（Table refer to：https://h-land.us/blog/267924）
Character Development in the Bible
圣经中的角色发展
Citation 引用
Matthew as Story, Jack Dean Kingsbury (1988) 《马太福音是故事》 京士柏
The idea of dimensional characters comes from this work.
维度角色的理念来自他的书。
Introduction 导论
In Chinese opera: 在中国京剧中:
1. What color is the protagonist’s face?
主角的脸谱被画成什么颜色？
2. What color is the villain’s face?
坏人的脸谱又被画成什么颜色？
3. What color is a fickle or changeable character? 而善变或多变的人的脸谱又被画成什么颜色？
1. The protagonist has a black face.
在中国京剧中主角的脸谱被画成黑色。
2. The villain has a white face. 坏人的脸谱被画成白色。
3. A fickle character has a green face. 善变的人的脸谱被画成绿色。
Additionally: 还有：
4. A yellow face portrays a cruel or violent character.
此外,黄色的脸谱描绘了一个残忍或暴力的性格。
5. A blue face is a brave or strong character.
蓝色的脸谱描绘一个勇敢和坚强的性格。
6. A purple face is an august or noble character.
紫色的脸谱描绘一个令人敬畏和高尚的性格。
The point is that Chinese opera gives the viewer a convenient guide to understanding the characters, and for following the plot.
重点是京剧给了观众一种容易的导向，让他们理解人物，跟上情节。
However, the Bible does not “color-code” its characters.
然而，圣经不给它的角色们“颜色代码”。
So, we must look for clues about how to rightly interpret various characters. 因此，我们必须查找线索以掌握如何正确解读各个角色。
As with all literature, the Bible is written with various characters.
和所有的文学作品一样，圣经也写到了各式各样的人物。
Those characters: 这些人物
1.Interact 互动
2.Advance a plot 推进一个情节
3.Engage in conflict 参与冲突
4.Resolve conflict 解决冲突
5.Through their lives, teach lessons 通过他们的生活给人教训
One way to analyze biblical characters is to see the way in which certain characters are developed, and others are undeveloped. 分析圣经人物的一种方法是观察一定人物的发展和其他人物的没有发展。
The Bible offers exactly the detail that it wants about each character, details which advance a larger redemptive-historical narrative.
圣经提供了每一个人物所需要的细节，这些细节推进了一个更大的救赎历史叙事。
Thus, for example we are given certain details about Abraham’s life such as his interaction with:
因此，例如，我们得到了一些关于亚伯拉罕生活的细节，诸如他与以下人物的互动：
1.His wife 妻子
2.Foreign rulers 外邦统治者
3.His nephew 侄子
4.Ultimately, with God himself 最终，与神本身的互动
But we are given no details about his height or weight, his hair color or physical features.
但圣经没有给我们的信息是他的身高和体重、发色或身体特征。
There is no discussion of his taste in music, or his personal talents.
没有说到他的音乐品味或是个人才能。
The reason is that God chose to highlight certain aspects of Abraham so that we would understand his relationship to the coming Messiah, but that we would not worship Abraham, or become distracted by his personal characteristics. 原因是神选择强调亚伯拉罕的某些方面，以便我们了解他与将来到来的弥赛亚的关系，但我们不会崇拜亚伯拉罕，也不会被他的个人特征分散注意力。
The same could be said about every character in the Bible, including Jesus himself. 圣经中的每一个人物都是如此，包括耶稣本人。
God offered certain details, but left others out.
神提供了某些细节，却排除了其它细节。
Some characters are developed in more depth than others.
有些角色比其他角色发展得更深入。
Thus, certain characters such as Job are given prominence, while his servants and children are merely mentioned.
因此，某些人物，如约伯被突出，而他的仆人和子女只是提到。
Job’s wife occupies a middle ground. 约伯的妻子则在中间地带。
She is given a voice in the narrative, but not much inclusion.
她在叙述中有发言，但内容不多。
Thus, the study that follows is an attempt to categorize Bible characters, so as to better understand the larger teaching of which they are a part. 因此，接下来的研究是对圣经人物进行分类的尝试，以便更好地理解他们作为局部所要教导的更大的方面。
Various Dimensions to Bible Characters
圣经角色的维度分析
Character Dimensions
角色维度
1.Zero 零
Characters which are just mentioned, but given no development
圣经提及但没有角色的发展
These characters generally set up a backdrop against other characters. 该类角色只起到背景衬托的作用。
2. One 一
Characters which are given minimal development
圣经中略有发展的角色
3. Two 二
Characters which are given significant development, a name, and a voice 有比较重大发展的圣经角色，有名字，有声音
4. Three 三
Characters which are deeply developed, and given prominence
有深入发展、有大量记述的圣经角色。
5. Pinnacle 巅峰
Jesus himself; all of Scripture exists to draw out Jesus, to make him known as fully as man can grasp
耶稣本身；所有经文都指向耶稣，使众人能明白和认识耶稣。
Zero-Dimensional Characters
零维角色
Zero-dimensional characters exist to set up, and highlight, other characters. 零维角色起到建立和突出其他角色的作用
Zero-Dimension Characters 零维角色
1.Show one character trait, or one issue that becomes the focus 展示一种角色特征或一个成为焦点的事件
2. Usually nameless 通常无姓名
3. Voiceless 无声音
4. Emotionless 不露情感
5. Merely included to set up a response from other characters 只为回应其他角色而设立
6. Often those who are considered to be of no account, set up a contrast with Israel.
通常是那些被认为不重要的人与以色列形成了鲜明的对比.
Those of no account see and understand what Israel cannot. 那些不重要的人看到和明白以色列所不能的。
Examples of Zero-Dimension Characters 零维角色例子
Purpose 目的
1.The Magi (Matthew 马太福音 2:1)
东方博士
Set up a contrast to Israel, which did not recognize the coming Messiah 与以色列形成对比，以色列不承认即将到来的弥赛亚
2. Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 马太福音 8:14) 彼得的岳母
3. The demoniacs (Matthew 马太福音 8:28)
被鬼附的
The demoniacs were voiceless, but the demons within them spoke. 被鬼附的是发不出声音的，但是里面的魔鬼可以说话。
Thus, here one finds both zero-dimensioned and one-dimensioned characters together. 因此，这里可以发现同时出现了零维和一维角色。
4. The herdsmen (Matthew 马太福音 8:33)
牧羊人
Examples of Zero-Dimension Characters 零维角色例子
Purpose 目的
5. The demoniac (Matthew 马太福音 9:32-34) 被鬼附的
Sets up the response of both the crowds and the religious leaders
衬托群众和宗教领袖的回应
6. The man with the withered hand (Matthew 马太福音 12:9-15)
枯干一只手的人
This man sets up the conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees.
这个人建立了耶稣和法拉利赛人之间的冲突.
7. Jesus’ sisters (Matthew 马太福音 13:56)耶稣的姐妹
8. Woman who anointed Jesus (Matthew 马太福音 26:7) 膏耶稣的妇人
Sets up contrast to the disciples who did not anoint Jesus 与没有膏耶稣的门徒形成对比
9. Barabbas (Matthew 马太福音 27:15-23) 巴拉巴
Sets up a contrast to Jesus himself; as a convicted murderer, Barabbas stands in sharp juxtaposition to Jesus.
与耶稣自己形成对比;作为一个被判有罪的杀人犯，巴拉巴与耶稣形成了鲜明的对比
Student Exercise 学生练习
Name four other zero-dimensional characters throughout the Bible.
请再举出四个圣经中的零维角色。
One-Dimensional Characters 一维角色
One-Dimensional Characters 一维角色
1. Have only one character trait 只有一种角色特征
2. Generally serve as a backdrop to others通常是作为其他人的背景
3. May or may not have a name 可能有名字，可能没有
4. May or may not have a voice 可能有说话，可能没有
5. May interact with main characters 可能与主要角色有互动
6. Are static, with little or no character development静态的，几乎没有角色发展
7. The reader is given no sense of their inner state读者无法感知到他们的内在状态
Character 人物
Purpose 目的
1. Joseph, Jesus’ father (Matthew 马太福音 1:18-2:23) 约瑟，耶稣的父亲
Joseph fulfills God’s commands; shows a faithful heart, but does not speak. 约瑟履行神的旨意；体现了忠心，但没有说话。
2. The leper (Matthew 马太福音 8:2) 麻风病患者
The leper’s faith contrasts with the disciple’s lack of faith. 麻风病人的信心与门徒的缺乏信心形成了鲜明的对比
3. The man born blind (John 约翰福音 9:1-5) 生来瞎眼的人
Notice that this man is nameless, as a way to highlight his low position. 注意到这个人是无名氏，这突出了他的地位低微。
4. The Roman Centurion (Matthew 马太福音 8:6) 罗马百夫长
The Centurion sets up a contrast with the unbelief of Israel.
与以色列的不信形成对比.
5. A ruler (Matthew 马太福音 9:18) 管会堂的
Character 人物
Purpose 目的
6. The noisy crowd (Matthew 马太福音 9:23, 24) 喧闹的人群
They laughed at Jesus to highlight the world’s blindness to him.
他们嘲笑耶稣，突出了这个世界对他的盲目。
7. The disciples of John the Baptist (Matthew 马太福音 11:2)
约翰的门徒
8. The townspeople of Nazareth (Matthew 马太福音 13:54)
拿撒勒地方的人
9. The Canaanite woman (Matthew 马太福音 15:22) 迦南妇人
This woman sets up a contrast with Israel’s unbelief.
与以色列的不信形成对比.
10. The mother of Zebedee’s sons (Matthew 马太福音 20:20; 27:56) 西庇太儿子们的母亲
The mother’s name was not given, but she asked Jesus a favor. 母亲没有名字，但是求问耶稣的赐福。
She is used to expose the disciples’ selfish ambition (Matthew 马太福音 20:24).她被使用来暴露门徒的私心。
Character 人物
Purpose 目的
11. A servant girl (Matthew 马太福音 26:69) 使女
While the servant girl is anonymous, she has a voice. 然而，使女没有名字却有声音.
She breaks into the narrative with a sharp statement. 她用尖利的话语闯入了记叙。
The servant girls is a one-dimensional character interacting with Peter, a three-dimensional character, concerning Jesus, the pinnacle character.
使女是一个一维角色，与彼得交涉，彼得是三维角色，与耶稣有关，耶稣是巅峰人物。
12. Bystanders (Matthew 马太福音 26:73) 旁边站着的人
13. The crowds 众人 (Matthew 马太福音 27:4)
Character 人物
Purpose 目的
14. Pilate’s wife (Matthew 马太福音 27:19) 彼拉多的妻子
Pilate’s wife sets up a contrast with Pilate himself.
彼拉多的妻子与彼拉多形成对比。
Pilate’s fearful acquiescence is contrasted with his wife’s stern warning.
彼拉多惧怕的默许与他妻子的警告形成对照。
Pilates’ wife is a one-dimensional character interacting with her husband, another one-dimensional character, as he interacts with the crowds, itself a one-dimensional character. 彼拉多的妻子是一个一维角色，与丈夫交涉，他与人群交涉时是另一个一维角色，人群也是一维角色。
They all set up a contrast to Jesus, the pinnacle character. 他们都设立了与耶稣这个巅峰人物的对照。
15. Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 马太福音 27:32) 古利奈的西门
Simon carried Jesus’ cross as a contrast to the disciples who abandoned Jesus in fear.
耶稣的十字架与那些在恐惧中抛弃耶稣的门徒形成对比。
Character 人物
Purpose 目的
16. The Roman soldier at the foot of the cross (Matthew 马太福音 27:54)
站在十字架下的罗马兵丁
This soldier contrasts with the disciples, who did not stand at the cross as witnesses.
这个士兵与没有站在十字架下作见证的门徒形成对比。
17. Mary Magdalene (Matthew 马太福音 27:56; 28:1) 抹大拉的玛利亚
18. Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 马太福音 27:57) 亚利马太的约瑟
Joseph requested Jesus’ body for burial.
约瑟请求下葬耶稣的遗体。
This contrasts with the disciples, who had abandoned Jesus on the cross.
这与在十字架上抛弃耶稣的门徒形成对比。
The Crowds 众人
The crowds function as one single character.
众人起的作用如同一个角色。
Sometimes the crowds function as zero-dimensional character (voiceless). 有时候众人是零维角色（没有说话）。
Other times, the crowds function as a one-dimensional character (having a voice and interacting).还有的时候众人是一维角色（有说话，有互动）。
←The Crowds 众人→
Jesus 耶稣
The Crowds 众人
The Religious Leaders
宗教领袖
Sympathetic to Jesus, but lack faith
同情耶稣，但是缺乏信心
Oppose Jesus 反对耶稣
Neither Jesus’ disciples, nor his enemies
既不是耶稣的门徒，也不是祂的敌人
Jesus’ enemies 耶稣的敌人
Identity 身份
See Jesus as either a prophet, or as an emerging king
看耶稣像一位先知或兴起的君王
See Jesus as Satan’s representative (Matthew 马太福音 9:34) 看耶稣如撒旦的代表
Compassion
怜悯
Harassed, helpless (Matthew 马太福音 9:36) 疲倦的，无助的
Add burdens to the people
增加百姓的担子
Teaching 教导
Amazed by Jesus’ teaching
惊奇于耶稣的教导
Offended 被冒犯 (Luke 路加福音 11:45)
Jesus 耶稣
The Crowds 众人
The Religious Leaders
宗教领袖
Miracles
神迹
Frightened or astonished by Jesus’ miracles (Matthew 马太福音 9:8, 33; 15:31)
害怕或惊讶于耶稣的神迹
Demanded miracles
要求耶稣行神迹
Healings
医病
Awed by Jesus’ healing and glorify God (Matthew 马太福音 9:2-8)
因耶稣的医病敬畏并归荣耀给神
Consider Jesus’ claim to forgive sins blasphemy
视耶稣宣赦为亵渎神
Exorcisms
赶鬼
Marvel at Jesus’ ability to exorcise demons
惊讶于耶稣赶鬼的能力
Attribute Jesus’ exorcism to Satan 称耶稣是靠着鬼王赶鬼(Matthew 马太福音 9:34)
Occasionally oppose Jesus (Matthew 马太福音 9:23-25; 20:31) 偶尔反对耶稣
Triumphal entry 荣入圣城
Welcome Jesus into Jerusalem (Matthew 马太福音 21:9) 欢迎耶稣进入耶路撒冷
Plot to murder Jesus
密谋杀害耶稣 (Matthew 马太福音 12:14)
The crowds are constantly pulled between Jesus and the religious leaders. 人群不断在耶稣和宗教领袖之间被拉来拉去。
Sometimes the crowds stand with Jesus, and other times they do the sinister bidding of the religious leaders.
But this is a fascinating feature of the gospel accounts, to use the crowds as a single character in the plotline.
Two-Dimensional Characters 二维角色
Two-Dimensional Characters 二维角色
1. Possess a few character traits 拥有一些角色特征
2. Are somewhat dynamic in that they show some character development
在某种程度上，他们表现出了角色的发展
3. Are generally predictable 一般可预见
4. May be the center of attention for a moment
可能在某一刻成为关注的焦点
5. There may be significant details about the character’s inner state, and a transformation of that inner state.
关于角色的内在状态和内在状态的转换可能有重要的细节
6. Redirect the plotline in significant ways
以重要的方式重定向主要情节
Examples of Two-Dimensional Characters
二维角色例子
1. Judas 犹大 (Matthew 马太福音 27:4)
Judas loved money, and was willing to betray Jesus for a relatively small sum. 犹大爱钱，为了一点小钱出卖耶稣。
After his betrayal, Judas was filled with remorse, but not repentance. 他卖主以后十分懊悔，但没有悔改。
Judas was used to advance Jesus’ movement to the cross.犹大被用于推进耶稣走上十字架的进程。
However, Judas himself did not change.
然而，犹大自己没有改变。
2. The religious leaders 宗教领袖 (Matthew 马太福音 27:4)
The religious leaders indulged in luxury, sought the praises of men, and loved money.
宗教领袖们沉溺于享受，追求人的赞美，爱钱。
They are offended by Jesus and, like Judas, advance Jesus’ movement toward the cross. 他们受到耶稣的对质，就像犹大一样，被用于促进耶稣走上十字架。
3. Thomas 多马 (John 约翰福音 20:25-28)
Jesus’ Parables 耶稣的比喻
Notice that Jesus’ parables never include character names.
请注意，耶稣的比喻从来没有人名。
This is because Jesus wanted his audience to focus on the main point of the parable. 这是因为耶稣想要他的受众专注比喻的重点。
The Religious Leaders 宗教领袖
The religious leaders were far from unified before Jesus arrived.
在耶稣到来之前，宗教领袖们还远没有统一。
The Pharisees and Sadducees were often contentious enemies.
法利赛人和撒都该人常常是争论不休的敌人。
However, once they saw a common enemy in Jesus, these various factions united in their opposition to him.
然而，在耶稣面前，这些不同的派系就联合起来对付他。
Thus, the religious leaders could often be considered one character.
因此，宗教领袖们通常被认为是一个角色。
The religious leaders have a single root trait; they are evil.
宗教领袖有单一的根本特征：他们是邪恶的.
That evil shows itself as hypocrisy. 其邪恶表现为假冒为善。
Thus, anytime one encounters a religious leader in the gospels, one can usually assume the same character traits. 因此，任何时候在福音书中遇到宗教领袖，通常都可以假定相同的角色特征。
Almost all the religious leaders possess the same traits.
宗教领袖都拥有相同的特征。
(However, Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin) and Nicodemus (a Pharisee), as eventual followers of Christ, were righteous. (Matthew 马太福音 27:57; John 约翰福音 19:39) 但亚利马太的约瑟（公会的一员）和尼哥德慕（一个法利赛人）最后跟从了基督。
The Religious Leaders Presented Themselves as: 宗教领袖自表为 →
In Their Interaction with Jesus They Were Shown To Be: 在他们与耶稣的互动中展示出
1. Authorities 权柄
With no authority from God 没有从神来的权柄(Matthew 马太福音 7:29; 23:13)
2. Teachers 教师
False teachers; blind guides 假教师；瞎眼领路(Matthew 马太福音 15:14; 22:29; 23:15)
3. Of great faith 大有信心
Of no faith 没有信心
4. God’s children 神的儿女
Children of the devil 魔鬼之子 (John 约翰福音 8:44)
The Religious Leaders Presented Themselves as: 宗教领袖自表为 →
In Their Interaction with Jesus, They Were Shown To Be: 在他们与耶稣的互动中展示出
5. Upholding the law 坚持律法
Lawless 不法的 (Matthew 马太福音 23:28); murderers 杀人犯 (Matthew 马太福音 23:29-31)
6. Thinking thoughts of God
思想神的意念
Thinking thoughts of man 思想人的意念
7. Self-sacrificing 自我牺牲
Self-promoting 自我宣扬
1. Loved praises of men 喜爱人的赞扬
(Matthew 马太福音 6:1-18; 23:5)
2. Loved money 爱钱财 (Luke 路加福音 16:14)
8. Study the Scriptures 研习经文
Ignorant of its meaning 对经文的实意蒙昧无知
Three-Dimensional Characters 三维角色
Three-Dimensional Characters 三维角色
1. Possess many character traits 拥有很多角色特征
2. Are highly-dynamic in that they show significant character development 具有很强的动态性
3. Are often the center of attention 经常是关注的中心
4. There are significant details about the character’s inner state.
关于角色的内心活动有很多细节
5. Their character traits may conflict (some traits conflict with other traits) 他们的角色特征可能会冲突 (一些与其他特征相冲突的特征)
Three-Dimensional Characters 三维角色
6. Can be unpredictable 不可预知性
7. May experience inner conflict 可能经历内在的冲突
8. Redirect the plotline in significant ways以重要的方式重定向主要情节
9. Are used to teach central concepts 用于教导中心概念
Examples of Three-Dimensional Characters
三维角色例子
1.Abraham 亚伯拉罕
Notice some different aspects of Abraham:
请注意亚伯拉罕的一些方面:
1.Abraham was weak-willed when faced with Pharaoh in Egypt (Genesis 创世记 12:12, 13).亚伯拉罕在面对埃及法老时意志薄弱。
2. Abraham could be a fierce warrior, along with his 318 men, who fought the four kings of Canaan (Genesis 创世记 14:14).
亚伯拉罕带着 318 个勇士，与迦南的四王作战。
3. Abraham was acquiescent to Sarah, when she pressured him to have a children through her maidservant, Hagar (Genesis 创世记 16:2). 当撒拉给亚伯拉罕施压，通过使徒夏甲得子嗣时，亚伯拉罕默从了。
4. In Genesis 18:22, 23, Abraham functioned as a priest, as he pled for mercy for Sodom and Gomorrah. 在创世记 18:22，23 中，亚伯拉罕如同祭司一般，为所多玛俄摩拉代求。
5. In Genesis 22:3, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, the son whom he loved.在创世记 22:3 中，亚伯拉罕愿意献上他所爱的儿子以撒。
Thus, one gains a vivid picture of Abraham’s life, a highly-developed character. 因此，人们看到了亚伯拉罕生动的一生，他是一位高度发展的人物。
Examples of Three-Dimensional Characters
三维角色例子
1.Abraham 亚伯拉罕
But, notice the difference in the development of Abraham and Noah. 但请注意，亚伯拉罕与挪亚的发展的区别。
Noah is given very little development. 挪亚的展开甚微。
In fact, Noah does not even speak until Genesis 9:25, three chapters after he was first mentioned. 其实，挪亚一直到创世记 9:25 才开始说话，是经文第一次提及他之后的第三章。
Noah remains opaque because God focused attention on the events of the great flood. 挪亚一直较透明，因为神着重于大洪水。
Examples of Three-Dimensional Characters
三维角色例子
2. Moses 摩西
Moses shows great character development. 摩西有很大的发展。
One sees his mood swings, his anxiety, his weariness, his humility, and his passions.
看得到他心情的起伏，他的焦躁与疲倦、谦卑与热切。
3. Nehemiah 尼希米
4. Job 约伯
5. Daniel 但以理
6. Peter 彼得
7. Paul 保罗
The Disciples 门徒
The disciples sometimes function as a single character (such as when Jesus called them “dull”). 有时，门徒起着单个角色的作用 (就像耶稣有时称他们“无知”).
At other times, they are treated individually.还有些时候，他们被单独对待。
The Disciples 门徒
Dimensionality 维度
1.Peter 彼得
Three-dimensional 三维
Notice character change in Peter: 请注意彼得的性情转变：
1.Peter was the first to point out that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 马太福音 16:16).彼得是认信耶稣是基督，永生神的儿子的第一个人。
2. Soon after this, Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get behind me Satan!” (Matthew 马太福音 16:23) 在这以后，耶稣很快转向彼得说：“撒旦，退我后面去吧。”
3. As Jesus was incarcerated, Peter denied him (Matthew 马太福音 26:70). 耶稣被监禁的时候，彼得不认主。
The Disciples 门徒
Dimensionality 维度
1.Peter 彼得
4. Later, after Jesus rose from the dead, as the women encountered the angel at the tomb, Peter was specifically mentioned as one who should receive the good news (Mark马可福音 16:7). 后来，耶稣从死里复活以后，妇女们遇见墓旁的天使，他们特意指出彼得要接受好消息。
This was to encourage Peter that he was restored to fellowship with Christ after his denial.
这是为了鼓舞彼得，使他恢复不认主以后与基督的相交。
Peter had been brash and impulsive (John 约翰福音 18:10). 彼得曾是个自大、冲动的人。
However, as one reads Peters epistles, he encounters a softer gentler demeanor.
然而，当人读彼得书信时，他谈吐温和。
The years of sanctification have sanded down Peter’s rough character. 多年的成圣磨去了彼得的粗糙。
The point is that Peter enjoys rich character development in the gospels, unlike most of the other disciples. 重点是福音书中的彼得比起大多数门徒，有着丰富的个性展开。
The Disciples 门徒
Dimensionality 维度
2. John 约翰
Two-dimensional 二维
3. Judas 加略人犹大
Two-dimensional 二维
4. Thomas 多马
Movement from one-dimensional to two dimensional
从一维发展到二维
5. Thaddeus 犹大
One dimensional 一维
The disciples are somewhat unique because they possess conflicting traits. 门徒们有些独特，因为他们有冲突的特点。
The Disciples’ Development 门徒的发展→
Grew into: 成为
1. Followers 追随者
Authorities 权威
2. Learners 学习者
Teachers 教师
3. Of weak faith (Matthew 马太福音 8:26; 17:14-20)
信心软弱
Of great faith 大有信心
4. Disciples 门徒
Sons of God 神的儿子
5. Dull (Matthew 马太福音 26:8, 12; Mark 马可福音 7:18) 迟钝
Spirit-filled 圣灵充满
The Disciples’ Development 门徒的发展
Grew into: 成为
6. Thinking thoughts of man (Matthew 马太福音 16:22, 23)
思想人的意念
Thinking thoughts of God 思想神的意念
7. Self-promoting 自我宣扬
a. Status conscious 身份意识 (Matthew 马太福音 19:13-15; 20:20-24)
b. Enamored with wealth 沉迷财富 (Matthew 马太福音 19:23-26)
c. Anxious about their futures 为未来忧虑 (Matthew 马太福音 19:27)
Self-sacrificing
自我牺牲
8. Four of the disciples were fishermen 四个门徒是渔夫
Ministers, healers
神的仆人，医病者
Studies show that the average person can only remain emotionally close to twelve people at one time.
研究表明普通人在同一时间只能和十二个人保持亲近。
This is called one’s “sympathy group,” meaning that human emotional limitations can only handle caring about this number. 这被称为“同理圈,” 意思是人类的情感局限只能顾及到这个人数的范围。
Increasing the group’s size decreases one’s emotional involvement with each. 若增大圈子的范围，就会减少与每个人的亲近度。
Jesus Christ had twelve followers. 耶稣基督有十二个跟从者。
An Observation about the Book of Luke 观察路加福音
Notice that the opening narrative in the book of Luke is built around fourteen characters, found in two sets of seven.
请注意，路加福音中的开场白围绕着十四个人物，以七为一组，共两组。
Set #1 组
Luke
路加福音
Set #2 组
Luke
路加福音
1.Zechariah 撒迦利亚
1:5
Tiberius Caesar 该撒提庇留
3:1
2. Elizabeth 以利沙伯
1:5
Pilate 彼拉多
3:1
3. Mary 玛利亚
1:27
Herod tetrarch of Galilee
加利利分封王希律
3:1
4. Joseph 约瑟
1:27
Philip tetrarch of Iturea
以土利亚分封王腓力
3:1
5. Simeon 西面
2:25
Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene 亚比利尼分封王吕撒聂
3:1
6. Anna 亚拿
2:36
Annas 亚那
3:2
7. John the Baptist 施洗约翰
3:2
Caiaphas 该亚法
3:2
Set #1 represents those who are faithful in the nation of Israel.
第一组代表那些忠于以色列国的人。
Such people the world overlooks. 这些人是世界轻看的。
Yet, God specifically appeared to them, so that they recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah (Matthew 马太福音 1:23).
然而，神特意向他们显现，让他们认识到耶稣是应许的弥赛亚。
Set #2 represents the unfaithful, both in, and outside of Israel.
第二组代表包括以色列内外的不信之人。
This group represents the fading glory and false splendor of the world.这一组代表暗淡和世俗的荣光。Set #2 also represents apostacy, which would one day bring about Christ’s crucifixion. 第二组也代表有一天使耶稣钉十字架的叛教。
But notice that set #1 is given significant development in Luke’s account. 但请注意第一组在路加福音中有着有意义的发展。
Because they sought the Messiah, Set #1 are main characters in God’s redemptive historical plan,.
他们是神救赎历史计划中的主要人物，因为他们追寻弥赛亚。
Thus, this set is described using 132 verses (Luke 1, Luke 2 + Luke 3:2). 因此，这一组用 132 节形容（路加福音 1，路加福音 2，以及路加福音 3:2).
However, the one’s whom the world looked to as great, those typically considered the focal point of history, God’s Word barely mentions.
然而，那些世界认为伟大的，特别是被当作历史重要人物的人，神的话语中却很少提及。
Thus, set #2 is only mentioned in two verses (Luke 路加福音 3:1, 2).
因此，第二组用两节经文提及。
Because they were ambivalent toward, or antagonistic toward, the Messiah, set #2 are mostly ignored in Scripture.
第二组在圣经中几乎没有什么存在感，因为他们与弥赛亚冲突、敌对。
Such people are finally of no account in God’s redemptive-historical plans. 这些人在神的救赎历史计划中终无记载。
Pinnacle Character: Jesus
巅峰角色：耶稣
While all of Scripture revolves around Jesus, and exists to make him known, the Bible is surprisingly silent on crucial details about Jesus.
虽然整本圣经围绕着耶稣展开，以使他为人所知，但圣经对耶稣的关键细节却出奇地沉默。
The Reader Is Given No Information About:
读者没有被给予关于…的信息
1. Jesus’ date of birth or date of death 耶稣的出生和死亡日期
2. Jesus’ exact age 耶稣的确切年龄
(Although in Luke 3:23, Jesus was about 30 when he began his public ministry.) 尽管在路加福音 3:23 中讲到耶稣大概在他 30 岁时开始公开事工.
3. Jesus’ physical features, or personal habits
耶稣的身体特征或个人习惯
(Did he like to sing or play games? What food did he like? Was he athletic?)
他喜欢唱歌还是玩游戏? 他喜欢吃什么? 他爱好运动吗?
Pinnacle Character: Jesus
巅峰角色：耶稣
Jesus as Pinnacle Character 耶稣作为巅峰角色
1.Jesus is presented as the only person in the Bible who is completely “normal.” 耶稣是圣经中唯一完全“正常”的人。
Jesus is always right. 耶稣总是对的。
2. His thoughts, words, and actions are presented as “normative,” since they perfectly accord with God, and with the created order. (Although we are not necessarily called to do all that he did.)
他的思想、言行都是“规范”，因为他们完全符合神和神的创造秩序。（虽然他所行的，神不一定吩咐我们也必须照搬.）
3. Because Jesus is normative, he alone defines all attitudes and events. 因为耶稣就是规范，唯有他定义一切的态度和事件。
The reader is asked to adopt Jesus’ interpretation of events and people. 读者被要求接受耶稣对事件和人的解释。
4. Jesus’ system of values is completely in agreement with the created order. 耶稣的价值体系与创造的秩序完全一致。
Jesus as Pinnacle Character 耶稣作为巅峰角色
5. The entire plot of the gospels revolves around Jesus, so that every event recorded in someway advances his agenda in moving toward the cross.
《福音书》的整个情节围绕着耶稣展开，因此，每一个以某种方式记录的事件都推进了他走向十字架的进程。
6. Even as an infant, when Jesus was an undeveloped character (showing qualities which begin as zero-dimensional), the story still revolves around him. 即使在婴儿时期，当耶稣是一个未被发展的角色 (一开始展现零维度的特点)，故事仍然围绕着他。
Even before he spoke a word, or took a step, the nation was unsettled because of him. 甚至在他还没有说一句话或走一步的时候，这个国家就因为他的存在而感到不安.
(All Jerusalem was disturbed to hear that the king of the Jews was born. (Matthew 马太福音 2:3))
整个耶路撒冷都被扰乱了，听说犹太人的王出生了。
The Pinnacle Character of the Old Testament
旧约中的巅峰角色
God himself is the pinnacle character in all of the Old Testament books.
可以设想神就是旧约许多书卷中的巅峰角色。
Even for books in which God is not mentioned (such as Esther and Song of Songs), one might still think of God as the pinnacle character.
然而，在一些没有提到神的书卷中（比如以斯帖记和雅歌）中，可以把最神当成巅峰角色。
He is invisible, but present. 他无影无形。
