1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

And {G2532} without controversy {G3672} great {G3173} is {G2076} the mystery {G3466} of godliness {G2150}: God {G2316} was manifest {G5319} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}, justified {G1344} in {G1722} the Spirit {G4151}, seen {G3700} of angels {G32}, preached {G2784} unto {G1722} the Gentiles {G1484}, believed on {G4100} in {G1722} the world {G2889}, received up {G353} into {G1722} glory {G1391}.

Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith:

He was manifested physically
and proved righteous spiritually,
seen by angels
and proclaimed among the nations,
trusted throughout the world
and raised up in glory to heaven.

By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Context

First Timothy is a pastoral epistle from the Apostle Paul to his younger protégé, Timothy, offering guidance on church leadership, sound doctrine, and proper conduct within the early Christian community. While the preceding verses (1 Timothy 3:1-13) detail the qualifications for bishops (overseers) and deacons, verse 16 serves as a climactic doxology or hymn-like confession, outlining the foundational truths of the Christian faith that underpin the church's very existence and mission. It is presented as the "mystery of godliness," the core truth around which all Christian life and teaching revolve.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Incarnation of God: The most profound truth declared is that "God was manifest in the flesh." This refers to the divine Son of God taking on human nature in Jesus Christ. It is the cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming both Christ's full deity and true humanity.
  • Christ's Vindication and Resurrection: "Justified in the Spirit" points to Christ's sinless life, His vindication by the Holy Spirit, and particularly His resurrection from the dead, which proved Him to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4).
  • Witnessed by Heavenly Beings: "Seen of angels" emphasizes the cosmic significance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Heavenly hosts observed and marvelled at the unfolding plan of salvation.
  • The Universal Spread of the Gospel: "Preached unto the Gentiles" highlights the expansion of God's saving message beyond the Jewish people to all nations. This was a central tenet of Paul's ministry and a key development in the early church (Ephesians 3:6).
  • Global Acceptance of Faith: "Believed on in the world" speaks to the widespread and transformative impact of the gospel, as countless individuals from diverse backgrounds embraced Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • Christ's Glorious Ascension: "Received up into glory" refers to Jesus' bodily ascension into heaven after His resurrection, where He was exalted to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9). This signifies His reign and ultimate victory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mystery of godliness" uses the Greek word musterion (μυστήριον), which in biblical context does not mean something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously hidden or partially revealed, now fully disclosed through Christ. Godliness comes from the Greek eusebeia (εὐσέβεια), signifying true piety, reverence, and devotion that manifests in right living. The entire verse is structured in a poetic, almost creedal form, suggesting it may have been an early Christian hymn or confession of faith, used to teach and affirm core doctrines.

Practical Application

This verse provides a concise summary of the person and work of Jesus Christ, serving as the bedrock of Christian faith and the foundation for all Christian living and ministry. It reminds believers of:

  • The Centrality of Christ: All aspects of Christian life and worship are rooted in who Jesus is and what He accomplished.
  • The Truth of the Gospel: It encapsulates the essential message to be proclaimed to the world – God's saving act through His Son.
  • Inspiration for Godly Living: Understanding the profound "mystery of godliness" should inspire believers to live lives that reflect the character of the God who was manifest in the flesh.
  • Assurance and Hope: Christ's journey from incarnation to glorification offers believers assurance of His power, His victory, and His future return.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 1:14

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • Hebrews 1:3

    Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

  • Mark 16:19

    ¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

  • Romans 16:25

    ¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

  • Luke 24:4

    And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

  • Colossians 1:23

    If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

  • 1 John 5:6

    ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
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