baneful: 1. productive of destruction or woe : seriously harmful <a baneful influence> 2. archaic : poisonous
synonym see pernicious

eminent: noticeable or worth remarking on, or very great.
You have demonstrated eminent good sense in reporting this incident to me.
eminence: noun, the state of being respected, of high rank or famous in a particular area of interest or activity which is achieved by having great experience, knowledge or skill.

stalwart: adjective loyal, esp. for a long time; able to be trusted
She has been a stalwart supporter of the party for many years.
stalwart: noun Let me introduce Bob, one of the club's stalwarts (he has belonged to it loyally for a long time).
stalwart adjective
(esp. of a person) physically strong.

athirst: Having a keen appetite or desire; eager; longing. 

usurp: To seize and hold in possession by force or without right; as, to usurp a throne; to usurp the prerogatives of the crown; to usurp power. To usurp the right of a patron, is to oust or dispossess him.
Vice sometimes usurps the place of virtue.

exegesis: refers to the process of interpreting a text. It is to be distinguished from translation on the one hand and from inquiry into the principles of interpretation.

Epaphroditus: fair, graceful; belonging to Aphrodite or Venus the messenger who came from Phillipi to the apostle when he was a prisoner at Rome (Phil. 2:25-30; 4:10-18). Paul mentions him in words of esteem and affection. On his return to Philippi he was the bearer of Paul's letter to the church there.