Day 19 - I Timothy 3:16

A Daily Devotional Study of I Timothy

A Great Message of Hope & Salvation

1 Timothy 3:16

¹⁶And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

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aul now makes a sweeping declaration of the essence of the Christian faith, referring to it as the mystery of godliness. The Biblical word “mystery” does not refer to a riddle or puzzling question, but to something that has been hidden and is now being brought into the open. Paul uses it here to express the transcendent majesty of the gospel message that once was hidden in God but is now revealed and being proclaimed to the nations. Because of the rhythmic patterns in this passage, most New Testament scholars believe this was a hymn sung and repeated by some of the earliest believers in Jesus.

God Was Manifested in the Flesh

The word “manifested” is from the Greek word phaneroo, which refers to something that is invisible being brought out into the open where it can be seen. It is the verb form of the noun that is used in 1 Cor. 12:7 of the gifts of the Spirit. It is used here to make the point that God, Who is pure Spirit, became Incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the essence of the Christmas story: God the Creator took on human flesh and has become one of us in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Justified in the Spirit

The NIV may have captured the sense more clearly with its translation of this passage as vindicated by the Spirit. In other words, the profound claims of Jesus that, as the Son of God, He would die and then rise from the dead, were all vindicated when it actually happened by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Rom. 1:4, Paul says that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power . . . by the resurrection from the dead. His resurrection also validated everything else He taught, such as a future judgment, a future resurrection, and His return to earth.

Seen by Angels, Preached among the Gentiles

Seen by Angels probably refers to the activity of angels in the life of Jesus; for example, at his birth, during His temptation in the wilderness, in the Garden of Gethsemene, and at His resurrection. Preached among the Gentiles refers to the fact that this Jewish Messiah is being proclaimed to all races and peoples. What we proclaim is not a creed, religion, or philosophy, but a Person.

Believed on in the World

This preaching of Christ produces faith, enabling people everywhere to believe and be saved. Believed on in the world emphasizes the universality of the gospel. This is not a local or regional religion. It is for the whole world.

Received up in Glory

“Received up” in this verse is the same Greek word, analambano, that is used in Acts 1:2 of Jesus being “taken up” into heaven. “In glory” is the heavenly realm where He now sits at the Right Hand of God, making intercession for you and me, and from whence He will come again to receive us unto Himself.

What an incredible story! What an awesome message we have to give the world!

Reflection & Prayer

Gracious God, to whom all praise is due, we stand in awe of You! O Lord, we stand in awe of You, and of Your wonderful salvation. Thank You for saving us and allowing us the privilege of proclaiming Your salvation to the whole world. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!