The loss of the Ark from Israel anticipated the way of approaching God through Christ and also warns against faith that is merely outward conformity.
God sent his unique Son in human flesh to be the propitiation for sins, Savior of the world, and life for all who believe.
This first parable from Matthew provides the key to understanding all the parables and to entering the kingdom of God.
Timothy and Epaphroditus demonstrated the mind of Christ in the way they lived.