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who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Some of the most important ministries are behind the scenes.<\/p>\n The word \u201crisked<\/span>\u201d is a metaphorical translation of hupotith\u0113mi<\/em><\/span>. This is made up of hupo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cunder\u201d or \u201cbeneath\u201d and tith\u0113mi<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto place or to put.\u201d So, literally this word means \u201cto place underneath.\u201d It is a word which was used of those who \u201cplaced their neck under the axe of the executioner.\u201d The correctness of this metaphorical translation is strengthened by the fact that Paul says it is their \u201cneck\u201d that they \u201cplaced underneath.\u201d<\/p>\n Eucharist\u014d<\/em> <\/span>is the word translated \u201cgive thanks<\/span>.\u201d This is a word which we have seen before. A transliteration of this word gives us our English word Eucharist, which refers to communion or the Lord \u2019s Supper. Eucharist\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto give thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n From verse three we know that Paul is talking about Priscilla and Aquila, a husband and wife team who were instrumental in assisting Paul in both his secular job and his ministry. He says here that they risked their own necks for him. We don\u2019t know exactly how they did this, for there is no direct scriptural evidence, but we do know that Paul was in physical danger on several occasions. One such time may have been there in Corinth when the Jews accused Paul of breaking the law:<\/p>\n When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, “This fellow<\/em> <\/span>persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” <\/span>(Acts 18:12-13<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Another time that Aquila and Priscilla may have endangered themselves to protect Paul was in Ephesus where there was a great uprising against Christians:<\/p>\n So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.<\/span> (Acts 19:29-30<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Paul also makes it clear that Aquila and Priscilla were a great help to some of the churches. Again, we don\u2019t know exactly what Paul is referring to but one example of their service to the churches is found again in Ephesus where they provided scriptural training for Apollos, a preacher of the gospel:<\/p>\n Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and<\/em> <\/span>mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.<\/span> (Acts 18:24-26<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Obviously, Aquila and Priscilla were used by God in the early church by assisting Paul in his ministry and by teaching correct doctrine to those who were gifted in proclaiming it. It seems that their ministry was \u201cbehind the scenes\u201d where they worked quietly and fervently. Is this the type of ministry God has called you to? If so, do it faithfully like Aquila and Priscilla.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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