Add parallel Print Page Options

立哈拿尼和哈拿尼雅同治耶路撒冷

城墙修完,我安了门扇,守门的、歌唱的和利未人都已派定。 我就派我的弟兄哈拿尼和营楼的宰官哈拿尼雅管理耶路撒冷,因为哈拿尼雅是忠信的,又敬畏神过于众人。 我吩咐他们说:“等到太阳上升才可开耶路撒冷的城门,人尚看守的时候就要关门上闩。也当派耶路撒冷的居民,各按班次,看守自己房屋对面之处。” 城是广大,其中的民却稀少,房屋还没有建造。

稽核初归者之谱系

我的神感动我心,招聚贵胄、官长和百姓,要照家谱计算。我找着第一次上来之人的家谱,其上写着: 巴比伦尼布甲尼撒从前掳去犹大省的人,现在他们的子孙从被掳到之地回耶路撒冷犹大,各归本城。 他们是同着所罗巴伯耶书亚尼希米亚撒利雅拉米拿哈玛尼末底改必珊米斯毗列比革瓦伊尼宏巴拿回来的。

以色列人民的数目记在下面:巴录的子孙二千一百七十二名, 示法提雅的子孙三百七十二名, 10 亚拉的子孙六百五十二名, 11 巴哈摩押的后裔,就是耶书亚约押的子孙二千八百一十八名, 12 以拦的子孙一千二百五十四名, 13 萨土的子孙八百四十五名, 14 萨改的子孙七百六十名, 15 宾内的子孙六百四十八名, 16 比拜的子孙六百二十八名, 17 押甲的子孙二千三百二十二名, 18 亚多尼干的子孙六百六十七名, 19 比革瓦伊的子孙二千零六十七名, 20 亚丁的子孙六百五十五名, 21 亚特的后裔,就是希西家的子孙九十八名, 22 哈顺的子孙三百二十八名, 23 比赛的子孙三百二十四名, 24 哈拉的子孙一百一十二名。 25 基遍人九十五名, 26 伯利恒人和尼陀法人共一百八十八名, 27 亚拿突人一百二十八名, 28 伯亚斯玛弗人四十二名, 29 基列耶琳人、基非拉人、比录人共七百四十三名, 30 拉玛人和迦巴人共六百二十一名, 31 默玛人一百二十二名, 32 伯特利人和人共一百二十三名, 33 别的尼波人五十二名, 34 别的以拦子孙一千二百五十四名, 35 哈琳的子孙三百二十名, 36 耶利哥人三百四十五名, 37 罗德人、哈第人、阿挪人共七百二十一名, 38 西拿人三千九百三十名。

39 祭司,耶书亚耶大雅的子孙九百七十三名, 40 音麦的子孙一千零五十二名, 41 巴施户珥的子孙一千二百四十七名, 42 哈琳的子孙一千零一十七名。

43 利未人,何达威的后裔,就是耶书亚甲篾的子孙七十四名。 44 歌唱的,亚萨的子孙一百四十八名。 45 守门的,沙龙的子孙、亚特的子孙、达们的子孙、亚谷的子孙、哈底大的子孙、朔拜的子孙共一百三十八名。

46 尼提宁[a]西哈的子孙、哈苏巴的子孙、答巴俄的子孙、 47 基绿的子孙、西亚的子孙、巴顿的子孙、 48 利巴拿的子孙、哈迦巴的子孙、萨买的子孙、 49 哈难的子孙、吉德的子孙、迦哈的子孙、 50 利亚雅的子孙、利汛的子孙、尼哥大的子孙、 51 迦散的子孙、乌撒的子孙、巴西亚的子孙、 52 比赛的子孙、米乌宁的子孙、尼普心的子孙、 53 巴卜的子孙、哈古巴的子孙、哈忽的子孙、 54 巴洗律的子孙、米希大的子孙、哈沙的子孙、 55 巴柯的子孙、西西拉的子孙、答玛的子孙、 56 尼细亚的子孙、哈提法的子孙。

57 所罗门仆人的后裔,就是琐太的子孙、琐斐列的子孙、比路大的子孙、 58 雅拉的子孙、达昆的子孙、吉德的子孙、 59 示法提雅的子孙、哈替的子孙、玻黑列哈斯巴音的子孙、亚们的子孙。 60 尼提宁和所罗门仆人的后裔共三百九十二名。

61 特米拉特哈萨基绿亚顿音麦上来的,不能指明他们的宗族谱系是以色列人不是, 62 他们是第莱雅的子孙、多比雅的子孙、尼哥大的子孙,共六百四十二名。 63 祭司中哈巴雅的子孙、哈哥斯的子孙、巴西莱的子孙(因为他们的先祖娶了基列巴西莱的女儿为妻,所以起名叫巴西莱), 64 这三家的人在族谱之中寻查自己的谱系,却寻不着,因此算为不洁,不准供祭司的职任。 65 省长对他们说:“不可吃至圣的物,直到有用乌陵和土明决疑的祭司兴起来。”

记归故土者之总数

66 会众共有四万二千三百六十名。 67 此外还有他们的仆婢七千三百三十七名,又有歌唱的男女二百四十五名。 68 他们有马七百三十六匹,骡子二百四十五匹, 69 骆驼四百三十五只,驴六千七百二十匹。

为圣殿献财物

70 有些族长为工程捐助。省长捐入库中的,金子一千达利克,碗五十个,祭司的礼服五百三十件。 71 又有族长捐入工程库的,金子二万达利克,银子二千二百弥拿。 72 其余百姓所捐的,金子二万达利克,银子二千弥拿,祭司的礼服六十七件。

73 于是,祭司、利未人、守门的、歌唱的、民中的一些人、尼提宁并以色列众人,各住在自己的城里。

民请以斯拉宣读律书

到了七月,以色列人住在自己的城里,那时他们如同一人聚集在门前的宽阔处,请文士以斯拉将耶和华借摩西传给以色列人的律法书带来。 七月初一日,祭司以斯拉将律法书带到听了能明白的男女会众面前, 门前的宽阔处,从清早到晌午,在众男女一切听了能明白的人面前读这律法书,众民侧耳而听。 文士以斯拉站在为这事特备的木台上,玛他提雅示玛亚奈雅乌利亚希勒家玛西雅站在他的右边,毗大雅米沙利玛基雅哈顺哈拔大拿撒迦利亚米书兰站在他的左边。 以斯拉站在众民以上,在众民眼前展开这书。他一展开,众民就都站起来。 以斯拉称颂耶和华至大的神,众民都举手应声说“阿门!阿门!”,就低头,面伏于地,敬拜耶和华。 耶书亚巴尼示利比雅悯亚谷沙比太荷第雅玛西雅基利他亚撒利雅约撒拔哈难毗莱雅利未人使百姓明白律法,百姓都站在自己的地方。 他们清清楚楚地念神的律法书,讲明意思,使百姓明白所念的。

省长尼希米和做祭司的文士以斯拉,并教训百姓的利未人对众民说:“今日是耶和华你们神的圣日,不要悲哀哭泣。”这是因为众民听见律法书上的话都哭了。 10 又对他们说:“你们去吃肥美的,喝甘甜的,有不能预备的就分给他,因为今日是我们主的圣日。你们不要忧愁,因靠耶和华而得的喜乐是你们的力量。” 11 于是利未人使众民静默,说:“今日是圣日,不要作声,也不要忧愁。” 12 众民都去吃喝,也分给人,大大快乐,因为他们明白所教训他们的话。

民遵律守住棚节

13 次日,众民的族长、祭司和利未人都聚集到文士以斯拉那里,要留心听律法上的话。 14 他们见律法上写着,耶和华借摩西吩咐以色列人要在七月节住棚, 15 并要在各城和耶路撒冷宣传报告说:“你们当上山,将橄榄树、野橄榄树、番石榴树、棕树和各样茂密树的枝子取来,照着所写的搭棚。” 16 于是百姓出去,取了树枝来,各人在自己的房顶上,或院内,或神殿的院内,或门的宽阔处,或以法莲门的宽阔处搭棚。 17 从掳到之地归回的全会众就搭棚,住在棚里。从的儿子约书亚的时候直到这日,以色列人没有这样行。于是众人大大喜乐。 18 从头一天直到末一天,以斯拉每日念神的律法书。众人守节七日,第八日照例有严肃会。

以色列众禁食认罪

这月二十四日,以色列人聚集禁食,身穿麻衣,头蒙灰尘。 以色列[b]就与一切外邦人离绝,站着承认自己的罪恶和列祖的罪孽。 那日的四分之一,站在自己的地方,念耶和华他们神的律法书;又四分之一,认罪,敬拜耶和华他们的神。 耶书亚巴尼甲篾示巴尼布尼示利比巴尼基拿尼站在利未人的台上,大声哀求耶和华他们的神。

利未人称颂耶和华

利未耶书亚甲篾巴尼哈沙尼示利比荷第雅示巴尼毗他希雅说:“你们要站起来称颂耶和华你们的神,永世无尽!耶和华啊,你荣耀之名是应当称颂的,超乎一切称颂和赞美! 你,唯独你,是耶和华。你造了天和天上的天并天上的万象,地和地上的万物,海和海中所有的,这一切都是你所保存的,天军也都敬拜你。 你是耶和华神,曾拣选亚伯兰,领他出迦勒底吾珥,给他改名叫亚伯拉罕 你见他在你面前心里诚实,就与他立约,应许把迦南人、人、亚摩利人、比利洗人、耶布斯人、革迦撒人之地赐给他的后裔,且应验了你的话,因为你是公义的。

“你曾看见我们列祖在埃及所受的困苦,垂听他们在海边的哀求, 10 就施行神迹奇事在法老和他一切臣仆并他国中的众民身上。你也得了名声,正如今日一样,因为你知道他们向我们列祖行事狂傲。 11 你又在我们列祖面前把海分开,使他们在海中行走干地,将追赶他们的人抛在深海,如石头抛在大水中。 12 并且白昼用云柱引导他们,黑夜用火柱照亮他们当行的路。 13 你也降临在西奈山,从天上与他们说话,赐给他们正直的典章、真实的律法、美好的条例与诫命。 14 又使他们知道你的安息圣日,并借你仆人摩西传给他们诫命、条例、律法。 15 从天上赐下粮食充他们的饥,从磐石使水流出解他们的渴,又吩咐他们进去得你起誓应许赐给他们的地。

16 “但我们的列祖行事狂傲,硬着颈项不听从你的诫命, 17 不肯顺从,也不记念你在他们中间所行的奇事,竟硬着颈项,居心悖逆,自立首领,要回他们为奴之地。但你是乐意饶恕人,有恩典,有怜悯,不轻易发怒,有丰盛慈爱的神,并不丢弃他们。 18 他们虽然铸了一只牛犊,彼此说‘这是领你出埃及的神’,因而大大惹动你的怒气, 19 你还是大施怜悯,在旷野不丢弃他们。白昼,云柱不离开他们,仍引导他们行路;黑夜,火柱也不离开他们,仍照亮他们当行的路。 20 你也赐下你良善的灵教训他们,未尝不赐吗哪使他们糊口,并赐水解他们的渴。 21 在旷野四十年,你养育他们,他们就一无所缺,衣服没有穿破,脚也没有肿。 22 并且你将列国之地照份赐给他们,他们就得了西宏之地、希实本王之地和巴珊之地。 23 你也使他们的子孙多如天上的星,带他们到你所应许他们列祖进入得为业之地。 24 这样,他们进去得了那地,你在他们面前制伏那地的居民,就是迦南人,将迦南人和其君王并那地的居民都交在他们手里,让他们任意而待。 25 他们得了坚固的城邑,肥美的地土,充满各样美物的房屋,凿成的水井,葡萄园,橄榄园,并许多果木树。他们就吃而得饱,身体肥胖,因你的大恩心中快乐。

认承叛逆之罪

26 “然而,他们不顺从,竟背叛你,将你的律法丢在背后,杀害那劝他们归向你的众先知,大大惹动你的怒气。 27 所以你将他们交在敌人的手中,磨难他们。他们遭难的时候哀求你,你就从天上垂听,照你的大怜悯赐给他们拯救者,救他们脱离敌人的手。 28 但他们得平安之后,又在你面前行恶,所以你丢弃他们在仇敌的手中,使仇敌辖制他们。然而他们转回哀求你,你仍从天上垂听,屡次照你的怜悯拯救他们。 29 又警戒他们,要使他们归服你的律法。他们却行事狂傲,不听从你的诫命,干犯你的典章(人若遵行就必因此活着),扭转肩头,硬着颈项,不肯听从。 30 但你多年宽容他们,又用你的灵借众先知劝诫他们,他们仍不听从,所以你将他们交在列国之民的手中。 31 然而你大发怜悯,不全然灭绝他们,也不丢弃他们,因为你是有恩典有怜悯的神。

立约签名

32 “我们的神啊,你是至大、至能、至可畏、守约施慈爱的神。我们的君王、首领、祭司、先知、列祖和你的众民,从亚述列王的时候直到今日所遭遇的苦难,现在求你不要以为小。 33 在一切临到我们的事上,你却是公义的,因你所行的是诚实,我们所做的是邪恶。 34 我们的君王、首领、祭司、列祖都不遵守你的律法,不听从你的诫命和你警戒他们的话。 35 他们在本国里沾你大恩的时候,在你所赐给他们这广大肥美之地上,不侍奉你,也不转离他们的恶行。 36 我们现今做了奴仆;至于你所赐给我们列祖享受其上的土产并美物之地,看哪,我们在这地上做了奴仆! 37 这地许多出产归了列王,就是你因我们的罪所派辖制我们的。他们任意辖制我们的身体和牲畜,我们遭了大难。” 38 因这一切的事,我们立确实的约,写在册上,我们的首领、利未人和祭司都签了名。

Footnotes

  1. 尼希米记 7:46 就是殿役。
  2. 尼希米记 9:2 “人”原文作“种类”。

Later, when the wall was completed and the doors had finally been set in their places, the temple gatekeepers were appointed to protect the city, with the help of the singers and the Levites. I placed Hanani, my brother, in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah, the captain of the fortress. Hanani was honest and faithful, and in the fear of God he surpassed most men. I commissioned these two men.

Nehemiah: Do not open the gates of Jerusalem while the sun is fully risen; make sure you close and secure the gates, and the gatekeepers will still watch over them. As for the guards, get men who live within Jerusalem. Have some stand watch at the regular stations and have those whose houses abut the city wall stand guard in front of their homes.

While Jerusalem was large and open, its population was still very small. In fact, no homes had yet been rebuilt, and without people it seemed empty.

It was at that time that God inspired me to gather those people who were in the city. I called the nobles, the officials of the city, and the common folk. I had found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return to Jerusalem; this is what the record showed:

A list of the Jews exiled under Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, living in the province of Jerusalem who returned from captivity in Babylon. They came back to Jerusalem and other towns around Judah, each returning to his home. They were the first to journey back, following the leadership of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah.

The men of the population of Israel, listed by their family of origin Parosh’s descendants: 2,172; Shephatiah’s descendants: 372; 10 Arah’s descendants: 652; 11 Pahath-moab’s descendants (from Jeshua and Joab’s line): 2,818; 12 Elam’s descendants: 1,254; 13 Zattu’s descendants: 845; 14 Zaccai’s descendants: 760; 15 Binnui’s descendants: 648; 16 Bebai’s descendants: 628; 17 Azgad’s descendants: 2,322; 18 Adonikam’s descendants: 667; 19 Bigvai and his descendants: 2,067; 20 Adin’s descendants: 655; 21 Ater’s descendants (from Hezekiah’s line): 98; 22 Hashum’s descendants: 328; 23 Bezai’s descendants: 324; 24 Hariph’s descendants: 112; 25 Gibeon’s descendants: 95.

The men in the population of Israel listed by their place of origin— 26 the people of Bethlehem and Netophah: 188; 27 the people of Anathoth: 128; 28 the people of Beth-azmaveth: 42; 29 the people of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth: 743; 30 the people of Ramah and Geba: 621; 31 the people of Michmas: 122; 32 the people of Bethel and Ai: 123; 33 the people of Nebo (the other one): 52; 34 the people of Elam (the other one): 1,254; 35 the people of Harim: 320; 36 the people of Jericho: 345; 37 the people of Lod, Hadid, and Ono: 721; 38 the people of Senaah: 3,930.

The men in the population of Israel listed by their responsibilities 39 the priestly families—Jedaiah’s descendants (from Jeshua’s line): 973; 40 Immer’s descendants: 1,052; 41 Pashhur’s descendants: 1,247; 42 Harim’s descendants: 1,017; 43 the Levitical families—Jeshua’s descendants (from Kadmiel and Hodevah’s line): 74. 44 The singers—Asaph’s descendants: 148. 45 The gatekeepers—Shallum’s, Ater’s, Talmon’s, Akkub’s, Hatita’s, and Shobai’s descendants: 138. 46 The temple servants—Ziha’s, Hasupha’s, Tabbaoth’s, 47 Keros’s, Sia’s, Padon’s, 48 Lebana’s, Hagaba’s, Shalmai’s, 49 Hanan’s, Giddel’s, Gahar’s, 50 Reaiah’s, Rezin’s, Nekoda’s, 51 Gazzam’s, Uzza’s, Paseah’s, 52 Besai’s, Meunim’s, Nephushesim’s, 53 Bakbuk’s, Hakupha’s, Harhur’s, 54 Bazlith’s, Mehida’s, Harsha’s, 55 Barkos’s, Sisera’s, Temah’s, 56 Neziah’s, and Hatipha’s descendants. 57 The descendants of Solomon’s servants—Sotai’s, Sophereth’s, Perida’s, 58 Jaala’s, Darkon’s, Giddel’s, 59 Shephatiah’s, Hattil’s, Pochereth-hazzebaim’s, and Amon’s descendants. 60 Combined, the temple servants and descendants of Solomon’s servants added up to 392.

61 At the time of our reckoning, people from the outlying towns of Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer came into Jerusalem. Their names, however, could not be found in the official record, and they had no records of their own to prove they had descended from the families of Israel. This group included 62 the descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda and totaled 642 people. 63 Three families claiming to come from priestly families also returned: Hobaiah’s, Hakkoz’s, and Barzillai’s descendants. (Barzillai had married a woman descended from Barzillai of Gilead—he took her name as his own). 64 After searching the genealogical records they, too, were unable to find their names, and so they were considered impure and disqualified from serving in the priesthood. 65 As the governor appointed by Persia,[a] I ordered them not to eat any of the sacred food set apart for priests until a priest could be found to consult God on this matter with the sacred stones, Urim and Thummim.

Much like the Urim and Thummim, the exact identity of this book of the law (8:3) cannot be positively known. Most assume this law is some form of the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Old Testament. Those books are the foundational principles for the Jews’ proper worship of God, containing some 613 specific laws, so it is likely the text (or at the very least the knowledge) of the Pentateuch would have survived the exile because of its importance. Priests would have cared for it and not let the laws be completely forgotten among their people.

Because of their separation from Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple, proper worship of God has been impossible during the exile. After 100 years in foreign lands, the layperson may have remembered to observe the major laws such as “Do not murder,” but the details of festivals and Sabbath observance are surely forgotten. So, many years later, it only takes half a day of reading to remind the Jews of their covenant with God and reinvigorate them to serve Him.

Not much is known about these ancient divination devices called Urim and Thummim. They are first mentioned in Exodus as 28:30 when God is giving Moses instructions on the clothing for the high priest. These tools were to be carried in the breast piece of judgment, and presumably were only used by the high priest. Suggestions as to their form and function come from the discovery of similar devices in other cultures of the ancient Near East. They may have been flat stones painted different colors, metal objects engraved with symbols, large dice, small sticks, or anything else imaginable. However they may have relayed God’s will, they were clearly effective tools used to discover God’s will in political situations.

66 When our census was complete, we numbered 42,360, 67 as well as the 7,337 male and female servants, 245 male and female singers, 68 and many animals: 736 horses, 245 mules, 69 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

70 Some of the heads of families made contributions so that the work we had begun could continue. As the governor, I contributed 1,000 gold coins, 50 gold bowls, 30 priests’ robes, and 630 pounds of silver.[b] 71 Then other family leaders began to give too: 20,000 gold coins and roughly 2,750 pounds of silver. 72 Together the rest of the community added 20,000 gold coins, 2,500 pounds of silver, and 67 priestly robes. 73 Then the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, many common folk, and the rest of Israel returned to live in their towns. This was finished by the beginning of the seventh month.

When everyone had settled, they re-gathered in Jerusalem. Everyone met in the square that is in front of the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law, the word the Eternal sent through Moses to Israel. Ezra the priest did as they asked, bringing God’s law to Israel. The community included both men and women—anyone who was able to understand was welcomed. This gathering took place on the first day of the seventh month. Facing the people in the square, next to the water gate, he began to read excerpts. The document was massive, and just reading parts took him six or seven hours, from daybreak until noon. Everyone who was there heard him: men, women—anyone with the ability to understand. As he read, they were focused and listened carefully to the book of the law.

And as he read, Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform made for this very occasion. To his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Standing above the people so they could see and hear him, Ezra opened the book of the law. As he opened the book, everyone stood. Then Ezra called out and blessed the Eternal, worshiping God’s greatness. With their hands raised to the heavens, the people called out loudly in response, crying, “Amen! So may it be!” Then they fell to their knees and bowed. With their faces to the ground, they worshiped the Eternal. 7-8 Ezra read the law, the people listened, and the Levites explained it to them. Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—these are the Levites[c] who interpreted what Ezra read for the people.

Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep. But Nehemiah (the Persians’ appointed governor),[d] Ezra the priest and scribe, and all the ministering Levites said to the people,

Leaders: This day is sacred to the Eternal One, your God. It is not a day for mourning and weeping.

Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection!

Levites: 11 Be still. This is sacred time and space. Do not mourn.

12 Then the celebration really began. The people had heard God’s words and understood them. When the people went away to eat and to drink in their homes, no one was left out of the feasting, not even the poor.

13 The next day, the heads of every family, along with the priests and the Levites, regathered around Ezra the scribe to further study God’s law. 14 As they studied the law, they discovered that through Moses, the Eternal had commanded Israel to live in temporary shelters during the Feast of Booths of the seventh month. 15 So they issued a proclamation, and it went out to everyone in Jerusalem and in every town that people should go into the hills to gather branches from olive trees, wild olive trees, myrtle trees, palm trees—any kind of leafy tree they could find. With these branches they were told to build temporary shelters to house them during the festival, as God’s law declared. 16 So the people went out and gathered branches. They built temporary shelters anywhere they could—on the roofs of their houses, in their courtyards, in the temple courts, in the squares by the water gate and the gate of Ephraim. 17 Everyone who had returned from exile—all 42,360 people—made the temporary shelters and lived in them. From the time of Joshua (Nun’s son) until that very day, no one in Israel had observed the festival in this way, remembering those from the Egyptian exile too. So they celebrated, and their joy was great. 18 Throughout everything, Ezra continued to read from the book of God’s law, day by day. The celebration of the feast continued for seven days. On the eighth day, in keeping with the directions given, Israel gathered for a solemn assembly.

Later, on the 24th day of that same month, the Israelites came back together. Everyone fasted and wore sackcloth to show their repentance. They covered their heads with dust to show their mourning. They also separated themselves from the foreigners who were living among them. Then the Israelites stood up and confessed their sins and the sins of their dead ancestors. For three hours[e] they stood in their designated places and read from the book of the Eternal’s law. Following that they confessed and worshiped the Eternal One, their True God, for another three hours. On the stairs above them stood the Levites: Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani. With loud cries they called out to the Eternal, their True God.

The same Levites (Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah) instructed the people.

Levites: Stand up! Worship the Eternal who is your God who exists from everlasting to everlasting.

    May Your glorious name be praised—
        even lifted up beyond all blessing and praise.
    You are the Eternal, the only One.
        The skies are Your work alone
    You made the heavens above those skies
        and the stars that fill them.
    You made the earth and everything upon it,
        the seas and all that lives within their depths.
    Your creation lives and is sustained by You,
        and those who dwell in the heavens
    Fall down before You and worship.
        You are the Eternal God.
    You chose Abram and drew him out from Ur of the Chaldees.
        You changed his name to Abraham.
    In him You found a true heart,
        a heart devoted to You.
    With him You made a covenant that
        the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites,
    The Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites
        would belong to him and to his descendants.
    And what You have promised, You have done
        because You are righteous.

    When our ancestors suffered in Egypt,
        You saw their misery.
    When they were trapped at the edge of the Red Sea,
        You heard their cries for help.
10-11     Pharaoh and all who served him
        and all his subjects were completely overwhelmed
        by the signs and wonders You performed.
    In their arrogance, they opposed Your people, our ancestors.
        So You opened the sea, and Your people walked through the water on dry ground,
        and no one has forgotten the name of the One who did it to this day.
    But the Egyptians pursued our ancestors into the sea,
    You threw those running after our ancestors into the depths of the sea,
        like a heavy rock hurled into water.
12     During the day, You led them by a cloud shaped like a pillar.
        During the night, a pillar of fire lit the way, showing them where to go.
13     You led them to Mount Sinai;
        and when they arrived, You came down from heaven and spoke to them.
    You gave them right decrees and good laws,
        beneficial statutes and commands revealing Your will for them.
14     You revealed to Your people Your sacred Sabbath
        and how to keep it holy.
    Through Your servant Moses You taught them how to live,
        giving commands and decrees.
15     When Your people were hungry,
        You gave them food from heaven.
    When they were thirsty, You made water flow out of a rock.
        You told them to enter the land You promised them.
    You told them to enter and take possession of it.
16-17     But our ancestors resisted following You.
        They were arrogant. They were proud.
    They refused to obey Your commands, plugging their ears.
        Knowing what You had done for them in the past,
    They willfully forgot it in the present. Stubborn. Rebellious.
        Instead of following You,
    They appointed their own leader
        to take them back to the land of their oppression—to Egypt!
    But You are not like us, God.
        You are filled with love, compassion, and forgiveness.
    You endure much with your anger and display Your loyal love;
        You did not abandon them,
18     Even when they molded a cow out of gold for themselves, saying,
        “This is the god who rescued us from Egypt.”
    They committed horrible atrocities.
19     In Your incomprehensible compassion,
        You did not abandon them in the wilderness.
    The pillar of cloud didn’t evaporate;
        day by day it guided them.
    The pillar of fire was not extinguished;
        night by night it led them along the right paths.
20     In Your generosity, You gave them Your good Spirit to teach them.
        Not once did You hold back manna for their mouths
        or drink for their thirst.
21     In 40 years of living in the wilderness,
        You provided for every need they had:
    Their clothing did not wear out,
        nor did their feet swell from endless walking.
22     You gave them kingdoms and peoples
        that they could divide up to the corners of their territory:
    The country of Sihon (king of Hesbon)
        and the territory of Og (king of Bashan).
23     The children of Israel multiplied
        and rivaled the stars in the sky.
    You brought them to the very land
        You promised Abraham’s
    His descendants would come into and possess.
24     Into the land they went, and it became theirs.
        For our forefathers You made sure even the Canaanites there were powerless.
    You subdued everything and everyone to their power—
        land, kings, and people—to do with as they pleased.
25     They overwhelmed strong and secure cities.
        They overtook fertile, productive land.
    They claimed well-furnished houses, wells that were already dug,
        vineyards, olive groves, and orchards filled with fruit.
    They ate their fill. They grew fat.
        They basked in Your generosity and goodness.
26     Even so, again they chose to defy You.
        They rebelled.
        They abandoned Your law.
    They killed the prophets who spoke Your word,
        who pleaded with them to return to You, God.
    And again, atrocities multiplied on top of atrocities.
27     So You surrendered them to their enemies,
        and Your people suffered at their hands.
    And in pain, they cried out to You.
        From heaven You listened,
    And in keeping with Your changeless and compassionate character,
        You sent them liberators,
    Saviors who rescued them from their cruel adversaries.
28     As soon as they were at peace, they began to wander and abandoned You
        and did evil things, so You abandoned them to their enemies.
    Thus, once more, You allowed them to be conquered.
        Somehow Your mercy is inexhaustible.
    Once more You listened to them when they cried to You in heaven for help.
        Over and over and over You intervened and saved Your people.
29     You also warned them to return to Your ways
        and follow the laws You have given.
        They arrogantly violated the very commands,
    Which if they would obey them
        then they would live by them.
    Stubborn, they turned away from You,
        tensed their necks, and stopped listening.
30     Year after year, Your patience endured.
        Your Spirit animated prophets, and they spoke many warnings to them.
    In not listening and turning away from the prophets,
        they turned directly into their advancing enemies.
31     It was because of Your great mercy
        that they were not completely annihilated or forsaken.
    You are a grace-filled and mercy-laden God;
32     Our True God—You who are great, majestic, and awesome,
    You who always keep Your covenant of loyal love—
        do not overlook the trouble we are facing here today.
    This trouble confronts us all:
        our kings and our princes,
        our priests and our prophets, our ancestors and all of Your people—
    From the time of the Assyrian kings until today.
33         You are righteous in all that You have done to us.
    You have faithfully upheld Your part of the covenant,
        but we have acted with evil.
34     None of our kings, princes, priests, or ancestors followed Your law.
        They actively rejected Your commands and ignored the many warnings You sent.
35     Even when they had everything
        when they ruled in their own land without worry according to Your great generosity,
    When they relaxed into the spacious and fertile land
        You set before them—
    Even then they refused to serve You
        or turn away from their wicked ways.
36     And we are once again slaves in the bountiful land
        You gave to our ancestors for our pleasure and enjoyment—
        we are slaves in our own land!
37     We have sown sin, and the labor we provide on this land feeds the kings You have placed over us.
        Our bodies and our beasts do not belong to us,
    But to them, and they do with us what they want.
        Our distress is great.
38     In light of it, we are writing a covenantal agreement.
    It is sealed with the names of our leaders, our Levites, and our priests.

Footnotes

  1. 7:65 Hebrew, the Tirshatha
  2. 7:70 Meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
  3. 8:7-8 Hebrew manuscripts read, “and the Levites.”
  4. 8:9 Hebrew, the Tirshatha
  5. 9:3 Literally, one-fourth of the day (daylight hours)

After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers,(A) the musicians(B) and the Levites(C) were appointed. I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani,(D) along with Hananiah(E) the commander of the citadel,(F) because he was a man of integrity and feared(G) God more than most people do. I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.”

The List of the Exiles Who Returned(H)

Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it,(I) and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return. This is what I found written there:

These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles(J) whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, in company with Zerubbabel,(K) Joshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum and Baanah):

The list of the men of Israel:

the descendants of Parosh2,172
of Shephatiah372
10 of Arah652
11 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab)2,818
12 of Elam1,254
13 of Zattu845
14 of Zakkai760
15 of Binnui648
16 of Bebai628
17 of Azgad2,322
18 of Adonikam667
19 of Bigvai2,067
20 of Adin(L)655
21 of Ater (through Hezekiah)98
22 of Hashum328
23 of Bezai324
24 of Hariph112
25 of Gibeon95
26 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah(M)188
27 of Anathoth(N)128
28 of Beth Azmaveth42
29 of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah(O) and Beeroth(P)743
30 of Ramah and Geba621
31 of Mikmash122
32 of Bethel and Ai(Q)123
33 of the other Nebo52
34 of the other Elam1,254
35 of Harim320
36 of Jericho(R)345
37 of Lod, Hadid and Ono(S)721
38 of Senaah3,930

39 The priests:

the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua)973
40 of Immer1,052
41 of Pashhur1,247
42 of Harim1,017

43 The Levites:

the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel through the line of Hodaviah)74

44 The musicians:(T)

the descendants of Asaph148

45 The gatekeepers:(U)

the descendants of
Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita and Shobai138

46 The temple servants:(V)

the descendants of
Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,
47 Keros, Sia, Padon,
48 Lebana, Hagaba, Shalmai,
49 Hanan, Giddel, Gahar,
50 Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda,
51 Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah,
52 Besai, Meunim, Nephusim,
53 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,
54 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,
55 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,
56 Neziah and Hatipha

57 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:

the descendants of
Sotai, Sophereth, Perida,
58 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,
59 Shephatiah, Hattil,
Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Amon
60 The temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon(W)392

61 The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:

62 the descendants of
Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda642

63 And from among the priests:

the descendants of
Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).

64 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.(X)

66 The whole company numbered 42,360, 67 besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and they also had 245 male and female singers. 68 There were 736 horses, 245 mules,[a] 69 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

70 Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics[b] of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. 71 Some of the heads of the families(Y) gave to the treasury for the work 20,000 darics[c] of gold and 2,200 minas[d] of silver. 72 The total given by the rest of the people was 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas[e] of silver and 67 garments for priests.(Z)

73 The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the temple servants,(AA) along with certain of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns.(AB)

Ezra Reads the Law

When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns,(AC) all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate.(AD) They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses,(AE) which the Lord had commanded for Israel.

So on the first day of the seventh month(AF) Ezra the priest brought the Law(AG) before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate(AH) in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform(AI) built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing(AJ) above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands(AK) and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

The Levites(AL)—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed(AM) the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[f] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites(AN) who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”(AO) For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing(AP) prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy(AQ) of the Lord is your strength.”

11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy,(AR) because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

13 On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the Law. 14 They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters(AS) during the festival of the seventh month 15 and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written.[g]

16 So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate(AT) and the one by the Gate of Ephraim.(AU) 17 The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them.(AV) From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated(AW) it like this. And their joy was very great.

18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read(AX) from the Book of the Law(AY) of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation,(AZ) there was an assembly.(BA)

The Israelites Confess Their Sins

On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads.(BB) Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners.(BC) They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors.(BD) They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God. Standing on the stairs of the Levites(BE) were Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani. They cried out with loud voices to the Lord their God. And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah—said: “Stand up and praise the Lord your God,(BF) who is from everlasting to everlasting.[h]

“Blessed be your glorious name,(BG) and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord.(BH) You made the heavens,(BI) even the highest heavens, and all their starry host,(BJ) the earth(BK) and all that is on it, the seas(BL) and all that is in them.(BM) You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven(BN) worship you.

“You are the Lord God, who chose Abram(BO) and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans(BP) and named him Abraham.(BQ) You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites.(BR) You have kept your promise(BS) because you are righteous.(BT)

“You saw the suffering of our ancestors in Egypt;(BU) you heard their cry at the Red Sea.[i](BV) 10 You sent signs(BW) and wonders(BX) against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them. You made a name(BY) for yourself,(BZ) which remains to this day. 11 You divided the sea before them,(CA) so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths,(CB) like a stone into mighty waters.(CC) 12 By day(CD) you led(CE) them with a pillar of cloud,(CF) and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.

13 “You came down on Mount Sinai;(CG) you spoke(CH) to them from heaven.(CI) You gave them regulations and laws that are just(CJ) and right, and decrees and commands that are good.(CK) 14 You made known to them your holy Sabbath(CL) and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses. 15 In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven(CM) and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock;(CN) you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand(CO) to give them.(CP)

16 “But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked,(CQ) and they did not obey your commands.(CR) 17 They refused to listen and failed to remember(CS) the miracles(CT) you performed among them. They became stiff-necked(CU) and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.(CV) But you are a forgiving God,(CW) gracious and compassionate,(CX) slow to anger(CY) and abounding in love.(CZ) Therefore you did not desert them,(DA) 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf(DB) and said, ‘This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,’ or when they committed awful blasphemies.(DC)

19 “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon(DD) them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud(DE) did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit(DF) to instruct(DG) them. You did not withhold your manna(DH) from their mouths, and you gave them water(DI) for their thirst. 21 For forty years(DJ) you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing,(DK) their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.(DL)

22 “You gave them kingdoms and nations, allotting to them even the remotest frontiers. They took over the country of Sihon[j](DM) king of Heshbon and the country of Og king of Bashan.(DN) 23 You made their children as numerous as the stars in the sky,(DO) and you brought them into the land that you told their parents to enter and possess. 24 Their children went in and took possession of the land.(DP) You subdued(DQ) before them the Canaanites, who lived in the land; you gave the Canaanites into their hands, along with their kings and the peoples of the land, to deal with them as they pleased. 25 They captured fortified cities and fertile land;(DR) they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things,(DS) wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished;(DT) they reveled in your great goodness.(DU)

26 “But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they turned their backs on your law.(DV) They killed(DW) your prophets,(DX) who had warned them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies.(DY) 27 So you delivered them into the hands of their enemies,(DZ) who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion(EA) you gave them deliverers,(EB) who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.

28 “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight.(EC) Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion(ED) you delivered them(EE) time after time.

29 “You warned(EF) them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant(EG) and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’(EH) Stubbornly they turned their backs(EI) on you, became stiff-necked(EJ) and refused to listen.(EK) 30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets.(EL) Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.(EM) 31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end(EN) to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful(EO) God.

32 “Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty(EP) and awesome,(EQ) who keeps his covenant of love,(ER) do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship(ES) that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. 33 In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous;(ET) you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.(EU) 34 Our kings,(EV) our leaders, our priests and our ancestors(EW) did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the statutes you warned them to keep. 35 Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness(EX) to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you(EY) or turn from their evil ways.

36 “But see, we are slaves(EZ) today, slaves in the land you gave our ancestors so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. 37 Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.(FA)

The Agreement of the People

38 “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement,(FB) putting it in writing,(FC) and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”[k]

Footnotes

  1. Nehemiah 7:68 Some Hebrew manuscripts (see also Ezra 2:66); most Hebrew manuscripts do not have this verse.
  2. Nehemiah 7:70 That is, about 19 pounds or about 8.4 kilograms
  3. Nehemiah 7:71 That is, about 375 pounds or about 170 kilograms; also in verse 72
  4. Nehemiah 7:71 That is, about 1 1/3 tons or about 1.2 metric tons
  5. Nehemiah 7:72 That is, about 1 1/4 tons or about 1.1 metric tons
  6. Nehemiah 8:8 Or God, translating it
  7. Nehemiah 8:15 See Lev. 23:37-40.
  8. Nehemiah 9:5 Or God for ever and ever
  9. Nehemiah 9:9 Or the Sea of Reeds
  10. Nehemiah 9:22 One Hebrew manuscript and Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts Sihon, that is, the country of the
  11. Nehemiah 9:38 In Hebrew texts this verse (9:38) is numbered 10:1.

彼得医治瘸腿的

申初祷告的时候,彼得约翰上圣殿去。 有一个人,生来是瘸腿的,天天被人抬来,放在殿的一个门口——那门名叫美门——要求进殿的人周济。 他看见彼得约翰将要进殿,就求他们周济。 彼得约翰定睛看他,彼得说:“你看我们!” 那人就留意看他们,指望得着什么。 彼得说:“金银我都没有,只把我所有的给你:我奉拿撒勒人耶稣基督的名,叫你起来行走!” 于是拉着他的右手,扶他起来。他的脚和踝子骨立刻健壮了, 就跳起来站着,又行走,同他们进了殿,走着跳着,赞美神。 百姓都看见他行走、赞美神, 10 认得他是那素常坐在殿的美门口求周济的,就因他所遇着的事满心稀奇、惊讶。

彼得对众讲论医治瘸腿的因由

11 那人正在称为所罗门的廊下拉着彼得约翰,众百姓一齐跑到他们那里,很觉稀奇。 12 彼得看见,就对百姓说:“以色列人哪,为什么把这事当做稀奇呢?为什么定睛看我们,以为我们凭自己的能力和虔诚使这人行走呢? 13 亚伯拉罕以撒雅各的神,就是我们列祖的神,已经荣耀了他的仆人[a]耶稣,你们却把他交付彼拉多彼拉多定意要释放他,你们竟在彼拉多面前弃绝了他。 14 你们弃绝了那圣洁公义者,反求着释放一个凶手给你们。 15 你们杀了那生命的主,神却叫他从死里复活了。我们都是为这事作见证。 16 我们因信他的名,他的名便叫你们所看见、所认识的这人健壮了。正是他所赐的信心,叫这人在你们众人面前全然好了。 17 弟兄们,我晓得你们做这事是出于不知,你们的官长也是如此。 18 但神曾借众先知的口预言基督将要受害,就这样应验了。 19 所以,你们当悔改归正,使你们的罪得以涂抹,这样那安舒的日子就必从主面前来到, 20 主也必差遣所预定给你们的基督——耶稣降临。 21 天必留他,等到万物复兴的时候,就是神从创世以来借着圣先知的口所说的。 22 摩西曾说:‘主神要从你们弟兄中间给你们兴起一位先知像我,凡他向你们所说的,你们都要听从。 23 凡不听从那先知的,必要从民中全然灭绝。’ 24 撒母耳以来的众先知,凡说预言的,也都说到这些日子。 25 你们是先知的子孙,也承受神与你们祖宗所立的约,就是对亚伯拉罕说:‘地上万族都要因你的后裔得福。’ 26 神既兴起他的仆人[b],就先差他到你们这里来,赐福给你们,叫你们各人回转,离开罪恶。”

Footnotes

  1. 使徒行传 3:13 “仆人”或作“儿子”。
  2. 使徒行传 3:26 或作:儿子。

Although this young and thriving church has no political influence, property, fame, or wealth, it is powerful. Its power is centered in living the gospel. The people value one another more than any possessions. They come together as a large, passionate, healthy family where it is natural to pray and share all of life together. The kingdom of God is blossoming on earth as these lovers of God embrace the teachings of Jesus. In the days ahead, the church will lose much of this initial beauty and appeal; it will become consumed with a desire for material possessions, cultural influence, and power.

One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, a customary time for daily prayer, Peter and John walked to the temple. Some people were carrying in a man who had been paralyzed since birth. Every day they brought him to a place near the beautiful gate (one of the temple entrances) so he could beg for money from people entering to worship. He saw Peter and John coming and asked them for a contribution. Peter gazed intensely at him—so did John.

Peter: Look at us.

The man looked up at them, assuming they were about to give him some money.

Peter: I want to give you something, but I don’t have any silver or gold. Here’s what I can offer you: stand up and walk in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One.

Then Peter took the man’s right hand and lifted him to his feet. Instantly the man’s feet and ankles grew strong. He jumped and walked, accompanying Peter and John into the temple where he walked, jumped for joy, and shouted praises to God. 9-11 A crowd ran to the commotion, and they gathered around this man in an open area called Solomon’s Porch. There he was, standing on his own two feet, holding on to Peter and John. They knew exactly who he was—the beggar they passed at the beautiful gate every day. Everyone was absolutely amazed at this wonderful miracle; they were speechless, stunned.

Just as Jesus promised, the Spirit comes on believers in power, enabling them to do miracles like this. Now they can participate in the truth of the good news.

Peter (to the crowd): 12 Why are you so amazed, my fellow Israelites? Why are you staring at my friend and me as though we did this miracle through our own power or made this fellow walk by our own holiness? 13 We didn’t do this—God did! The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob—the God of our ancestors has glorified Jesus, God’s servant—the same Jesus whom you betrayed and rejected in front of Pilate, even though Pilate was going to release Him. 14 He is the Holy and Righteous One, but you rejected Him and asked for a murderer to be released to you instead. 15 You not only rejected Him, but you killed Him—the very Author of life! But God raised Jesus from the dead, whom my friend John and I have seen with our own eyes. 16 So that’s how this miracle happened: we have faith in the name of Jesus, and He is the power that made this man strong—this man who is known to all of you. It is faith in Jesus that has given this man his complete health here today, in front of all of you.

17 Listen, friends, I know you didn’t fully realize what you were doing when you rejected and betrayed Jesus. I know that you, and your rulers as well, were acting in ignorance. 18 God was at work in all this, fulfilling what He had predicted through all the prophets—that the Anointed One would suffer. 19 So now you need to rethink everything and turn to God so your sins will be forgiven and a new day can dawn, days of refreshing times flowing from the Lord. 20 Then God may send Jesus the Anointed, whom God has chosen for you. 21 He is in heaven now and must remain there until the day of universal restoration comes—the restoration which in ancient times God announced through the holy prophets. 22 Moses, for example, said, “The Eternal One your God will raise up from among your people a prophet who will be like me. You must listen to Him. 23 And whoever does not listen to His words will be completely uprooted from among the people.”[a]

24 Every prophet, from Samuel through all of his successors, agreed. 25 You are the descendants of these prophets, and you are the people of God’s covenant to your ancestors. God’s word to Abraham includes you: “Because of your descendants, all the families of the earth will be blessed.”[b] 26 So when God raised up His Servant, God sent Him first to you, to begin blessing you by calling you to change your path from evil ways to God’s ways.

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

One day Peter and John(A) were going up to the temple(B) at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.(C) Now a man who was lame from birth(D) was being carried to the temple gate(E) called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg(F) from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,(G) walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping,(H) and praising God. When all the people(I) saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful,(J) and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

11 While the man held on to Peter and John,(K) all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.(L) 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,(M) the God of our fathers,(N) has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over(O) to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate,(P) though he had decided to let him go.(Q) 14 You disowned the Holy(R) and Righteous One(S) and asked that a murderer be released to you.(T) 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.(U) We are witnesses(V) of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus,(W) this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

17 “Now, fellow Israelites,(X) I know that you acted in ignorance,(Y) as did your leaders.(Z) 18 But this is how God fulfilled(AA) what he had foretold(AB) through all the prophets,(AC) saying that his Messiah would suffer.(AD) 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,(AE) that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah,(AF) who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him(AG) until the time comes for God to restore everything,(AH) as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.(AI) 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.(AJ) 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’[a](AK)

24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets(AL) who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs(AM) of the prophets and of the covenant(AN) God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’[b](AO) 26 When God raised up(AP) his servant, he sent him first(AQ) to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Footnotes

  1. Acts 3:23 Deut. 18:15,18,19
  2. Acts 3:25 Gen. 22:18; 26:4