罗马书

Day 1

第1日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 14:13–23

1. This section begins with the word “therefore”.  What is Paul referring to, in telling us not to judge one another in Christ?

2. Instead of using our mind to judge others, what does Paul now ask us to resolve not to do with our mind?

3. Paul does agree that no food is unclean in itself. Why then should I be bound by someone’s incorrect opinion?  How would someone who is weak in faith in this respect be destroyed by my insistence in eating foods of all kinds?

4. Mull over v. 17 carefully:
a. Why is the Kingdom of God not a matter of eating and drinking?

b. However, in what way(s) might they become (or turn into) a matter of the Kingdom of God? (i.e. one of righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit)
5. In our case today, the eating of things once offered to idols may not be an issue. Can you think of similar (non-Kingdom) issues that may lead to the destruction of the faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ?

6. Try to sum up the exhortations in vv. 13-17 and see how we should serve (in the church) so that it will be pleasing to God. (Rom. 12:2)

7. Compare your answer above to vv. 19-21.  How does Paul’s conclusion in vv. 19-21 add to your answer above?

8. Are you the kind of Christian who cannot hold your peace, but seek to instantly correct (what you perceive as) erroneous views of others concerning the Bible (whether in a Sunday school class or a Bible study group)?  How might v. 22 speak to such an attitude?

9. However, Paul does not only exhort the “strong” believers, but the “weak” ones too in v. 23.  What is his exhortation to the weak? How may you apply it to your life?

10. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?


經文默想
羅馬書14:13-23

本週我們會完成研讀羅馬書。請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

(1) 這一段以「所以」作為開始，叫信徒不要論斷弟兄。這與上文有什麼關係？

(2) 論斷是與頭腦的判斷有關的，但保羅在此吩咐我們要運用頭腦作什麼相反的定意？

(3) 保羅相信「凡物固然潔淨」的。既然如此，為何我們正確的信念要受別人錯誤的信念所掣肘？

(4) 請細思14:17:

a. 為何說神的國不在乎吃喝？

b. 但在什麼情況之下吃喝亦可是神國的事呢？(即與公義、和平和聖靈中的喜樂有關)

(5) 昔日(吃祭偶像)食物的爭論在今天的教會似再不是個爭論點，但你可聯想到一些什麼類似的問題常使教會產生爭議呢？

(6) 試把13-17節作個總論，看看怎樣的「事奉」才是神所喜悅的？(12:1-2)

(7) 現在，把你的總論與19-21相比，看看保羅的總論與你的有什麼分別？

(8) 英譯本NIV譯22節為「就當限於神與你之間的事/keep (it) between yourself and God」：你是否總愛在主日學或查經班中立刻的要更正別人與你不同的見解呢？第22節可以怎樣糾正你的態度？

(9) 第23節是向信心強的或是弱的肢體說的？你可以怎樣應用在自己身上？

(10) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

Meditative Reflection
Exercising Faith in Love

Paul certainly believes that “no food is unclean in itself” (Rom. 14:14), and he considers those who believe in the eating of food sacrificed to idols and the drinking of wine as strong believers, but repeatedly he urges them not to destroy those with weaker faith who believe otherwise.

It reminds me of what I heard years ago about the confession of a pastor.  He was invited to a dinner celebrating the baptism of a couple of new believers.  At the dinner, the pastor ordered a glass of wine, as was his usual habit.  The couple was very puzzled, in fact alarmed, and asked the pastor “Is it alright for Christians to drink?”  The seasoned pastor then gave his usual and convincing proofs from scripture that it is more than alright to drink in moderation; even Paul advised Timothy to take a little wine too to improve his health.  The couple was so glad to know that it was okay for Christians to drink, because both were former alcoholics.

But because they resumed drinking, they not only ended up in divorce, but one of them ended up in the psychiatric ward.  I am glad that the pastor was willing to share this testimony in public.  It has not only enabled me to understand Paul’s admonition, it has, I believed, prevented me from making the same mistake, that he made, in my own ministry.


靈修默想小篇
用信心也要出於愛心

雖然保羅絕對同意「凡物固然潔淨」的，他看那些同意吃(祭偶像的)肉和喝酒的為信心的強者，但他卻多次的勸戒他們不要用他們(強的) 信心去敗壞那些信心弱小的。

這就使我想起多年前所聽到的一位牧者的自白。他說到有一次在浸禮之後，與一對剛受洗的初信夫婦吃晚飯，慶祝他們所作公開的見證。在吃飯時，他照常的叫了一杯酒來喝。這夫婦甚感驚訝的問道：「基督徒是可以喝酒的嗎？」這位滿有聖經知識的牧者就引經據典的告訴他們，是可以的；連保羅也為身體的原故叫提摩太用點酒。夫婦二人似乎聽到甚為高興。誰知二人曾是酗酒的，就因牧者的話，讓酒沾唇，結果，不但弄到離婚，其中一人被送到精神病院去。

我非常感謝這位牧者這樣公開的分享自己失敗的見證，這不但叫我對保羅的吩咐更加了解，我相信也叫我不用重蹈他的覆轍。

Day 2

第2日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 15:1–13

As Paul makes one final effort to exhort us to bear with the weaker ones in faith, he appeals to the example of Christ.

1. Psalm 69:9 is the prophetic word concerning Christ, the Messiah, in that He has received insults on God’s behalf for the sake of His Zeal for God’s house.   How does He then demonstrate that He does not seek to please Himself?

2. How may we emulate Christ then, according to 15:1-2?

3. How does Christ’s example teach us endurance?

4. How does Christ’s example provide us with encouragement?

5. According to v. 7, Christ has also demonstrated another example that we need to emulate.  What is it?

6. How does our unity (in one mind and one voice) bring glory and praise to God?

7. What then will a church divided and in conflict bring to the name of God?

8. According to the original wording of vv. 8-9, “on behalf of God’s truth” appears as parallel to “on behalf of mercy”.  Why does Paul refer to “God’s truth” concerning the circumcised (i.e. the Jews), but “God’s mercy” concerning the Gentiles?

9. In support of his teaching, Paul quotes from Psalm 18:49, Deut. 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10.  With such clear prophetic words, why would the Jews discriminate against the Gentiles spiritually and how could the early Jewish Christians still look at the gospel as essentially a Jewish gospel?

10. How do Paul’s words of benedictions echo what the Kingdom of God is about in 14:17?

11. Of joy, peace and hope, which one means the most to you?  Why?

12. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
羅馬書15:1-13

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

保羅繼續勸勉我們要接納信心輭弱者，並以基督為我們的榜樣：

(1) 詩篇69:9是彌賽亞的預言，論到基督為神的殿焦慮，並要受人的辱罵。這怎樣表明祂是不求自己的喜悅？

(2) 按15:1-2，我們當怎樣學效基督的榜樣？

(3) 基督的榜樣怎樣能叫我們生忍耐？

(4) 又能怎樣叫我們生安慰？

(5) 按第7節，基督作了什麼成為我們的榜樣？

(6) 我們的同心(一心一口) 怎樣帶給神榮耀？

(7) 相反地，一個不同心的教會帶給神什麼呢？

(8) 第8-9節，按原文「為神真理」和「因(為)祂的憐憫」是平衡句：為何基督所作的事，對受割禮的人是為神的真理；對外邦人卻是為神的憐憫？

(9) 保羅引用不少舊約經文來證明外邦人同蒙憐憫的事實。為何猶太人總不願意接受這事實？連在他們中間的基督徒仍視這是「猶太人」的福音呢？

(10) 第13節的頌讚怎樣回應14:17有關神國的真諦？

(11) 「平安」、「喜樂」和「盼望」那一個對你最重要？為什麼？

(12) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

Meditative Reflection
We were Weak Once

Over the years, I have had the privilege to lead Christian men and women to learn to pray through spending 24 hours to three days in a retreat center. We learned to pray the biblical way, spending time in reflection based on Scriptures and Scripture-based devotional materials.  I am grateful to see many of them being ushered to pursue greater intimacy with the Lord through learning to set aside time, away from the distractions of their usual environment, and free from the pressure of time and the tyranny of the next things.  However, invariably, those who come for retreat for the first time have a tough time really being still.  For those who realize that their prayer life needs to be drastically transformed, they would follow the materials, and make an effort to learn to read slowly, repeatedly and reflectively.  Given time, they are able to focus and concentrate, and be still.

However, I am very anxious about those who think that their prayer life is good, and yet it is obvious to me that they do not have the ability to be still and be alone with God for an extended period of time.  They would scan through the materials as if they are reading the fine prints of an insurance policy.  As a result, while others are able to learn and benefit greatly with their time of solitude with God, they remain fixed in their way of approaching God more with their mind and less with their spirit.

However, my anxiety reflects my impatience with them, forgetting that it has taken years, or rather decades, for me to learn to be still, to learn that “being” is far more important than “doing”, to learn to read slowly, repeatedly and reflectively, and to learn not only to pray, but also to listen.  And yet, what took years for me to learn, I expect others to learn overnight.  Somebody puts it well — I am like a former drug addict who has taken years to rehabilitate, and yet expect other addicts to recover instantly.

靈修默想小篇
我們也曾經輭弱

感謝主，給我機會在過去十多年與一些弟兄姊姊一同學習在神面前，藉著廿四小時或更長的時間退修，用本於聖經和合乎聖經真理的靈修小品，作默想、禱告去親近神。特別感恩的是我看到不少弟兄姊妹因而產生對神更大的渴慕與追求。

是的，在忙碌的生活中，我們實在需要抽出足夠的時間，離開熟悉的環境，脫離煩擾我們的事務，到安靜的地方去，專心的尋求神、與祂親近。

我知道，在開始學習安靜，對我們這些「摩登時代」的人是困難的。但是我看到那些對自己的靈性狀況和與神的關係甚感不滿的，在開始的時候是有點困難集中的。但慢慢藉著重複的、慢慢的細讀和按著神的話和靈修資料作反思，就終能進入安靜之中。

反而，每次我看到一些自滿的，單單從理性層面接納神的，往往拿著經文或靈修資料，像閱讀一般文件，快快的看一、兩遍，根本沒有真正的安靜下來作自省，我心中感到煩躁，也感到失望。

但有一天，讀到羅馬書第14和15章時，我心中受到聖靈的責備，看到自己並沒有「擔代不堅固」人的輭弱。我更想到以前的我豈不是一樣嗎？是神的憐憫叫我終於明白安靜、退修的重要。就像一位牧者所言，我是像那些吸毒的康復者一樣，自己經歷甚多年的時日才能改變過來，卻要求其他的癮君子立刻的改變過來。

Day 3

第3日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 15:14–21

1. Do you detect a change of tone in this passage?  What do you think is the reason?

2. Since Paul is a minister of the gospel, why does he feel the need to almost apologize for the boldness of using rather harsh words of admonition in the previous chapters?  What does it say about Paul?

3. How can we learn from him as we minister to our brothers and sisters with boldness?

4. Paul uses the language of a priest (v.16), presenting a sacrifice to describe his ministry to the Gentiles. With these, he echoes the language used in Romans 12:1-2.
a. Have you ever thought of your ministry as being the offer of a sacrifice to God?

b. If you are a Sunday School teacher or someone with whom God has entrusted His people, how does this priestly language remind you in terms of the sacredness and importance of your ministry?
5. vv. 18-19 is a “clumsy sentence”, but Paul has not been speaking “anything other than what Christ has wrought through him by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit, to bring about obedience of the Gentiles” and this “seems to be the simplest and most natural way to understand it” (Cranfield, 738).  As much as it affirms the authority of Paul’s previous admonitions, how does it also reveal the integrity of Paul’s ministry?

6. Paul now gives us some insight into a priority of his ministry:  He strives to go where Christ has yet been known.
a. Is it right for Paul to set his priority this way?

b. Is it prideful of him to not wish to build on someone else’s foundation?  Why or why not?

c. Do you think Paul should stick to (remain in) one location instead of being an itinerant apostle?  Why?
7. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
羅馬書15:14-21

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

(1) 讀到這一段經文時，你有否感覺到保羅的語調有所改變？你以為原因是什麼？

(2) 保羅既是神所揀選作外邦人福音的使徒，為何他要為自己所寫的沉重語氣和「放膽」說的話來道歉？你可以因此對保羅的為人有什麼加深的了解？

(3) 在勸戒別人的功課上，我們可以怎樣學效保羅？

(4) 保羅繼續用12:1-2節獻祭的比喻來論到他對外邦人的服事：

a. 你有否想到你的事奉是獻給神的祭？

b. 如果你是主日學的老師，或是引導群羊的，這獻祭的觀念可以怎樣提醒你事奉的重要性和其聖潔？

(5) 第18-19節的和合本繙譯是較一般譯本為清楚：這裡除了證明保羅以上所說的一切話的權柄之外，也表明了保羅事奉態度的那方面？

(6) 保羅說明他實踐使命的優先次序和重點：

a. 他把重點放在從未聽聞基督的名的地方是否對呢？

b. 不願建造在別人的根基上是否對呢？是否有點驕傲的心態嗎？

c. 你認為保羅應長留守在一地方，或是應作自由的傳道者呢？

(7) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

Meditative Reflection
All on the Altar

Romans 12:1-2 are perhaps two of the most quoted verses in the Book of Romans, and a powerful exhortation for us to give all of ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord.  But Paul’s use of a priestly duty to sacrifice continues in Romans 15:16 as he applies his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles as part of his duty at the altar.  I invite you to reflect on the lyrics of the following hymn and ask yourself this question — “Is my all on the altar of sacrifice laid?”

ALL ON THE ALTAR
Refrain
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

1
You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

2
Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.

3
O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

4
Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.
Elisha Hoffman, 1839-1929

靈修默想小篇
一切是否全獻在壇上

羅馬書12:1-2相信是這書卷被引用最多的經文之一。保羅在15:16繼續用這獻祭的比喻來論到他對外邦人的服事。讓我們一起藉著以下的詩歌來作自省，思想：「我究竟是否把一切全獻在壇上呢？」

1. 你渴望有平安，期望信心增長， 曾恆心的祈求與仰望，但不能有安息， 亦無美滿福祉，除非你將一切獻壇上。

2. 你若願與主行，在主道之光中， 時常得著滿足與平安，就要遵主美旨， 遠離一切惡事，你更要將一切獻壇上。

3. 我們曾向主求，盼望主賜福佑， 但難測主賜恩何深厚，直到將身心靈， 讓主親自管理，全獻在祭壇上無保留。

4. 主慈愛無限量，有誰能盡傳揚， 主的愛能使你心歡暢，與主甜蜜交往， 主前福樂分享，你只要將一切獻壇上。

副歌：

你所有是否獻在壇上作活祭？

你心是否聖靈管理？ 你若將身心靈獻在神的手裡，

必蒙祂賜平安與福祉。

Day 4

第4日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 15:22–33

1. Why does Paul say that “there is no place for me to work in these regions”?  What “work” is he referring to? (15:23)

2. Why does he want to go to Spain?

3. What does he desire to achieve by stopping over in Rome?

4. However, he has decided to go to Jerusalem first.  What are the purposes for his Jerusalem journey?

5. We understand that numerous warnings have been given to Paul concerning his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4, 11). Why then would he insist on going?

6. Sensing the danger ahead, Paul appeals for help from the Roman Christians:
a. What is his appeal?

b. Why does he say that his appeal is by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit?

c. What is meant by joining him in his “struggle” in prayer? (Gen. 32:22-32)

d. Asking to be rescued from the unbelievers is understandable. But, why does he also ask that his service be “acceptable to the saints” there (v.31)?  What does it say about his relationship with the disciples of Jerusalem? (Refer to Acts 21:20-22.)
7. Reflect on the donations by the church in Macedonia and Achaia:
a. Why do they feel the urge to send money to the saints in Jerusalem?

b. Why is it only for the poor among them?

c. Do you agree with Paul’s reasoning in v. 27?  Why or why not?

d. What can you learn from the above?
8. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
羅馬書15:22-33

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

(1) 為何保羅說：「在這裡再沒有可傳的地方」？

(2) 為何他欲往士班雅(西班牙) 去？

(3) 他要路過時停在羅馬的原因又是什麼？

(4) 但他先要到耶路撒冷，原因何在？

(5) 我們知道聖靈多次告訴他在耶路撒冷正有逼迫等待著他(參徒21:4,11) 。為何他仍要去？

(6) 保羅既知那旅程兇多吉少，他要求羅馬信徒為他作什麼？

a. 為何他說是藉聖靈的愛來要求他們的？

b. NIV的翻譯“join me in my struggle in prayer—參與我在禱告中之角力” 較接近原文。為何保羅這樣形容禱告？(參創32:22-32)

c. 保羅祈求脫離不順從的猶太人之手是可以理解的，為何也為捐項「可蒙聖徒的悅納」祈求？你可看出他與耶路撒冷教會的關係嗎？(參徒21:20-22)

(7) 請思想馬其頓和亞該亞給耶路撒冷的奉獻：

a. 為何他們有奉獻給耶路撒冷教會的感動呢？

b. 為何只給「聖徒中的窮人呢？」

c. 你同意第27節保羅所給的理由嗎？為什麼？

d. 從以上的討論，你有什麼特別的領會？

(8) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

Meditative Reflection
Mutual Intercession

It is interesting to read of Paul’s own travel plans and desires. In going to go Spain, his reason is probably because it is a mission front and has yet to be reached by the gospel of Christ.  As to Rome, which already had a well-established church, Paul’s desire to visit there is made obvious by the long list of “beloved” greetings of people whom he definitely wishes to see again, not the least would be Priscilla and Aquila, his long-time co-laborers in Christ.  But now, he goes to Jerusalem and through the many warnings by the Spirit, he knows that he will face quite severe persecution there. As much as he longs to share in the suffering of Christ (Phil. 3:10), he also knows that he himself cannot bear it alone, so he asks the church in Rome to join him in his “struggle by praying to God” for him (Rom. 15:30).

As it turns out, he was severely beaten and was almost killed by the Jews in Jerusalem. It is by the grace of the Lord that he was spared, and I believe that it was also a result of the intercession of the saints, including the Roman believers.

Paul was beaten by the Jews only to be rescued at the last minute by the commander of the Roman army. Then he faced the assassination plot by some 40 Jews and was escorted to face trial after trial, ending with the journey to Rome as a prisoner.  Yes, it is not the way he had planned or hoped for, but nonetheless, God granted him the desire to go to Rome at last.  His prayer ha was answered, and he would be seeing all these beloved co-laborers of his.  Paul knew that the church in Rome indeed prayed for him and their wish was also granted.

It is indeed a great privilege to know that you are loved by your brothers and sisters and that they are willing to participate in your struggle in prayers.  

Over the years, I have promised sincerely to pray for others who obviously were counting on my faithful intercession.  At times, I have failed to remember them, especially when the list of people who needed my prayers has grown.  Knowing both the importance of faithful intercession and my own forgetfulness, I have designed a weekly chart for intercession (see the last page of this weekly devotion). By scheduling people and ministries into my daily intercession time slots, I have been able to be more faithful in my promise to pray, but more importantly, I have been able to have the privilege of participating in the struggle of the people whom I love through prayer.


靈修默想小篇
彼此代禱

當我讀到保羅欲往西班牙時，我感到很有興趣(羅15:23)。按著他在這段經文所說的，他想往西班牙是因為那時福音尚未傳到那地；按地理來看，西班牙應屬福音的前線了了。雖然羅馬已成立了教會，他也想到訪也是順理成章的。看看他真是有眾多他所親愛的同工在那處，更包括與共生死的百基拉和亞居拉夫婦。

但在到羅馬之先，保羅定意先到耶路撒冷去。既被聖靈提醒他必會在耶路撒冷受極大的苦難，他感到獨力難持。對，他心中願意，甚至要「曉得和祂(基督)一同受苦」(腓3:10) 的 ，但他知道他是需要羅馬的弟兄姊妹的代禱(羅15:30) 。

結果，保羅真的在耶路撒冷遭受極大的迫害，險些喪命。是藉著主的憐憫，也藉著眾人的代禱(包括羅馬信徒的禱告) ，他的性命才得保存。在猶太人正計謀想殺他的時候，他被千夫長營救；後來因猶太人要埋伏殺他，千夫長就把他送離耶路撒冷受審。最後轉轉折折的被押運到羅馬受審。對，他沒有預料到是這樣的終於來到羅馬，但他的心願可說是得以償還了他的禱告蒙應允了；他終於見到他所親愛的同工們了。保羅知道羅馬的信徒確有為他禱告；他們的禱告也蒙應允了。

其實，能有所親愛的弟兄姊妹願意參與你禱告的角力，用禱告來支持你，是極大的福份。

多年來，不少弟兄姊妹要求我為他們禱告。在答應他們時，我知道他們是看重我為他們獻上的代禱。但當要代禱的人增多時，我發覺自己常會忘記為其中一些弟兄姊妹禱告。終於我為自己定下一個每周的代禱表(見這週靈修指引的最後一頁) ，把要代禱的事與人，逐日的寫上。現在，當別人要我為他們代禱時，我知道我不會容易忘記了。更重要的是，我確實參與他們禱告的角力，用禱告支持他們。

Day 5

第5日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 16:1–16(I)

Paul sends a list of greetings to the brothers and sister in Rome.  It shows that many who left by the Emperor’s decree have returned to Rome.  But his personal greetings also give us a glimpse into the life of the early church.  We shall be reflecting on this passage today and tomorrow:

1. Can you list the greetings to the house churches within the church in Rome?

2. Can you count how many individual names and names of family are within this list of greetings?

3. How does the fact that Paul chooses to greet so many of them personally speak to you?

4. Do you know how many of these being greeted are women?* What does this tell you about the ministry and status of sisters within the early church?

5. Who are those commended by Paul for being hard working?  Is there anyone in your church that you can commend for their hard work?

6. Who are those whom Paul call beloved or dear?  Why does Paul call them beloved instead of commending them for other virtues?

7. Two names stand out as famous households:  Aristobulus and Narcissus.  The former is believed to be the brother of King Herod Agrippa I and he died in ad 48 or 49, and the latter is believed to have served the Emperor Claudius but committed suicide just before Paul wrote the letter to the Roman Church.  They were probably non-believers and their families had come to Christ. Why would Paul greet these households?

8. It is worth noting that many noted scholars believe that Rufus is the son of Simon of Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus (Mk. 15:21).  For Mark to have made mention of Rufus  indicates that he was known in the early church community.  What then can you make of Paul’s special greeting in v. 13?

9. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

*Note:
While some of names could not really be identified historically, these are presumably names of women: Priscilla, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis (and of course, Mary).

經文默想
羅馬書16:1-16 (一)

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

從保羅問候的名字中，我們曉得在該撒Claudius驅逐猶太人離開羅馬的御旨不再生效後，部份信徒已重回羅馬了。這段問候的內容幫助我們對早期教會的生活有較深的認識。我們會分今、明兩天來思想這段經文：

(1) 請試列出他們中間的「家庭教會」。

(2) 請試算出被問候的個人，和被問候的家庭的數目。

(3) 保羅如此詳盡的逐一問候，叫我們對他有什麼認識？

(4) 你曉得被問候的人中有多少是女性呢？這樣，我們可以對姊妹們在早期教會的生活和地位有什麼認識？

(5) 那些是保羅讚許他們在主裡的勞苦？在你的教會或事奉的地方，誰可以被你這樣稱許？你自己呢？

(6) 誰被保羅稱呼為「我所親愛的」？為何保羅如此稱呼他們？

(7) 在家族的問候中，有兩個家族是有社會地位的：就是亞利多布和拿其數家。前者相信是亞基伯王的兄弟，後者相信是該撒Claudius的侍從；二人在保羅寫這書信時已逝世。他們本人是否信徒不得而知，但他們的家人卻是信主的。這樣，我們對福音在羅馬的情況可以有什麼認識？

(8) 早期的教父告訴我們魯孚就是那被迫背主十字架的西門的兒子(參可15:21) 。保羅對他的問候語給我們對他有什麼認識？

(9) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

註： 一些解經家認為以下的名字是屬女性的：百居拉，猶尼亞，馬利亞，土非拿，土富撒和彼息。

Meditative Reflection
Paul - A Model Minister of the Gospel

Normally we would frown as we come across a passage in the Bible that is full of names, but the list of names written at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is  very interesting and informative.  While it is not helpful to speculate on some of the names, like Mary (Rom. 16:6), the listing of 26 individuals, two “families” and several “house churches” has provided invaluable insight for us into the life of the early church.  But, it is equally telling about what kind of minister of the gospel Paul is.

Paul has so many co-workers that he could call dear friends, beloved, fellow-prisoners, and many of  them are women.  It proves that Paul is far from being a chauvinist.  Indeed, he is such a people person that he is loved by many, like the elders of Ephesus who wept as they bid Paul farewell. (Acts 20:37)

Indeed, too, Paul is not just a preacher of words, but a doer of what he preaches.  His life is an open book for all to see (Acts 20:18), and he is not just sharing words, but his life also with all the believers he ministers to. (1 Thess. 2:8).

And, as gifted as he is, he is no lone-ranger.  He demonstrates to us that no leader should act on his own, but should surround himself with close friends for support, encouragement and accountability.

靈修默想小篇
保羅—福音使者的典範

我不曉得你是否會像我一樣，讀到聖經滿是人名的經文時就覺得有點沉悶呢？保羅在羅馬書的終結所列出的名字卻是叫人感到興趣的。當然我們不應亂猜其中一些名字是誰(如16:6的馬利亞) ，但所提到的26個人名、幾個家庭和「家庭教會」卻給予我們對早期教會的生活和情況有更多的資料。

但同時，也叫我們看到保羅是怎樣的一位神的僕人、福音的使者。

我們看到原來保羅是有這麼多的同工的，而且他稱他們為「親愛的」；更有與他同被囚的，也有不少是姊妹。可見保羅絕非一些人所認為的「大男人」。相反的，我們看見他是如何的看重友情，是同工們也是親愛的，無怪以弗所教會的長老在與保羅送別時，與他擁抱、痛哭(徒20:37) 。

事實上，保羅不是單單用口傳，他更活出所傳的信息；他不但與人分享神的話語，更與他們分享自己的生命(帖前2:8) 。他的生命真像一本敞開的書卷(徒20:18)。

雖然他確是滿有恩賜，但他絕非是獨行俠。他讓我們看到，沒有人應單獨的事奉主，乃需要與其他的弟兄姊妹同行、共事、共勉的。

Day 6

第6日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 16:1–16(II)

Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila, Andronicus and Junias are mentioned by Paul in more detail (vv. 1-2; 3-5 and 7).  We shall be reflecting on them in greater details today:

1. Phoebe: She is the first deaconess mentioned by name in the church (Lenski), and her church in Cenchreae is about 8 miles from Corinth where Paul writes this letter. She is probably the bearer of this letter (on her business trip to Rome, it is believed):
a. How special is she as a believer?

b. How special is she to Paul?

c. What is her contribution to the early church?
2. Priscilla and Aquila: Read Acts 18 to reacquaint yourself with this missionary couple:
a. How special are they as believers?

b. How special are they to Paul and even to Apollo?

c. What is their contribution to the early church and the Great Commission as a lay-couple?

d. Why would Paul mention Priscilla before Aquila?

e. How should you emulate them?
3. Andronicus and Junia: As Paul’s relatives, they are Jewish with Greek and Latin names, respectively.  
a. How special are they as believers?

b. How special are they to Paul?

c. What is their contribution to the early church and the Great Commission?
Note:
We do not exactly know when and where they were in prison with Paul.  In this verse, Paul uses the term “apostles” in a more general sense.
4. What can you learn about the early church from this list of greetings, especially from these five individuals above?

5. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
羅馬書16:1-16 (二)

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

保羅對非比的推薦和對百基拉、亞居拉，安多尼古和猶居亞的問候是較詳盡的(16:1-2, 3-5,7) 。讓我們今天集中思想他們：

(1) 非比：她是聖經中首位提到的女執事，她的教會是離開保羅寫這書信的哥林多大概只有八哩的距離。相信她是在往羅馬辦事時，順帶把這書信送到羅馬教會的：

a. 這位姊妹有什麼特別之處？

b. 對保羅而言，她有什麼特別之處？

c. 她對早期的教會有什麼特別的貢獻？

(2) 百基拉和亞居拉：請翻到使徒行傳18章重溫你對二人的認識：

a. 作為平信徒二人有什麼特別之處？

b. 對保羅及亞波羅而言，二人有什麼特別之處？

c. 為何保羅先提作妻子的百基拉名字？

d. 二人對早期的教會和大使命有什麼特別的貢獻？

e. 你可以怎樣學效他們？

(3) 安多尼古和猶居亞：是保羅的親屬，是猶太人，但卻改了希臘和拉丁名字：

a. 作為平信徒二人有什麼特別之處？

b. 對保羅而言，二人有什麼特別之處？

c. 二人對早期的教會和大使命有什麼特別的貢獻？

註：保羅在此稱他們為使徒是廣義之稱。

(4) 從這詳盡的問候語中，特別從以上五人的身上，你對早期的教會有什麼認識？

(5) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

Meditative Reflection
The Church in Rome - A Model Church of the Gospel

Yesterday, I was sharing about how the long list of names of people greeted by Paul allows us to understand what kind of a minister Paul is, but the list also gives us insight into the life of the early church, especially the church in Rome:
a. A multi-ethnic church: The list of names includes Greek names, Latin names and Jewish names.  This gives us such a great picture of the reality of the gospel — a gospel for all peoples.  The church in Rome does not just preach a gospel of reconciliation; they practice it by breaking down cultural and ethnic barriers and become one in Christ.

b. A gender equal church:  Many people, Christians included, think that Paul is a chauvinist because of his stand on the covering of hair by women and other strong language he used to maintain order in the church.  The truth of the matter is that he treats men and women equally in Christ.  He even greets Priscilla before her husband Aquila.  He sends greetings to many women in Rome and commends them for their work in the Lord.  And Phoebe, in particular, is being addressed as a deaconess.  The early church, especially this church in Rome, is truly color-blind and gender-blind.  All are equal in Christ.

c. A lay-driven church:  It is obvious that most, if not all of these saints greeted by Paul, are lay-people, having their own professions and their own families.  But together, they form the key leadership group of the church, not necessarily with any official capacity.  Many even open their homes for gatherings.  Priscilla and Aquila are prime examples, as they themselves have their tent-making career.  But wherever they go, they carry the gospel with them, and they even disciple important figures like Apollo (Acts 18:26).  Now that Emperor Claudius’ decree to drive away the Jews has lapsed (because of his death in A.D. 54), they returned to Rome and opened their home as a house church.

靈修默想小篇
羅馬教會—福音群體的典範

昨日我與你們分享到保羅在羅馬書第16章那些詳盡的問候語，從中我們不但可以看到保羅的為人，亦給我們看到早期羅馬教會的生活：

(a) 一個多元種族的教會：所提到的名字包括了希臘，拉丁和猶太的名字。這是福音的寫照，因為這福音是全人類的福音。換言之，羅馬教會不是單單口傳這個與神和好的福音，更是活出這褔音的真諦，顯出在基督裡我們真為一體。

(b) 一個男女平等的教會：不少人，包括基督徒在內，總以為保羅是大男人主義的，因為他曾很不客氣的吩咐姊妹在講道時要蒙頭。但事實證明，他是非常看重教會中的姊妹的。在問候百基拉和亞居拉夫婦時，他是先問候作太太的，相信這是他按平日對他們的稱呼。他亦問候教會中不少的姊妹，更稱讚她們。他並介紹了早期教會的第一位女執事(Lenski)。故此，羅馬教會可說是「色盲」和「性別盲」的。對，在基督裡，人人是沒有分別的。

(c) 一個平信徒事奉的教會：相信保羅問候的絕大部份是平信徒，有他們自己的事業和家庭的。但他們一起承擔了教會的領導職份，不一定需要有職權的。其中不少人更是把家庭開放作聚會之用。百基拉和亞居拉夫婦是最好的榜樣，他們是以製造帳棚為業的。但無論遷到那裡，他們就把福音帶到那裡；甚至作了亞波羅啟蒙的恩師(徒18:26) 。現在在該撒Claudius已逝世，們可以遷回羅馬，更把家庭開放作聚會之用。

Day 7

第7日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Romans 16:17–27

1. Now we come to the very end of this long letter:
a. Spend some time to reflect on the main issues addressed by Paul in this letter.

b. Can you tell why he has to write this letter?
2. Now, what kind of warning does he end with and why?

3. Judging from the main contents of this letter, who are these people he is warning against?
a. What effect do they have on the church of God?

b. Why are they apparently quite effective?

c. What is their motive according to Paul?

d. How should the believers treat them?  Why?

4. Paul has some choice words to admonish the believers in v. 19.  What do these phrases mean?
a. Wise about what is good

b. Innocent about what is evil
5. Do you find v. 20 odd?  Why or why not?
a. Whose feet is Paul referring to in v. 20?

b. Why does he refer to God as the God of peace in this context?
6. The final benediction is rather “loaded”:
a. To Whom does Paul give glory?

b. What is God able to do concerning the believers?

c. Why does Paul refer to Him as the only wise God?

d. According to you, how is God’s wisdom revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ?

7. Use this doxology to give praise to God as you come to the end of the study of this letter.

8. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
羅馬書16:17-27

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。

(1) 今天我們來到羅馬書最後的一段。讓我們先用點時間來回想這整卷的書信：

a. 請寫下這書信最主要的信息。

b. 你現在可以了解到保羅寫這書信的主因嗎？

(2) 現在他以什麼作結束的提醒？

(3) 按整卷書信的內容來看，他現在所針對的是那些人？

a. 他們給教會帶來什麼後果？

b. 為何他們似乎能產生影響？

c. 他們的動機是什麼？

d. 保羅吩咐信徒應如何對待他們？為什麼？

(4) 第19節保羅有些特別的話要告訴我們：

a. 什麼是在善上聰明？

b. 什麼是在惡上愚拙？

(5) 第20節保羅似乎很突然的論到撒但，你覺得奇怪嗎？

a. 保羅說踐踏撒但的是誰的腳？

b. 為何在此論到神是「賜平安的神」？

(6) 保羅最後的祝福語很有內容：

a. 保羅要歸榮耀給誰？

b. 他願神用什麼來堅固信徒？

c. 為何他稱神為「獨一全智」的神？

d. 對你來說，神的智慧怎樣在耶穌基督的福音上彰顯出來？

(7) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？

(8) 試用保羅的祝福語，向神獻上讚美。

Meditative Reflection
Inter-Faith Business

These days, in the name of tolerance, many Christian ministers or believers join in inter-faith services for what is often considered a good cause.  I have no doubt that God will not hear the prayers offered in the name of idols or false gods.  But when it comes to the prayers offered by Christian ministers in such a setting, would God hear, especially when His servants even shy away from invoking the name of Jesus in their prayers?

I was once leading a prayer in a Christian setting, attended by Christians of many different denominations, and I prayed very explicitly in the name of Jesus and I received less than enthusiastic “Amens”, as most other leaders prayed their “synagogue prayers” (meaning prayers that only addressed God without invoking the name of Christ).

I wonder how Paul would react in such settings!

As Paul draws his lengthy epistle to the Roman church to a close, having argued passionately for justification of faith and absolute equality before Christ of Jews and Gentiles, he concludes once more with strong words against the teachings that are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He admonishes the believers in Rome to watch out for people who preach such heresies and to “keep away from them” (Rom. 16:17).

I have no doubt that Paul would not condone such so-called inter-faith services, because as he puts it in 2 Corinthians 6:15, “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”

No, Paul is not advocating that we should not be associated with non-believers, or “we would have to leave the world” (1 Co. 5:10), but he is against condoning teachings and beliefs that are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

靈修默想小篇
宗教合一？

今天，我們看到不少的牧者和信徒以「寬大」為理由參加一些原本用心良好的超宗教教派的聚會。在聚會中，不同宗教的領袖向他們的神發出禱告。我深信神絕對不會聽他們向偶像假神的禱告的。但到基督教的牧者禱告時，神會否垂聽呢？特別是當他們根本沒有奉基督耶穌的名來禱告！

我曾在一個不同宗派的基督教聚會中領禱。當絕大部份的領禱者都沒有奉耶穌的名來禱告時，我刻意的以耶穌的名來結束我的禱告。換來的不但是毫不熱烈的「阿們」，更有人在會後對我發出抗議！我不禁在想，保羅在這種情景會有什麼反應呢？

使徒保羅用了很長的篇幅來為「因信稱義」辯證，又力證在基督裡再沒有外邦人與猶太人之別；現在，他以強硬的話語責備那些傳與福音真道相違的人作結束。他更吩咐信徒要離開和躲避這些人！(羅16:17)

我深信保羅一定不會讚同這些宗教聯合的聚會的。就如他在哥林多後書6:15所言：「基督和彼列（彼列就是撒但的別名）有甚麼相和呢？信主的和不信主的有甚麼相干呢？」

保羅當然不是說我們不應同不信的交往，「除非(我們) 離開世界方可」(林前5:10) 。保羅乃是反對與任何跟基督耶穌福音相違的教訓和主義有所妥協或聯合。

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