1Timothy 3:14-16 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou may know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 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.
‘The mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preaches unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.’ Seven facts of the mystery of Godliness (continues): Seen of angels – divine revelation (3:16; 2Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:9-10; 1Pet. 1:10-12). [Greek: optanomai] to discern clearly; to gaze upon with wide-open eyes as something remarkable. Previous to this angels had little knowledge of the necessity or reasons for and nature of human salvation (1Pet. 1:10-12). Now it is no longer a mystery to them or to men. Preached unto the Gentiles – divine inclusion (3:16; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:11-18; 3:1-6; Col. 3:11). Believed on in the world – divine propagation (3:16; Matt. 4:23-24; 9:35; Luke 4:16-19; Eph. 2:17). Received up into glory – divine ascension and exaltation (3:16; Luke 24:51; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:9-11). The Greek: analambano is translated as “received up” (3:16; Mark 16:19; Luke 9:51; Acts 10:16); “taken up” (Acts 1:2, 11, 22; 7:43); and “take” (Acts 20:13-14; 23:31; Eph. 6:13, 16; 2Tim. 4:11). The same human body and nature God was manifested in, was resurrected and received up to glory (John 21:14).
These divine phrases of the mystery of godliness form one complete whole concerning the redemption of all things. No single part is now a mystery, because the many scriptures have made it all clear.
‘Godliness’ [Greek: eusebeia] reverence toward God; piety; religion. Translated “godliness” (3:16; 2:2; 4:7-8; 6:3-11; 2Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:3-7; 3:11) and “holiness” (Acts 3:12).
Living the Word 