Sabbath Afternoon January 10
Memory Text:
“因我活着就是基督，我死了就有益处。”（腓立比书 1:21，和合本）
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” KJV — Philippians 1:21
“髑髅地的十字架，在宣告律法永不改变的同时，也向世人宣告罪的工价乃是死。救主临终前喊出‘成了’，撒旦的丧钟也随之敲响。这场旷日持久的争论终于尘埃落定，邪恶的彻底根除也已成定局。神的儿子穿过坟墓，为的是‘藉着死，败坏那掌死权的，就是魔鬼’。”（希伯来书 2:14）路西法渴望自我高举，曾说：“我要高举我的宝座，在神众星之上……我要与至高者同等。”神宣告：“我要将你化为尘土，……你必不再存在。”以赛亚书 14:13-14；以西结书 28:18-19。“那日临近，必如火炉烈火焚烧……一切骄傲的和一切作恶的，都必如碎秸；那日临近，必将他们烧尽，连根带枝都不留下。这是万军之耶和华说的。”（玛拉基书 4:1）GC 503.3
“当神的儿子吩咐死人复活时，撒但就无法将死人牢牢抓住。凡凭信心领受基督大能之道的人，撒但就无法将他们困在属灵的死亡之中。神对所有死在罪中的人说：‘你这睡着的人，醒过来吧！从死里复活吧！’”（以弗所书 5:14）这道就是永生。正如神的话语吩咐第一个人复活，如今也赐给我们生命；正如基督的话语：“少年人，我吩咐你，起来！”使拿因城的少年人复活，同样，“从死里复活”这道也赐给领受它的灵魂生命。神“救我们脱离了黑暗的权势，把我们迁到他爱子的国里。”（歌罗西书 1:13）这一切都在祂的话语中赐给我们。如果我们领受这道，我们就得蒙拯救。”（DA 320.2）
“The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour's expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that “through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. Lucifer's desire for self-exaltation had led him to say: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: ... I will be like the Most High.” God declares: “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, ... and never shalt thou be any more.” Isaiah 14:13, 14; Ezekiel 28:18, 19. When “the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven;....all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1.” GC 503.3
“Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith receives Christ's word of power. God is saying to all who are dead in sin, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead.” Ephesians 5:14. That word is eternal life. As the word of God which bade the first man live, still gives us life; as Christ's word, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise,” gave life to the youth of Nain, so that word, “Arise from the dead,” is life to the soul that receives it. God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. It is all offered us in His word. If we receive the word, we have the deliverance.” DA 320.2
1月11日，星期日
“基督必被尊崇”
阅读腓立比书1:19-20。保罗对他的审判结果有何预期？他认为比被判无罪更重要的是什么？
Read Philippians 1:19, 20. What seems to be Paul’s expectation as to the outcome of his trial? What does he consider even more important than being acquitted?
“因为我知道，借着你们的祷告和耶稣基督之灵的帮助，这事终必使我得救。照我所切切盼望和所盼望的，我必不至于羞愧，反倒凡事放胆，无论是生是死，总要叫基督在我身上照常显大。”（腓立比书 1:19-20）
“忠于上帝意义重大。祂对所有侍奉祂的人都有要求。祂渴望我们的身心保持最佳健康状态，一切能力和天赋都处于神的掌控之下，并尽可能地保持活力，只要我们养成谨慎、严格节制的生活习惯。我们有义务毫无保留地将自己身心奉献给上帝，并将所有能力都视为祂所托付的恩赐，用于侍奉祂。在这个考验期，我们所有的精力和能力都应不断增强和提升。只有那些理解这些原则，并接受过训练，能够明智地、敬畏上帝地照料自己身体的人，才应该被选中承担这项事工的责任。那些虽然长期信奉真理，却无法分辨纯正的正义原则和邪恶原则，对公义、怜悯和上帝的爱理解模糊不清的人，应该被解除责任。每个教会都需要清晰、有力的见证，使号角响亮。” RH 1914年6月11日，第8段
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. KJV — Philippians 1:19, 20
“It means much to be true to God. He has claims upon all who are engaged in his service. He desires that mind and body be preserved in the best condition of health, every power and endowment under the divine control, and as vigorous as careful, strictly temperate habits can make them. We are under obligation to God to make an unreserved consecration of ourselves to him, body and soul, with all the faculties appreciated as his intrusted gifts, to be employed in his service. All our energies and capabilities are to be constantly strengthened and improved during this probationary period. Only those who appreciate these principles, and have been trained to care for their bodies intelligently and in fear of God, should be chosen to take responsibilities in this work. Those who have been long in the truth, yet who cannot distinguish between the pure principles of righteousness and the principles of evil, whose understanding in regard to justice, mercy, and the love of God is clouded, should be relieved of responsibilities. Every church needs a clear, sharp testimony, giving the trumpet a certain sound.” RH June 11, 1914, par. 8
阅读哥林多前书 4:14-16；帖撒罗尼迦前书 2:10, 11；加拉太书 4:19；以及腓利门书 10。保罗与他所建立的教会以及他为基督赢得的人之间是什么关系？
Read 1 Corinthians 4:14–16; 1 Thessalonians 2:10, 11; Galatians 4:19; and Philemon 10. What relationship does Paul have with the churches he established and the people he won for Christ?
我写这些事，不是要羞辱你们，乃是要警戒你们，如同警戒我亲爱的儿子们。你们在基督里虽有千万师傅，却没有许多父亲；因为我藉着福音在基督耶稣里生了你们。所以我劝你们要效法我。”（哥林多前书 4:16）
“你们和上帝都可以作证，我们在你们信徒中间，是怎样圣洁、公义、无可指摘的。你们也知道，我们怎样劝勉、安慰、嘱咐你们每一个人，如同父亲嘱咐自己的儿女一样。”（帖撒罗尼迦前书 2:11）
“我为我的儿子阿尼西母求你，他是我在囚禁中生的。”（腓利门书 1:10，和合本）
“当使徒保罗对加拉太人心存疑虑时，他为他们感到无比忧虑和重担，以至于他说：‘我的孩子们，我为你们再次经历生产之苦，直到基督成形在你们里面。’【加拉太书 4:19】他曾深切感受到他们渴望认识基督的迫切心情。” 7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 30
“帖撒罗尼迦年轻教会从这番应许中获得的盼望和喜乐，我们恐怕难以体会。他们珍视福音之父写给他们的信，心中充满了对他的爱。” TT 138.1
“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” KJV — 1Corinthians 4:16
“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,” KJV — 1Thessalonians 2:11
“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:” KJV — Philemon 1:10
“When the apostle Paul stood in doubt of the Galatians, such was his great anxiety and burden of soul on their account that he said, “My little children, for whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” [Galatians 4:19.] Once he had felt intense desire of soul on their account, that they should receive the knowledge of Christ.” 7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 30
“The hope and joy that this assurance brought the young church at Thessalonica can scarcely be appreciated by us. They cherished the letter sent them by their father in the gospel, and their hearts went out in love to him.” TT 138.1
1月12日，星期一
舍己得益
阅读哥林多后书10:3-6。我们所进行的属灵争战的基础是什么？我们的武器又是什么？
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3–6. What is the basis of the spiritual war we wage, and what are our weapons?
耶稣必须住在人心里；祂在哪里，肉体的欲望就会被圣灵的运行所征服，并被圣灵所约束。‘我们争战的兵器本不是属血气的，乃是在神面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒，将各样的计谋，和各样拦阻人认识神的自高之事，一概攻破了，又将人所有的心意夺回，使他都顺服基督。’”《回声报》，1892年6月15日，第6段
“那些想要改革的人，首要任务是净化自己的想象力。我们的默想应当提升心灵。“凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。”（腓立比书 4:8）这是一片广阔的领域，心灵可以安然驰骋。如果撒旦试图将它引向低俗和感官的事物，就要把它拉回来。当败坏的想象试图占据你的心灵时，就逃到施恩的宝座前，祈求从天上获得力量。靠着基督的恩典，我们能够拒绝不洁的思想。耶稣会吸引我们的心灵，净化我们的思想，洁净我们心中一切隐秘的罪……”（CTBH 136.1）
“Jesus must abide in the heart; and where he is, the carnal desires will be subdued, and kept in subjection by the operation of the Spirit of God. ‘For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.’” BEcho June 15, 1892, par. 6
“The first work of those who would reform is to purify the imagination. Our meditations should be such as will elevate the mind. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” [Philippians 4:8.] Here is a wide field in which the mind can safely range. If Satan seeks to turn it to low and sensual things, bring it back. When corrupt imaginings seek to gain possession of your mind, flee to the throne of grace, and pray for strength from heaven. By the grace of Christ it is possible for us to reject impure thoughts. Jesus will attract the mind, purify the thoughts, and cleanse the heart from every secret sin…” CTBH 136.1
阅读腓立比书 1:21, 22。我们如何理解保罗的观点，尤其是在善恶之争的背景下？
Read Philippians 1:21, 22. How do we understand Paul’s point, especially in the context of the great controversy?
“最亲近基督的人，必是世上最深刻地领受祂舍己之爱的人——这爱‘不自夸，不张狂，不求自己的益处，不轻易发怒，不计算人的恶’（哥林多前书 13:4-5）——这爱激励门徒，如同激励我们的主一样，甘愿舍弃一切，为拯救人类而活、劳作、牺牲，甚至至死。这种精神在保罗的生命中彰显无遗。他说：‘因我活着就是基督’；”因为他的生命向世人启示了基督；“我死了就有益处”——这益处归于基督；死亡本身就能彰显祂恩典的大能，并将灵魂聚集到祂身边。他说：‘无论是生是死，基督总要在我身上得荣耀。’（腓立比书 1:21-20）” DA 549.3
“The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love,—love that “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5),—love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, “For to me to live is Christ;” for his life revealed Christ to men; “and to die is gain,”—gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. “Christ shall be magnified in my body,” he said, “whether it be by life or by death.” Philippians 1:21, 20.” DA 549.3
1月13日，星期二
要有信心
阅读腓立比书1:23-24。保罗说“离世与基督同在”比“好得多”，他是什么意思？
Read Philippians 1:23, 24. What does Paul mean when he says that “to depart, and be with Christ” is “far better”?
“我正进退两难，情愿离世与基督同在，因为这是好得无比的；然而，我留在肉身对你们是更有益的。”（腓立比书 1:23-24）
“活着的人知道自己必死；死了的人毫无所知，也不再得赏赐，因为他们的名已被遗忘。”（传道书 9:5）
“我想到了保罗，这位伟大的传道人奉差遣向外邦人传讲基督并祂钉十字架的福音。有一次，他陷入了两难的境地。他肩负重任，不知是该死还是该活，是该为了他人的益处而选择留在肉身，还是该放弃这场争战。“弟兄们，”他写道，“我不是以为自己已经得着了；我只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，向着标竿直跑，要得神在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏。”【腓立比书 3:13-14】14LtMs, Lt 100, 1899, par. 9
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. KJV — Philippians 1:23, 24
“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” KJV — Ecclesiastes 9:5
“I have thought of Paul, the great minister who was sent to preach Christ and Him crucified to the Gentiles. On one occasion he was in a strait betwixt two. He was so weighed down with responsibilities that he knew not whether he would rather die or live, whether he would choose for the good of others to abide in the flesh, or give up the conflict. “Brethren,” he writes, “I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:13, 14.]” 14LtMs, Lt 100, 1899, par. 9
1月14日，星期三
坚守合一
阅读腓立比书1:27，并比较约翰福音17:17-19。耶稣和保罗都认为教会合一不可或缺的是什么？
Read Philippians 1:27 and compare John 17:17–19. What do both Jesus and Paul say is indispensable for unity in the church?
“只要你们行事为人与基督的福音相称，叫我或来见你们，或不在你们那里，都可以听到你们的近况，知道你们同心合意，站立得稳，为所信的福音齐心努力。”（腓立比书1:27，和合本）
求你用真理使他们成圣；你的道就是真理。你怎样差我到世上，我也照样差他们到世上。我为他们的缘故自己分别为圣，叫他们也因真理成圣。——约翰福音 17:17-19（和合本）
“谁是天国的子民？但以理告诉世人他们将被称为什么。“至高者的圣民必得国，永远承受国度，直到永永远远”（但以理书 7:18）。保罗写信给腓立比人：[腓立比书 1:1, 9-11；引用以弗所书 2:18-22]。11MR 341.2
凡被登记为天国子民的人，都必须言行举止符合基督福音的教导。我们有幸享有天国子民的权利和特权。但祂对每一个接受基督为个人救主的人说：“你们要从他们中间出来，与他们分别。”我们应当遵行主的规矩，不可在天上的使者或世人面前羞辱我们的公民身份。我们应当甘心乐意地服侍神。基督并非对那些不再与试探搏斗、不再有被引诱远离基督、不再受撒但诡计所胜之危险的人说：“你们行事为人要与基督的福音相称……要同心合意，站立得稳，为所信的福音齐心努力；” ……因为你们蒙恩，不但得以信靠基督，并要为他受苦”（腓立比书 1:27, 29）。基督的追随者身上不应有纷争、虚荣、自私、抱怨、争辩，以及任何不纯洁或不诚实的行为。——1898 年第 58a 号信函，第 1-11 页。（致戈里克夫人，1898 年 7 月。抄录于 1898 年 7 月 19 日。）11MR 341.3
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” KJV — Philippians 1:27
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. KJV — John 17:17-19
“Who are the subjects of the kingdom of heaven? Daniel tells the world the name by which they shall be called. “The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever” (Daniel 7:18). And Paul writes to the Philippians: [Philippians 1:1, 9-11; Ephesians 2:18-22 quoted]. 11MR 341.2
“All who are enrolled as citizens of the heavenly country are required that their behavior shall be such as the gospel of Christ can approve. And it is our privilege to claim the rights and privileges of subjects of the kingdom of heaven. But to everyone who accepts Christ as his personal Saviour, He says, “Come out from among them [the world] and be ye separate.” We are to conform to the Lord’s requirements, and not disgrace our citizenship before the angels of heaven or before men. We are to render to God cheerful service. Christ does not speak to those who are no more to wrestle with temptation; who are not in any danger of being drawn away from Christ and overcome by the wiles of Satan, when He says: “Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ.... Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ... For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:27, 29). There is to be no strife or vainglory, no selfishness or murmuring, no disputing, nothing impure or dishonest found in the characters of the followers of Christ.—Letter 58a, 1898, pp. 1-11. (To Mrs. Gorick, July, 1898. Copied July 19, 1898.)” 11MR 341.3
1月15日，星期四
团结无畏
阅读腓立比书1:27-30。我们的团结以及“为福音的信仰同心合力”与无畏之间有何关联？
Read Philippians 1:27–30. How does our unity and “striving together for the faith of the gospel” relate to fearlessness?
只要你们行事为人与基督的福音相称，叫我或来见你们，或不在你们那里，都能听到你们的近况，知道你们同心合意，站立得稳，为所信的福音齐心努力；不要被敌人吓倒，因为在他们看来，这是灭亡的明证；在你们看来，却是得救的明证，是出于神的救恩。因为你们蒙恩，不但得以信服基督，并要为他受苦；你们在我身上所看见的，现在又听见的，也是同样的争战。”（腓立比书 1:27-30）
“如今，我们需要像但以理那样敢于行动、勇于担当的人。当今世界需要一颗纯洁的心和一双强健无畏的手。上帝设计人类应当不断进步，日复一日地在卓越的阶梯上攀登更高的高峰。如果我们寻求自助，祂必会帮助我们。我们在两个世界获得幸福的希望，取决于我们在一个世界里的进步……” AH 301.2
这课表明，悔改的基督徒在跟随神的带领迈出的每一步，都需要坚定不移的信心、勇气和行动，而这总能带来成功。
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” KJV — Philippians 1:27-30
“There is now need of men who, like Daniel, will do and dare. A pure heart and a strong, fearless hand are wanted in the world today. God designed that man should be constantly improving, daily reaching a higher point in the scale of excellence. He will help us if we seek to help ourselves. Our hope of happiness in two worlds depends upon our improvement in one....” AH 301.2
This lesson shows that unfailing faith, courage, and action is the cooperation that is required from the converted Christian every advance step of the way in God's leading, and it always brings success. 11SC2 9.2
阅读以下圣经经文，并简要概括它们的共同主题：马太福音 10:38，使徒行传 14:22，罗马书 8:17，提摩太后书 3:12。
Read the following Bible passages and briefly summarize their common theme: Matthew 10:38, Acts 14:22, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12.
“凡不背着自己的十字架跟从我的，不配作我的门徒。”（马太福音 10:38，和合本）
“坚固门徒的心，劝勉他们恒守所信的道，又告诉他们，我们进入神的国必须经历许多患难。”（使徒行传 14:22）
“既是儿女，便是后嗣，就是神的后嗣，和基督同作后嗣。如果我们和他一同受苦，也必和他一同得荣耀。”（罗马书 8:17）
“凡立志在基督耶稣里敬虔度日的，也都要受逼迫。”（提摩太后书 3:12）
“当我们默想基督所受的羞辱，目睹祂的自我否定和自我牺牲时，我们便会惊叹于神对罪人的大爱。当我们因基督的缘故被呼召经历屈辱的试炼时，如果我们拥有基督的心，我们就会以温柔的心忍受，不怨恨伤害，也不抵挡邪恶。我们将彰显那住在基督里的灵……”（《神迹》324.5）
“我们应当负起基督的轭，像他一样为拯救失丧的人而努力；凡与他一同受苦的，也必与他一同得荣耀。使徒说：‘你们是与神同工的。’那么，让我们抓住他的力量。凡在我们中间称呼基督之名的人，都应当与神同工。”（《评论与通讯》，1892年5月24日，第12段）
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” KJV — Matthew 10:38
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” KJV — Acts 14:22
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” KJV — Romans 8:17
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” KJV — 2Timothy 3:12
“When we contemplate the humiliation of Christ, beholding His self-denial and self-sacrifice, we are filled with amazement at the manifestation of divine love for guilty man. When for Christ’s sake we are called to pass through trials that are of a humiliating nature, if we have the mind of Christ, we shall suffer them with meekness, not resenting injury, or resisting evil. We shall manifest the spirit that dwelt in Christ....” AG 324.5
“We are to bear Christ’s yoke, to work as he worked for the salvation of the lost; and those who are partakers of his sufferings will also be partakers of his glory. The apostle says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” Then let us take hold of his strength. Let every one who names the name of Christ among us, become a laborer together with God.” RH May 24, 1892, par. 12
1月16日，星期五
进一步思考
“使徒仰望遥远的彼岸，心中并非忐忑不安或恐惧不安，而是充满喜乐的盼望和殷切的期盼。当他站在殉道之地，他看到的不是刽子手的利剑，也不是即将沾染他鲜血的土地；他透过夏日平静的蔚蓝天空，仰望永恒者的宝座。”（《使徒行传》511.2）
这位虔诚的信徒看到了雅各异象中的天梯，它象征着基督，基督连接了天地，连接了有限的人与无限的神。他想起先祖和先知们如何依靠那位支撑他、安慰他、并为之献出生命的神，他的信仰因此更加坚定。从这些世世代代为信仰作见证的圣人身上，他听到了神真实存在的保证。他的使徒同伴们，为了宣扬基督的福音，不惜面对宗教的偏执和异教的迷信、迫害和蔑视，他们不计生命，只为在不信的黑暗迷宫中高举十字架的光芒——他听到他们为耶稣作见证，称他为神的儿子，世界的救主。从刑架、火刑柱、地牢，从地洞和洞穴中，他听到了殉道者凯旋的呐喊。聆听那些坚定不移的灵魂的见证，他们虽贫困潦倒、饱受苦难、饱受折磨，却依然无畏而庄严地为信仰作见证，宣告：“我知道我所信的是谁。”这些人为信仰献出生命，向世人宣告，他们所信靠的那一位，能够拯救到底。AA 512.1
“保罗因基督的牺牲而得赎，罪被基督的宝血洗净，披戴基督的义袍，他自己也见证，他的灵魂在救赎主眼中何等宝贵。他的生命与基督一同藏在神里面，他深信那战胜死亡的主必能保守一切托付给他的。他牢记救主的应许：“在末日我必叫他复活。”（约翰福音 6:40）他的思想和盼望都集中在主的再来上。当刽子手的利剑落下，死亡的阴影笼罩着殉道者时，他最后的念头涌上心头，正如他在大觉醒之初的念头一样，他渴望遇见赐予生命的主，祂必迎接他进入蒙福的喜乐之中。”（AA 512.2）
“The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stands at the place of martyrdom he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive his blood; he looks up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the Eternal. AA 511.2
“This man of faith beholds the ladder of Jacob's vision, representing Christ, who has connected earth with heaven, and finite man with the infinite God. His faith is strengthened as he calls to mind how patriarchs and prophets have relied upon the One who is his support and consolation, and for whom he is giving his life. From these holy men who from century to century have borne testimony for their faith, he hears the assurance that God is true. His fellow apostles, who, to preach the gospel of Christ, went forth to meet religious bigotry and heathen superstition, persecution, and contempt, who counted not their lives dear unto themselves that they might bear aloft the light of the cross amidst the dark mazes of infidelity—these he hears witnessing to Jesus as the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. From the rack, the stake, the dungeon, from dens and caves of the earth, there falls upon his ear the martyr's shout of triumph. He hears the witness of steadfast souls, who, though destitute, afflicted, tormented, yet bear fearless, solemn testimony for the faith, declaring, “I know whom I have believed.” These, yielding up their lives for the faith, declare to the world that He in whom they have trusted is able to save to the uttermost. AA 512.1
“Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ, washed from sin in His blood, and clothed in His righteousness, Paul has the witness in himself that his soul is precious in the sight of his Redeemer. His life is hid with Christ in God, and he is persuaded that He who has conquered death is able to keep that which is committed to His trust. His mind grasps the Saviour's promise, “I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40. His thoughts and hopes are centered on the second coming of his Lord. And as the sword of the executioner descends and the shadows of death gather about the martyr, his latest thought springs forward, as will his earliest in the great awakening, to meet the Life-giver, who shall welcome him to the joy of the blest.” AA 512.2