. God let him see that before His Holy and infinity, what else could he feel other than being the foremost? May God let us feel the same way since such a perception is the must.

Let us now take a look at a prayer in Proverbs 30:7-9 related to the time, “Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God.” People often thinks that a lie out of a good will is acceptable by the world at large. Hence, it is ok to lie out of good will. Absolutely not! A lie out of good will is still a lie. What we want to do is to use the words of wisdom as in James 1:5-6, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” If we don’t have the wisdom, we can pray for it. There are no other requirements except requiring that a Christian prays in faith. It doesn’t say anything about time, but we are surely to get it as God promised. 

When God forgave someone in the Bible for lying, it is always related to the life for that person. For example, in Joshua 2:4-6, “But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them, and she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof.” Surely, the harlot Rahab lied. If at that time Rahab didn’t lie, it would be just like suicide. God doesn’t want us to commit suicide. In the Bible, the faith of Rahab is praised, never about her lying. If related to truth, Revelation 2:10 says clearly, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Although Matthew 4:4 says, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'”, we’ll not depend on food ALONE but still need food. Hence, though such a prayer talks about materials, someone testified that it was still made God pleased and was granted so far.

Finally, let us remember the Bible says that although God has the absolute authority, He is living and true. He is full of mercy and grace. Apparently, He is living and true as said in 1 Thessalonians 1:9, “For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God.” He has the absolute authority as in Exodus 33:19, “…and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” It also shows that He has compassion. In the era of the New Testament, John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” He is full of grace.

We have mentioned some promises. We have to believe that whatever He promised, it will be done. All we have to do is to pray in faith as said in James 1:6, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, …” For example, the promise in the great mission of Matthew 28:20 “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” is done by the indwelling Holy Spirit stated in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”

We end the sharing by a verse in 1 John 3:24, “The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

Reference

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

[1] For people who know Chinese, you can go to YouTube to get those three iterations in detail. They are: 『200816 從聖經的無誤和一致性看一些經文』https://youtu.be/xea-Yj-jnro ，『 201220 讀經要從整本聖經讀的三個例子』https://youtu.be/O3E84s3SoYI ，和『210918 願神家有糧和十一的奉獻』https://youtu.be/YH7ih5ZFQeQ 。

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

我们簡短敍述一些保罗所遭遇的事。首先我们看到保罗的转变是他见到大光的神蹟后[1]，主透过看到異象的亚拿尼亚告诉保罗，事奉主必须受许多的苦难 [2]，但保罗仍旧选择跟随主耶稣基督。他见大光后马上凭借自己力量去传道，最后结果是夜间用筐子把他从城牆上缒下去 [3]。极有可能的去了亚拉伯矿野三年，承受启示成為使徒 [4]。

巴拿巴找他到教会，並很有果效的宣教 [5]。随后因圣灵的带领去了第一次佈道 [6]，总共三次佈道 [7]。虽遭逼害，為主不惜自己的生命 [8]。他实在是有这样在狱中仍唱诗喜乐的生命 [9] 。為了坚持真理而责备彼得 [10]，圣灵也透过他充满別人 [10]，甚至能使死人复活 [12]。

他上诉该撒实在是不得已 [13]，因此坐船到罗马 [14]，而遇上了船难，得到主的使者以预言平安加力量 [15]，来到了罗马 [16]。到了罗马以后，虽在狱中仍然传道 [17]，他在狱中写的书信，使万人蒙福。

一些相关的经文

[1] 掃罗行路，将到大马士革，忽然从天上發光，四面照着他。他就仆倒在地，听见有声音对他說：「掃罗，掃罗！你為甚麼逼迫我？」他說：「主啊，你是谁？」 主說：「我就是你所逼迫的耶稣。起来！进城去，你所当做的事，必有人告诉你。」 (使徒行传 9:3-6)

[2] 当下，在大马士革有一个门徒，名叫亚拿尼亚。主在異象中对他說：「亚拿尼亚。」 他說：「主，我在这里。」主对他說：「起来！往直街去，在犹大的家里，访问一个大数人，名叫掃罗，他正祷告；…主对亚拿尼亚說：「你只管去。他是我所拣选的器皿，要在外邦人和君王並以色列人面前宣扬我的名。我也要指示他，為我的名必须受许多的苦难。」 (使徒行传 9:10-16)

[3] …掃罗就在各会堂里宣传耶稣，說他是神的儿子。…他的门徒就在夜间用筐子把他从城牆上缒下去。 (使徒行传 9:19-25)

[4] 因為我不是从人领受的，也不是人教导我的，乃是从耶稣基督启示来的。…然而那把我从母腹里分別出来、又施恩召我的神，既然乐意将他儿子启示在我心里，叫我把他传在外邦人中，我就沒有与属血气的人商量，也沒有上耶路撒冷去见那些比我先作使徒的，惟獨往阿拉伯去，后又回到大马士革。过了三年，才上耶路撒冷去见矶法，和他同住了十五天。 (加拉太书 1:12-18)

[5] 他(巴拿巴)又往大数去找掃罗，找着了，就带他到安提阿去。他们足有一年的工夫和教会一同聚集，教训了许多人。门徒称為基督徒是从安提阿起首。 (使徒行传 11:25-26)

[6] 他们事奉主，禁食的时候，圣灵說：「要為我分派巴拿巴和掃罗，去做我召他们所做的工。」於是禁食祷告，按手在他们头上，就打發他们去了。 (使徒行传 13:2-3)

[7] 过了些日子，保罗对巴拿巴說：「我们可以回到从前宣传主道的各城，看望弟兄们景況如何。」…保罗拣选了西拉也出去，蒙弟兄们把他交於主的恩中。』 (使徒行传 15:36-40)   住了些日子，又离开那里，挨次经过加拉太和弗呂家地方，坚固眾门徒。 (使徒行传 18:23)

[8] 他们是基督的仆人吗？（我說句狂话）我更是！我比他们多受劳苦，多下监牢；受鞭打是过重的，冒死是屡次有的。被犹太人鞭打五次，每次四十，減去一下；被棍打了三次，被石头打了一次；遇着船坏三次，一昼一夜在深海里。又屡次行远路，遭江河的危险、盜贼的危险、同族的危险、外邦人的危险、城里的危险、旷野的危险、海中的危险、假弟兄的危险。受劳碌、受困苦、多次不得睡；又飢又渴，多次不得食；受寒冷，赤身露体。除了这外面的事，还有為眾教会掛心的事，天天压在我身上。 (哥林多后书 11:23-28)

[9] 禁卒领了这样的命，就把他们下在內监里，两腳上了木狗。约在半夜，保罗和西拉祷告唱诗讚美神，眾囚犯也侧耳而听。 (使徒行传 16:24-25)

[10] 但我一看见他们行得不正，与福音的真理不合，就在眾人面前对矶法說：「你既是犹太人，若随外邦人行事，不随犹太人行事，怎麼还勉強外邦人随犹太人呢？ (加拉太书 2:14)

[11] 保罗按手在他们头上，圣灵便降在他们身上，他们就說方言，又說预言。一共约有十二个人。 (使徒行传 19:6-7)

[12] 有一个少年人，名叫犹推古，坐在窗台上困倦沉睡。保罗讲了多时，少年人睡熟了，就从三层楼上掉下去；扶起他来，已经死了。保罗下去，伏在他身上，抱着他說：「你们不要發慌，他的灵魂还在身上。」…有人把那童子活活地领来，得的安慰不小。 (使徒行传 20:9-12)

[13] 但非斯都要讨犹太人的喜欢，就问保罗說：「你愿意上耶路撒冷去，在那里听我审断这事吗？」保罗說：「我站在凯撒的堂前，这就是我应当受审的地方。…他们所告我的事若都不实，就沒有人可以把我交给他们。我要上告於凯撒。」 (使徒行传 25:9-11)

 [14] 非斯都既然定规了，叫我们坐船往意大利去，便将保罗和別的囚犯交给御营里的一个百夫长，名叫犹流。 (使徒行传 27:1)

[15] 因我所属所事奉的神，他的使者昨夜站在我旁边說：『保罗，不要害怕！你必定站在凯撒面前；並且与你同船的人，神都赐给你了。』 (使徒行传 27:23-24)

[16] 在那里(部丟利)遇见弟兄们，请我们与他们同住了七天。这样，我们来到罗马。 (使徒行传 28:14)

[17] 进了罗马城，保罗蒙准和一个看守他的兵另住在一处。 (使徒行传 28:16) 保罗在自己所租的房子里住了足足两年。凡来见他的人，他全都接待，放胆传讲神国的道，将主耶稣基督的事教导人，並沒有人禁止。 (使徒行传 28:30-31)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。)

我們簡短敍述一些保羅所遭遇的事。首先我們看到保羅的轉變是他見到大光的神蹟後[1]，主透過看到異象的亞拿尼亞告訴保羅，事奉主必須受許多的苦難 [2]，但保羅仍舊選擇跟隨主耶穌基督。他見大光後馬上憑藉自己力量去傳道，最後結果是夜間用筐子把他從城牆上縋下去 [3]。極有可能的去了亞拉伯礦野三年，承受啓示成為使徒 [4]。

巴拿巴找他到教會，並很有果效的宣教 [5]。隨後因聖靈的帶領去了第一次佈道 [6]，總共三次佈道 [7]。雖遭逼害，為主不惜自己的生命 [8]。他實在是有這樣在獄中仍唱詩喜樂的生命 [9] 。為了堅持真理而責備彼得 [10]，聖靈也透過他充滿別人 [10]，甚至能使死人復活 [12]。

 他上訴該撒實在是不得已 [13]，因此坐船到羅馬 [14]，而遇上了船難，得到主的使者以預言平安加力量 [15]，來到了羅馬 [16]。到了羅馬以後，雖在獄中仍然傳道 [17]，他在獄中寫的書信，使萬人蒙福。

一些相關的經文

[1] 掃羅行路，將到大馬士革，忽然從天上發光，四面照着他。他就仆倒在地，聽見有聲音對他說：「掃羅，掃羅！你為甚麼逼迫我？」他說：「主啊，你是誰？」 主說：「我就是你所逼迫的耶穌。起來！進城去，你所當做的事，必有人告訴你。」 (使徒行傳 9:3-6)

[2] 當下，在大馬士革有一個門徒，名叫亞拿尼亞。主在異象中對他說：「亞拿尼亞。」 他說：「主，我在這裏。」主對他說：「起來！往直街去，在猶大的家裏，訪問一個大數人，名叫掃羅，他正禱告；…主對亞拿尼亞說：「你只管去。他是我所揀選的器皿，要在外邦人和君王並以色列人面前宣揚我的名。我也要指示他，為我的名必須受許多的苦難。」 (使徒行傳 9:10-16)

[3] …掃羅就在各會堂裏宣傳耶穌，說他是神的兒子。…他的門徒就在夜間用筐子把他從城牆上縋下去。 (使徒行傳 9:19-25)

[4] 因為我不是從人領受的，也不是人教導我的，乃是從耶穌基督啓示來的。…然而那把我從母腹裏分別出來、又施恩召我的神，既然樂意將他兒子啓示在我心裏，叫我把他傳在外邦人中，我就沒有與屬血氣的人商量，也沒有上耶路撒冷去見那些比我先作使徒的，惟獨往阿拉伯去，後又回到大馬士革。過了三年，才上耶路撒冷去見磯法，和他同住了十五天。 (加拉太書 1:12-18)

[5] 他(巴拿巴)又往大數去找掃羅，找着了，就帶他到安提阿去。他們足有一年的工夫和教會一同聚集，教訓了許多人。門徒稱為基督徒是從安提阿起首。 (使徒行傳 11:25-26)

[6] 他們事奉主，禁食的時候，聖靈說：「要為我分派巴拿巴和掃羅，去做我召他們所做的工。」於是禁食禱告，按手在他們頭上，就打發他們去了。 (使徒行傳 13:2-3)

[7] 過了些日子，保羅對巴拿巴說：「我們可以回到從前宣傳主道的各城，看望弟兄們景況如何。」…保羅揀選了西拉也出去，蒙弟兄們把他交於主的恩中。』 (使徒行傳 15:36-40)    住了些日子，又離開那裏，挨次經過加拉太和弗呂家地方，堅固眾門徒。 (使徒行傳 18:23)

[8] 他們是基督的僕人嗎？（我說句狂話）我更是！我比他們多受勞苦，多下監牢；受鞭打是過重的，冒死是屢次有的。被猶太人鞭打五次，每次四十，減去一下；被棍打了三次，被石頭打了一次；遇着船壞三次，一晝一夜在深海裏。又屢次行遠路，遭江河的危險、盜賊的危險、同族的危險、外邦人的危險、城裏的危險、曠野的危險、海中的危險、假弟兄的危險。受勞碌、受困苦、多次不得睡；又飢又渴，多次不得食；受寒冷，赤身露體。除了這外面的事，還有為眾教會掛心的事，天天壓在我身上。 (哥林多後書 11:23-28)

[9] 禁卒領了這樣的命，就把他們下在內監裏，兩腳上了木狗。約在半夜，保羅和西拉禱告唱詩讚美神，眾囚犯也側耳而聽。 (使徒行傳 16:24-25)

[10] 但我一看見他們行得不正，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？ (加拉太書 2:14)

[11] 保羅按手在他們頭上，聖靈便降在他們身上，他們就說方言，又說預言。一共約有十二個人。 (使徒行傳 19:6-7)

[12] 有一個少年人，名叫猶推古，坐在窗台上困倦沉睡。保羅講了多時，少年人睡熟了，就從三層樓上掉下去；扶起他來，已經死了。保羅下去，伏在他身上，抱着他說：「你們不要發慌，他的靈魂還在身上。」…有人把那童子活活地領來，得的安慰不小。 (使徒行傳 20:9-12)

[13] 但非斯都要討猶太人的喜歡，就問保羅說：「你願意上耶路撒冷去，在那裏聽我審斷這事嗎？」保羅說：「我站在凱撒的堂前，這就是我應當受審的地方。…他們所告我的事若都不實，就沒有人可以把我交給他們。我要上告於凱撒。」 (使徒行傳 25:9-11)

[14] 非斯都既然定規了，叫我們坐船往意大利去，便將保羅和別的囚犯交給御營裏的一個百夫長，名叫猶流。 (使徒行傳 27:1)

[15] 因我所屬所事奉的神，他的使者昨夜站在我旁邊說：『保羅，不要害怕！你必定站在凱撒面前；並且與你同船的人，神都賜給你了。』 (使徒行傳 27:23-24)

[16] 在那裏(部丟利)遇見弟兄們，請我們與他們同住了七天。這樣，我們來到羅馬。 (使徒行傳 28:14)

[17] 進了羅馬城，保羅蒙准和一個看守他的兵另住在一處。 (使徒行傳 28:16) 保羅在自己所租的房子裏住了足足兩年。凡來見他的人，他全都接待，放膽傳講神國的道，將主耶穌基督的事教導人，並沒有人禁止。 (使徒行傳 28:30-31)

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

We briefly describe something about what Paul encountered. First, we can see the change of Paul that occurred after the miracle of his seeing a light from heaven flashing around him [1]. Through Ananias, Jesus told him, “for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” [2] Despite that, Paul still chose to follow Jesus until death. After he saw the big light, he immediately chose to preach Gospel by his old self, and a result “his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.” [3] Likely, he went to Arabia for three years, and became an apostle through revelation [4].

After that, Barnabas found Paul and introduced him to the church of Antioch, and preached the Gospel effectively [5]. Holy Spirit then leads him to the first evangelical trip [6], and there are three trips in total [7]. Even though he suffered because of strong suppression, he didn’t care for his own life in order to preach for the Lord [8]. He has the life to continue praying and singing hymns of praise to God even in jail [9]. In order to stand for the truth, he even scolded Peter [10]. Holy Spirit also through him to fill others [11]. He could even revive a dead [12].

He was forced to appeal to Caesar [13], and it was decided that he would sail for Italy [14]. As a result, he encountered a shipwreck, but an angel of the God appeared to him to ensure him in advance to not be afraid of what will happen [15]. Eventually, he arrived Rome [16]. Even in jail in Rome, he still preached the Gospel [17]. The four books he wrote when jailed benefited so many.

Some related verses

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

[1] Acts 9:3-6, As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”

[2] Acts 9:10-16, Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

[3] Acts 9:19-25, …Saul Begins to Preach Christ Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” …but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.

[4] Galatians 1:12-18, For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days.

[5] Acts 11:25-26, And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

[6] Acts 13:2-3, While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

[7] Acts 15:36-40, “After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” …But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 18:23, “And having spent some time there, he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.”

[8] 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Are they servants of Christ?-I speak as if insane-I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.

[9] Acts 16:24-25, and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

[10] Galatians 2:14, But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

[11] Acts 19:6-7, And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. There were in all about twelve men.

[12] Acts 20:9-12, And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead. But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.” When he had gone back up and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak, and then left. They took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted. Troas to Miletus

[13] Acts 25:9-11, But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges? ” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.”

[14] Acts 27:1, When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius.

[15] Acts 27:23-24, For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’

[16] Acts 28:14, There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome.

[17] Acts 28:30-31, And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

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