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Sermon Notes For 3-2-25 For 1st Timothy 3: 1-13, Part 6.

Now, let’s turn to 1st Timothy Chapter 3. Now, let’s continue with our current series that we entitled, “Becoming That Person Who Is Regularly Involved In Discipling, Or Spiritually Mentoring Another For Christ. Amen!

Now, with God’s help, lets continue to work our way through 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 2 thru 13, because someone whom you or i may be discipling or spiritually mentoring, They will most likely have some questions when it comes to this section of 1st Timothy Chapter 3, And Verses 2 Thru 13.

Questions like, does character matter? Does my character really matter? And why does character matter so much?

Now, let’s turn again to Romans Chapter 5 for a moment. And let’s see Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory or rejoice in Tribulations, WHY?

Knowing that Tribulation produces Perseverance; Or Resilience or Resiliency.*4 And Perseverance; Or Resilience; or Resiliency; produces experience or character; or proven character. And proven character produces hope.5 Now, Hope does not disappoint, because the Love of God has been poured out in our hearts by The Holy Spirit Who was given unto us. (Stop here)

Now, let’s go back to 1st Timothy Chapter 3.

Now, notice (NKJV) 1st Timothy 3: 2 A Bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 Not given unto wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 One who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence. 5 for or because if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover, he must have a good testimony among those who are outside the Church lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise Deacons, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these the Deacons also be tested first. Then let them serve as Deacons being found blameless. 11 Likewise their wives must be *reverent, *not slanderers, but *temperate, *faithful in all things. 12 Let Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (Stop here)

Hopefully, you are personally taking the time, making time to look at & compare other English Translations of the Bible regarding 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 2 thru 13.

Hopefully, you are personally taking the time, making time to do your own word study of these words or phrases here in 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 2 thru 13.

Because in order to understand 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 2 thru 13 correctly, that is what it is saying and not saying! And what it is for and what it is not for!

At least these next 4 questions must be asked and answered when studying 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 2 thru 13.

The first question, Is your character congruent when it comes to your family life and your marital life according to the Scriptures?

The second question, Is your character congruent when it comes to your personal or private life according to the Scriptures?

The third question, Is your character congruent when it comes to your public or social life according to the Scriptures?

And finally, the forth question, is your character congruent with your beliefs and practices when it comes to the Scriptures?

And by the way, the word “Congruent” can mean, That which matches or is in agreement with something else. An example, when Gears in a motor mesh together. A good Synonym for “Congruent” would be Fitting!

Once again at least 4 questions must be asked and answered when studying 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 2 thru 13.

The first question, Is your character congruent when it comes to your family life and your marital life according to the Scriptures?

Now, notice (NKJV) 1st Timothy 3: 2 A Bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife. 4 One who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence. 5 for or because if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God. 12 Let Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Now, the second question, Is your character congruent when it comes to your personal or private life according to the Scriptures?

(The third question), Is your character congruent when it comes to your public or social life according to the Scriptures?

Now, notice (NKJV) 1st Timothy 3: 7 Moreover, he must have a good testimony among those who are outside the Church. Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 10 But let these the deacons also be tested first. Then let them serve as Deacons being found blameless.

And the fourth and finally question, Is your character congruent with your beliefs and practices when it comes to the Scriptures?

Now, notice (NKJV) 1st Timothy 3: 2 A Bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, *able to teach and teachable! 6 Not a novice, a newly convert one who has not been tested! Why? Lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 8 Likewise deacons, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, *9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 And 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.

Now, notice (NKJV) 1st Timothy 3:10 But let these the Deacons also be tested first. Then let them serve as Deacons being found blameless.1 1 Likewise their wives must be *reverent, *not slanderers, but *temperate, *faithful in all things. (Stop here)

Now, see Romans 16: 1 I commend unto you Phoebe our sister who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 12 that you may receive her in The Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for or because indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

No Sermon Notes For 3-09-25 For 1st Timothy 3: 2-16 Part 7

No Sermon Notes For 3-13-25

Sermon Notes For 3-23-25 For 1st Timothy 3: 2-16 Part 8

Now, let’s turn to 1st Timothy Chapter 3. Now, let’s return back to our current series that we have entitled, “Becoming That Person Who Is Regularly Involved In Discipling Or Spiritually Mentoring Another For Christ.”

Now, when the time comes and you or I are discipling or spiritually mentoring another for Christ, and that person begins to ask certain questions when it comes to 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verses 1 thru 16, hopefully we will be better prepared so that we can better address and explain this important section in God’s Word.

Now, with God’s help, lets finish up 1st Timothy Chapter 3, and verse 16. Now, let’s notice 1st Timothy 3: 16B, the part which says Justified By The Spirit!Now, 2 Sundays ago I said something incorrectly from my notes that I want to correct. It’s a small thing, but it’s important.

Now, on Sunday March The 9th, I said this from my notes. From this next phrase we have here another divine statement, another Biblical Creed for all the ages that speaks to the vindication of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ on at least 3 separate occasions.

First, our Lord was truly vindicated (after) his wilderness temptation by the devil. Note Matthew 3: 16&17. Actually, I should have said, first, our Lord was truly vindicated before and not after, but before his wilderness temptation by the Devil.

And the reason why we know it was before and not after his temptation by the devil in the wilderness, is because our Lord Was vindicated at the time of His unique one-of-a-kind baptism, mentioned in Matthew 3: 16&17 which took place before His temptation by the devil in the wilderness.

Ok. now, let’s move on, and lets notice 1st Timothy 3: 16B. “Seen By Angels,” (Stop here)

Now, from this next phrase, seen by angels, we have another Divine statement, we have another Biblical Creed for all the ages that speaks to the angelic earthly observance of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ on at least 3 separate occasions.

First, our Lord was truly observed by angels after His virgin birth. (Repeat)

Now, see the Gospel of Luke 2: 7 And (she) Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths,and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. *9 And behold, and An Angel of the Lord stood before the Shepherds, and the Glory of The Lord shined around them, and the shepherds were greatly afraid. *13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, and goodwill toward men!

Now, the second occasion when our Lord was observed by angels was after his temptation by the devil. (Repeat)

Now, see The Gospel of Matthew 4: 8 And Again the devil took our Lord Jesus upon an exceedingly high mountain and showed our Lord all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And the devil said unto our Lord Jesus, All these things I will give to You if You would fall down and worship me! 10 Then Jesus said unto the devil, Away with you Satan! For it is written, You shall worship The Lord your God and Him only you shall serve!* 11 Then the devil left our Lord, and behold Angels came and they ministered or served our Lord.

Now, this third occasion when our Lord was observed by angels was during His Bodily Resurrection from the dead.

Now, let’s see Matthew 28: 1 Now after the Sabbath as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for An angel of The Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. 3 And this angel’s countenance was like lightning and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of the angel of the Lord and became like dead men. 5 But the angel of the Lord answered and said unto the women. Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.6 He is not here, for He is risen as He said! Come see the place where The Lord lay.

Now, let’s go back to 1st Timothy 3: 16B. Now, notice 1st Timothy 3:16B. Preached among the Gentiles, (Stop here)

Now, from this next phrase “Preached Among the Gentiles,” we have another Divine statement. We have another Biblical Creed for all the ages regarding the disciples of the past, and of the present, and of the future, how they would be unwavering in their proclamation of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ unto the whole world to both jews and gentiles!

Now, let’s see 1st Timothy 2:7. For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle, I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying. I am a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Now, let’s see some more things regarding the Disciples of the past, and of the present, and of the future, how they would be unwavering in their proclamation of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ unto the whole world to both Jews and Gentiles!

Now, let’s see Ephesians 3:8. To me who am less than the least of all the saints, yet this Grace was given unto me that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

And lastly, let’s see Acts 9:15. But The Lord Jesus said unto Ananias, you go anyway because Saul of Tarsus is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear or preach My Name before the Gentiles, before Kings, and before the children of Israel.

Now, let’s go back to Timothy 3: 16B. Now, notice 1st Timothy 3:16B. Believed upon in the world. (Stop here)

Now, from this next phrase believed upon in the world, we have another Divine statement. We have another Biblical Creed for all the ages that speaks to the global acceptance by some of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!

Now, let’s see 1st Timothy 1:15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Now, let’s see some more things about the global acceptance by some of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!

Now, let’s see The Gospel of John 1: 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, But the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him either. 12 But as many as received Him, Lambanō: To receive what is offered. To receive and not to refuse or reject. To receive a person, give them access to oneself. To them He gave the right to become Children of God Unto those who believe in His Name!

And lastly, let’s see The Gospel of John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He (The Father) gave His only begotten Son, So that whoever believes in Him, The So should-not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God (The Father) did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, But that the world through Him (The Son) might be Saved.

Now, let’s go back to Timothy 3: 16B. Now, notice 1st Timothy 3:16B. Received up into Glory. (Stop here)

Now, from this last and final phrase received up into Glory we have one more Divine statement. We have one more Biblical Creed for all the ages that speaks to the eternal exaltation of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!

Now, let’s see Luke 24: 49 Behold I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. 50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. *51 Now it came to pass while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into Heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

Now, let’s see Acts 1: 8 Our Lord Jesus is speaking, But you shall receive power when The Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses unto Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,and unto the end of the earth. 9 Now when Our Lord Jesus had spoken these things, while the Disciples watched Him,He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while The Disciples looked steadfastly toward heaven as The Lord Jesus went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 And they said, men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.

Now, let’s see some more things about the eternal exaltation of God The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ! Now, let’s see Hebrews 1: 2 Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son whom He (The Father) has appointed heir of all things. Through whom also He (The Son) made the worlds. 3 Who (The Son) being the brightness of His Glory and the express image of His person (The Father). And upholding all things by the word of His power, when He (The Son) had by Himself purged our sins. (Stop Here)

(Note) These next several words that are coming up, Will give us some insight Into what happened after The Son ascended into Heaven, And then how He would take His rightful place beside God The Father In The Throne Room Which is in Heaven. 3 Who (The Son) being the brightness of His Glory and the express image of His person (The Father). And upholding all things by the word of His power, when He (The Son) had by Himself purged our sins. And sat down at the right hand of The Majesty on High. 8 But unto the Son He (The Father) says: Your throne O God is forever and ever. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God has anointed You With The oil of gladness more than Your companions. 13 But to which of The Angels has (He) The Father ever said, sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool!

And lastly, let’s see Philippians 2: 9. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him (the name) which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, Unto The Glory of God The Father.

Different translations of 1 Timothy 3:16.

BGT 1 Timothy 3:16 καὶ ὁμολογουμένως μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον· ὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί, ἐδικαιώθη ἐν νεύματι, ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις, ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ, ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ.

KJV 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.

NET 1 Timothy 3:16 And we all agree, our religion contains amazing revelation: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

CSB 1 Timothy 3:16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

ESV 1 Timothy 3:16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

NIV 1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

NLT 1 Timothy 3:16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.

NRS 1 Timothy 3:16 Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

RSV 1 Timothy 3:16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

YLT 1 Timothy 3:16 and, confessedly, great is the secret of piety -- God was manifested in flesh, declared righteous in spirit, seen by messengers, preached among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory!

NKJ 1 Timothy 3:16 And 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.

NJB 1 Timothy 3:16 Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is very deep indeed: He was made visible in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

NAB 1 Timothy 3:16 Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

ASV 1 Timothy 3:16 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.

MIT 1 Timothy 3:16 Undeniably, the mystery intrinsic to the holy life is tremendous: He was manifested in flesh. He was authenticated in spirit. He was watched over by angels. He was proclaimed among the nations. He was trusted in the world. He was accepted above in glory.

DBY 1 Timothy 3:16 And confessedly the mystery of piety is great. God has been manifested in flesh, has been justified in the Spirit, has appeared to angels, has been preached among the nations, has been believed on in the world, has been received up in glory.

GWN 1 Timothy 3:16 The mystery that gives us our reverence for God is acknowledged to be great: He appeared in his human nature, was approved by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was announced throughout the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken to heaven in glory.

BBE 1 Timothy 3:16 And without argument, great is the secret of religion: He who was seen in the flesh, who was given God's approval in the spirit, was seen by the angels, of whom the good news was given among the nations, in whom the world had faith, who was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16. The phrase the mystery of godliness, found in 1 Timothy 3:16, is part of an introduction to an ancient hymn. In the English Standard Version, the verse reads this way: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” Other translations speak of “the mystery from which true godliness springs” (NIV) and “the great mystery of our faith” (NLT). The words that follow in 1 Timothy 3:16 explain the mystery of godliness: God became flesh and lived among us (cf. John 1:1, 14).

The Greek word musterion (“mystery”), when used in the New Testament, refers to the things of God that were once hidden but were later revealed through Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). A mystery is that which can only be known through the revelation of God (Romans 16:25–26; Colossians 1:26–27). It is something that in times past had been hidden but is now revealed to God’s people. Jesus spoke of “the mystery of the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11, NAS) that He was at that time revealing to His disciples. The apostle Paul used the word mystery 21 times in his epistles: the mystery of God (Colossians 2:2), the mystery of faith (1 Timothy 3:9), the mystery of iniquity (2 Thessalonians 2:7), etc. In each case, the “mystery” involved a declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration. The New English Translation of 1 Timothy 3:16 speaks of the mystery of godliness as an “amazing revelation” concerning our faith.

The Greek word translated “godliness” in most English translations means “a proper response to the things of God, which produces obedience and righteous living.” As He walked this earth, Jesus was the embodiment of pure godliness, which led Him to lay down His life for unworthy sinners (John 10:18). His life was dedicated to the glory of the Father, and He always did what pleased Him (John 8:29). Christians pursue godliness when we follow the example of Jesus in dedicating every decision to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Godliness is not a suggestion; it is a command (1 Peter 1:15–16; Hebrews 12:14).

The mystery of godliness is the heart of the Christian faith. The hymn that Paul records in 1 Timothy 3:16 contains a summation of Jesus’ ministry. The godliness of God’s Son is now to be reflected in us. Christianity is not a system of rules and actions that must be performed to appease a deity. At the heart of Christianity is the mystery of godliness—the fact that God took on human flesh to live among the people He created (Philippians 2:5–11). As a Son, Jesus remained completely obedient to His Father in heaven and then offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice in our place (John 10:18; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21). God then raised Him from the dead, thereby conquering death for all who trust in Him (Matthew 28:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3–7, 13–14, 55). Because Jesus took our place, sinful humans may be declared righteous before God and be “born again” (John 3:3). The new birth is spiritual and results in a change of heart that produces true godliness (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:8–10). How a life is transformed is the mystery of godliness and is comprehended only through the revelation of God in Christ. “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great” (1 Timothy 3:16).

1 Timothy 3:16.

By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great:

This phrase introduces a universally acknowledged truth within the early Christian community. The "mystery of godliness" refers to the profound and previously hidden truth of God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. In biblical terms, a "mystery" is something that was once concealed but is now revealed by God. The greatness of this mystery underscores its significance in the Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel. This aligns with other New Testament passages that speak of the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:4-6, Colossians 1:26-27)

He appeared in the flesh,
This phrase affirms the incarnation of Jesus Christ, a foundational doctrine of Christianity. It emphasizes that Jesus, who is divine, took on human nature and lived among humanity. This is supported by John 1:14, which states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The incarnation is central to understanding Jesus' role as the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) and fulfills Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin bearing a son called Immanuel, meaning "God with us."

Was vindicated by the Spirit,
This refers to the Holy Spirit's role in affirming Jesus' divine nature and mission. The Spirit's vindication is most clearly seen in the resurrection of Jesus, as Romans 1:4 states that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead." The Spirit's work in Jesus' life, from His baptism (Matthew 3:16) to His resurrection, confirms His identity and mission.

Was seen by angels,
Angels played a significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus. They announced His birth (Luke 2:9-14), ministered to Him after His temptation (Matthew 4:11), and were present at His resurrection (Matthew 28:2-7). The presence of angels highlights the heavenly affirmation of Jesus' work and the cosmic significance of His mission. This phrase also suggests the spiritual realm's acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and victory.

Was proclaimed among the nations,
This highlights the spread of the gospel beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, took the message of Jesus to various parts of the Roman Empire and beyond, as seen in the missionary journeys of Paul and others in the Book of Acts. This proclamation among the nations signifies the universal scope of salvation through Christ.

Was believed in throughout the world,
The early church experienced rapid growth as people from diverse backgrounds came to faith in Jesus Christ. This global belief is a testament to the power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ. The phrase reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as Isaiah 49:6, which speaks of God's salvation reaching the ends of the earth. It also underscores the transformative impact of the gospel message across different cultures and societies.

Was taken up in glory.
This refers to the ascension of Jesus into heaven, as recorded in Acts 1:9-11. The ascension marks the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:20-21). It signifies His authority and ongoing intercessory work for believers (Hebrews 7:25). The ascension also anticipates His return, as the angels told the disciples that Jesus would come back in the same way they saw Him go into heaven.

Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus Christ Central to this verse, Jesus is the one who "appeared in the flesh" and was "taken up in glory." His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith. 2. The Spirit The Holy Spirit is involved in the vindication of Jesus, affirming His divine nature and mission 3. Angels Spiritual beings who witnessed Jesus' life and ministry, emphasizing the heavenly acknowledgment of His work. 4. Nations Refers to the global proclamation of the Gospel, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' mission. 5. The World Represents humanity's response to Jesus, as He was "believed on in the world," indicating the spread and acceptance of the Gospel message.

Teaching Points The Mystery of Godliness The term "mystery" in the Greek refers to a divine truth revealed by God. The mystery of godliness centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is foundational to Christian faith and practice.

The Incarnation Jesus' appearance in the flesh underscores the importance of the incarnation. It is a reminder of God's willingness to enter human history and experience life as we do, providing a model for humility and service.

The Role of the Holy Spirit The Spirit's vindication of Jesus highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in affirming truth and empowering believers. We are called to rely on the Spirit for guidance and strength in our daily walk.

The Global Mission The proclamation among the nations challenges believers to participate in the Great Commission. We are called to share the Gospel with others, both locally and globally, as part of our commitment to Christ.

The Response of Faith Belief in Jesus is not just intellectual assent but involves a transformative relationship. Our faith should be evident in our actions, reflecting the reality of Christ's lordship in our lives.

1 Timothy 3:16. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (16) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.--"And is not simply copulative, but heightens the force of the predication, Yes, confessedly great is the mystery" (Ellicott)--for the glorious truth which the Church of God pillar-like upholds, is none other than that stupendous mystery, in other ages not made known, but then revealed--the mystery of Christ, in all His loving manifestations and glorious triumph. Yes, confessedly great--so great that the massive grandeur of the pillar is only in proportion to the truth it supports.

God was manifest in the flesh.--Here, in the most ancient authorities, the word "God" does not occur. We must, then, literally translate the Greek of the most famous and trustworthy MSS. as follows: He who was manifested in the flesh. In the later MSS., and in the great majority of the fathers who cite the passage, we certainly find Theos ("God"), as in the Received text. The substitution can be traced to no special doctrinal prejudice, but is owing, probably, to a well-meant correction of early scribes. At first sight, Theos ("God") would be a reading easier to understand, and grammatically more exact; and in the original copies, the great similitude between ?C ("God")--the contracted form in which ?EOC was written--and the relative ?C ("He who"), would be likely to suggest to an officious scribe the very trifling alteration necessary for the easier and apparently more accurate word. Recent investigations have shown, however, beyond controversy that the oldest MSS., with scarcely an exception, contain the more difficult reading, ?C ("He who"). The Greek pronoun thus rendered is simply a relative to an omitted but easily-inferred antecedent--viz., Christ. Possibly the difficulty in the construction is due to the fact of the whole verse being a fragment of an ancient Christian hymn, embodying a confession of faith, well known to, and perhaps often sung by, the faithful among the congregations of such cities as Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome--a confession embodying the grand facts of the Incarnation and the Resurrection, the preaching of the cross to, and its reception by, the Gentile world, and the present session of Christ in glory. In the original Greek the rhythmical, as well as the antithetical character, of the clauses is very striking. In the English translation they can hardly be reproduced:-- "Who was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, as preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up into glory." Fragments of similar hymns to Christ are found in 2Timothy 2:11, and perhaps also in Ephesians 5:14.

Pulpit Commentary Verse 16. - He who for God, A.V. and T.R.; manifested for manifest, A.V.; among the nations for unto the Gentiles, A.V.; in for into, A.V. Without controversy (ὁμολογουμένως); only here in the New Testament, but used in the same sense in the LXX. and in classical Greek, "confessedly," by common confession. Great is the mystery of godliness. This is said to enhance the glory of the Church just spoken of, to whom this mystery has been entrusted, and so still further to impress upon Timothy the vital necessity of a wise and holy walk in the Church. The mystery of godliness is all that truth which "in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Godliness (τῆς εὐδεβείας); i.e." the Christian faith;" what in 1 Timothy 6:3 is called "The words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness (τῇ κατ αὐσεβείαν διδασκαλὶᾳ)," and in 2 Timothy 1:1, "The truth which is according to godliness." In ver. 9 it is "the mystery of the faith, where ἠ πίστις is equivalent to ἡαὐσεβεία. Bishop Ellicott, however, does not admit this objective sense of ἡ πίστις ορ ἡ αὐσεβεία but explains the genitive as "a pure possessive genitive," the mystery appertaining to, or the property of, subjective faith and godliness; but this is a use not borne out b- any passage in which the word "mystery" occurs. It is always mysteries (or mystery) of the kingdom of God, of Christ, of God, of the gospel, and the like. In the following passages the objective sense of ἠ πίστις is either necessary or by far the most natural: Acts 3:7; Acts 13:8; Acts 14:22; Acts 16:5; Galatians 1:23; Ephesians 4:5; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:23; Colossians 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:10, 21; 2 Timothy 4:7; Titus 1:13; James 2:1; Jude 1:3. Having thus exalted the "mystery of godliness," St. Paul goes on to expound it. He who (ὅς). This is generally adopted now as the true reading, instead of Θεός (ΟΣ, instead of ΘΣ). Bishop Ellicott satisfied himself, by most careful personal examination, that the original reading of the Cod. Alex. was ΟΣ, and that it had been altered by a later hand to ΘΣ. The Cod. Sinait certainly has ὅς, and to this all the older versions agree. The Vulgate has quod, agreeing with sacramentum and representing the Greek ὁ Accepting this, then, as the true reading, we proceed to explain it. Ὅς, who, is a relative, and must, therefore, have an antecedent. But there is no expressed antecedent of the masculine gender for it to agree with. The antecedent, therefore, must be understood, and gathered from the preceding words, τὸ μυστήριον τῆς εὐσεβείας. It can only be Christ. The mystery of the whole Old Testament, that which was wrapped in types and hidden under veils, was Christ (Colossians 1:27). Moses spake of him, the Psalms speak of him, the prophets speak of him; but all of them spake darkly. But in the gospel "the mystery of Christ" (Colossians 4:3)is revealed. Christ is the Mystery of Christianity. It is, therefore, no difficult step to pass from "the mystery" to "Christ," and to supply the word "Christ" as the antecedent to "who." Was manifested (ἐφανερώθη); a word frequently applied to Christ (John 1:31; 1 John 1:2; 1 John 3:5, 8, etc.). The idea is the same in John 1:14. Justified in the spirit. This is rather an obscure expression. But it seems to describe our Lord's spotless righteousness, perhaps with special reference to the declaration of it at his baptism, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." We have the same contrast between the flesh and the Spirit of Christ in 1 Peter 3:18. And between the flesh and the spirit of a Christian man in Romans 8:10, "The body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness." To this clause apparently the remark of Chrysostom applies, "God became man, and man became God." "The spirit" seems to mean the moral nature - the inner man. Seen of angels. Perhaps the multitude of the heavenly host who welcomed the birth of Christ were permitted to see the new-born Babe, as he seems to have done who described him to the shepherds as "wrapped in swaddling clothes" (Luke 2:12-14). Angels ministered unto him after the temptation (Mark 1:13), and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43, where the word ὤφθη is used), and at his resurrection (Matthew 28:2). The special interest of angels in the "great mystery" is referred to in 1 Peter 1:12; Hebrews 1:6. Preached among the nations(ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν). It would have been better to keep the rendering "Gentiles" here, to mark the identity of thought with Ephesians 3:6, 8, where, in the apostle's view, the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, that they might be fellow-heirs with the Jews of the promises of God, is one main feature of the mystery (comp. 1 Timothy 2:7). Believed on in the world. The next step in this ascending scale is the acceptance of Christ in the world as the Savior thereof. The language here is not stronger than that of Colossians 1:5, 6, "The word of the truth of the gospel, which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world, and beareth fruit." And in Colossians 1:23, "The gospel which was preached in all creation under heaven" (comp. Romans 1:8). The statement in Mark 16:15-20 might almost have been in St. Paul's mind. Note the use there of the words κηρύξατε ἐκηρύξαν, τὸν κόσμον ὀ πιστεύσας πιστεύσασι ἀνελήφρη.

Received up in glory. The change of "into" (A.V.) into "in" is of very doubtful propriety. In New Testament Greek ἐν, frequently follows verbs of motion, and means the same as εἰς, like the Hebrew בְּ. Our Lord is net said to have ascended in glory (as he appeared at the Transfiguration), but, as St. Mark has it, "He was received up into heaven, and [there] sat down at the right hand of God," fulfilling John 17:5. This grand burst of dogmatic teaching is somewhat like that in 1 Timothy 2:5-7. There is no adequate evidence of its being, as many commentators have thought, a portion of a hymn or creed used in the Church. It rather implies the same tension in the apostle's mind which is apparent in other parts of the Epistle (comp. 1 Timothy 6:11 and following verses)