C****i
发帖数: 1776 | 1 第二十三章 论国家官员
一．上帝是至高的主和全世界的王，祂在自己之下设立国家官员治理人民，是为了
祂自己的荣耀和公众的利益，因此赋与他们佩剑的权柄，用以保护并鼓励行善的，处罚
作恶的（罗13:1－4；彼前2:13-14）。
二．基督徒若被委任接受并执行国家官员的公职，乃是合乎圣经的（箴8:15-16；罗13:
1,2,4）；他们在按照各个国家健全的法律执行公职时，应当特别维持虔敬、公正与和平
（诗2:10－12；提前2:2；诗82:3-4；撒下23:3；彼前2:13），同样，为此目的，如今在
新约之下，他们可以合乎律法地从事公义和必须的战争（路3:14；罗13:4；太8:9-10；
徒10:1-2；启17:14，16）。
三．国家官员不可僭取讲道，施行圣礼，或执掌天国钥匙之权（代下26:18；太16:19
；18:17；林前12：28-29；弗4：11-12；林前4：1－2；罗10：15；来5：4）；然而他却
有权，也是他的本分，维持教会的合一与和平，保守上帝真理的纯洁和完整，压制一切
亵渎和异端，阻止或改革崇拜和法规的一切弊端，并正当地确立、执行并遵守上帝的典
章（赛49：23；诗122：9；拉7：23－28；利24：16；申13：5，6，12；王下18：4；代
上13：1－9；王下23：1－26；代下34：33；15：12-13）。为求促进这些目的，他有权
召集教会会议，列席其间，并使所规定的合乎上帝的意旨（代下19：8－11；29；30；太
2：4-5）。[6]
四．人民当为国家官员祈祷（提前2:1-2），尊敬他们的人格（彼前2:17），给他们
纳税（罗13:6-7 ），服从他们合乎律法的命令，为良心的缘故服从他们的权威（罗13:
5；多3：1）。不信宗教或宗教差异，并不废止国家官员正当和合乎圣经的权威，也不解
除人民对他们的顺服 （彼前2:13，14，16）；这种顺服，教会人员也是不能免的（罗1
3:1；王上2:35；徒25:9－11；彼后2:1，10，11；犹8－11）。教皇在他们领土之内对他
们或他们的任何人民都没有任何统治权或管辖权，尤其不能因着把他们判为异端者，或
假托任何名义而剥夺他们的土地或生命（帖后2:4；启13:15－17）。 | C****i
发帖数: 1776 | 2 CHAPTER XXIII
Of the Civil Magistrate
I. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magi
strates, to be, under him, over the people, for his own glory, and the publi
c good: and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for t
he defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment o
f evildoers.[459]
II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magist
rate, when called thereunto:[460] in the managing whereof, as they ought esp
ecially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome la
ws of each commonwealth;[461] so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under
the new testament, wage war, upon just and necessary occasion.[462]
III. Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of th
e Word and sacraments;[463] or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heave
n;[464] or, in the least, interfere in matters of faith.[465] Yet, as nursin
g fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the church of our
common Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Christians
above the rest, in such a manner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever s
hall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every par
t of their sacred functions, without violence or danger.[466] And, as Jesus
Christ hath appointed a regular government and discipline in his church, no
law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exerc
ise thereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians,
according to their own profession and belief.[467] It is the duty of civil m
agistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such
an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretense of r
eligion or of infidelity, to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury
to any other person whatsoever: and to take order, that all religious and e
cclesiastical assemblies be held without molestation or disturbance.[468]
IV. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates,[469] to honor their pe
rsons,[470] to pay them tribute or other dues,[471] to obey their lawful com
mands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience’ sake.[472] Inf
idelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrates’ jus
t and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to them:
[473] from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted,[474] much less hat
h the pope any power and jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over
any of their people; and, least of all, to deprive them of their dominions,
or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretense
whatsoever.[475]
[459] Romans 13:1-4. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For t
here is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoev
er therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they t
hat resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terro
r to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?
do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is th
e minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be af
raid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a
revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 1 Peter 2:13-14. Submit
yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord?s sake: whether it be to
the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him f
or the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
[460] Proverbs 8:15-16. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me
princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Romans 13:1-2,
4. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power b
ut of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resis
teth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall r
eceive to themselves damnation.... For he is the minister of God to thee for
good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the
sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath up
on him that doeth evil.
[461] Psalm 2:10, 12. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye j
udges of the earth.... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from th
e way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put
their trust in him. 1 Timothy 2:2. For kings, and for all that are in autho
rity; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and hones
ty. Psalm 82:3-4. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicte
d and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wic
ked. 2 Samuel 23:3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me,
He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 1 Peter 2:1
3. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord?s sake: whether
it be to the king, as supreme.
[462] Luke 3:14. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what
shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse a
ny falsely; and be content with your wages. Romans 13:4. For he is the minis
ter of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; f
or he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a reveng
er to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Matthew 8:9-10. For I am a man
under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and h
e goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, an
d he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that foll
owed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Isr
ael. Acts 10:1-2. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a ce
nturion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that fear
ed God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to
God alway. Revelation 17:14, 16. These shall make war with the Lamb, and th
e Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and
they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.... And the ten
horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shal
l make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fi
re.
[463] 2 Chronicles 26:18. And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto
him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, b
ut to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: g
o out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for th
ine honour from the LORD God.
[464] Matthew 18:17. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the
church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an hea
then man and a publican. Matthew 16:19. And I will give unto thee the keys o
f the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bo
und in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in h
eaven. 1 Corinthians 12:28-29. And God hath set some in the church, first ap
ostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gi
fts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostle
s? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Ephesian
s 4:11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist
s; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthi
ans 4:1-2. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and st
ewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a
man be found faithful. Romans 10:15. And how shall they preach, except they
be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach th
e gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Hebrews 5:4. And n
o man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was
Aaron.
[465] John 18:36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kin
gdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Acts 5:29. Then
Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather
than men. Ephesians 4:11-12. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets
; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ.
[466] Isaiah 49:23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens
thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the
earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the
LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Romans 13:1-6. Let eve
ry soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God:
the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the p
ower, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to
themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the
evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and
thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee fo
r good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the
sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath u
pon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wr
ath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: f
or they are God?s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
[467] Psalm 105:15. Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no h
arm. Acts 18:14-15. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio sa
id unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews
, reason would that I should bear with you: But if it be a question of words
and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such m
atters.
[468] Romans 13:4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if th
ou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: f
or he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doet
h evil. 1 Timothy 2:2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we
may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
[469] 1 Timothy 2:1-2. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications
, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kin
gs, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceabl
e life in all godliness and honesty.
[470] 1 Peter 2:17. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour t
he king.
[471] Romans 13:6-7. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are Go
d?s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore
to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fe
ar to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
[472] Romans 13:5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, b
ut also for conscience sake. Titus 3:1. Put them in mind to be subject to pr
incipalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work
.
[473] 1 Peter 2:13-14, 16. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for t
he Lord?s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as
unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the
praise of them that do well.... As free, and not using your liberty for a c
loke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
[474] Romans 13:1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the
re is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 1 Kings 2
:35. And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host:
and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar. Acts 25:9-11
. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wi
lt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? T
hen said Paul, I stand at Caesar?s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged
n offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die
eliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. 2 Peter 2:1, 10-11. But there wer
e false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teacher
s among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the
Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.... But c
hiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despis
e government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to spea
k evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, b
ring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. Jude 8-11. Likewis
e also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak e
vil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil
he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing a
ccusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those thi
ngs which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in t
hose things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in th
e way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and pe
rished in the gainsaying of Core.
[475] 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that
is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the templ
e of God, showing himself that he is God. Revelation 13:15-17. And he had po
wer to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast sh
ould both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of th
e beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and
poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their for
eheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the
name of the beast, or the number of his name.
13:
和平
今在
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