Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luke 10:3
Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 21-30.
“21. Amplias, bishop of Odyssus.
22. Urban, bishop of Macedonia.
23. Stachys, bishop of Byzantium.
24. Barnabas, bishop of Heraclea.
25. Phygellus, bishop of Ephesus. He was of the party also of Simon.
26. Hermogenes. He, too, was of the same mind with the former.
27. Demas, who also became a priest of idols.
28. Apelles, bishop of Smyrna.
29. Aristobulus, bishop of Britain.
30. Narcissus, bishop of Athens.”
Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.
While the pattern of the 70 serving as bishops continues, notice the mention of Demas. It says he “became a priest of idols.” Who is this and what does this mean?
First, scholars believe this is the Demas of Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:10. That last text tells us Demas fell in love with this present world and deserted Paul and his companions.
What about you? Are you in love with this present world? Jesus resisted three key temptations and John urged us to avoid the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
In plain terms, the idols that the early church urged fellow workers to avoid were pleasures (comfort and experiences), possessions (money and things), and power (pride and control).
Are you tempted by pleasures, possessions, and power? Are there any changes you need to make in life so you are not a “a priest of idols” and instead a faithful priest for Jesus?
As we think about the plans that are coming together for Latin America, it will require the blessing of God, faithful work from key servants, and generous giving from God’s people.
The cure for these vices in the early church was fasting, giving, and sacrificial service. At GTP, we are praying for people to join us in these disciplines and collaborate with us in the work.
Our aim is not to try to control this work but to nurture a movement. Perhaps fast once a week and pray for GTP. Make a gift today. And let me know if you want to serve with us by way of reply.